Baptism is a sacrament – a sign of God working in our lives.
When you or your child is baptized, it is a sign that God has called you into deeper relationship with God and with the Church. Through the waters of baptism, you are made clean and new – reborn as a member of the Body of Christ and assured of God’s unconditional love for you.
Baptism is a covenant – a holy promise.
At your baptism, or that of your child, you will make some promises before God and the Church. You will promise to renounce evil, to repent of your own sins, and to follow Jesus as a member of the community of faith, seeking justice and peace for all people and all of creation. God will be with you as you try to keep these promises and the Church promises to be with you, too.
The Anglican Church celebrates child baptisms, recognizing them as opportunities for parents to commit themselves to raising their children in faith and for the church to rejoice in the addition of a beloved member of the Body of Christ.
Child baptisms are performed 4 times a year, during the Sunday morning Eucharist: at the end of February, the end of May, the end of July, and the beginning of November. Children can also be baptized during the Easter Vigil service, which is a late night service the Saturday before Easter.
Parents are required (and godparents encouraged) to attend preparation classes before the baptism takes place.
There is no charge for baptisms in the church. We just ask that you consider making an offering to support the ministry of the Cathedral. This offering can be given during the service when the collection is taken up.
If you would like to have your child baptized at Christ Church Cathedral, please contact the office.
Adult baptisms generally take place twice a year, once in the winter and at the Easter Vigil (the late night service on the Saturday before Easter). Adult candidates for baptism join with those preparing for confirmation or other forms of affirmations of faith in a course of study about the Christian faith. These courses are offered in the fall and in Lent.
If you are feeling called to baptism, contact the office to arrange an appointment with a priest.
The Baptismal Covenant
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?
Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbour as yourself?
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being?
Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation, and respect, sustain, and renew the life of the Earth?