The Anglican Parish of St Andrew: Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament of belonging. In baptism we ask God to cleanse us from sin and to make us part of the Church. When we come for baptism we are saying "yes" to God.

Christian parents bring their children for baptism because they want them to be part of the community of faith. Parents and Godparents (or Sponsors) take on promises on behalf of the children they bring for baptism. They also take on the responsibility of raising their children as active members of the church.

In the Christian life, we are not alone. God provides us companions on the way and we share our faith and our struggles with the community of the Church. In Baptism, the Church says "yes" to you.

Following is a brief guide to baptism.

How much notice is required?
Do the parents need to be Anglican?
Do the god-parents need to be Anglican?
When may a Baptism be performed?
What are the promises we make in Baptism?
What is preparation is necessary?
What do we do next?

Advance Notice

Baptism is a celebration of the local Christian community. It requires planning on the part of the church and preparation on the part of the candidate, or the parents and sponsors. Therefore, you are asked to give notice to the priest not less than three weeks prior to one of the pre-scheduled dates for baptism.

In bringing a child to be baptized in the church we seek to give the child something of value which we already have: active membership in the Church and the joy of the Christian life. Parents do not need to be Anglican, but at least one must be baptized, and it is normally expected that at least one is a practicing Christian.

Godparents or sponsors do not need to be Anglican, but they must be baptized themselves, and should be practicing Christians.

Dates for Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament that involves the whole Christian community. Therefore it is normally celebrated during the main Sunday worship service. Baptism is normally held on one of five specific dates through the year:

The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (first Sunday after Epiphany)
Easter Vigil or Easter Day
Pentecost
All Saints
The Bishop's Visit
Additionally, Baptism may be scheduled on:
- The Feast of the Transfiguration
- The Feast of Holy Cross

**Dates for Baptism: 1999/2000**
Feast Day	Date
Baptism of the Lord	10 January, 1999
Easter	4 April, 1999
Pentecost	23 May, 1999
Transfiguration	9 August, 1999 (transferred)
All Saints	7 November, 1999 (transferred)
Baptism of the Lord	9 January, 2000
Easter	23 April, 2000
Pentecost	11 June, 2000
Transfiguration	6 August, 2000
All Saints	5 November, 2000 (transferred)

The Promises in Baptism

In Baptism we make several promises to God in his church.

We affirm our faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We promise to "continue in the Apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers."
We promise to "persevere in resisting evil and, whenever we fall into sin, to repent and return to the Lord."
We promise to "proclaim by word and example the good new of God in Christ."
We promise to "seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbours as ourselves."
We promise to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being."

In other words, we promise to be active members of the worshiping community, seeking to strengthen our faith by worship and study, and seeking to help bring God's love into the world.

Baptismal Preparation

Before taking any significant step in life, it is appropriate to prepare for it. The same is true in beginning the Christian life with baptism. When we bring children to be baptized, the parents and godparents need to prepare for their new responsibilities. In baptismal preparation we seek to explore our faith and to understand the promises being made at baptism. In the Parish of Lachute baptismal preparation is scheduled before the date of each baptism. Parents and godparents are expected to attend these sessions.

Next steps

For further information, or to request a baptism, please contact the Rector.

The Anglican Parish of St Andrew
St Simeon's, Lachute * Christ Church, St Andrew's East * St Paul's, Dunany
Weddings * Baptism * Ministry Team * Peace Candle