Baptisms
BAPTISM is one of two sacraments “ordained by Christ himself.”
What does it mean? What are its benefits?
What happens if I don’t know if I was baptized or not?
Why kids?
Baptism Forms
About Baptism
What it means: l The Catechism says this, “Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.” It is the first step to fullness of faith in spirit and in fact. It is therefore not just an initiation rite although it does have some of those aspects.
What are the benefits? First and foremost a sacred union between the baptized and the full Body of Christ and God’s church. Secondly, it is the gateway through which we promise to study and inwardly digest the word of God. Finally, it is also the sacrament that opens the doors to receiving Holy Communion (the other sacrament ordained by Christ himself).
Are you baptized? If you do not know the answer to this there is the rite of “Provisional Baptism.” There is also a lovely rite of “Renewal of Baptismal Vows.”
Here is a challenge. Infant baptism, often called “christening”, include promises made by parents, Godparents, and congregation to “raise this child in the faith.” It should be the start of a time for teaching and incorporating, over time, our youngest members into the faith. One example is simply allowing children to be in the worship service, it is amazing what they absorb and begin to learn about our faith.
For adults St. Anna’s requires a time of training and learning before baptism of an adult.
We are here to help you get a grounding on this most blessed of sacraments. Make an appointment to visit with the Rector.
Certain Times are set aside for Baptism. The preferred dates for baptisms are: Easter Sunday and all Sundays during Easter Season (early spring), Pentecost Sunday (late spring), All Saints Sunday (early November), and the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (early January). Private Baptism is not encouraged unless an emergency exists.