The Holy Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism is:
A sign of God's unconditional
love
Holy Baptism is a
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. (BCP,
p.858) Baptism is a sign of Gods
own love for us, unmerited and unconditional.
It is a sign of new life and new beginning in Christ.
A covenant with God
The Episcopal
Church
teaches that infants, children and adults may be baptized.
At baptism, the person to be baptized vows to accept Jesus Christ as
savior, to trust in his grace and love, and to follow and obey him as Lord (see
BCP,
p.302-303). These baptismal vows are
made on behalf of infants or younger children by their parents and godparents. The parents and godparents also make their own vows to raise the child in
the Christian faith and to support them by prayer and example in their
Christian life. (BCP,
p.298)
A connection between the
individual and the faith community
Baptism is the outward
and visible action that connects a person to God in a covenant relationship,
with the church congregation serving as both witnesses and participants in the
baptismal vows. Thus, baptism
belongs in public worship, rather than a private ceremony, and is incorporated
into regular worship services on specified Sundays during the year.
Baptism is a powerful, transformational moment for the entire faith
community at which we welcome our newest members, vow to support them, and in so
doing reaffirm our own baptismal vows.
Preparation for Baptism
At Christ
Church,
the parents of infants and young children prepare for the child's baptism by
attending the Water into Life class. Water into Life explores the meaning of baptism in the Christian tradition and
the Book of Common Prayer, offers practical ways to nurture your own faith
journey and that of your family, and provides an opportunity to build community
with other parents in the church.
Parents are required to
complete this one-session class prior to their child's baptism.
Godparents are also encouraged to attend the class if they are able. While we are not able to provide childcare during the class, you are
welcome to bring infants with you.
Please see your baptism application for specific dates and times.
The Role of Sponsors/Godparents
Each candidate for Holy
Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults
or older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement
of the candidate and their intention to support them by prayer and example in
the Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present
their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf
of their candidates. It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents
of their own children. (BCP,
p.298)
Sponsors/godparents are
expected to attend the baptism rehearsal so that the clergy may instruct them on
their role in the service. They are
also welcome to attend the Water into Life class if they are able.
Please see your baptism application for specific dates and times.
A booklet that explains
the sponsors and godparents role and offers suggestions on how to fulfill it
is provided at the Water into Life class.
We recommend that each sponsor or godparent receives a copy.
Suggestions for Selecting Sponsors/Godparents
A sponsor/godparent may
be a family member, relative, or friend.
Please consider the following questions and suggestions when choosing a
sponsor/godparent:
-
At least one of the sponsors/godparents
you choose needs to be a baptized Christian.
-
Does the sponsor/godparent participate
regularly with a Christian congregation for his or her own spiritual growth,
thus providing a foundation by which the sponsor may better support the
newly baptized?
-
Will the sponsor/godparent enter into a
long-term relationship with the person baptized?
People wonder about the
appropriate number of sponsors/godparents. The Book of Common Prayer requires
that there be one or more baptized persons. We suggest that at least one woman
and one man, other than the parents, be selected. This provides several persons
for the baptismal connection between candidate and sponsor/godparent and creates
balance and variety. The clergy are
happy to talk with you if you would like further guidance in making your
selection.
For more information,
please contact:
The Rev.
Ann Gillespie
Associate Rector for
Worship and Pastoral Care
703-778-4934
Click here to send Ann an email
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