Baptism and Confirmation
Baptism
Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ. Baptism unites Christ with his people. That union is both individual and corporate. Christians are, it is true, baptized one by one, but to be a Christian is to be part of a new creation which rises from the dark waters of Christ's death into the dawn of his risen life. Christians are not just baptized individuals; they are a new humanity. Becoming a Christian had as much to do with learning to live a new lifestyle within the Christian community as it did with specific beliefs. When the day of baptism finally arrived, the event took place within the context of the Sunday eucharist, when the whole community was gathered and where the newly baptized received communion for the first time. (BAS pg 146)
Baptism is full entry into the faithful work of following Jesus. Because of the significance of baptism, Christian tradition has long held that some feast days are most appropriate for baptism, namely: The Baptism of Jesus, Easter, Pentecost, All Saints, or when the Bishop is visiting. Baptism is not limited to those feasts.
Any baptism will only be scheduled after speaking with the rector (contact form? Link?).
Baptismal Preparation can be arranged with our priest.
Confirmation, Reaffirmation, and Reception
Confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation are various modes of response to baptism. Whether they involve making promises on one's own behalf, reaffirming promises made long ago, or formalizing membership within a particular branch of the Christianity each is directly related to the covenant made in baptism. The liturgy of baptism is consequently the primary context in which these renewals of the baptismal covenant take place. (BAS, pg 149)
Confirmation, in historical practice, has been associated with full participation in baptism and other practices of the Church. This is not the current understanding of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Confirmation is one of, and often the first, response to baptism. If you were baptized as an infant, it can be a moment to claim the faithful promises that were made for you and shared with you through word and action. If you were baptized as an adult, it can be a moment to claim again the faith and life you found in following Jesus.
Reaffirmation is a chance for people who have been confirmed and their faith has become newly alive or important in some way.
Reception is an opportunity for people who have been Christians practicing in another tradition and wish to formalize that Anglicanism is the best tradition for their current journey.
If you are interested in Confirmation, please speak with our priest so they can begin to arrange for confirmation preparation.
If you are interested in reaffirmation or reception, please speak with our priest.