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 the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.

The outward and visible sign in Baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The inward and spiritual grace in Baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God’s family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.

At Baptism, we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Who Can Be Baptized at St. Stephen's?

Holy Baptism is appropriately administered in the context of one’s own congregation.

Although membership at St. Stephen's is not required, the Sacrament includes a covenant with God to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers. In the case of infant Baptism, the parents and godparents also promise that they will be responsible for seeing that the child they present is brought up in the Christian faith and life.

When is Holy Baptism Administered?

Holy Baptism is appropriately administered at the 10 a.m. Sunday Eucharist or at the Great Vigil of Easter (the Saturday night before Easter Sunday). Because Baptism is a public sacrament, it is not administered at a private ceremony.

Holy Baptism is reserved for the Easter Vigil, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany).   

Sponsors and Godparents

Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.

Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates.

It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. The gender of the sponsors or godparents is irrelevant. A total of three to five, including the parents, is recommended. Sponsors or godparents must be baptized Christians, but need not be Episcopalians.

Why do Episcopalians Baptize Infants?

Holy Baptism is a gift given by the grace of God, and not merited by one’s acceptance or understanding of it. Infant Baptism is a sign of the faith of the community into which a child is baptized.

Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God.

Promises are made for them by their parents and sponsors, who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him.

Baptismal Preparation

Adult candidates, parents, sponsors, and godparents should plan to gather with the officiating priest for one to two hours at a mutually convenient time before the Baptism so the priest can offer instruction in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of the Church.

What to Wear

Candidates for Holy Baptism should be dressed in white, symbolizing the purity that comes from having sin washed away. In a vision recorded in the Book of Revelation, an elder asks St. John, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from? … These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:13-14

Gifts and Fees

Holy Baptism is administered without fees for services. However, gifts to St. Stephen's are appropriate in thanksgiving to God for the candidate’s entry into new life in Christ.

Application for Holy Baptism

To schedule Holy Baptism at St. Stephen's, please contact the parish office at least 30 days before the anticipated date of Baptism. A member of the clergy will contact you to confirm the arrangements.