Who may be baptized at St. John’s?
The Book of Common Prayer and the customs of the Episcopal Church
guide our baptismal policies. A central part of the bond at
baptism is established when the members of the parish make a
promise, before God and each other, to “do all in their power to
support these persons in their life in Christ.” (BCP, p. 303).
To fulfill this promise, our members must be able to develop a
relationship with the persons being baptized. Therefore, we only
baptize members of our parish.
How do I schedule a baptism at St. John’s?
To schedule a baptism for you or any person in your family, please
talk to the Rector after one of the Sunday worship services. Please
mention any special concerns or circumstances to the Rector at that
time. Policies and Registration Forms are posted on the wall
outside the parish office. You can also access the Baptism Registration Form
here.
When do the baptisms occur?
Baptisms occur five times a year at St. John’s at the 11:00 a.m.
service.
2008
Feast
of the Baptism of our Lord
..........................January 13, 2008
Easter Vigil
...........................................................March
22, 2008
Easter Vigil -
Saturday evening service
(best for adult baptisms)
Day
of Pentecost...................................................May
11, 2008
Sunday after Feast of the Transfiguration
...................................... August 10, 2008
Sunday after All Saint's Day
................................................November 2, 2008
How do we prepare for the baptism?
The clergy of St. John’s lead a class and rehearsal for each
baptism. The class and rehearsal are taught together on the
Saturday directly before the baptism, beginning at 10 a.m. and
concluding by noon, in the Nave. Parents of infants and children who
are to be baptized must attend this class and rehearsal. Godparents
are encouraged to attend, if possible. The rehearsal profoundly
effects the baptism, and so, it is required that parents be
available for the rehearsal and class. In this manner, we are able
to include all the families for the service the next day.
Do we need to have godparents?
The Book of Common Prayer says, “each candidate for Holy Baptism is
to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. (p. 298).
Do the Godparents have to be Episcopalian?
No, the godparents may be any denomination or faith, provided they
are baptized.
Why do we have godparents?
The godparents function as the spiritual sponsors for the person
being baptized. Especially important to young people, the sponsors
stand with the parents and essentially make the baptismal vows in
the name of the baptized. As the baptized child grows, the sponsor
creates a relationship with the baptized to help guide and direct
the child in their relationship with God. Then, at Confirmation,
the baptized child publicly confirms the vows that were made for
them at baptism.
