Baptism
Holy Baptism is one of the primary sacraments of The Episcopal Church. Through full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit we become members of Christ’s Body, the Church, creating a bond that is indissoluble. Baptism is appropriate at any age.
The Episcopal Church has stated that Holy Baptism is appropriately administered in the context of one’s own congregation. Although membership at St. Mary’s is not required, an important part of Holy Baptism is when the members of the congregation who witnesses the baptismal vows agree to do everything within their power “to support these persons in their life in Christ.” Baptism is, therefore, a community event.
Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates. It is fitting that parents or guardians be included among the godparents of their own children. The gender of the sponsors or godparents is irrelevant. Sponsors or godparents must be baptized Christians, but need not be Episcopalians.
Rehearsals for each baptism are held on the day prior (in most cases, Saturday). At that time the clergy priest who will be performing the baptisms will provide further information and instructions to the candidates, parents/guardians, and sponsors and answer their questions.
There is no fee for Holy Baptism. You may wish to consider providing the flowers for the altar on the day of the Baptism, or contributing to a music memorial.
On Sun., Jan. 12 St. Mary’s celebrated the first Baptisms of this calendar year at the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services. A principal sacrament of the Episcopal Church, “Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church.” Membership at St. Mary’s is not required for Baptism.
Baptism is a community event. Those who witness the Baptism affirm “to support those being baptized and their families in their life in Christ.” The Sacrament of Baptism is appropriate at any age.
These are the dates for the remaining 2025 Baptisms:
- Saturday, April 19, 2025, The Great Vigil of Easter (evening service for those being baptized who are 13 years or older)
- Sunday, April 27, 2025, The Second Sunday of Easter
- Sunday, June 8, 2025, The Day of Pentecost
- Sunday, August 17, 2025 Commemoration of The Feast of St. Mary the Virgin
- Sunday, September 21, 2025
- Sunday, November 2, 2025 The Feast of All Saints’
Baptism in-take forms and additional information about Baptism can be found below. Any other Baptism-related questions may be directed to Natalie Hala, Parish Liturgist at [email protected]