Saint Stephen

1695 Perrowville Road ╬ Forest, Virginia 24551 ╬ 434.525.5511 ╬ parishoffice@ststephensforest.org
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"Being, making, and equipping disciples for the work of ministry."

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Sacrament of Baptism

Almighty God, who by our baptism into the death and resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ dost turn us from the old life of sin: Grant that we, being reborn to new life in him, may live in righteous-ness and holiness all our days; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Baptism is initiation into the Body of Christ and thus constitutes "full membership" in the church, allowing participation (at any age) in the Eucharist.

The Sacrament of Baptism is normally celebrated at the Eucharist on the following days: The First Sunday of after the Epiphany (the Baptism of our Lord), Easter (Vigil), Pentecost, All Saints, and any day the Bishop is present. Normally, no baptisms take place during the Season of Lent.

If you desire to be baptized or to have a child baptized, please speak with the Rector as soon as possible to arrange for preparation and to set a time.

Fill out the Baptismal Information Form.

Concerning the Service

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.

. . . 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.

From the Book of Common Prayer, p. 298