Baptism is one of the two primary sacraments of the church instituted by Jesus himself. In ancient times, Baptism was preceded by three years’ preparation and only adults were baptized. While many of us are more familiar with the custom of infant Baptism, the same sense of significance is expected of those who present others for Baptism. This brochure discusses the church’s expectations of those who ask for Baptism for themselves or others.
• Required Notice - We ask that you contact the parish if Baptism is of interest to you or your family. This gives us an opportunity to familiarize you with the church’s expectations and to pray for the candidate during the time of preparation.
• Baptism and Communion – All baptized persons are welcomed and expected to share in communion, even the very young. This is discussed at the Baptism Preparation workshop.
• Fees and Protocols – There is no fee for Christian baptism. This in no way diminishes the fact that there are expectations, including attendance at worship.
The Dates of Baptism
You may recall a time when Baptism took place almost upon demand. The Anglican Church has moved to a more considered and ancient practice of celebrating Baptisms on particular feasts of the church year. These are:
• Easter – This is the most ancient feast for Baptisms, either at a vigil service on the Saturday night before Easter, or at the Easter Day celebrations.
• Baptism of the Lord – Jesus’ own Baptism began his public ministry. The church celebrates this event in early or mid-January.
• Pentecost – Pentecost is the Feast of the Holy Spirit and occurs seven weeks after Easter, usually in May or early June.
• Season of the Kingdom – Between All Saints Day (November 1) and the Feast of the Reign of Christ (Sunday before Advent), we celebrate Baptisms to indicate our participation in Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom.
Occasionally, Baptism is offered during the Bishop’s visit to the parish. Specific dates are published well in advance.
Baptism Preparation
Those seeking Baptism are expected to undertake a time of preparation that will include attendance at worship, and a workshop or interview that should include the sponsors (or Godparents) as part of the preparation.
• Basic Information – The Parish maintains a register of Baptisms, and you will need to provide parent names, date and place of birth, and names of sponsors.
• Thinking About Baptism – This book (or other reading material) will be provided by the Parish to supplement the information in this brochure.
• Attendance – Because Baptism is a means of becoming part of the Body of Christ in the world, participating with the gathered community on a regular basis is the minimal expectation of the Church. Unlike marriage, which defines the relationship between two individuals, Baptism defines the relationship between a believer and God as expressed in the community of faith. Please be gracious enough to let the Church define Baptism, and not dictate to the church what you want or expect.
Other Considerations
• The Family – There is some level of family custom that we will try and honour if you are able to plan for Baptism in the Parish of Lantz. You would be expected to provide a letter of reference from the church community where you are presently living, specifying that you have participated in that parish’s preparation and are presently worshiping there. If you are having difficulty in identifying an Anglican congregation where you live, please contact us, and we will assist you with this.
• Sponsors – The ancient practice of sponsors (sometimes called God-parents) presenting a candidate for Baptism is commendable. Parents of children are considered primary sponsors for infants and young children. Two or three highly regarded family members or friends are often invited to present a candidate for Baptism; sponsors should themselves be baptized. An old custom that presumed guardianship of Godparents in the event of the parents’ death is not recognized in law, and if this is your desire, should be specified in your will.
Other Information
• Photographs - Opportunities for group photographs are provided after the service. The officiating clergy will be pleased to participate.
• Other Clergy – On occasion, there are family friends or relatives who are clergy and it would be important to the family to have them participate in the service. Please contact the parish office to discuss this further.
• Pastoral Emergencies - There are sometimes very difficult situations where Baptism will be administered in a hospital or home when the life of the candidate is in jeopardy. The parish clergy are always prepared to administer Baptism in these circumstances. Those baptized in these circumstances should be publicly welcomed at a service in the Parish when the opportunity permits.
• Documentation - A Certificate of Baptism is provided from the Parish, and in the Parish of Lantz, is customarily provided at the next baptismal celebration. Sponsor Certificates are also provided, as is a Baptism Candle.
