THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION:
HOLY BAPTISM

General Considerations:

1. The celebration of Baptism in the Anglican Church is not merely a cultural response or duty that can be entered into without preparation or serious reflection.  Baptism is rather a radical moment that frees us from darkness and washes us into the life of the Kingdom of God.  It is meant to introduce us to a process that will welcome us to a community that lives a life differently than the life of the world.
   
   
2. Baptism uses the rich symbols of water and chrism as a starting point. It challenges the new Christian and his or her family to see that the life that begins at the font unfolds as a gateway to life in the rest of the Church.
   
   
3. Because the promises made at Baptism point to the reality of its on-going role in the life of the believer, parents are expected to form their child(ren) in the faith as soon as they can through faith sharing and faith development done in the family home and in the varied catechetical programs of the parish community.

Who Can Celebrate Baptism?

Because Baptism is such an important reality in the life of the Church, the Church of St. Uriel the Archangel responds to the Church’s theology and practice with these guidelines for children.

a) Since Baptism reflects a relationship with the Church, those who bring a child for Baptism are expected themselves to have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through the parish community.  This relationship is articulated in three ways:

• membership in the parish community
  
• active participation in the life of that community through regular practice in worship as well as the tithing of your talents and treasures.
  
• an openness to participate in the preparation program before celebrating Baptism in the parish,

b) Sometimes parishioners who have moved away and now belong to another parish community may desire to return to St. Uriel’s to celebrate Baptism with family members who live here.  We are happy to accommodate them but require that their current parish priest forward a letter here that gives his permission for the Baptism to be celebrated St. Uriel’s and, that affirms the family has completed the preparation program required in their church community. 

c) Occasionally a family has a relative who is a priest or deacon and they may wish that this individual preside at a particular Baptism.  Please make the Rector aware of this possibility before asking the family friend.  The Rector of St. Uriel’s will extend the invitation. 

Where and How Do We Celebrate Baptism?

1. Because baptism is an action of the entire parish community and because we believe that no one is ever saved alone, the baptismal rite is celebrated in the parish church and when the community gathers.  Because of it's connected to the Eucharist, baptisms should be celebrated during the Eucharistic celebration.  Parents who have completed Baptism instruction can arrange to present their child for Baptism at any of our Sunday Masses.
   
   
2. There are those rare exceptions where the baptism may take place apart from the church proper.  Generally these include emergency situation or other extreme circumstances in the Rector’s judgment.

When Do We Celebrate Baptism?

While most weekends afford an opportunity for the celebration of the sacrament, there are certain times of the year when it is best celebrated.  While the schedule of family visits will often be a factor in planning Baptism, we suggest these optimal times as well:

• The Great Easter Vigil
• All the Sundays of the Easter Season (7 weeks)
• Pentecost Sunday
• Feast of the Lord’s Baptism (the following Sunday January 6th)
• The Feast of All Saints (November 1 or the first Sunday in November)

Except in an emergency, baptisms are not celebrated during the Season of Lent (from Ash Wednesday until the Easter Vigil).

Sponsors and Godparents?

One of the most commonly held assumptions about godparents is that they will be responsible for the care of your child should something happen to the parents.  The church does not define godparenting that way.  Godparents represent the whole Church community and pledge their support as the child grows in faith.

Generally there are two Godparents.  Some cultures have more.

The church has some preconditions about Godparents.  These include:

• Yes, it is an honor be chosen as a Godparent, but with it goes some very serious responsibilities.  The Godparent must be willing to assist your child in leading a Christian life. They must be Christians having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. They should be Anglicans who are baptized and who have been confirmed and recieve the Eucharist regularly.
  
  
• They must lead a life in harmony with the faith and be regular in their practice of the Christian faith.  If they are Anglicans, by attending Mass in their parish and receiving the Eucharist. They must be able to answer "yes" to the church’s question at Baptism which asks them if they are ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents.

1. Godparents who are not practicing the faith and cannot fulfill the criteria listed in above cannot serve as Christian Witnesses either.
   
   
2. Because of the intimate connection of assisting parents in their role as Christian parents, non-Christians cannot stand as Sponsors or Witnesses.
   
   
3. Godparents who cannot be present for the baptism can be represented by a Proxy.  There are no preconditions for a proxy but the person they represent must fulfill all the criteria listed above.
   

Choose Godparents carefully.  Some people ask that if their relationship with their child’s Godparent(s) fades or sours after Baptism, can they change Sponsors.  The answer is no.  The parish record is a record of what has occurred. Those names will appear on the Baptismal certificate every time you need to provide one.

What Do We Do Next?

1. Baptismal preparation will be done by a parish priest.  To inquire more about baptism at St. Uriel’s, you can call the church office at (732) 449-6173.  If Sponsors live in the local area they are encouraged to attend as well.
   
   
2. At your first baptismal instruction, an information sheet will be given for you to complete.  This sheet also gives you the opportunity to select a date and time for the celebration of Baptism.  It will be confirmed against the parish calendar as soon as possible.  Please remember that we wish to accommodate your needs and we can be somewhat flexible with schedules and schedule changes.  If you find yourself in need to make some changes, just ask.
   
   
3. Many families have a traditional white garment that they pass from generation to generation.  We welcome you to bring these garments for the celebration of Baptism.  The parish will provide the Baptismal Candle and will issue a certificate to you.

Other Considerations?

1. In a situation where spouses might be separated or divorced and where custody of a minor child is shared, both parties must agree to the celebration of Baptism. This is an important legal consideration that should never be overlooked when considering the public celebration of this or any Sacrament of Initiation.
   
   
2. You may not take photographs or video your child’s Baptism.  Please keep in mind the sacred nature of the occasion.  We are at prayer together.  However, we can stage some photography after the Baptism rather than distract people from the celebration of the Baptism.
   
   
3. On the day of the Baptism, you should arrive at the church at least fifteen (15) minutes before Mass. After you are settled in the reserved seats, a priest will generally review things with you and see if you have any last minute questions.
   
   
4. If your child is wearing any headwear, it should be removed by the time of the baptismal rite is to take place.  The rite of Baptism is after the homily.  There are plenty of areas for an active child while waiting for Baptism.  If you find the need to take your child from the church, please feel free to do so.  Use the choir room next to the Church.  The choir room is connected to the church.  Just be attentive to the times you need to be present in the assembly:

• immediately before Mass to go over any last minute details. 
  
• after the homily for the water baptism and the presentations.

Are There Any Fees?

There are no fees for the celebration of Baptism in the parish of St. Uriel’s.