Baptism
Something extraordinary happens in baptism: God claims you. With water and the Holy Spirit, God adopts you into the Body of Christ, the church, establishing a bond that nothing can undo. You become an inheritor of the Kingdom of God, a sharer in the forgiveness of sins and the new life of the Spirit. Everything that follows in the life of faith, worship, ministry, service, flows from this moment.

In the Episcopal Church, each candidate for baptism is sponsored by one or more baptized persons. For infants and young children, parents and godparents speak on their behalf. And the whole congregation makes a promise too: to do everything in their power to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ. Baptism is never a private event. It's the church saying yes together.

If you're interested
If you sense that you or your child is being drawn toward baptism, simply mention it to a priest after worship on a Sunday and then call the office during the week. Maureen, our incredible administrator, will suggest a convenient time for you to sit down with a priest to talk through the promises that will be made and to find a Sunday that works for your family. Baptisms take place during our 9:30 a.m. service. Anyone is welcome to join us for the entirety of the service. (about 70 minutes)

The Questions
The baptismal rite includes some of the most beautiful and demanding questions in the Prayer Book. The candidate, or parents and godparents on behalf of a child, will be asked:
Do you believe in God?
Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?

The Promises of the Baptismal Covenant
which the candidate makes or their parents and godparents make for them.
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?