HOLY BAPTISM

CONCERNING THE SERVICE AS PERFORMED AT ST. MARY'S CHURCH

Baptisms at Saint Mary's

The ministration of Holy Baptism is the full and complete initiation into The Body of Christ. It is the singular pathway, which leads to the full practice and life of Christianity. The bond and covenant, which are established by God in Baptism, are indissoluble. It is, therefore, among the most solemn and the most important of the sacraments of the Church.

Because Holy Baptism is full and complete admission into the Church, it is most appropriately administered within the context of the Holy Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other festival occasion. The are five occasions each Christian Year, when the Prayer Book deems the sacrament of Baptism to be most appropriate. They are, at the Great Vigil of Easter, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints' Day, the Sunday after All Saints' Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (which is the First Sunday after the Epiphany. Since, the Bishop is the Chief Pastor of the Diocese, Holy Baptism is one of his particular responsibilities. Thus, when practical or possible, Holy Baptism should be withheld until the day of the Bishop's Visitation.

There is likewise, great concern that insufficient emphasis is laid upon the solemnity and importance of the promises and vows which are made by parents and godparents on the occasion of Holy Baptism. This, unfortunately, results in either the child never being returned to the Church, and the parents and godparents making light of their promises, or the person being baptized never truly understanding the commitment made. Thus, for each person seeking Holy Baptism at least one sponsor or godparent must be an active communicant in good standing in the Christian Church. By virtue of the service and the promises made therein, it is impossible for one who is either not baptized or who is not an active church member to act as a sponsor or godparent. Persons who are not members of Saint Mary' will be expected to provide a letter of qualification from their priest, pastor, or minister prior to the service.

Excepting cases of emergency or of great pastoral concern, the following shall serve as guidelines for the sacrament of Holy Baptism:

1. Prior to their baptism, all candidates or their parents and godparents should be instructed concerning the nature of Holy Baptism, the order of service, and the continuing commitments which are implied.

2. Holy baptism shall be administered as the principle service on the Lord's Day. When ever practical, it shall be withheld during the seasons of Advent and Lent and, when practical, administered on one of the five occasions set forth by the Book of Common Prayer.

3. All services shall be in accordance with the authorized Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church in the United State of America.

4. All persons receiving the sacrament of Baptism shall receive the Holy Communion as a part of their baptismal rite. Except when doing so might bring harm to the candidate.

5. When possible, the Bishop shall assume his authority as Chief Pastor and officiate in the baptismal liturgy,

6. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more active communicants in good standing in the Church, who, by their presence, signify their endorsement of the candidate and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. (see note)

7. It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children and thereby signify their understanding and endorsement of their duties to help the newly baptized grow in their knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of His Church.

8. Persons who are baptized under emergency conditions should be recognized at a public celebration of Holy Baptism, with the person and their sponsors taking part in all but the administration of water.

Some thoughts on the service:

If you are a large family, consider the 11:00 a.m. service on a first or third Sunday. This is the smaller of our late services and there will be room for all in the congregation.

If yours is a family of mixed religious background, wherein some might be made uncomfortable in the context of Eucharistic, you may wish to consider a private service. Private services are a bit less formal and thus more comfortable for those not familiar with the rituals of the Episcopal Church.

Remember, like Holy Matrimony, Baptism is a sacrament of the Church and witnesses need to conduct themselves accordingly. Photography at public services is therefore prohibited. Pictures can be taken after the service has formally ended.

Some thoughts on godparents and sponsors:

As the name implies, godparents assume a special role and position in the life of the baptismal candidate. Unlike other friends or relatives, the godparent is concerned about the spiritual life and spiritual nurture of the candidate.

The role of godparent is not just a privilege, it is a responsibility as well. The godparent assumes a position, not just among the family of the candidate, but within the spiritual community of the Church as well. A godparent must not only be a loyal member of the family circle, but a loyal and responsible church member. Potential godparents should be asked to review the promises and vows listed on page 302 of the baptismal service as well as the promises of the Baptismal Covenant beginning on page 304. Those who are not from the Anglican tradition may need some help interpreting these.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact either the rector or the church office. [BACK to Activities & Events]