Baptism is the sacrament through which an individual becomes a member of the Christian community – the church. Though a baptism is a joyful event that should be celebrated, it is not simply a family celebration or a rite of passage; rather, it is a sacred and holy act. In the Episcopal Church, baptism is made available to infants, children, and adults.

When adults are baptized, they publicly affirm their decision to place their hope and faith in God as revealed to us in Jesus, and they declare their intention to follow Jesus’ teachings and way of life. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, adults seeking baptism spend a period of time, typically ten months (September through June), preparing to be baptized, with the baptism administered at Easter.

When infants and younger children are baptized, parents and sponsors (godparents) promise on behalf of the children to actively raise them in a Christian home and in a church community, so they may grow to know God and embrace the Christian faith. Parents seeking baptism for their children should be actively engaged in a church community and committed to raising their child within a church. If you do not currently have a church home or would like to become more engaged with the Church of the Advent, please reach out to our priest, the Rev. Tim Johnson, by calling or emailing the church office.

 

The baptism of an infant or child is typically administered during worship on one of four Sundays each year: Baptism of the Lord Sunday (January); Easter Sunday; (March/April); Pentecost Sunday (May/June); and All Saints Sunday (November). In the event of an emergency, hardship, or other extenuating circumstance, baptisms may be administered at a different time and location. Preparatory meetings with our priest are required prior to a baptism.

In the Episcopal Church, we recognize as valid baptisms performed in other Christian churches and denominations as long as it was administered with water “in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy,” as commanded by Jesus in the Gospels. Once individuals have been baptized, regardless of the church or denomination, they do not need to be baptized again.

If you would like to discuss baptism further, please contact the church office or start by filling out a baptism inquiry form.