Baptism & Confirmation

BAPTISM & CONFIRMATION

What is Holy Baptism?

Baptism is sole initiation rite of the Christian Church. Through baptism we become full members of the community of believers, defined in the New Testament as the Body of Christ, and represented in our lives by membership in the family of St. Luke’s Church. It is a once in a lifetime event.

Who is eligible for baptism?

All who seek a new life in Christ for themselves or for their child may be baptized. Baptism is a sign of God’s gift of grace. During the Baptism, each of us agrees to live a new life as we promise in The Baptismal Covenant.
In Baptism, each of us forms a covenantal relationship with God. For this reason it is important that baptismal candidates have a relationship with the St. Luke’s Church community and intend to continue to participate in the fullness of Christian life. More information on the sacrament of Holy Baptism)

How to prepare for baptism at St. Luke’s?

Each candidate for baptism in the Episcopal Church is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.
The role of godparents is a special one. In the case of infants and young children, they make a vow on behalf of the baptized to support them in the Christian faith and life. A godparent should be someone with whom you share your faith and whose life is one that you hope your child will emulate. The Book of Common Prayer requires that there be at least one baptized godparent present for the baptism. If a godparent cannot be present at the baptism, we recommended that you choose another baptismal date when she or he can be present.
Preparation for baptism involves two evening sessions, one focused on the meaning of this sacrament and the second on the baptismal service. Both are less than an hour long.
Complete the Application for Baptism online or print it out and return it to the church office.
Read “Preparing for Baptism in the Episcopal Church” by Anne E. Kitch. Copies are available from Amazon. Additional information on this short book - and other Resources on Baptism that you can read – are found below.
Attend a rehearsal on either the day prior to or of the baptism. Check the parish office for actual date and time.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church, New Haven - Application for Baptism
Please submit one form per applicant

* Indicates required field

Person to be Baptized (Full Name) *

First

Last

Date of Birth *

Place of Birth *

First Parent's Name *

First

Last

Second Parent's Name *

First

Last

Address *

Line 1

Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Phone Number *

Email *

Sponsors (Godparents) Names and Emails *

Submit Application

Resources on Baptism
It can be difficult for people to participate in our Baptism Preparation Classes if we are not all working with the same information. That is why we require you to read the first book listed below. The second book is offered as a way to help a child be ready for their baptism. The third book examines what the sacrament of baptism can mean in your child's life - and your own. Each of these short books is easy to read and designed to help you. Please contact the Priest if you have any questions.

Preparing for Baptism in the Episcopal Church	Today Is a Baptism Day	Taking the Plunge: Baptism and Parenting
This is required reading for all who wish to be baptized or to have their child Baptized by St. Luke’s. During our preparation class, we will discuss some of the points presented in this book. Parents who are not active church-goers or have no knowledge of The Episcopal Church often return to a church to have their child baptized. Many adults who never had a relationship with a faith community seek baptism when they join a congregation for the first time. As our society becomes more secular, those who enter our churches are neophytes in more ways than in previous generations.	An ideal book to read with children to wonder and learn about baptism, with illustrations that reflect the diversity of God's people. Grounded in the Episcopal liturgical tradition, it is an accessible and inviting introduction to baptism for children and families of many Christian traditions. While learning what occurs during a baptism service, the reader (both child and parent) will be guided through the sacramental and communal aspects of the celebration. Beautifully illustrated in full color, a dedication page encourages personalization of the book, making it a perfect baptism gift. A family section offers questions and suggests ways to go deeper in conversation about baptism, making it a resource that families will use again and again with their children.	You've chosen the godparents, dressed the baby in yards of white, and headed to church for the christening. Now what? What does the sacrament of baptism mean in your child's life - and yours? In Taking the Plunge, parents explore how the Baptismal Covenant helps to shape the experience of raising children. What are you promising when you baptize your child? Why are "please" and "thank you" theological words, not simply polite things to say? Anne Kitch writes with a light touch and includes plenty of real-life stories.

When do we celebrate Holy Baptism?
We schedule Baptisms during the 11 a.m. Mass on Feast Days shown in the chart below. In exceptional circumstances we will do our best to schedule a Baptism on a different Sunday. We do not offer private Baptism except in extraordinary situations.

Feast Day	2021	2022
The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord	Sunday, January 10, 2021	Sunday, January 9, 2022
The Easter Vigil	Saturday, April 3, 2021	Saturday, April 16, 2022
The Day of Pentecost	Sunday, May 23, 2021	Sunday, June 5, 2022
The Feast of Transfiguration (closest Sunday)	Sunday, August 8, 2021	Sunday, August 7, 2022
All Saints' Day	Sunday, November 1, 2021	Monday, November 1, 2022

What about Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860).

Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 412). Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed.

Confirmation is no longer seen as the completion of Christian initiation, nor is Confirmation a prerequisite for receiving communion. Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's body the church (BCP, p. 298). Accordingly, Confirmation has been increasingly understood in terms of a mature, public reaffirmation of the Christian faith and the baptismal promises. Please see more information on Confirmation here.