Our baptismal call and our baptismal promises are at the center of our lives as Christians. According the Book of Common Prayer, “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.” At St. James’, we baptize in the midst of the Sunday congregation, so that the baptized can hear the commitment that the community is making, to walk with them in faith always. The community then strives to live out that promise by building a life together where all are welcome at the table and called into a life of Christian ministry and discipleship.
The Book of Common Prayer identifies the following days as being particularly wonderful for baptism: the Easter Vigil (April 20, 2019), the Day of Pentecost (June 9, 2019), the Bishop’s Visitation (August 25, 2019), All Saints’ (celebrated on November 3, 2019), and the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (January 12, 2020).
In order to prepare parents and family members of children to be baptized, we will offer baptismal workshops from 10 am – 12 pm on May 12, August 17, October 26, 2019, and January 4, 2020. In the workshop, you will have the opportunity to explore the meaning of the sacrament of Holy Baptism, study the liturgy itself, and meet other baptismal candidates and their families. Godparents and siblings are encouraged to attend. Adults who wish to be baptized are invited to prepare through The Anglican Way course. Email The Rev. Eileen O’Brien (rector@stjamesaustin.org) to let her know of your interest.
