Holy Baptism
Q. What is Holy Baptism?
A. Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.
Q. What is the outward and visible sign in Baptism?
A. The outward and visible sign in Baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace in Baptism?
A. The inward and spiritual grace in Baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God's family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.
Q. What is required of us at Baptism?
A. It is required that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Q. Why then are infants baptized?
A. Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God.
Q. How are the promises for infants made and carried out?
A. Promises are made for them by their parents and sponsors, who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him.
St. Stephen's celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism four times a year; at the Great Easter Vigil (Saturday evening before Easter Sunday), Pentecost Sunday, All Saints Sunday and Sunday of the Baptism of our Lord. It is required of all parents and godparents to take one baptism course with the rector or one of the deacons. The Sacrament of Baptism can be celebrated at other times during the year but must be approved by the Rector. Baptism is always celebrated in the context of a public worship service. For more information, please contact the parish office.
Q. What is Holy Baptism?
A. Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.
Q. What is the outward and visible sign in Baptism?
A. The outward and visible sign in Baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace in Baptism?
A. The inward and spiritual grace in Baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God's family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.
Q. What is required of us at Baptism?
A. It is required that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Q. Why then are infants baptized?
A. Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God.
Q. How are the promises for infants made and carried out?
A. Promises are made for them by their parents and sponsors, who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him.
St. Stephen's celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism four times a year; at the Great Easter Vigil (Saturday evening before Easter Sunday), Pentecost Sunday, All Saints Sunday and Sunday of the Baptism of our Lord. It is required of all parents and godparents to take one baptism course with the rector or one of the deacons. The Sacrament of Baptism can be celebrated at other times during the year but must be approved by the Rector. Baptism is always celebrated in the context of a public worship service. For more information, please contact the parish office.