Holy Baptism is the dominical Sacrament, commanded by Jesus Christ, required of all human beings for salvation. It makes us members of Christ’s Body (the Church) and heirs of eternal life (see Matthew 28:19–20; John 3:5; Acts 2:37–38; The Ministration of Holy Baptism, BCP 273–282, especially 273–274; see also Article XXVII, “Of Baptism,” BCP 608).
—Fr. Louis Tarsitano, An Outline of an Anglican Life, p. 41
Baptisms are usually performed at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday liturgy at St. John’s, but may be arranged at other times in cases of urgent necessity. Babies and young children are expected to have three sponsors (godparents), two of whom should be of the same gender as the child. These three, along with the parents, promise to:
“take heed that he learn the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe, to his soul’s health?” and: “Will ye take heed that this Child, so soon as sufficiently instructed, be brought to the Bishop to be confirmed by him?” (BCP 277)
Since baptism makes one a member of Christ’s Body (the Church), it is expected that the person being baptized become involved in the life of the parish here at St. John’s. Those coming from outside our metropolitan area who wish to have the baptism here—due to a familial or generational tie to St. John’s—should be active in a parish near their home.
Contact the parish office for more information.
~Recent Baptisms at St. John's Church~
