Holy Baptism

​“Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us
as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body,
the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.” BCP p.858

 As one of the two great Sacraments, baptism is the intentional beginning for a life of discipleship.  This is a life where we acknowledge and renounce evil and turn to Jesus Christ as our Savior.  Please know that wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are always welcome here at St. David’s.

​For infants: The Episcopal Church and St. David’s welcomes all into the covenant community.  When we baptize the youngest and newest members, we welcome them into the community.  Our infants and children are unable to make promises for themselves so parents and godparents make them on their behalf.  Working together, parents and Godparents make the promises of our baptismal covenant and promise to bring them up within that covenant.  When the child is old enough, they enter into the rite of Confirmation, where they make this promises as an adult.  In the Episcopal Church, you do not need to be re-baptized if you were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
 
What is required for my child to be baptized? 
We invite parents and Godparents to attend a discussion, typically held on Saturdays, to understand the responsibility and what is going on it baptism.  At this class we not only talk about forgiveness of sin, but the recognition that we are all an “original blessing.” 
 
Great!  What do I do next? 
Please fill out our Baptism request form, and we will be in touch with you.  We typically have baptisms on the second Sunday of each month (excluding Advent and Lent).

Adult Baptism: 
 
So, I’m not a baby, can I be baptized?  
Of course! The promises made as an adult are powerful and are an intentional decision to follow Christ in your life. 
 
I’ve been baptized, but I’m interested in more? 
We hold Confirmation classes for youth and encourage you to visit that page. 
 
Confirmation: “Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature
commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” BCP p. 860, In other words, you make the promises made at your baptism as an adult.
 
Reception: You have been baptized and confirmed in another church and now know the Episcopal Church and seek to enter into Christ’s Holy Catholic Church as an Episcopalian.
 
Reaffirmation: You have been baptized and confirmed and are renewing your promises in a very intentional way.  This rite may be meaningful if you have fallen away for a long time and are returning to the church. ​