Baptism

We welcome all who desire to follow Jesus to be baptized!  

Baptism is both God's gift of grace and our response of gratitude in faith.  It marks the beginning of life-long growth through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. We don't re-baptize since one time is sufficient. 

Adult Baptism by immersion is the norm for this congregation. Infants and children of practicing Christians are also baptized at the request of their parents by immersion or affusion.

Baptisms occur during public worship services on designated Christian feast days throughout the year.  Adults and older children are normally baptized at the Great Vigil of Easter on the night that Jesus passed over from death to life.  

Infants and children are normally baptized on these feast days: Baptism of Christ (1st Sunday after January 6), Easter, Pentecost (the 50th day of the Easter season), All Saints Sunday (1st Sunday after November 1) and during the bishop's biennial visitation.  In addition, the rector may offer additional opportunities in public worship on appropriate major feasts, including one in the late summer close to the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6).    

Adult Preparation

Adults preparing for baptism, or the reaffirmation of their baptismal vows (Confirmation or Reception), do so by being part of a seven month preparation process called Pilgrims in Christ.  Rare pastoral exceptions to this norm are at the discretion of the rector.  

Pilgrims in Christ is modeled on the early Church’s pattern for preparing persons for baptism. This four stage formation process provides the Pilgrims with instruction, spiritual guidance, and study of Christian scripture, worship & tradition. Participants are “hearers of the word," searching for an understanding of God as revealed in Jesus, and the meaning of life as God’s children.

Preparation of Children

Older children are baptized at the Great Vigil of Easter after a developmentally appropriate process of preparation.  A shorter time of preparation is required for Infants and Children of practicing Christians.  Parents and godparents meet for three sessions and preparation for younger children is also developmentally appropriate to their age.   

Godparents are those willing to assist the parent(s) as s/he/they raise the infant or young child in the Christian faith.  You may choose as many godparents as you desire as long as they are active Christians in their own faith community.  At least one godparent must be from St. John's who is active in worship, giving and participation.

Communion

All baptized Christians, no matter their age or background, are invited to receive the gifts of Jesus' Body and Blood.   First communion is received at the time of your baptism, even at infancy.  Continuing communion instruction is offered to children as part of our Christian formation program.

Interested?  Need more information?  Contact the rector in the the Parish Office.