Baptisms are held throughout the year at St. Peter's, administered at the 10:00 am Sunday Eucharist (or at the Great Vigil of Easter). Because baptism is a public sacrament, in which our faith community pledges to support the new life in Christ of the baptized, private baptisms are not administered except in case of medical emergency.
All Saints' Day (early November).
One late summer date can be added as well.
The first step in planning a baptism at St. Peter's is to contact Father Dirk and submit the Application for Holy Baptism.
Once a date has been selected, candidates and/or parents and godparents will engage in preparation for the upcoming baptism. Families will meet with a member of the clergy for at least one pre-baptism session. There will also be a brief rehearsal closer to the baptismal date. Additionally, families are encouraged to attend a larger group gathering, scheduled two or three times a year, especially designed for parents of younger children who may be new to St. Peter's.
In addition to these preparations, each baptismal family will be given resources to pursue preparation at home as well, before and after the baptism. Baptism is just the beginning of a life-long journey of Christian formation, and it is our responsibility as a faith community to support all baptized members of the body of Christ!
A godparent is a person who stands as a sponsor (with parents at a child's baptism) to the baptized, and who promises to support the baptized person through prayer, example and action during this new life in Christ.
Godparents do not need to be members of St. Peter's, or even the Episcopal Church. As long as they are willing to help the newly baptized grow as Christians in the knowledge and love of God, and to fulfill the baptismal vows, they are welcome to serve as godparents.
These vows guide our lifelong journey as Christians. Baptism marks the beginning of this journey. Parents and godparents make a commitment to raise the newly baptized as part of a Christian community, and St. Peter's welcomes all Christians into our faith family.
Parents can support the newly baptized by bringing them to church, praying for them, adding Bible stories to the family library. Our Children at St. Peter's webpage offers suggestions for both Faith-at-Home and Faith-at-Home activities.
Remember your baptism in the hubbub of daily life! Check out this blog-post on Grow Christians about bringing faith into our home lives.
Remember the anniversary of the baptism as a special milestone date. Consider using this activity from Vibrant Faith @ Home.