Baptism

Holy Baptism is the full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Christian Church. Christians are baptized in the name of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Anyone who seeks God and is drawn to Jesus Christ, regardless of age or background, is welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism.  

Baptism is celebrated only once; no matter what where or by whom you were baptized, if you were baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, your baptism is valid here.  If you are not certain whether you have been baptized, conditional baptism is available (adding the formula, “If you are not already baptized” to the traditional words). If you have already been baptized, you may wish to renew your baptismal vows, or consider being confirmed or received by a bishop into the Episcopal Church.

We believe that baptism marks a person’s entrance into the Christian community, and so we celebrate baptismson Sundays, when the entire community is present to celebrate, pray, and join in welcoming the new member. We often celebrate baptisms on four especially appropriate dates: 
The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, in early January
The Great Vigil of Easter, in early spring
The Day of Pentecost, in late spring, and
All Saints’ Sunday, in early November.
Other Sundays are available for baptism as well, in discussion with the clergy.  Because it shapes the planning of our services and impacts a number of different ministries, we ask that you reach out to the clergy to schedule baptism at least two months in advance.  We offer preparation for baptism, as part of a class with others or individually, with specifics decided based on the person’s age, background, needs and hopes for their spiritual journey.
We are always overjoyed to celebrate baptisms here at Grace, and we hope that if you are interested in being baptized, that you will get in touch with a member of staff or clergy. [Links to contact info]

Please contact Rev.Amy at revamy@episcopal-org or Rev. Anne at [email protected]

Confirmation is a mature, public affirmation of faith, celebrated by the prayers and laying on of hands by a bishop. It is a celebration of baptism and the confirmand’s desire to live out their faith in the Episcopal Church. 

Reception is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in a Christian denomination that has a ritual of confirmation (such as Methodists, Catholics or Lutherans) and who wish to formally join the Episcopal Church.

Reaffirmation of Faith is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church, but who wish to make another public affirmation of their faith upon the bishop’s visit.

We offer confirmation and reception for adults and youth when the bishop visits us approximately every two years. We join in learning, service, and worship together as we prepare for this special commitment to God.  Contact the clergy if you are an adult interested in confirmation or reception.  Youth interested in confirmation should get in touch with the youth director. 

Reception is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in a Christian denomination that has a ritual of confirmation (such as Methodists, Catholics or Lutherans) and who wish to formally join the Episcopal Church.
Reaffirmation of Faith is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church, but who wish to make another public affirmation of their faith upon the bishop’s visit.
We offer confirmation and reception for adults and youth when the bishop visits us approximately every two years. We join in learning, service, and worship together as we prepare for this special commitment to God. Contact the clergy if you are an adult interested in confirmation or reception. Youth interested in confirmation should get in touch with the youth director.