We are thrilled that you are considering taking this important step. Here is some information to help you make your decision. Please contact us to talk about preparation and our upcoming dates for baptism.
The question must be asked. It is, after all, a rather strange thing to do – pouring water on a unsuspecting infant or adult! What is baptism, and why might you want this for yourself or your child?
Christians baptize because Jesus told us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19)
Jesus invites everyone to become his disciples and baptism marks the beginning of a journey of faith in community.
Those who are baptized join a community of modern-day disciples – Jesus Christ’s Church. Together, we grow in our faith and our ability to share God’s mission in the world. We share regularly in the holy Eucharist, worshiping with other Christians, developing the practice of prayer and service to others based on the teachings of Jesus, and participating in the life of the community.
Everyone who seeks a meaningful relationship with God in Jesus Christ is eligible for baptism. You don’t need to be a Bible scholar or have everything sorted out in order to be baptized. Baptism is tied to faith, not expertise!
Faith, in the Christian sense of the word, is about trust in a particular person, Jesus Christ.
Baptism reminds us that we cannot earn our way into God’s favour – that is His gift to us. When we baptize infants, we are reminded that God reaches out his hands of love to us first, in the person of Jesus Christ. What we are doing is responding to that gift. We also acknowledge the responsibility of the community to do its part to support the child in his/her Christian journey.
If you have an infant or young child you may ask one or two people to act as sponsors of godparents. Particularly for adults, it is appropriate to invite one or two members of the community to serve as sponsors. Godparents and sponsors are friends or family members who share your Christian faith and will support you as you make baptismal promises. They are asked to share in the responsibility of Christian nurture and formation of their godchild.
Baptism is the beginning of a new way of life – we welcome you into it!
Baptism is initiation into a community of faith – it marks the beginning of a certain way of life. At St. Cuthbert’s we want to make sure we do our part to help you and your family prepare for this great event.
Baptism marks an important step in our lives and involves the life of the whole community. Because it is a life-long process rather than a single moment, it is important to make the decision thoughtfully and prayerfully within the context of worship as well as your participation in the St. Cuthbert’s community.
All families considering baptism must attend baptism preparation classes, together with the godparents and/or sponsors.
Baptism is always celebrated at one of our Sunday services. There is a rehearsal on the Saturday immediately prior to a baptism.