At St. Nicholas Episcopal Church the service of baptism takes place on several Sundays of the year. As it signifies the public commitment between a person and God it is always administered as a part of one of our main worship services. Baptism is the outward and visible sign in which a person is connected with God in a covenantal relationship.

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.
- The Book of Common Prayer

Baptism signals that the person baptized has been seeded with inward and spiritual gifts from God. These gifts include:

• birth into God's family the Church
• forgiveness of sins
• union with Christ in his death and resurrection
• new life in the Holy Spirit
  

Baptism is not solely assent to an intellectual proposition, nor is it merely joining a club or organization. It is incorporation in God's own life. The Episcopal Church teaches that all people may be so incorporated and may commence upon a lifelong journey to comprehend the connection between God and one's self. Infants, children, and adults may be baptized.

At baptism, the person to be baptized must make certain renunciations and promises. The baptismal vows for infants and younger children are made on their behalf, in faith, by their sponsors. Older children and adults make their own promises.

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BAPTISM MEANS A CONNECTION
BETWEEN A PERSON AND OTHER PEOPLE

Baptism is a public ceremony in which the gathered community of Christians participate in welcoming a new member into the Church. The gathered community consists of the family and sponsors of the person to be baptized, along with the congregation and clergy of the local church in which the baptism takes place. St. Nicholas Church considers baptism to be a part of its ongoing relationship with the baptized person and therefore strongly encourages candidates to consider becoming members of the congregation if they have not already.

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THERE IS A SPECIAL ROLE
FOR BAPTISM SPONSORS

Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates. It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church.
- The Book of Common Prayer

At St. Nicholas Church, baptism instruction is conducted over several sessions. When numbers permit, baptismal instruction is done with groups of families to allow opportunities for mutual sharing and support.

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SUGGESTIONS FOR SELECTION OF BAPTISMAL SPONSORS

The Person you select as a sponsor:

• Should be a Christian. Only such a person can, in good conscience before God and Church, make the baptismal renunciations and promises on behalf of the candidate.
• Should participate regularly with a Christian congregation for his or her own spiritual growth.
• Should be willing to enter into a long-term relationship with the person to be baptized.
• May be a family member, relative, or friend.

People frequently ask about the appropriate number of sponsors. The church requires that there be at least one sponsor and that all sponsors be baptized Christians. A long-standing church tradition specified two men and a woman for a male candidate and two women and a man for a female candidate. We suggest that at least one woman and one man, other than the parents, be selected. This provides several persons for the baptismal connection between candidate and sponsors, and creates balance and variety.

Chosen as a Baptism Sponsor, a booklet explaining the role of a sponsor and offering suggestions on how sponsors can fulfill their obligations is available from the church office or on this website. We suggest that you give or send a booklet to each person you invite to serve as a sponsor.

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BAPTISMAL PREPARATION

1. Those interested in Holy Baptism should contact the Rector to determine an appropriate date on which to hold the Baptism service. This date should allow adequate time for preparation sessions with the parents and, if possible, the Godparents/sponsors.

2. Prior to the baptism date, you will meet with the Rector for baptism preparation discussions. In these discussions, held over several seessions, you will discuss the baptism service and its significance, the roles of parents and sponsors, as well as the nature of your and the sponsors' commitments to the candidate. We strongly encourage all family members and sponsors attend, if possible. You may wish to fill out the Baptism Information Form and bring it with you to the meeting.

3. During the week before the baptism a rehearsal will be held. Family members and sponsors, if possible, should be present. This is a time to work out the logistics for the upcoming service and to answer any final questions.

4. The candidates will be remembered by name in the congregation's public prayers during the weeks preceding and following the baptism. 

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TRADITIONAL DATES FOR BAPTISM

At St. Nicholas Church dates for Holy Baptism are set at the mutual convenience of the family and the presiding clergy. With the exception of the Great Vigil of Easter, all Baptisms are held on Sundays during the regularly scheduled service.

Traditional dates for Holy Baptism include:

• The Baptism of our Lord (Winter)
• The Great Vigil of Easter (Easter Eve)
• Pentecost Sunday (Spring)
• All Saints Sunday (Fall)
• The First Sunday in Advent (Fall-Winter)
  

Other baptism dates may be scheduled if the need arises.

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For more information, contact the Rector.