Desiring to follow Christ through the Sacrament of Baptism is a process that people enter in many different ways. It is perfectly normal to meet with one of the co-rectors to inquire about baptism and learn more about it informally, as one is being drawn to consider it as a response to one’s growing faith. It is also encouraged for those who are interested to have conversations with members of St. Paul’s about baptism, as sharing our stories is part of the way we live out our mission and ministry. Through inquiry and experience with St. Paul’s as a community, those who desire to be baptized or parents of infants/children to be baptized are required to set up two meetings with the rector 3-4 weeks before the desired baptismal date. Adult catechumens will be required to attend the Baptismal Formation Classes offered in the weeks prior to Baptismal dates.
From the Book of Common Prayer: “Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.” Holy Baptism is one of the two great sacraments given by Christ to his Church (the other is Holy Eucharist). We receive the inward and spiritual grace given by Christ through the outward and visible sign of the sacrament of Baptism, though water in the name of the Triune God.
Baptism is:
- The Sacrament of New Birth or Regeneration
- Union with Christ in his death and resurrection
- Rebirth by the Holy Spirit
- Forgiveness of sins
- A new life of grace
- A sealing by the Holy Spirit and being marked as Christ’s own
- Reception into the household of God
- Adoption as God’s own children
- Membership of Christ’s Body
- Incorporation (are grafted) into God’s holy Church
- Worthiness to share in the inheritance of the saints in light
- Sharing in the royal priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Baptism is the foundational rite of Christian initiation, is foundational to life in the church, and is deeply connected to the Paschal Mystery: Jesus’ suffering, dying and rising, his death and new life through the resurrection. This is what we proclaim when we are baptized into the New Covenant and become living members of Christ. We are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death and raised with him to newness of life. In this, Baptism is indissoluble and is not repeatable.
The Church of St. Paul in the Desert adheres to the rubrics, rites, and theology of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) regarding baptism. We take seriously this sacrament in the Church, and we look forward to working with you and your loved ones in this rite of full initiation into the Body of Christ, the Church.
