Baptism
An important step along the spiritual journey
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Baptism is one of the two major sacraments of the Church, and we are pleased you are considering taking this important step in your or your child’s spiritual journey! The clergy of Saint Ann’s looks forward to working with you as you discern the important commitment to become a member of Christ’s one, holy, catholic (meaning universal), and apostolic Church through the water of Holy Baptism.
The Meaning of Bastism
The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer tells us baptism is “full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the church.” This does not mean you are being baptized into the Episcopal Church or into Saint Ann’s Church - it means you are becoming a Christian through the water of baptism and that you are prepared to begin actively participating in the life of Saint Ann’s and regularly attending Sunday service.
If it is an infant baptism, the parents and godparents are making a covenant with God on behalf of the infant or child that the child will be brought up in the faith. This is accomplished, in part, by regular church attendance, so that your child will develop a foundation of faith as he/she grows in the love and knowledge of God.
Requirements
Saint Ann’s requires the following for non-members:
-
First, visit us and get to know our family of faith.
-
We require that your family attend services for a two month minimum before the baptism is scheduled.
-
At least one parent must be a baptized Christian.
-
At least one godparent must be a baptized Christian.
-
Parents and godparents are required to attend one pre-baptismal counseling session with a member of the clergy prior to the actual baptism. This will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.
-
Because baptism is full initiation into the community of Christ’s Church, the actual baptism will take place during a Sunday principle service. We do not do private baptisms or baptisms for family only.
-
As a baptized Christian in the Episcopal Church, your child may receive the sacrament of Holy Communion when the parents agree it is appropriate for the child to receive. The Church does not make that decision for you.
