Baptisms at St. John's, Hopewell

Our Book of Common Prayer Book describes baptism as:

​

“full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church.”

 

 

Since Baptism is the rite of Christian initiation, it is a celebration of the church in which the newly baptized is warmly welcomes in the Christian Community. All baptisms take place in the presence of the congregation during corporate worship unless performed in situations of emergency.

 

For more details on the practice of baptism at St. John’s, download the PDF below.

​

WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED

 

One does not have to be a member of St. John’s to be baptized at St. John’s. The expectation of the clergy is that before a Baptism one will be attending church regularly and attend a Baptismal preparation class. In our outline of Faith or Catechism, we are reminded in our Book of Common Prayer that The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the spreading of the kingdom of God. (BCP 856). The vows made at Baptism emphasize this continued commitment to a faith community. The Baptism of children whose parents live outside of this parish may only be scheduled at St. John’s with the assurance that the promises and vows of Baptism be fulfilled through active membership in another parish community. The Rector is happy to assist families who have some historic ties to St. John’s and who now live in other places to locate and wish to join the Episcopal Church.