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What is Baptism? Baptism is about following Jesus. Baptism is the rite of initiation into the life of a Christian community. Because baptism is the first step in becoming a fully-committed Christian disciple, it is sometimes referred to as the way to "become a Christian." (This would assume that the act of baptism is both an act of faith and commitment, not merely a ritual! Baptism is meaningless, apart from faith and commitment.) Baptism is full initiation into the life of the Church -- including worship, fellowship at the Lord's Table, and service in ministry to God and others. Those who are baptized...
Who Should Be Baptized? Jesus said "Follow me" to all kinds of people. Baptism isn't about perfect understanding or perfect faith, it's about becoming a disciple of Jesus. Once you know you want to begin following Jesus, there is no real advantage to delaying baptism until you "more fully understand" the faith. None of us will ever fully understand the things of God. None of us reach perfection. The point is to begin following Jesus... now! Nobody is too young to begin following Jesus, nor too old. When and Where Do We Celebrate Baptisms? Following the Book of Common Prayer (p 312) baptisms are planned for (1) the Easter Vigil, (2) the Day of Pentecost, (3) All Saints Day (if it's on a Sunday, or else the following Sunday), and/or (4) the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday following Epiphany). Baptism is typically celebrated in the usually space where the Chistian community gathers for worship, simply because baptism is an integral part of the community's life of faith and worship. Preparation for Baptism Both those seeking baptism and also their sponsors are to be instructed in:
At St Marks we developed a very short preparatory course, Christianity 101, that is completed in the setting of a weekend retreat. This brief preparatory course is required for all sponsors as well as for those seeking baptism or confirmation. Because of the basic nature of this instruction, others who attend the course with you may include newcomers to St Marks, people interested in learning about the Christian faith or the Episcopal church, and others who wish to renew their understanding of our faith. How to Prepare for Baptism
About Sponsors (or "God parents") Must there be sponsors? Yes -- everyone who seeks baptism is to have one or more sponsors.
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What Vows are Made at Baptism? At Baptism, vows are made
(Sponsors make these vows on behalf of the infants and younger children)
The Baptismal Covenant (The Baptismal Covenant is affirmed by all present: candidates, sponsors, and the whole congregation.)
Listen to a live recording of the Baptismal vows & covenant:
 Frequently asked QUESTIONS: Why Baptize Infants -- Who Can't Possibly Know Whether They Even Want to Follow Jesus? Parents who have a lively Christian faith, who participate fully in the life of the Church, who intentionally and consciously raise their children as practicing Christians, have reason to expect their children to follow them in the Faith. In a very real sense, such become an actual part of the Christian community as soon as their parents begin bringing them to participate in the life of the church. So even though they have not made their own commitment to follow Jesus, we welcome them as part of the community, and expect them increasingly to take on the responsibilities of disciples. Baptism of infants makes sense as the sacramental expression of that expectation, as the welcoming of our children into the life-long experience of becoming disciples, and as the public commitment before God that the parents and the Church will pray for, support and raise our children to become fully committed followers of Jesus. Does Baptism Ensure a Person's Salvation? Forgiveness of sins comes not from baptism -- but from the decisive act of God in human history -- the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we proclaim Jesus lived and died for us, rose from the dead, and will come again in glory. Eternal life is the relationship with God that begins with faith -- trusting in Jesus Christ. Baptism is the sacramental expression of that faith. The ceremony that celebrates a reality is one thing, while the reality is another. It is easy to forget that our salvation is the work of God in Jesus Christ. Our baptism is our intentional entry into a life of faith. The central issue in the life of every human being is this: Have we begun following Jesus? Do we trust Jesus for life and salvation? Are we his disciples? Have we entered into the life of faith and ministry? Can we have our child baptized if we don't attend church? Baptism's only meaning is that a person has been welcomed into the Christian community as an active, intentional disciple of Jesus. It has no other meaning and no other purpose. To go through the motions when there is no intention to live as an intentional disciple of Jesus within the Christian community is an empty ritual that mocks the Christian faith.  |