A Baptismal Catechism
 

Catechism: A method of religious instruction, consisting of questions and answers.

What is Baptism?

"Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body, the Church. The bond which God establishes at Baptism is indissoluble." (The Book of Common Prayer, page 208).

The Episcopal Church understands Holy Baptism as an action which imparts the outreaching love of God and signifies:

1. transformation of life;
2. identification with God and the purposes of God through Jesus Christ;
3. incorporation into the Church;
4. the gift of the Holy Spirit to direct and inform one’s mission in the world.

Baptism has to do with identity, community, and eternal life.  It is not simply a ceremony marking the beginning of Church membership; it is far more radical than that. The service of Holy Baptism speaks of moving from darkness to light and from death to life.

Baptism has to do with community.  The one who is baptized is brought into a new community: the Church, which is the Body of Christ.  Baptism is a bond of unity that demonstrates we belong to God, and are bound to Him and to our brothers and sisters forever.

Baptism has to do with life. The one who is baptized acknowledges human mortality and accepts the gift of new and eternal life in Jesus Christ. In Baptism we are buried with Christ and raised to new life in him.

In Baptism, one agrees to die to the past life of sin in order to be changed and transformed in Christ.  Sin is separation from God; therefore, we are separated from the source of life, from each other, and even from ourselves. Baptism overcomes that separation and restores us to unity with God, brings us into the Christian community, and restores the image of God in us.

Does Baptism change anything?

Yes and no. Christians believe that God already loves every member of the human family. He does not love you more when you have been baptized. Baptism is a sign and a reminder of that love. It shows us once and for all that we have become part of a community which depends on God’s love and seeks to tell the rest of the world about it. God doesn't change; but we are changed by baptism because it places us firmly within the Church.

Who should be Baptized?

Candidates may be of any age. Normally they are adults and older children who are converting to Christianity or infants and younger children of Christian families who are committed to the Church.

Should everyone be Baptized?

Because of its importance, Baptism should be administered carefully and faithfully. In other words, adults should only be baptized when they are ready to make the faith commitment to the Baptismal promises as members of the Body of Christ. Upon Baptism, once accepts the challenge:

1. to persevere in the apostles teaching and fellowship;
2. to persevere in relationship with God and the community through fellowship, worship, and prayer;
3. to be a witness of the liberating, redemptive work of Christ in the world, in thought, word, and deed.

Like any community, the Christian family lays certain responsibilities on its members. To take the Church seriously means that you support it; that you care enough about it to give it your time, your participation, your abilities, your financial support. Not only that, being a Christian means you promise these things.

In the Baptism of children, for example, you make promises not only on your own behalf, but in the name of the child. You are committing yourself to see that your child becomes a fully active member of the Christian family, following your example. You make these promises to God, to yourself, and to the Church. Obviously no one should make that kind of commitment unless he or she intends to keep it.

What are Sponsors?

The Book of Common Prayer requires that each candidate for Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons." (BCP, page 298) Adults who seek Baptism should have a least one sponsor, also an adult of the congregation, who will represent and interpret the community of faith to the candidate, and provide a connection between the candidate and the parish. Candidates should select their sponsors with the guidance and approval of the priest.

Those who sponsor infants and young children are commonly called godparents. Their role is slightly different. They must also take the baptismal vows on behalf of the candidate, who is usually unable to answer for him or herself. Furthermore, they promise to "see that the child is brought up in the Christian faith and life" and they are charged to help the child grow "into the full stature of Christ." (BCP, page 302) Godparents must be baptized Christians and it is preferable that at least one of them be a committed member of the community where the candidate will live out his or her life in Christ.

How do you prepare for Baptism?

Every Baptism should be preceded by a period of formation and spiritual preparation. In the case of adults preparing for Baptism, St. James’ Parish follows the catechumenate outlined in The Book of Occasional Services: 1994, pages 114-130.

Parents and sponsors of infants and younger children follow the process of preparation for parents and godparents as outlined in The Book of Occasional Services: 1994, pages 159-162.

Why can’t I have a private Baptism?

There is nothing private about Baptism. Baptism should be administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast. The Book of Common Prayer (page 209), recognizes that Baptism is an action of the entire Christian community as it incorporates new members. In the baptismal liturgy, the community promises to support the candidate in their new life in Christ, so it is most fitting to celebrate Baptism at the time and place when the greatest cross-section of the community gathers: the Sunday or feast-day Eucharist.

It is best to celebrate Baptism on Easter (preferably at the Great Vigil) because it is the death and resurrection of Christ into which candidates are baptized; on the Day of Pentecost, because the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the candidates in Baptism; on all Saints’ Day (or the Sunday following), because it is the community of saints into which the candidate is welcomed; and on the Feast of Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, because it is Christ’s Baptism which sets the example for us. Because the Bishop is the chief minister of Christian initiation (a responsibility he or she delegates to the priests), it is fitting to celebrate Baptism when the Bishop visits. The Book of Common Prayer (page 312) recommends that Baptism be reserved for these occasions.

Do I need to be re-baptized if I was Baptized in another Church?

The Episcopal Church recognizes the validity of all baptisms performed with water and in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Under absolutely no circumstances can a valid Baptism be repeated.

If you are unsure if your Baptisms was valid or if you are not sure if you were baptized as an infant, The Book of Common Prayer provides for a "Conditional Baptism" using the words: "If you are not already baptized, N., I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (BCP, page 313).