Baptism

What is baptism?

Baptism is the beginning of the life of faith, a sign or sacrament given to us by Jesus to welcome us as part of his Body, which is the church. Baptism isn’t meant to be an isolated event and neither is it a magic touch. It is the first step in a lifelong journey as we discover what it means to follow Jesus by walking with others on the same road.

Baptism is open to all people.  Parents bring their children for baptism, while youth and adults choose to be baptized on their own.

Parents bringing their children for baptism commit themselves to raising a child in the faith. It’s very difficult to do that if you are not part of the Christian community, so we encourage you to consider this step as a commitment to being a part of the community. It is a wonderful feeling to know that others are there to support your family as you grow in faith together.

An adult being baptised at Fenelon Anglican

A youth or adult making the choice to be baptized experiences the leading of the Holy Spirit to turn to Christ and be his follower in the world.

Before you are baptized, you will meet with the priest and members of the community, for conversation and preparation and get to know the community. A rehearsal is held before the big day.

There are special days in the year when baptism is particularly appropriate: Easter, Pentecost, All Saints, Epiphany and The Baptism of Our Lord. Baptism may take place at other times. You can discuss this with the priest. Baptisms are celebrated during a Sunday morning service with Holy Eucharist. We look forward to welcoming your family and friends on this special occasion.

Baptism is the sign instituted by Jesus to unite us with his own baptism. What happened at Jesus’ death and resurrection is what happens at baptism, so that St. Paul could write, “When we were baptised in Christ Jesus we were baptised in his death; in other words, when we were baptised we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might live a new life.    – Excerpt from “This is Our Faith” – p.57