Baptisms

The Covenant – to strive for justice, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to proclaim by work and example the good news in Christ and to participate in the fellowship of the whole Christian Church.*

The Sacrament of Baptism marks the beginning of a person’s membership in the Church and the first formal steps of their Christian walk. It is usually offered at one of the main worship services in order that the congregation may be present to pray for the newly baptized and to receive them into the fold. Here are a few things you may want to know about baptisms at St. Mark & St. Philip’s
 
Who may be baptized at St. Mark & St. Philip’s?

Infants whose parents have a serious intention of bringing them up in the Christian faith may be baptized at St. Mark & St. Philip’s. Similarly, adults who intend to take their place in the Christian community may be baptized.
People from out of town - both infants and adults - may be baptized at St. Mark & St. Philip’s provided they complete the preparation required by their own church where they live, or to make such provision if they have no home church.

When are baptisms offered?

The celebration of baptism is planned to coincide with one of the feast days of the church, such as Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, or All Saints’ Day. However, depending on the numbers, other appropriate occasions are sometimes sought in order that there may be no more than three of four baptisms at one time. This is to safeguard the individuality of the rite as each candidate is acknowledged and received, one at a time, into the household of faith.

From time to time exceptions will be made to the choice of date in order to accommodate visiting relatives or other circumstances.

Those being baptized (or, in the case of infants, their parents) are expected to participate in a preparation program that is occasionally offered on several Sundays leading up to the date of the baptism. In some instances, where this is not possible, preparation might take the form of a one-to-one visit with one of the clergy.

Traditionally, godparents are adults willing to encourage and support a child in his or her Christian upbringing. This means, ideally, they should be active Christians whose life and witness can serve as a role model for the baptized child. Alternatively, a godparent might be an active member of some other faith community provided they intend to play an active and positive role in the child’s faith development.

Increasingly the church is choosing to speak of “sponsors” rather than godparents, especially in the instance of adult baptism or where the church supplies a person to play that supportive role.

Despite some enduring traditions pertaining to the proper number and gender of godparents, no set rules exist about these choices.

There is no cost associated with the sacrament of baptism. As each baptized person grows in faith, they are expected to take their part along with other church members in financially supporting the church and its various ministries.

When you are ready to proceed with plans for a baptism, contact the church office and ask to be included in the preparation for the next scheduled baptism.

Contact

1802 33rd Ave. SW Calgary, AB
Office: (403) 244-0198
Fax: (403) 245-5065

email: office@parishofstmstp.com