Holy Baptism at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

 

“Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread,and in the prayers?”     
                                                                                                  Book of Common Prayer, Baptismal Covenant

Dear Friends in Christ,

Thank you for your interest in celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
We are honored that you have reached out to us during this joyful moment in your family’s life. Baptism is one of
the two great sacraments given to the Church by Christ. Through water and the Holy Spirit, we are united with
Christ in his death and resurrection, forgiven our sins, and incorporated into the Body of Christ, the Church (Book
of Common Prayer, p. 298).

Because baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of Christian faith, it is much more than a family ceremony or
cherished tradition. It is a sacred covenant between God, the baptized, the family, sponsors, and the gathered
Church.

During the Baptismal Liturgy, parents and godparents make solemn promises on behalf of the child. They promise
to raise the child in the Christian faith, to teach them to pray, to bring them regularly into the life of the Church, and
to help them grow into the full stature of Christ.

The congregation also makes a promise:  “Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support this person in their life in Christ?”
Together we answer: “We will.”
For this reason, baptisms are ordinarily celebrated during the principal Sunday Eucharist, surrounded by the
worshipping community.

According to the Book of Common Prayer, Holy Baptism is especially appropriate on these occasions:
• The Great Vigil of Easter
• The Day of Pentecost
• All Saints’ Day (or the Sunday following)
• The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany)
• Whenever the Bishop is present
• Other Sundays and Principal Feasts as pastoral circumstances permit.

As a parish located in a vacation community, we are frequently contacted by families who have a special
connection to Stone Harbor and desire to celebrate a baptism here. We rejoice whenever people seek God’s
grace. At the same time, because baptism joins us to the universal Church, we also seek to understand each
family’s relationship with a worshipping community and how the child will continue to grow in the Christian faith
after the celebration.

Please complete the following information and return it to the parish office. A member of the clergy will then contact
you to arrange a pastoral conversation before scheduling a baptism.

We look forward to walking with you on this sacred journey.

Our desire is that this baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ and participation in the life of the
Church. By signing below, we affirm that we understand the promises made in the Baptismal Covenant and desire
to nurture our child in the Christian faith.

Faithfully,
The Rev. Allison Burns-LaGreca
Rector
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Stone Harbor, New Jersey

 

Holy Baptism Information Form

Family Information
Child’s Full Name: ______________________________________________________________
Date of Birth: ___________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian #1: ___________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian #2: ___________________________________________________________
Home Address:  ________________________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________

Church Relationship
Are you currently members of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church?
☐ Yes
☐ No
If yes, how long have you been members? _________
If you are not members of St. Mary’s, what has led you to request Holy Baptism here?  _____________________________

Do you regularly attend worship?
☐ Weekly
☐ Monthly
☐ Occasionally
☐ Rarely

Have either parent been baptized?
☐ Yes
☐ No
If yes, where?  __________________________________________________________________

Home Parish
If you are active members of another congregation:
Name of Church: _______________________________________________________________
Denomination:  ________________________________________________________________
City/State:  _____________________________________________________________________

How long have you been members?  _____________________

Will your child continue to be raised within that faith community following the baptism?
☐ Yes
☐ No

Godparents / Sponsors
Name:  _________________________________________________________________________
Relationship:  __________________________________________________________________
Church Affiliation:  _____________________________________________________________

Name:  _________________________________________________________________________
Relationship:  __________________________________________________________________
Church Affiliation:  _____________________________________________________________

Christian Formation
The Book of Common Prayer teaches that parents and sponsors are responsible for helping the baptized grow in
the Christian faith.
Are you willing to:
• Bring your child regularly to Christian worship?
☐ Yes
• Teach your child the Christian faith through prayer, Scripture, and participation in the Church?
☐ Yes
• Encourage your child to grow into the promises made in the Baptismal Covenant?
☐ Yes

Conversation with the Rector
Before a baptism is scheduled, families will meet with the Rector to discuss the meaning of Holy Baptism, the
Baptismal Covenant, and preparation for the service.
Preferred Dates (recognizing that baptisms are ordinarily celebrated on the principal baptismal feast days of the
Church):  ______________________________________________________________
Additional comments or questions: __________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:  _______________________________________________________________
Date:  ________________________________________