In the waters of baptism we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and remind us that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ.

 

                                                                            THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

WELCOME!

Congratulations! You are in the midst of that wonderful and sacred mystery that is parenthood. It’s fun, exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating, and joyful. And all at the same time! As you think about the baptism of your child, know that we’re here to help make it happen. It doesn’t matter whether you are an Episcopalian or even a regular churchgoer. God desires the baptism of your child, and that’s all that matters. The Sacrament of Baptism makes your child a member of the church and, more importantly, establishes an indelible bond with God in Jesus Christ. We hope that through the baptism, you will consider becoming an active participant in the life and ministry of St. Martin’s. The greatest gift you can give to your child is the gift of raising him/her in the faith. Our service of Holy Eucharist is on Sundays at 9:00AM.

 

When can we have our child baptized? We celebrate Baptism any Sunday during the year (except during the Season of Lent, the 40 days before Easter.)

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Does the church perform private baptisms? No. All baptisms take place within the context of the Sunday morning service of Holy Eucharist. Since baptism is the welcoming of a new member into the household of God and the specific community that is St. Martin’s, baptisms take place in the midst of the community’s weekly celebration.

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Does the church charge a fee for baptisms? There is no fee charged for the sacraments of the church. A gift to the church in the name of the baptized child is always appropriate and gratefully received to help support our ministry to God’s people here at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. If you can make such a gift, please put it in a separate envelope clearly marked “Baptism Gift” with your child’s name.

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What does baptism mean in the Episcopal Church? The Book of Common Prayer tells us that, “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 Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer is also helpful. It follows below:

 

Q. What is Holy Baptism?

A. Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.

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Q. What is the outward and visible sign in Baptism?

A. The outward and visible sign in Baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

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Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace in Baptism?

A. The inward and spiritual grace in Baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God’s family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.

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Q. What is required of us at Baptism?

A. It is required that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

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Q. Why then are infants baptized?

A. Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God.

 

Q. How are the promises for infants made and carried out?

A. Promises are made for them by their parents and sponsors, who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him.

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Is there a form we need to send in? Yes. There is a Baptismal information sheet that is completed during the meeting with the parish priest.

Do we need to meet with the parish priest? A pre-baptism meeting with the parish priest is required of parents. Discussion revolves around the meaning and significance of the Baptismal rite and includes a brief run-through of the logistics. This is to make sure you are able to be fully present for your child’s baptism and not worry about where to stand, what to say, etc.

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What about Godparents? Godparents, or Sponsors, play an important role in your child’s baptism. They must be baptized Christians who promise to help raise the child in the Christian life and faith. Careful consideration should be given to who in your life is willing and able to take on this role.

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When can our child receive Communion? Any baptized member of the church, regardless of age, may partake in Holy Communion. Since baptism is the primary entrance rite of the church, we consider any baptized person a full member of the church. As such, there is no “first Communion” in the Episcopal Church. While we encourage children to receive Communion, we leave this to the parents’ discretion.

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Photos: We recognize that Baptism is a joyous occasion and family and friends want to take pictures. This is such a joyous day in the life of your family. Please feel free to take photos during the service while respecting the dignity of the sacred event we are celebrating.

Continued participation in the life of our church: If there is anything we can do to help you to be more connected to the life of St. Martin’s, we are here to help support you in the faith journey of your child and of your family! Be part of our mission and help us to do God’s work in the world!

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In Christ,

(The Rev.) Scott A. Ciosek, Priest-in-Charge