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The LENTEN SERIES is an annual four to six week series of teachings and/or meditations on the spiritual life offered between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.

The Meaning of Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament of new birth in Jesus Christ, and new life as a member of the household of God. It includes the symbolic “washing away” of sin, and freedom from sin’s tyranny. It is a symbolic death to the old way of life, and resurrection to new life in Christ. It is offered to sincere believers who want to become members of Christ’s body, and to the children of those believers who are willing to commit to raising their children as Christians.

Preparing For Holy Baptism

Baptism joins each individual believer to Christ and to his church. It involves a commitment to Jesus and to the community of believers (the church). It may involve a change of lifestyle and focus. Therefore it is of vital importance to the believer, their immediate family and the whole Christian community that baptismal candidates are well prepared. For this reason adult baptismal candidates and the families of infant candidates are required to participate in Baptismal Preparation Classes.

The community also takes seriously their responsibility to help new Christians live this new life in Christ. The parish will pray for the Candidates during the preparation. The Baptismal Candidates will also be supported by Parish Sponsors for the year following baptism. The Sponsor’s role is to help the candidates (and their parents) find their place in God’s family and to see that they are equipped to fulfill the promises they make in baptism.

Adult candidates and the parents of infant candidates are asked to give a short testimony to their faith at the service of Baptism. Opportunity will be given during the preparation classes to reflect on the questions that will be asked so that candidates will be able to prepare their responses.

If you would like more information, please contact the office.

WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?

The rite of Confirmation includes laying on of hands (traditionally by a bishop) together with anointing with oil and the sign of the cross and prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit

There was a time in Anglicanism when both Baptism and Confirmation were required for admission to the Lord’s Table. However, the church has rightly re-affirmed the New Testament witness that Baptism alone joins a person to the Church.

Today, Confirmation serves two primary purposes.

For those baptized in infancy, it is an opportunity to make a public profession of faith. The candidate for confirmation “confirms” for themselves the profession of faith made on their behalf at their baptism.

Confirmation also serves as the ordination service for the people of God. The ordination of bishops, priests, and deacons always includes the invocation of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, at confirmation the bishops lays hands on the candidate and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” These invocation is not a suggestion that the Spirit has heretofore been absent from the candidate. Rather, it is an appeal for the giving, awakening, stirring of the Spirit, and for the giving, awakening, and stirring of spiritual gifts for service in Christ’s Church.

WHEN?
Confirmation classes are held once a year or as needed.

An introductory course for those new to Anglicanism or for those who simply want to learn more.

If you are interested in this course, please contact the office.