Frequent Questions - Baptism

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Baptism is a Sacrament of the Church in which water is used to symbolize the spiritual cleaning of a person's life by the power of the Holy Spirit. A sacrament is, literally, a "holy" event. We believe that God is uniquely present during this celebration. The water of Baptism becomes a "means of God's grace: when there is faith on the part of the one being baptized or, in the case of a child Baptism, on behalf on the parents.

From the earliest roots of the Christian Church, Baptism has been the rite of initiation into the church: that is, through Baptism a person is received as a member of the worldwide Christian Church.

The Sacrament of Baptism is a visible sign of God’s love and grace for us in Jesus Christ. It is the single rite of initiation into the church: that is, through Baptism a person is welcomed as a member of the worldwide Christian Church.

The United Church of Canada is part of the tradition that believes that Baptism is an action of God and that it is by the grace of God that Baptism happens. Because of this, we believe in baptizing children as well as adults –proclaiming God’s love and acceptance of each and all, welcoming all children and adults into the community of faith, and committing ourselves to growing in faith and discipleship.

We also believe that Baptism happens only once and that is there is no such thing as re-baptism! However, a person may renew (confirm) her/his Baptismal faith as often as desired. Most churches recognize each others' Baptisms. For example, a person who was baptized in an Anglican church can be confirmed in the United Church.

Gaetz Memorial United plans to celebrate Baptism in the months of September, November, January, March, and May, on the third Sundays of the month.

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Child Baptism

When children are baptized, it is primarily the parents who are responsible for the care, nurture and upbringing of the child. Parents who present their children for Baptism are asking the Church to receive them into its care and community and to provide their little ones with the education and nurture which will assist the parents in the Christian upbringing of their children. A level of commitment to the church by the parents is an essential part of the Baptism of children. The parents are asked to profess their faith, in God, as revealed by Christ, and their commitment to the truths and values taught by Jesus. The parents also commit themselves to make the Christian faith attractive to their children, by their own daily witness, in word and in deed. They also promise to encourage their children to grow in the faith and seek to profess for themselves the faith in which they were baptized.

In the service of Baptism, the parents, godparents and congregation make their commitment through a series of questions and vows, such as this:

Question: Do you believe in God, who has created and is creating, who has come to us in Jesus the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, and who works in us and others by the Holy Spirit?
Response: I do.

Question: Do you intend to follow the way of Jesus Christ, resisting oppression and evil, showing love and justice to all, and witnessing to Christ’s work to the best of your ability?
Response: I do.

Question: Do you agree to join with others in the community of faith to worship God, to celebrate what is holy in life, to live with respect in creation, to love and serve others, and to share this with others?
Response: I do.

Question to the Godparents: Do you, the chosen godparents, commit yourselves to supporting your godchild and the parents as they grow in faith and love?
Response: I do.

Question to the Congregation: I invite the congregation to stand, as you are able. Will you the members, friends and adherents of Gaetz Memorial United Church offer your loving prayerful support to these children, doing all you can to nurture them in the Christian faith and life? If so, please answer, “We will, God being our helper.”

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Godparents

Although it is not necessary, some parents may wish to designate certain adult friends to serve as Godparents to the children, giving special support to their nurture and growth in the Christian faith. Such persons should be committed to helping the children in their spiritual development and must be prepared to make this commitment as part of the Baptism service.

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Adult Baptism

Baptism is not only for children. When a person, who was not baptized as a child, reaches a point in her/his life when she/he chooses to make a commitment to Christ's church, she/he can seek to be baptized as an adult. She/he chooses the community of faith that she/he wishes to be part of and Baptism serves as both Baptism and Confirmation. Adult Baptism is the same sacrament as it is for children except than an adult being baptized makes her/his own profession of faith, rather than the parents.

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The Support of the Congregation

Baptism is an initiation into the Christian Community of Faith, and so in normally celebrated in the context of a regular worship service. The congregation promises to provide continuous nurture and care for the baptized and to support the parents in their commitment, through the programs and activities it offers.

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Preparing for Baptism and Confirmation

Since baptism is such a memorable event - for your child, yourselves and for the church, we would like to discuss it with you. Normally one of our ministers will meet with those parents who are requesting Baptism for their children, for a “Preparation for Baptism” session prior to the actual celebration date. This meeting provides the opportunity to discuss the meaning and purpose of Baptism and the details of the Baptism service itself. There will also be information about the various programs and activities of Gaetz Memorial United Church.

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Expectations of Parents Wishing to Have Their Children Baptized

Parents have a very important role in the development and spiritual formation of their children. It is through you that they will primarily learn who they are, their place in the world and the values and principles that will guide them in life. So in the baptism of young children, parents promise to raise their children in a Christian environment.

It is assumed that the parents themselves are, or wish to be, actively involved in the life of the Christian Church into which they are asking that their children be baptized. It is a requirement of Gaetz Memorial, that at least one of the parents be an active member of a Christian Church or committed to becoming a member at the earliest possible date following the Baptism.

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Procedure

If having read this information, you feel that your are prepared to make the commitment involved in being baptized or confirmed or having your child baptized, please contact the church office at 347-2244 to obtain a Baptism Information Form for each person being baptized. You will then book a date for the baptism with the minister, and meet with the minister for a preparation session.

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