Concerning the service of Holy Baptism, The Book of Common Prayer tells us:

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.

Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast.

The bishop, when present, is the celebrant; and is expected to preach the Word and preside at Baptism and the Eucharist. At Baptism, the bishop officiates at the Presentation and Examination of Candidates; says the Thanksgiving over the Water; [consecrates the Chrism;] reads the prayer, “Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit;” and officiates at what follows.

In the absence of a bishop, a priest is the celebrant and presides at the service. If a priest uses Chrism in signing the newly baptized, it must have been previously consecrated by the bishop.

Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.

Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their
candidates.

It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church.

Baptisms at St. Paul’s Parish are normally scheduled as public services at the 10 a.m. Sunday morning celebration of the Holy Eucharist. “Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the
Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). It is recommended that, as far as possible, Baptisms be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is present (Book of Common Prayer, 312). Baptism may also happen on one of our Patronal Feast days (the Conversion of St. Paul on the Sunday closest to January 25 or the Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul on the Sunday closest to June 29). Baptisms can be scheduled at other times to accommodate family needs.

To arrange a baptism, please call the Rector at 330.725.4131.