The Holy Sacrament of Baptism
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. (Book of Common Prayer, p.858) Baptism is a sign of God's
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 (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 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.
Thus, baptism belongs in public worship, rather than a private ceremony, and is
incorporated into regular worship services on specified Sundays during the year.
When we schedule baptisms
The
dates listed on
Christ
Church’s baptism application correspond to the feast
days prescribed by the Book of Common Prayer: “Holy Baptism is especially
appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Sunday,
and on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. Baptisms may be reserved for these
occasions or when a bishop is present” (BCP, p. 312). This year’s Bishop’s Visit
will be at the
11:15 am service on
Sunday, April 25,
2010.
We
encourage families and godparents to select one of these dates. For families
unable to attend any of the services listed, we may arrange additional baptisms
during the summer but not during the seasons of Advent or Lent.
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. Parents and godparents are also required to attend a
rehearsal prior to the baptism. Please see the baptism application for specific
dates and times.
Click
here for the baptism application.
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 the 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 Adrienne Allen, Administrative Assistant to
Worship at 703-549-1450 x123.
Click here
to send Adrienne an email.
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