Holy Baptism at St. Paul's

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The Catechism in The Book of Common Prayer explains, “Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God” (BCP 858). The Prayer Book also says, “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” (BCP298).

Who may be baptized at St. Paul’s?
​Children who have at least one parent actively involved in the life of St. Paul’s (i.e., attends church regularly, is a giver of record), or new members who
      - Have attended worship regularly for at least three months
     - And intend ongoing, active membership at St. Paul’s
      - Grandchildren of active members.
      - Adults who
      - Desire Baptism
      - Have attended worship regularly for at least three months
      - And who intend ongoing, active membership.


​When is Holy Baptism administered?
St. Paul’s generally follows the Prayer Book’s recommendation on the most appropriate occasions for Baptism:
  • The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany) (January)
  • The Easter Vigil (March or April)
  • The Day of Pentecost (May or June)
  • The Sunday after All Saints’ Day (November)
  • The Sunday of the Bishop’s visitation 

Because baptism is birth into Christ’s Body the Church, it is a communal rather than a private act. Baptisms take place in public services of worship and all those present promise to support the baptized person in their life in Christ. It is also an opportunity for all those present to renew their Baptismal Covenant and strengthen our commitment to being the Body of Christ together. Thus, private baptisms are not a part of our tradition, and would require consultation with The Bishop's office.