Baptisms at Canterbury
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Baptism
Baptism is full initiation, by water and the Holy Spirit, into Christ's Body, the Church. We welcome people of all ages--babies, children, teens, adults, and elders-- to receive the sacrament of Baptism. Baptisms are typically celebrated during the Sunday Eucharist four times each year--on All Saints Sunday (November), The Baptism of Jesus (January), Easter Day (Spring), Pentecost (Early Summer.) Whether you are exploring the possibility of baptism for yourself or your child, seeking to live more fully into the mystery of your own baptismal promises, or looking for ways to support your children, godchildren, and friends in their baptismal journeys, we welcome you to be in conversation with us. Contact Sylvia+. |
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Spiritual Resources
Baptism is a sacrament, an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace. This grace is God's free gift to us. In baptism we are marked as Christ's own forever, granted the forgiveness of sin, and raised to a new life of grace. The Baptismal Covenant gives us direction for our daily lives, as we seek to continually grow in this life of grace. 
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Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, 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 and respect the dignity of every human being? I will with God's help. How might this covenant help shape your daily life, work, and relationships and enable you to grow more fully into a life of grace? Resources for Parents and Families When babies and children are presented for baptism, their parents and godparents make promises on their behalf. Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life? I will, with God's help. Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ? I will, with God's help. Choosing to present a child for baptism and vowing to help raise them in Christian faith is an awesome responsibility, but you don't have to do it alone! Baptism is initiation into a community of Christians, a community that vows to do all in their power to support you and your child in your life in Christ! Below are some resources to support you in beginning to explore how you can live fully and authentically into the promises you make on behalf of your child or godchild in baptism. |
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A Prayer for all the Baptized Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen. |