Holy Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament signifying our identity as children of God and our commitment to walk in the ways of God throughout our lives.
Baptism serves, as well, as a sacrament of welcome into the Body of Christ—for children and adults. In it, we celebrate God's love and embrace for God's people as unconditional and absolute; we are “marked as Christ’s own forever,” making Baptism a sacrament that is done only once in a person’s life.
Baptism is also a time when the community of faith gathers to renew its own commitment to Christ and to support those who are being baptized in their life in Christ. So it is appropriate that baptism take place, whenever possible, in the midst of the congregation during the Holy Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast day.
Baptism celebrations
The Book of Common Prayer designates certain days in the liturgical year as being especially appropriate for the celebration of Holy Baptism. These are the Easter Vigil (Saturday night before Easter Day), the Day of Pentecost, All Saints' Day or the Sunday after All Saints' Day, the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany) and the annual visit from one of our bishops.
Instruction
In the early Church, adult baptisms were the norm as more and more people heard and responded to the Gospel. Adult baptisms continue to be the cause for great celebration in our church. We encourage adults who are exploring the Christian faith at St. Stephen's to discuss the possibility of baptism with one of the members of the clergy. Many adults who wish to be baptized take part in an Inquirers Class as part of their preparation.
If you wish to bring your child to be baptized, both the parents and godparents of the child will receive instruction from a member of the clergy in anticipation of this happy occasion.
Upcoming dates
Baptism dates for 2024 are listed below. If you wish to have your child baptized, please use this form to begin the process.
- January 7 @ 5:30 p.m. (Celtic service); The Baptism of Our Lord--FULL
- February 11 @ 9 a.m. (Palmer Hall service) and 11:15 a.m. (in the church)--FULL (spaces remain for the Palmer Hall service; 11:15 service is full)
- March 30 @ 7:30 p.m.; the Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter (closed for 2024)
- April 14 @ 9 a.m. (Palmer Hall service)
- April 28 @ 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. (in the church); FULL
- May 19 @ 5:30 p.m. (Celtic service); the Day of Pentecost
- June 9 @ 10 a.m. (in the church; summer schedule); FULL
- July 14 @ 10 a.m. (in the church; summer schedule)
- August 18 @ 10 a.m. (in the church; summer schedule)
- September 22 @ 11:15 a.m. (in the church)
- September 29 @ 9 a.m. (Palmer Hall service)
- October 20 @ 9 a.m. (in the church)
- November 3 @ 9 a.m. (Palmer Hall service), 11:15 a.m. (in the church) and 5:30 p.m. (Celtic service); All Saints' Sunday
This is a sacrament of the church which we invite any who desire it to receive. We are happy to discuss further details, including scheduling and membership.
You may complete this form if you wish to schedule a time for your child to be baptized.
Contact
Mary Feldman // email
The Rev. Abby Kocher // email
Members of our clergy team