Baptism Information


Christian Baptism is a sacrament, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. As the word sacrament implies, it is a holy and revered act performed by the believer in Jesus Christ by which they give testimony of their personal surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is an outward sign (water and witness) of an inward relationship by which, through repentance of sins, acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and our Savior, we are restored to our right relationship with our God, forgiven of our sins and adopted as sons and daughters of God forever. Through baptism we do what we can do and God does what only He can do. Therefore, Baptism must be entered into not as a traditional act but as a conscious act of worship, surrender and identification with our Lord.

In the case of a small child it is the responsibility of the parents and godparents to act on the child’s behalf as the child is presented to the Lord and to make promises by which they will teach the child the ways of the Lord until he or she, of their own volition, accept Jesus as their personal Savior. This is a solemn act and a great responsibility into which we should not enter lightly but well prepared before God.

Baptism Class
The policy of St. David’s is that the parents and godparents of the child to be baptized attend a two-hour baptism preparation class on the Saturday prior to the date of the baptism. During this class we will discuss the Biblical nature of baptism so that everyone understands what is about to take place.

In the case that the person to be baptized is an adult, the class need not include the parents or sponsors, although this would be recommended, for the benefit of all involved.

Choosing the Godparents or Sponsors
The following are only suggestions:
Since the godparents will not only be making solemn vows on behalf of his or her godchild, but also promises of their own, it is recommended that the godparents be either relatives or very close friends of the parents. This will enable the godparents to be in touch with their godchild more often than just mere acquaintances, and thus the promises and vows will more likely be kept.

The godparents are expected to be baptized and practicing Christians who can assist parents in their concern for the religious development of the new Christian. Baptism is only the foundation upon which a Christian life is built, and it becomes then the responsibility of the godparents together with the parents and the Church to be the builders.

The parents are also automatically sponsors of their children in this Holy Sacrament.

The number of the godparents should usually be one godmother and one godfather (not necessarily husband and wife). For the baptism of a girl, two godmothers may be used and in the case of a boy, two godfathers. If any more than this should be desired, the parents should consult with the Rector.

In the baptism of an adult the sponsors present their candidate and thereby signify their endorsement and their intention to support him or her by prayers and example in their Christian life. The promises and vows are made by the candidate.

Baptism Within the Life of the Church
Since the person to be baptized is entering, by water and the Holy Spirit, into the family of God, what better time for the Baptism than when the family is together worshiping God, usually this would be on Sunday mornings.

If a private baptism is, for whatever reason, desired, this can also be arranged with the Rector.

It is recommended that Baptism be planned within the context of the Church calendar. The regularly scheduled days for baptism are:

  • The Sunday after All Saints Day (November),
  • The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (January),
  • The first Sunday after Easter (March or April)
  • Trinity Sunday (May or June).
  • Other days may be arranged with the Rector.

Fees
It is not the policy of St. David’s to charge a fee for celebrating any of the Holy Sacraments. The Church, however, does incur certain expenses which are usually covered by the generous donations of its members. Any donations to be made should be made payable to St. David’s Church. This is simply a thanksgiving offering and in no way does it represent a charge for the Sacrament of Baptism.

Scheduling a Baptism
If you would like to be baptized or you’d like to have your child baptized please fill out an application. Once we’ve received your information, our Rector will call you to talk over your decision.



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