Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church. In the water of Baptism we are buried with Christ in his death. By the water of Baptism we share in Christ’s resurrection. Through the water of Baptism we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.

At St. Augustine’s, Holy Baptism is offered at a service of Holy Eucharist (communion) on a Sunday or other feast. Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil (Easter Eve), on the Day of Pentecost (the seventh Sunday after Easter), on All Saints’ Day (November 1) or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (early January).

Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children (who can speak for themselves) present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their own 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.

Before the day of Baptism, the candidates, and the parents and godparents if the candidate is an infant, meet with the clergy and are 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 Christians.

We invite you to worship at St. Augustine’s so that you may feel confident that this is the faith community which would support you as you take the vows of Baptism, either for yourself or on behalf of your child, and as you (or your child) grow into the full stature of Christ. If you would like to schedule a date for Holy Baptism, please contact the Rector, Fr. Christopher Easthill, at revchris@staugustines.de.