Baptisms

The Promise
We welcome you and your decision to baptize your young child.  Baptism is the gift of new life.  Baptism is a sacrament, an encounter with Christ himself. Baptism reminds us of our deep connection to God the one who has known us always, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
 
Of the many ways Jesus has revealed himself to us, the image of the Good Shepherd is rich in relation to Baptism.  At our Baptism, Christ, the Good Shepherd, comes to meet us and claim us as his own; he “calls his sheep by name”.   (John 10:3).  We are marked with his sign, the cross, to show that we belong to him.  *Baptism is the outward sign of this deep grace in our lives.  
 
Baptism is a gift not only to the child and their family but to our whole community. At Baptism we promise to walk the journey with you and support you along the way, “with God’s help.”  

The Journey
When do we Baptize?
We baptize primarily on major feast days of the Church.  Baptism is a moment for our whole 
community to come together to rejoice, to 
recommit to the promises made for us and to pledge our support for this newest Christian.

Traditional Baptism Dates:
· Baptism of Christ  Sunday in early January
· The Great Easter Vigil ~ the Saturday before Easter for older children and adults
· Easter 2 ~ the Sunday following Easter for babies and very young children.
· Pentecost in May or June
· All Saints’ Day in November
· Sunday of Labor Day weekend
 
Selecting Godparents:
Godparents should be people close to you who will be there to support you as you raise your child in a Christian life.  We ask that you select at least one and as many as three people to serve in this capacity.  Godparents should be baptized themselves and active in their own Church families.  

The Commitment
We ask that you:
• Ensure that the Episcopal Church is where you want to raise your child by being faithful in attending worship services for the preceding six months.  
• Take part in  four classes: the three Sundays prior and the one after the Baptism.
• Attend, along with the Godparents, a pre-baptismal rehearsal generally the day before the Baptism.
 
How do you Start?
Email Carey Chirico, Director of Outreach, World Mission and Children’s Ministries or call the church at 540-373-4133.
We will be able to tell you when the next baptism falls that would be most appropriate for your family and will set up  notification for the classes.  
 
Then join us in life and worship.  
We welcome you!