Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. It is a public statement of a decision to follow Jesus in one’s life. In the case of infant baptism, parents make this promise on behalf of their children and promise to raise their children in the Christian faith. In baptism we are marked as Christ’s own forever. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble, so baptism is only administered once. When you choose to be baptized yourself or to have your child baptized in the Episcopal Church, it means you are choosing to live out the Baptismal Covenant, taking your part in the worship, mission and ministries of your local church. Baptism is open to all people. Please speak to clergy if you seek baptism for yourself or on behalf of a child in your care.
Confirmation is a mature affirmation of faith before one’s community of faith. Youth meet over a period of a few months for weekly gatherings, attend a retreat and contribute to outreach of St. Anne’s to prepare for Confirmation. Through their studies youth explore their beliefs, the Bible, the creeds, and the Episcopal Church through the framework of scripture, reason, and tradition. During the Rite of Confirmation, in the Baptismal Covenant, the candidates recount what God has done for God’s people and respond by promising to continue a life of discipleship. Confirmation classes are offered periodically. Please call the office for more information about the next cycle of confirmation preparation.
