Church of the Redeemer
Baptism
What is Holy Baptism?
Holy Baptism is the full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ—the Church. It is the foundation of all future church participation and ministry. The bond God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble (BCP, p. 298). There are no other requirements for initiation into The Episcopal Church. Any baptized person, regardless of age, ability, gender, ethnicity, or other human characteristics, is fully a part of the church. The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer welcomes the newly baptized, who are also granted full membership in its community.
How to prepare for baptism?
Each candidate for baptism in The Episcopal Church is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. The role of godparents is a special one. In the case of infants and young children, they make a vow on behalf of the baptized to support them in the Christian faith and life. A godparent should be someone with whom the parents share their faith and whose life is one that the child might emulate. The Episcopal Church requires at least one baptized godparent to be present for the baptism. If the condition cannot be met, a rescheduled date when a baptized godparent can be present should be considered.
Preparation for baptism involves one to two informal sessions with a clergyperson. The session(s) focus on the sacrament of Holy Baptism and details concerning the baptismal rite (see above). Each session is less than an hour long and includes ample time for questions and clarification.
What days are appropriate for baptisms?
At the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, the sacrament of Holy Baptism can be administered within the Holy Eucharist, celebrated at any of our 8 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, or 5 PM Sunday services according to our Baptism Schedule as follows:
Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after the Feast of the Epiphany in January)
The Great Vigil of Easter (the Saturday night – 8pm – before Easter Day)
The Third Sunday of Easter (two Sundays after Easter Day)
The Day of Pentecost
Bishop Visitation (usually the last Sunday in August)
All Saints’ Sunday (the first Sunday in November)
Please note: Under some circumstances, the sacrament of Holy Baptism may be administered on a Sunday not listed above. However, we strongly encourage candidates and sponsors to choose one of the given dates.
It is recommended that all baptisms be scheduled at least three months before the anticipated date.
To schedule a baptism, please complete the Application for Baptism Form online or print it and submit it to the church office.