Baptism at St. Dunstan's
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. (BCP, 298)
In the Sacrament of Baptism we begin our life-long journey with Jesus, and are welcomed into the household of God. And we, as a community of faith, welcome the opportunity and share in the responsibility of supporting you and your family in this faith journey.
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning baptism. Please feel free to contact our priest if there are additional questions.
I was baptized in another Christian church. Do I need to be baptized again?
If you have been baptized in any other Christian denomination in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, your baptism is recognized and acknowledged.
Can infants be presented for baptism?
Yes! Although the norm is adult baptism, most of our baptisms are of infants. The parents and godparents make promises on behalf of their children and commit to not only raise their children in the Christian faith and life but to model this way of life themselves.
Do we need to be members of St. Dunstan's Church?
You do not need to be a member, but we do ask that you come and participate in the life of this community.
Is there any preparation required?
Yes. Parents of infants or young children meet with the priest at least twice. At the first meeting, we discuss issues related to baptism such as: our own spiritual journeys, the communities that will support the family, and how they have come to this decision. At the second meeting, we discuss the promises that they will make on behalf of their child and go over the service. Godparents are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting.
Do the sponsors/godparents have to be Episcopalians? How many may we choose?
The people you choose for godparents do not need to be Episcopalians, but they do need to be able to commit to helping you raise your child in the Christian faith and life. The number may vary, most have two or three in addition to parents.
Are there special days that baptisms are scheduled?
Baptisms are held throughout the year primarily on four occasions related to themes of Baptism. These days are:
In the Sacrament of Baptism we begin our life-long journey with Jesus, and are welcomed into the household of God. And we, as a community of faith, welcome the opportunity and share in the responsibility of supporting you and your family in this faith journey.
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning baptism. Please feel free to contact our priest if there are additional questions.
I was baptized in another Christian church. Do I need to be baptized again?
If you have been baptized in any other Christian denomination in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, your baptism is recognized and acknowledged.
Can infants be presented for baptism?
Yes! Although the norm is adult baptism, most of our baptisms are of infants. The parents and godparents make promises on behalf of their children and commit to not only raise their children in the Christian faith and life but to model this way of life themselves.
Do we need to be members of St. Dunstan's Church?
You do not need to be a member, but we do ask that you come and participate in the life of this community.
Is there any preparation required?
Yes. Parents of infants or young children meet with the priest at least twice. At the first meeting, we discuss issues related to baptism such as: our own spiritual journeys, the communities that will support the family, and how they have come to this decision. At the second meeting, we discuss the promises that they will make on behalf of their child and go over the service. Godparents are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting.
Do the sponsors/godparents have to be Episcopalians? How many may we choose?
The people you choose for godparents do not need to be Episcopalians, but they do need to be able to commit to helping you raise your child in the Christian faith and life. The number may vary, most have two or three in addition to parents.
Are there special days that baptisms are scheduled?
Baptisms are held throughout the year primarily on four occasions related to themes of Baptism. These days are:
- The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (usually the first or second Sunday in January)
- The Easter Vigil (Saturday evening before Easter Sunday)
- Pentecost Sunday (usually late May to mid-June)
- All Saints' Day Sunday (First Sunday after November 1)