Baptisms

Baptism

Baptism marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. To become a member of any Episcopal Church, including St. Luke’s, baptism is the first step.

Baptism is the sacrament by which we are adopted as God’s children, made members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and become inheritors of the Kingdom of God. At baptism, we publicly renounce the forces of evil in the world, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. We are baptized with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and are welcomed officially into the fellowship of believers, the Church.

Our baptism signifies our union by faith with the mission and work of Jesus Christ. Baptism is not some type of insurance policy for salvation, but a commission to be followers of Jesus. In Baptism we find both death and resurrection. In the waters of baptism we die to an old life of sin and self-centered living, and are born anew into a life of promise and hope with Christ. Baptism is our claim for relationship with Christ in and through the Church. We are “in Christ” as members of his body, the Church, and together we share a common way of life.

In the Episcopal tradition, a person may be baptized at any age. Parents who bring their young children to be baptized make a commitment to raise their children in the Christian faith. For infants and children, it is required that at least one parent be an active member of St. Luke’s.

Each baptism is a celebration of the whole church. Typically, baptisms are celebrated on the first Sunday after Epiphany, Easter day, Pentecost Sunday, and on All Saint’s day. It is also appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on any Sunday approved by the Rector.

Consistent with the ancient tradition, it is required that every baptismal candidate have one or more sponsors. Sponsors can be the parents of the children, relatives, or friends of the family. Sponsors are present at the time of the baptism and will signify their intention to support the person being Baptized by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors must be baptized Christians. 1-4 sponsors per candidate is appropriate.