Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. — 1 Corinthians 12.4-7
Baptism, the foundation for church participation and ministry, is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the church. We believe that God accepts and loves each and every one of us. In the Episcopal Church, all are welcomed into membership in the Christian Church.
Each candidate for baptism in the Episcopal Church is sponsored by one or more baptized person(s). Godparents or sponsors speak on behalf of those who are too young to speak for themselves at the Presentation and Examination of the Candidates. Parents and Godparents promise to bring up the candidate in the Christian faith. Baptism is usually administered at a regular Sunday service of Holy Eucharist. The congregation renews their baptismal vows and promises to uphold and support the baptized and their parents and Godparents.
The following are traditional times during the Church calendar when baptisms are appropriate: the Easter Vigil, the day of Pentecost, All Saints' Day or the Sunday following All Saints' Day (usually the first Sunday in November), and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after the Epiphany, usually the first Sunday in January). At St. John's, we also have baptisms on the Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend and the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend since these tend to be occasions when families gather together. If you wish to schedule a baptism, please fill out the form Information for Holy Baptism (download as a PDF or Microsoft Word Doc) and send it to the church office or fax it the office at 303-545-2416.
Instructions for baptism are given by the Associate Rector at 10 a.m. on the Saturday before the baptism. This class lasts approximately one hour and is an informal session designed to familiarize parents and Godparents with the meaning and flow of the baptismal service. Godparents, grandparents, siblings and infants are welcome to attend. If a Godparent cannot be present for the baptism, someone else can stand in for them. At least one person besides the parents should be present as a witness.
Following the baptism, the parents will be presented with the baptismal towel used by the clergy during the baptism. This keepsake is hand-embroidered by the Altar Guild of St. John's. Adults are presented with a baptismal candle. Parents and Godparents will receive a baptismal card for their records and the baptized child/adult will be registered in our church record books. We are pleased to welcome new members into our parish family through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Please call the church office (303.442.5246) if you have further questions.
