Baptism is a celebration of a person’s decision to live their life as a Christian, or in the case of a baby or young child, to raise that child as a Christian.  In baptism, we celebrate God’s love for us and our commitment to live our lives as followers of Jesus Christ.

Not unlike marriage, baptism is a covenant, a holy promise between the one being baptized and God, with the whole church as the gathered community to witness and support the vows being made.  For that reason, we take baptism very seriously.  The promises one makes in baptism (either for oneself or on behalf of a child or infant) are not easy, and we want to help those taking them on to live them as fully as possible.

Festivals of Holy Baptism are normally held five times a year, on holy days in September, November, January, and early and late Spring (the dates depend on when Easter falls each year). Inquiries about baptism should be directed to one of the clergy.

In the month prior to the Baptism Service, parents, sponsors and adult candidates attend preparation sessions, led by a team of clergy and laity. As baptism marks a person's initiation into the Christian Church, parents presenting children to be baptized are expected to participate in the life of our parish family.

Some Questions and Answers

What is the responsibility of parents and godparents when a baby is baptized?

You promise to actively raise this child as a Christian, which includes participation in the church.  You promise to pray for this child, to be a Christian example to him or her, to teach them the Christian faith.

What if I’m not ready for that kind of commitment?

If you are seeking to publicly give thanks to God for the birth (or adoption) of your child, or to seek God’s blessing upon her or him, we can celebrate that wonderful event with a service of thanksgiving that may be more appropriate to your family’s circumstances.  Speak to one of the clergy for information.

Shouldn’t baptism be restricted to adults?

The Anglican Church has long taught that all baptized persons are fully members of the Church, whatever their age.  God blesses us and invites us into that holy family at all ages.  Children and infants need people to teach them and share with them the Christian faith; that is the role of parents and godparents.

The baptism of older children and adults is always a particularly special celebration, as we rejoice that this person has chosen to live the Christian life for themselves.

What’s the difference between baptism and christening?

There is no difference.  Christening means literally to become like Christ.  It’s an old English word, and in our effort to reach out to Christians of all traditions, we tend to use the word baptism instead, an older word that is used by virtually all churches.