Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which we are made members of Christ’s body, the Church. Sponsors, and in the case of children, their parents, promise to bring the baptized person(s) up within the Church. The solemn vow sponsors and parents make is “we will be responsible for seeing that the child we present is brought up in the Christian faith and life.” The congregation also makes a promise to “support these persons in their life in Christ” (BCP p.303). Holy Baptism is inclusion into a relationship with Christ and His body, the community of faith.
Because Holy Baptism is a sacrament of the body of Christ and the community of faith, it is administered within the Church gathered for corporate worship. The preferred and most appropriate occasion for Holy Baptism is the Great Vigil of Easter. The Great Vigil takes place on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. This is especially true for adults or older children who wish to be baptized. Other days especially suitable for the celebration of Baptism include All Saint’s Day, Pentecost, The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, or other major feasts of the Church but other Sundays can be accommodated as well in consultation with our rector. We typically discourage baptisms being celebrated during penitential seasons such as Advent and Lent except under emergency or pressing situations.
We are eager to share the sacrament of Holy Baptism with all who desire it, but do keep in mind, there are commitments and promises attached to being baptized. For this reason, we ask that anyone desiring baptism first show a desire to be involved in the life of our church by attending worship and ideally becoming an active member in good standing.
For those curious about Baptism at St. George’s Church or the Episcopal Church in general, we encourage you to consult the Book of Common Prayer:
For more information contact the office by phone at 518-374-3163 or email office@stgeorgesschenectady.org.
