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. Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of His Church.
The Book of Common Prayer 1979, page 298
Any person of any age may be baptized. The only requirement is to be able to take the Baptismal Vows seriously: to reject evil, darkness and sin; and to turn to Jesus Christ in trust to receive forgiveness and to learn a new way of life. Adults make these vows for themselves. Parents and godparents make these vows on behalf of young children and promise to raise these children in the way of Christ.
Baptism is becoming part of the Body of Christ. It is not magic. Baptism is only required once for a person. There is never a need to repeat it. If you are feeling called to Holy Baptism for yourself or for your child, visit, email or call the Rector, Father Ian Delinger.
If you would like more information about Baptism at St. Stephen’s, you can read more below.
Holy Baptism St. Stephen’s
Q: Who may be baptized at St. Stephen’s?
A: Anyone who is serious about the Christian Faith and entering the Body of Christ, the Church in a formal and public way is a candidate for Baptism. Those who are already members of St. Stephen’s, we know that you are already part of our family, and that relationship helps the Rector know that you may be ready for this commitment.
For people from outside the St. Stephen’s Family, we want you to feel a part of the Church and have an understanding of what it is to be a part of the Body of Christ before making this commitment for yourself or your child. The congregation makes a promise to support and uphold the candidate in the new life in Christ, so the St. Stephen’s community needs to know you in order to make that promise with integrity. This means that we would invite you to join us for Sunday morning worship regularly for a period of time to get to know you, for you to get to know us, and for you to gain an idea of what being part of the Church in this place and space might mean.
Candidate and parents receive instruction on the meaning of Holy Baptism, and on what it means to follow Jesus Christ in everyday life. This is typically done in face-to-face meetings with the Rector, although on occasion this may also take place in small group setting.
Q: How do I arrange to have a child baptized at St. Stephen’s?
A: The first thing to do is to speak with the Rector (senior priest). The Rector will be able to speak with you about possible
dates and to explain the traditions and expectations.
Q: Can we have a private baptism?
A: Only in case of an emergency. Baptism normally takes place during one of the principal services on Sundays.
Q: What about godparents? Who may be a godparent for my child?
A: Each candidate for Holy Baptism must be sponsored by at least one baptized person. A candidate may have as many sponsors (also called, “godparents” in the case of children) as they wish, within reason. Sponsors must be practicing Christians, but do not need to be
Episcopalian. Parents should give careful thought in choosing a child’s sponsors. To ask someone to be a godparent is intended to
ensure a child’s upbringing in the way of Jesus Christ, rather than being way to honor a friend or family member.
Q: My best friend is not Christian; may s/he serve as godparent?
A: The Church requires that “one or more baptized persons” must serve as sponsors. Though, you may wish to have “honorary godparents”. If a non-Christian can, in good conscience, join in the Baptismal Covenant on behalf of the child, s/he may participate in the liturgy and act as an additional godparent.
Q: Is there a fee for Holy Baptism?
A: The Sacrament of Baptism is God’s gifts of grace, which is always free. Making a donation to St. Stephen’s or making an annual pledge to support the ongoing ministries of St. Stephen’s is always welcome. Guests or relatives of St. Stephen’s parishioners may make a donation in thanksgiving for this special occasion.
