Baptisms
Baptism is the rite of initiation by which we become a part of the Body of Christ, the Church. Baptisms at Christ & St. Luke’s also include Christening, or anointing with oil blessed by the Bishop. Except in extreme circumstances, it is the norm in the Episcopal Church to hold baptisms as part of one of the public Sunday services.
As such, Baptisms at Christ & St. Luke’s are celebrated on the baptismal feasts of the church year:
- All Saints (November)
- Baptism of Our Lord (January)
- Easter Vigil (March or April)
- Pentecost (May or June).
We also offer a baptism date in the late Summer (July or August) should the need arise. We do our best to accommodate your preferred date. However, given logistical restraints on how many baptisms we can do on a given date, some baptismal dates may fill quickly.
Baptism is a chance for the church community to surround those being baptized in love, support, and fellowship. It’s actually a promise we make as a community during the baptismal service. Given that, it is our hope that baptism serves as an open invitation into the full life of Christian discipleship, and specifically to life in fellowship at Christ & St. Luke’s. This invitation is offered freely to all. It especially applies to adult baptismal candidates, and, in the case of infants and young children, to the family of the child being baptized. We believe that the full beauty of baptism begins to reveal itself in regular attendance at worship, fellowship events, and Christian formation.
Please note: This application is meant to be filled out after speaking with a member of the clergy. Contact Fr. Jared Grant for more info.
Confirmation, Reception & Reaffirmation
As the Book of Common Prayer notes, “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.” Along with Reception, Confirmation is the formal process of joining the Episcopal Church, and thus, Christ & St. Luke’s. Additionally, those who are confirmed members of the Episcopal Church can reaffirm their baptismal vows in the Reaffirmation rite.
If you are coming from another Christian denomination and have already been baptized, you may be Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church by the Bishop. Additionally, Confirmation is particularly appropriate for youth and young adults who were baptized in an Episcopal church as infants or small children, and who would like to make a mature declaration of their faith. Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows are offered at Christ and St Luke’s at one service conducted by the Bishop each year during the Bishop’s Annual Visitation.
If you are interested in one of these rites, or have questions about which one may be correct for you, please speak with a member of the clergy.
Confirmation is for those who have been baptized, but never Confirmed; or Confirmed in a Christian denomination without a bishop in apostolic succession.
Reception is for those who have been Confirmed in a Christian denomination by a bishop in apostolic succession.
Reaffirmation is for those who are already confirmed members of the Episcopal Church, but who would like to reaffirm their faith commitment and have the Bishop lay hands on their head and pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
In each of the above cases, you kneel before the Bishop who will then with differing prayers, Confirm or Receive you into the Church, or bless your Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows.
Adult Candidates for Confirmation or Reception must participate in the Episcopal 101 course offered each Fall. Youth Confirmation Candidates will complete a youth-specific preparation course.
Please note: This application is meant to be filled out after speaking with a member of the clergy. Contact Fr. Jared Grant for more info.
