Baptism at Saint Matthew's
"We receive you into the household of God..."
Speaking in traditional language, Baptism is a sacrament of the Church (i.e. an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace). We believe that the Holy Spirit is truly present and active in Baptism. When an individual is baptized in the name of the Trinity, infant or otherwise, we say that he/she is "buried with Christ in his death and raised to new life with Christ in his resurrection", and is also "sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ's own forever."
To use less theological jargon, we believe that Baptism is, first and foremost, an act of initiation. The individual is officially received and welcomed into the Christian family and becomes a full member of the Church. As such, he or she becomes eligible to receive Holy Communion, regardless of age (there is no rite of "First Communion" in The Episcopal Church).
The Episcopal Church has largely moved away from the medieval notions that Baptism is the washing away of so-called "original sin", and that its primary purpose is to prevent eternal condemnation and punishment. Rather, we view Baptism as the beginning of a journey of faith; a journey that is unpredictable and often challenging, but ultimately a journey towards wholeness and well-being (or in theological jargon, a journey of salvation). And the promise of Baptism is that we are beloved children of God and we will never be on this journey alone. God will be ever with us in ways that we can hardly imagine, and we will always share the journey with our brothers and sisters in the faith. As such there is an expectation that the individual being baptized (or their family in the case of an infant) will regularly attend worship in their local faith community.
Although infant Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to introduce our babies to our church family, Baptism is not merely a "social debut". Baptism is a moment of ultimate significance; one in which life-altering promises and commitments are made by, or on behalf of, the one being baptized. Promises of love and support are also being made by the faith community. From the Christian perspective, this is one of the most important moments in the life of an individual.
Infant Baptism can happen any time after the birth of the child (usually at 3-6 months of age). Adult Baptism can happen any time the individual desires to be baptized. The primary prerequisite in either case is a desire for Baptism, on the part of the individual, or of the parents of the child. After meeting with the Rector for baptismal preparation, the Baptism can be scheduled.
There are four times during the Church Year that are particularly appropriate for Baptisms: at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints' Sunday, and the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus (first Sunday after Epiphany). It is preferred that Baptisms take place at these times, but other times can be arranged at the discretion of the Rector.
To schedule a Baptism, please contact the Rector at [email protected].
To use less theological jargon, we believe that Baptism is, first and foremost, an act of initiation. The individual is officially received and welcomed into the Christian family and becomes a full member of the Church. As such, he or she becomes eligible to receive Holy Communion, regardless of age (there is no rite of "First Communion" in The Episcopal Church).
The Episcopal Church has largely moved away from the medieval notions that Baptism is the washing away of so-called "original sin", and that its primary purpose is to prevent eternal condemnation and punishment. Rather, we view Baptism as the beginning of a journey of faith; a journey that is unpredictable and often challenging, but ultimately a journey towards wholeness and well-being (or in theological jargon, a journey of salvation). And the promise of Baptism is that we are beloved children of God and we will never be on this journey alone. God will be ever with us in ways that we can hardly imagine, and we will always share the journey with our brothers and sisters in the faith. As such there is an expectation that the individual being baptized (or their family in the case of an infant) will regularly attend worship in their local faith community.
Although infant Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to introduce our babies to our church family, Baptism is not merely a "social debut". Baptism is a moment of ultimate significance; one in which life-altering promises and commitments are made by, or on behalf of, the one being baptized. Promises of love and support are also being made by the faith community. From the Christian perspective, this is one of the most important moments in the life of an individual.
Infant Baptism can happen any time after the birth of the child (usually at 3-6 months of age). Adult Baptism can happen any time the individual desires to be baptized. The primary prerequisite in either case is a desire for Baptism, on the part of the individual, or of the parents of the child. After meeting with the Rector for baptismal preparation, the Baptism can be scheduled.
There are four times during the Church Year that are particularly appropriate for Baptisms: at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints' Sunday, and the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus (first Sunday after Epiphany). It is preferred that Baptisms take place at these times, but other times can be arranged at the discretion of the Rector.
To schedule a Baptism, please contact the Rector at [email protected].
