What is baptism?
Baptism is a sacrament: a sign of God’s grace and love in our lives. Though baptism, you become a member of God’s family, the Church, and commit yourself to a life of following Christ.
The Episcopal Church baptizes both children and adults. For infants and young children, parents and godparents vow to raise the child as a Christian and support them in following Jesus.
Do I need to be a member of St. James’ to get baptized or have my child baptized?
We welcome all to be baptized here. The only requirement is that you feel called to continue (or begin) active participation in the life of the church. Our priest, Mother Meredith, will provide a baptismal preparation class to candidates, sponsors/godparents, and parents prior to baptism.
If you would like to be baptized or have your child baptized, please speak to Mother Meredith!
When can I or my child be baptized?
Baptism is administered during Sunday worship, and there are four special days each year when Baptism is especially appropriate: the Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and the Baptism of the Lord (the first Sunday after Epiphany). We do not offer Baptism during Lent.
Does the Episcopal Church offer private baptism?
As a general rule, no. We believe that baptism marks the entrance of a new member into our Christian community, and we believe that the community should be a part of this joyous occasion. After all, you wouldn’t want to join a family when the family isn’t present.
If you have special circumstances that prevent you from being able to be at the church, or if there is a medical emergency, then private baptism may be necessary. However, you should contact the clergy for more information about that.
I was baptized in another Christian denomination. Do I need to be re-baptized?
As long as you were baptized with water and in the name of the Trinity (The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), then no, you don’t. We recognize all Christian baptism. Period.
I am not sure if I have been baptized. What should I do?
If you’re not sure (for example, if you think you might have been baptized as an infant but can’t find any information about it, or if you’re unsure whether the name of the Trinity was used, the Episcopal Church offers what is know as “Conditional Baptism.” Essentially, it’s saying, “If you haven’t been baptized already, then we now baptize you.”
Does the Episcopal Church practice immersion baptism?
Sure. It’s not required, and it’s pretty rare, but there’s no reason not to do it other than practicality. Most Episcopal Churches have fonts for pouring water over the person being baptized (this is called affusion), usually just covering their head. But there are Episcopal Churches with baptistries that make immersion possible. St. James’, however, has a small font.
Please note that we do not believe it matters how the water touches the person being baptized, nor do we believe that every inch of the person must be covered. Baptism is a sign, not magic.
What should I or my child wear?
There is a wonderful phrase in the church: adiaphora. It means “indifferent things.” But what it really means is, “It’s no big thing.” What you or your child wear is entirely up to you. Sometimes people dress infants in special “christening” gowns or family heirloom gowns, but that’s purely a matter of personal preference. What we care about is that you’re here.
What is a Sponsor/Godparent? Who can be one? How many do I need?
A sponsor or godparent is someone who promises to accompany you on your walk with Christ. They promise, if godparents of a child, to act as guides and examples. Godparents are themselves baptized Christians, active in their own church and rooted in the faith. Because it is important that the godparent be present in the spiritual life of the child, we strongly urge you to have at least one of the godparents be a member of St. James’. But don’t worry! There is no limit to the number of sponsors/godparents that you can have. So if you have relatives who absolutely must be a godparent, you can still do this while fulfilling the obligation of having a member of the parish. And if you’re still getting to know us here at St. James’ and are worried about finding a godparent/sponsor in the parish, our clergy are happy to help you connect
