Welcoming individuals into Christ’s ministry and fellowship is our greatest joy! Baptism is how we do it!
Baptism is the Sacrament through which individuals embrace a life-long covenant relationship with Jesus Christ, in the fellowship of the Christian Church. A person who desires baptism publicly declares his/her faith in the Triune God and promises to be a partner in Christ’s work of restoring and healing God’s creation.
While the ideal is for individuals to speak and act for themselves in baptism, many people seek baptism for their infants or young children. The Church honors this impulse when we are assured that the parents/guardians and other sponsors (god-parents) are living lives that embody the baptismal covenant. The parents/guardians and god-parents promise to raise their child in the fellowship of a Christian community.
Individuals who can speak for themselves who seek baptism should contact the Rector. The Rector and candidate will together plan a course of baptismal preparation.
Baptism for infants or young children involves three sessions with the priest. The first is a conversation between the parents/guardians and the priest. The second includes the candidate and other sponsors. The third session takes place the day before the service of baptism. There is reading and reflection to do before each session.
ALL baptisms at Saint Peter’s take place during the public worship services of the congregation. Ideally, baptisms take place on the major baptismal festival days: The Baptism of Jesus (January), Easter (March/April), Pentecost (May/June), or All Saints (November). If necessary, we will schedule baptisms on the first Sunday of the month in the Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, and Pentecost seasons. In unusual situations, we will schedule baptisms at other times. We do not schedule baptisms in Advent or Lent.
To schedule a baptism, or to discuss preparing for baptism, please contact the parish Rector.
