BAPTISM INFORMATION
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church. It is a public statement of one’s intentional decision to follow the way of Jesus. In the case of infant baptism, it is the parents’ declaration of their intent to raise a child in the way of Jesus. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble, so baptism is only administered once. When you choose to be baptized yourself or to have your child baptized in the Episcopal Church, it means you are choosing to live out the Baptismal Covenant in the context of an Episcopal church community, taking your part in the worship, mission and ministries of the local parish. Baptism is open to all people, regardless of age or background.
If you feel called to be baptized, or to have your child baptized, the first steps are to attend church regularly and to talk to the clergy about baptism. Your preparation will include study of the Baptismal Covenant and what it contains, and what it can mean for your life. You will also learn about the symbol of water, about the importance of the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in whose name the baptism is administered, and about the Scripture stories that illuminate the meaning and symbolism of Baptism.
Baptism can be regarded as the beginning of a spiritual path and not the culmination of one. It is not necessary that a candidate for baptism fully understand nor be comfortable with every word of the Christian Creeds and doctrines from the outset, but rather be ready to embark on the rich path of discovery into the way, truth and life of Jesus Christ.
If you are new to the Episcopal Church and have already been baptized in another denomination, you may wish to renew your faith life. If this is the case, you may be received or confirmed in the Episcopal Church, rites which St. John’s can help you learn about and discern whether they are appropriate for you. Wherever you come from and whatever your faith background, the Episcopal Church welcomes you!
If you are interested in Baptism in St. John’s, please contact the parish offices at 813.259.1570 or parish@stjohnstampa.org to begin the scheduling process BEFORE you confirm a date with friends and family.
BAPTISM CLASSES
A mandatory Baptism class is held the Sunday prior to the Baptism date in the church.
BAPTISM CHECK IN/REHEARSAL
Check-in with the celebrating clergyperson is 30 minutes before the service the day of the Baptism in the church. Please be prompt. Parents and Godparents/Sponsors should attend. Families will receive a reminder the week prior.
Please call the parish offices at 813.259.1570 so that we may help you prepare for this special event.
