Baptism is “full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church” (The Book of Common Prayer, 298). Holy baptism is appropriately celebrated during the Sunday service as a public rite whereby we become members of Christ’s body, the Church. At St. Paul’s, baptisms are scheduled about 10 times per year, on particular Feast Days as well as other dates, usually at the 11:15 a.m. service.
In order to help you prepare for the sacrament of baptism for your child, please know that you are required to attend a baptismal instruction class, offered the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Comfort Room of the church building. Please keep this schedule in mind as you plan your child’s baptism, allowing time to attend the instructional class.
To start the process for a baptism:
- Call and speak with our office manager to check the church calendar and help determine the date for your baptism.
- Make sure you receive a baptism form from the office manager at this time. This form enables us to prepare the appropriate certificate for the baptized and the godparent(s). It is appropriate for the godparent(s) to be baptized Christians. You may choose any number of godparents; they are not required to be present at the service to fulfill this role in your child’s life. Please make sure you return the form to the office as soon as it is complete.
- Please call the church office two weeks preceding the class you plan to attend. Childcare is available upon request.
If you have further questions about this process, please contact one of the clergy or St. Paul’s Office Manager at the church office.