Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into membership in the Body of Christ, the church. The outward sign is the pouring on of water or immersion in the name of the Trinity. The inward grace is new life, death to sin and rising with Christ. Episcopalians baptize infants. The church family and the parents commit to the child’s spiritual guidance until they are old enough to accept responsibility (usually at Confirmation). Children, youth and adults can also be baptized if they have not been baptized before to their knowledge. All baptized Christians can take communion. Unbaptized people may receive a blessing at communion. You are a member of the church in which you are baptized. Baptisms can take place anytime of year on rthe equest of parents or individuals.
Read more about Baptism in the Episcopal Church.
Confirmation
When a member of the Episcopal Church stands before his or her bishop, the representative of the apostles, declares the intention to live as a Christian and the bishop lays his or her hands on that person in blessing and welcome. It is expected that all members over 16 will stand for Confirmation. To prepare, a series of classes are given, usually 4 2-hour classes. The preparation is to ensure that those who stand before the bishop fully understand the commitment they are making and are prepared to make the promises to the bishop that are part of the process.
Confirmation classes are open to all. The classes examine what it means to live a Christian life and provide the opportunity for mature reflection on the commitments of the Baptismal Covenant.
When a series of classes is planned, they will be listed on the Trinity calendar as well as in our weekly bulletin.
Read more about Confirmation in the Episcopal Church.