Baptism
IS GOD CALLING YOU TO BE BAPTIZED?
Please call 207-725-5342 to receive free information or to schedule a meeting with the pastor. You may also write us at stpauls@stpaulsmaine.org to request information.
What is Baptism in the Christian Faith? Baptism is initiation by water
and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body the Church. It is a sacrament – something that is a visible symbol of the goodness and love God has for us. We believe that Baptism is a gift that Christ has given us to demonstrate God’s love for us
Water is the symbol of being washed and has many meanings in scripture that are important for baptism. On page 298 in the Book of Common Prayer, the book we use in worship we read, “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.” Holy Baptism is a public ceremony and is the most joyous occasion when the family gathers for Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is also called the Eucharist, and it is the chief service on Sundays.
As John Wall notes in A New Dictionary for Episcopalians, “At a Baptism, the congregation renews its own baptismal vows and welcomes the newly baptized into the community.” If the person baptized is too young to make the baptismal promises, they are made in the name of the child by parents and godparents. Baptism may be by immersion or by pouring water on the head of the baptized.
The Prayer Book urges that Baptism be done by the bishop when possible. The bishop is the symbol of ancient unity with the apostles and with the current Body of Christ. Baptism may also be done by priests and deacons (or lay people under special circumstances).
A most powerful image of the church in action is the Sunday morning Eucharist with the Sacrament of Baptism. Baptism is best in this context with the children of the parish gathered around to watch, the congregation renewing its own vows, and the child and its parents and godparents standing proudly as the priest baptizes the child. However, there is no more powerful action of the Church than the Easter Vigil, which is the ancient service of worship the evening before Easter Sunday, that joins the newly Baptized with the ancient symbols of Christ’s Resurrection.
When do Baptisms take place? As already noted, Baptisms are to take place within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast like the Easter Vigil or Pentecost Sunday. The Prayer Book further instructs that there are five times during the Church year when Baptism is especially appropriate. They are, the Easter Vigil, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, (the First Sunday after the Epiphany), and at services where a bishop is present.
Baptism involves the whole congregation in the renewal of vows. There are times when this is especially appropriate and such renewal must involve some anticipation and preparation by the whole congregation. When there are extenuating circumstances Baptisms may be scheduled at other times. Please consult with the schedule in this leaflet. Be sure to check this schedule and call the Church office before making any family plans.
How many people can be baptized at once? There may be several candidates at any time – the most joyous kind of Baptism! Therefore, there is no guarantee that there will be only one candidate at a service of Holy Baptism. Since Baptism is corporate in nature it is appropriate that there be more than one candidate. The Book of Acts notes that in the early Church as many as three thousand people were baptized in one day!
What is required of candidates for Baptism? As the Outline of Faith the Prayer Book says, it is required that they renounce Satan, repent of their sins, and accept Jesus as Savor and Lord. This being the case, it is logical to ask, “Why then are infants baptized?” The Episcopal Outline of Faith addresses this question:
‘Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant membership in Christ, and redemption by God. Promises are made for them by their parents and sponsors, who guarantee that the infants will be brought up in the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him.”
What sort of preparation is necessary? Adult candidates will go through an Inquirers Class. This is the same class that prepares candidate for Confirmation and as a matter of fact, adult candidates may be baptized and confirmed on the same day if a bishop is present. In the case of infants and children, the parents should be in touch with the pastor. The pastor will schedule a meeting with the parents and materials will be sent to the godparents or sponsors. On the day of the Baptism the baptismal party is asked to gather in the church prior to the service, at this time the celebrant will go over the duties of parents and sponsors as well as the service itself.
Where should the Baptism take place? As a rule, baptisms should take place in the congregation where the candidate will be active. However, exceptions may be made to this rule. In this event, it is still expected that the newly baptized will be an active participant in the church. If not in that particular parish, it is required that the candidate or the parents of the candidate in the case of an infant, let the pastor know what church they are attending (or plan to attend) so that contact may be made and appropriate letters may be sent.
May baptized children take Communion? Yes! Baptism is full admission into the Church and so children are encouraged to receive communion. Many families bring their child to the altar on the day of its baptism to receive some of the consecrated wine. (This may be administered with a spoon.) It is up to the parents or guardians to decide exactly when a child is ready to start receiving on a regular basis. Also, it is important that instruction be given. Please contact the pastor to arrange for instruction.
What is the purpose of Confirmation? Confirmation is a sacramental rite of the Church in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a Bishop. This rite allows those who were baptized as children to accept the promises which were made for them as infants. It is also the way that members of other denominations can become voting members of the Episcopal Church and eligible for election to various offices. People who have not been confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church may still be baptized members and communicants of a particular congregation. However, they may not vote or hold office.
Who can be a sponsor/s for infants? If the godparents are not members of St. Paul’s, we suggest that the parents choose a parish sponsor for their child. The parish sponsor embodies and enacts the congregational affirmation offered at each baptism: “Will all of you who witness these vows do all in your power to support this person in her or his life in Christ?” Their role is to be a friend and a guide to your child at St. Paul’s Church.
Holy Baptism Information Blank Please download and complete the information blank and bring with you to your meeting with the pastor.
