Holy Baptism
“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.” The Book of Common Prayer, page 298.
Jesus himself was baptized by John in the Jordan River, and the Church has used this liturgy as its initiation rite from the beginning. The prayer book makes clear that adult baptism by immersion is the preferred norm, but long tradition supports the baptism of all ages, including infants, and the application of water by pouring in place of immersion.
The candidate for baptism (or the candidate’s sponsors) first promise to renounce evil in all its forms, and then turn to Jesus as Savior and follow him as Lord. The congregation promises to support the candidate in his or her life in Christ. The Apostles’ Creed (the most ancient of the baptismal formulas) is repeated, followed by the five questions of the baptismal covenant. Here the candidate promises regular participation in eucharistic worship, prayer, study, repentance of sin, proclamation of the Gospel, adherence to Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself” and a willingness to “strive for justice and peace among all people.”
As noted above, we believe the bond of baptism is indissoluble. Therefore, a person is never re-baptized. It may be appropriate, especially at the time of a bishop’s visitation, to re-affirm baptismal vows, but there is no use of water in such a liturgy, only the laying on of hands.
Holy Baptism for adults, children or infants may be scheduled at the 9 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. Sunday morning service at any time during the year, except during Lent. To schedule a baptism, please contact Ann Dortch, Parish and Clergy Secretary, at 272-6149 ext. 36.