Holy Baptism
Baptism is an event! It is an event in the life of a Disciple being lifted up the the Lord Jesus, the life of a parish church. It is an event in the life of families. The Book of Common Prayer uses powerful and awesome words to describe this event:
"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."
Presenting yourself or your infant child for Baptism is a joyous and momentous experience. Baptism is much more than simply a rite of the Church done on a particular day. It marks the beginning of a new relationship with God. By it we are adopted by God as God's own, we are grafted into a huge family of brothers and sisters, and we become members of the first order of ministry in the Church. Please contact the rector to schedule the preparation for and date of baptisms.
We Also Celebrate Baptisms On Special Days
Because Baptism is such a momentous event in the life of a parish and an individual Christian, the Church celebrates Baptism on very special days of the Church Year:
The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (the Sunday after January 6) commemorates the day Jesus was baptized. The Great Vigil of Easter (celebrated the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday) celebrates the great themes of the Christian faith and life and is the best time to baptize adults. The Day of Pentecost (the seventh Sunday after Easter) celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. All Saints' Day (November 1) and the Sunday after All Saints' Day celebrate the Church and the ministry of all baptized Christians.
We Prepare For Baptism
Because Baptism is more about relationship than rite, it is worth investing thoughtful preparation into it. At St. Matthew's, parents presenting infants for the first time and adults preparing for Baptism meet together for four sessions of fellowship, conversation and instruction. Three of these gatherings take place before the actual service of Baptism and the fourth is held the week following. This time helps provide needed instruction for Baptism and an equally needed chance for new Christians and parents to reflect on their experience and prepare for the journey ahead.
As important as the event of Holy Baptism is, it is only a beginning. Like any relationship, the bond God establishes in Baptism needs constant education and discipleship. That's where the job of parents and Godparents and a parish church comes in.
Godparents
Baptism is a community event. This communal aspect of Baptism is represented especially in the godparents who may be parents, other family members, church members or close friends. Godparents are people who prepare with candidates for Baptism, present them during the baptismal service, and follow and support them through their life's journey. There is no right or wrong number of godparents. What is vital is that every candidate have one or more of them, and that these people be faithful models and mentors of Christian faith and living.
Companions Along The Way
You are probably reading this because something or someone has stirred you to think more intentionally about God, about the Church, and about yourself and your loved ones. This may have brought you to our parish for the first time, brought you back after a time of separation, or simply caused you to think twice about life. In any event, we at St. Matthew's Church are delighted to be a part of it. As you continue to ask questions and to search, please know that you are not alone. We are here to help you become a Disciple of Jesus Christ through Baptism, and to continually learn how to serve him.