Holy Baptism for
Infants and Young Children
at
St. James’ Episcopal Church
(Click
here for information on adult baptism.)
Frequently Asked
Questions About Baptism
Raising
a child can be intimidating. However, in the sacrament of Baptism, we are
reminded that the care of children is not a solitary enterprise, but rather,
that parents are supported by godparents and the wider church as they seek to
raise their child in Christian beliefs and practices.
Because parents
and godparents play a unique and even primary role in shaping the spiritual
lives of their children, and because we cannot pass on what we ourselves do not
possess, the occasion of Baptism provides an opportunity to further parents’
own understanding and practice of the Christian faith. Therefore, the
pre-baptism course at St. James’ gives parents (and, when possible, godparents)
a basic “refresher course” in Holy Scripture, The Book of Common Prayer,
our understanding of Holy Eucharist, what it means to be a Christian, and what
living out one’s baptismal covenant in the modern world entails – in short,
everything parents need raise their children to “know and love God” (BCP,
page 308).
One Sunday per
week of the 4-week class is devoted to each of the topics listed above;
therefore, attendance at all 4 classes is asked of all parents seeking to have
their children baptized. The class concludes with a rehearsal and banner-making
session, usually on the Saturday before the baptism. Both parents and godparents
must be present for this rehearsal/banner-making session because they have
an important role during the service itself. Please make all travel and/or
other arrangements with this in mind.
To register for baptism classes, and to sign up for a baptism date, please contact Pastor Mary at (703)777-1124 or via email at mary@stjamesleesburg.org.
Q:
Why does the Episcopal Church baptize infants?
A: We believe
that baptism is the surest sign of God’s grace. While it is true that infants do
not understand the vows that their parents and godparents make on their behalf,
they, and we, begin, in the sacrament of baptism, a life-long journey of living
into these vows. Once persons are old enough to make a mature affirmation of
their faith, they are invited to do so through the sacramental rite of
Confirmation.
Q: How do I
decide on godparents?
A: By praying
and setting a good example for their godchild, godparents play a crucial role in
the life of that child. The Episcopal Church requires that godparents be
baptized persons of any denomination. You want to choose persons who practice
their own faith regularly, and who will assist you in the spiritual formation
of your child. Parents typically choose two persons to serve as godparents.
Q: If I have
already had a child baptized at St. James’, do I need to take this class?
A: Yes. You have
a new child; you are in a different stage of your faith journey, and this is a
new program. We are certain that you will learn a lot!
Q: How do
I sign up for a baptism date?
A: The dates and
times listed cover our offerings for this program year, but please be aware that some baptism dates may be filled. Please talk
to Pastor Mary before making any definite plans.
|
Baptism Date |
Baptism Class Dates |
Baptism Rehearsal |
|
Sunday, July 27 7:45 and 10:00 a.m. |
Sundays:
July 13, & July 20 10:10 - 11:00 a.m. in the Janney
Parlor |
Saturday, July 26, |