How Do I Prepare For Baptism?

Holy Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith.  By water and the Spirit we are sealed in baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever.   The Episcopal Church honors baptisms from any Christian Church when it has been done with water and in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Holy Baptism is a communal event and therefore it is accomplished at optimal times during the Christian calendar as part of our Sunday liturgy. As stated in the Book of Common Prayer (p. 312) “Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saint’s Day or the Sunday after All Saint’s Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany.) Although, when there is flexibility to discuss other opportunities for Baptism within our liturgy and when the need arises, Emergency baptism may be performed. Please speak to the Vicar to begin the process which involves conversation and catechism.

Confirmation in the Episcopal Church is the sacramental rite by which baptized Christians make a mature profession of their faith and claim the Episcopal Church as their denominational home, the Church in which they feel they can best live out this faith that they have chosen. Confirmation must by canon law be administered by the diocesan bishop and therefore is usually accomplished at the planned Bishop’s visitation (approximately every 18-24 months). Please speak to the Vicar to begin the process which involves conversation and catechism.

Reception is the way by which baptized Christians who have already made a mature profession of their faith (in a tradition that understands Confirmation in a way similar to the Episcopal Church’s understanding) may be received into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church. Reception is a pastoral rite also assigned to the bishop diocesan as with confirmation. Please speak to the Vicar to begin the process which involves conversation and catechism.

From time-to-time people who have been baptized and confirmed or received choose to renew their baptismal vows as a way of recommitting themselves to the Christian faith and life after a time of being away or as they begin a new ministry in the Church.  This is called a Renewal of Baptismal Vows.

For more information contact the Vicar.