Baptism is about belonging. The service of Holy Baptism is a happy occasion in the life of Christ Church. Those who want to join the Christian community and claim an identity as a beloved child of God are welcomed in a ritual that takes place when the Church gathers for worship. There are special times throughout the year when candidates are baptized, that is, washed for the forgiveness of sins and anointed with the Holy Spirit as Christ’s own forever.

• The Sunday after the feast of the Epiphany—January 6—recalls the baptism in the Jordan River when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit as the Christ.
• The Easter vigil at sunrise recalls Christ’s death and resurrection—God breaking the bonds of sin that hold us from the fullness of life in God’s grace.
• The feast of Pentecost recalls the gift of the Holy Spirit to all believers.
• The visitation of the bishop recalls our unity in Christ, carried through the centuries by those chosen as apostles.
• A Sunday close to the feast of the Transfiguration—August 6—recalls the transforming power of God present in Christ and with us.
• The Sunday after All Saints—November 1—recalls the whole community of believers, sanctified by God through Holy Baptism.

When older children or adults desire baptism, preparation is necessary and is usually offered pastorally with a member of the clergy. When infants are presented by their parents and godparents, the clergy lead the preparation with the adults gathered in the days before the ceremony. For more information about baptism, please contact Jane Rubini or any member of the clergy.

When you belong to the Church you share in its ministry to work, pray, and give for the spread of the Gospel. Click here for more information about giving.

For parents: The Church takes seriously the vocation of parenthood. You are called to a special ministry, raising a child up to know God’s love and guidance and the values and responsibilities of the Christian identity. Parents are called to nurture and protect their children. In our Book of Common Prayer we are reminded that it is the “duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses.” Click here for more information on creating a will or considering a planned gift.