Baptism
In the waters of baptism, we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. Holy Baptism, which can be performed through pouring of water or immersion in it, marks a formal entrance to the congregation and wider Church; the candidates for the sacrament make a series of vows, including an affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant, and are baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are marked as Christ’s own for ever, having “clothed [themselves] with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
All people of any age are welcome to be baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).
Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed.
The above text is taken from The Episcopal Church’s Baptism webpage. For information related to the Catechumenate or preparing for baptism, visit the Baptized For Life website.
Those considering Baptism should enter into a conversation with their clergy.
The Baptismal Covenant
The baptismal covenant is a small catechism for use during the rite of initiation into the Church, where the congregation expresses the ways each of the faithful will live their faith both inside and outside the church walls.
The first four questions are patterned on the Apostles’ Creed, with the liturgy’s celebrant asking the people about their beliefs in each of the members of the Trinity, along with a concise understanding of their natures. Following these questions, the covenant includes five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith: with firm commitment and a reliance on God’s help.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.