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Baptismal Preparation

Baptism is the sacrament of our Christian faith. It is the event that begins our Baptismal adventure connecting our Sunday Faith with our Monday lives. There are four principal Sundays for Baptisms that highlight our understanding of its importance:

  1. All Saints’ Sunday in early November, our admission into the community of saints – the Church (1 Corinthians 12:12ff);
  2. The Baptism of Jesus in early January; as Jesus, so we are Baptized (Luke 3:21-2);
  3. Easter in spring, sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5); and
  4. Pentecost in May, being reborn by the Spirit (John 3: 1-6).

Because of its significance for the Christian, preparation for those being Baptized is crucial. With infants and young children, that preparation involves two sessions with the godparents and parents. With adults, it is more extensive.

The Baptismal dates and session times for infants and young children over the next year are:

All Saints’ Sunday (Nov. 6, 2011)
Preparation: Oct. 2 & Oct. 9

Baptism of Jesus, (Jan. 8, 2012)    
Preparation: Nov. 20, Nov. 27 & Dec. 4

Great Vigil of Easter, (Apr. 8, 2012)
Preparation: Feb. 26 & Mar. 4

Pentecost, (May 27, 2012)
Preparation: Apr. 15 & Apr. 22

It is important that parents be in touch with the Rector or the Associate at least two months before the suggested Baptismal day to discuss various aspects of Baptism. A leaflet outlining the process is in the Church Narthex and on the Gathering Space Welcome Table.

Questions?

Contact The Rev. Fletcher Lowe, St. Paul's Priest-in-Residence, at jflowe@aol.com. You can also contact our Rector, the Rev. Wallace Adams-Riley, or our Associate Rector, the Rev. Kate Jenkins, by calling the church at (804) 643-3589 or emailing them at rector@stpauls-episcopal.org or katejenkins@stpauls-episcopal.org.

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