Jesus instituted two great sacraments that are required of us--Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. It is a public statement of one’s intentional decision to follow the way of Jesus. In the case of infant baptism, it is the parents’ declaration of their intent to raise a child in the way of Jesus. 

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. It is a public statement of one’s intentional decision to follow the way of Jesus. In the case of infant baptism, it is the parents’ declaration of their intent to raise a child in the way of Jesus. 

The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble, so baptism is administered only 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 in the context of an Episcopal church community, taking your part in the worship, mission and ministries of the local parish. Baptism is open to all people, regardless of age or background. If you feel called to be baptized, or to have your child baptized, the first step is to come to St. James and speak to our Rector about baptism. 

The Baptismal Covenant    

Book of Common Prayer, page 304

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

      He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

            and born of the Virgin Mary.

      He suffered under Pontius Pilate, 

             was crucified, died, and was buried.

      He descended to the dead.                                       

      On the third day he rose again.                                                                    

      He ascended into heaven,

            and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

      He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

      the holy catholic Church,

      the communion of saints,

      the forgiveness of sins,

      the resurrection of the body,

      and the life everlasting.

Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

I will, with God's help.

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

I will, with God's help.

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

I will, with God's help.

Baptism may be the beginning of our spiritual path but it is certainly not the end of it.  Faithful Christians are no more perfect than any other group in the world.  We strive to be faithful to our baptismal promises, and when we fall short, seek forgiveness, reconciliation and renewed energy to try again.  

It is not necessary that a candidate for baptism fully understand nor be comfortable with every word of the Christian Creeds and doctrines from the outset, but rather be ready to embark on the rich path of discovery into the way, truth and life of Jesus Christ. 

Wherever you come from and whatever your faith background, 

St. James Episcopal Church welcomes you!