Baptism

Holy Baptism “is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.” (Book of Common Prayer p.298)

If you’re interested in being baptized yourself, or having your child baptized, there are two steps.

1.) Fill out this Baptism Request Form.

2.) Once you’ve filled out the Baptism Request Form, church staff will be in touch with you about arranging a baptism prep meeting with clergy.

St. Mark’s schedules Holy Baptism on four especially appropriate feast days throughout the church year, and is always in the context of a celebration of the Holy Eucharist:

  • the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (early January)

  • the Easter Vigil (Saturday night before Easter morning)

  • the Day of Pentecost

  • the Sunday nearest All Saints’ Day (early November). 

    Other Sundays may be arranged in consultation with the clergy.

 

Here are some other frequently asked questions:

  • Who can be godparents or sponsors? The Episcopal Church requires that the candidate for Holy Baptism have at least one sponsor/godparent who is a baptized Christian. The sponsor need not be Episcopalian because the candidate is being baptized into “Christ’s one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church” rather than into this denomination.

  • Can we take photos or videotapes during the service? Yes, but we ask that you refrain from using any flash photography, and we also ask that you do your best not to distract others from the reverence of the occasion. You are also welcome to stay after the service to take photos.

  • Can our guests/family members receive Communion? If they’ve been baptized, yes. Communion in the Episcopal church is not just for Episcopalians. It is for for all those who have been baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

  • What are expectations for those who are baptized? It is the expectation, as articulated in the Baptismal Covenant, that those who are baptized will be faithful in worship, will make Christian formation a priority, and will be involved in the mission and ministry of the Church.