Pastoral Rites

Baptism

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).

 Holy Baptism is the first great sacrament of the Church, given by Christ, and a prerequisite for full participation in the church. St. Peter’s holds services of Holy Baptism principally in conjunction with the service of Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings on the days specified by the Book of Common Prayer for baptisms:

† All Saints’ Day (the first Sunday in November)
† The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after the January 6th Feast of the Epiphany)
† The Easter Vigil on the Saturday evening before Easter every year
† Pentecost (50 days after Easter).

Additionally, if there is demand, and in consultation with the Clergy, St. Peter’s schedules additional dates for baptisms on Sundays and at other times throughout the year, “Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants and small children, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates” (BCP, p. 298).

Older children and adults wishing to be baptized at St. Peter’s, as well as the parents of infants and smaller children, will be instructed and prepared by the clergy for the baptism. There are promises to be made and obligations to be kept in conjunction with baptism; it is a joyous occasion, but one to be taken seriously.   All inquiries should be directed to the parish office well in advance of the anticipated date for the baptism.