Baptism
"We receive you into the household of God.
Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection,
and share with us in his eternal priesthood."
What is baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Church and to a lifelong journey of discipleship with Jesus. At its most basic, the local church – and the Church universal – is a community of the baptised learning to live life according to the presence, power, and direction of the Holy Spirit. As the Spirit descended in power on Jesus at his baptism and led Jesus into the boldness of his public ministry (Mark 1.9-15), so too each baptised person is empowered by the same Spirit to share in Jesus' ministry today.
As a sacrament, baptism is a sacred ritual that makes visible the grace of God’s work in our lives. In the ritual, our bodies pass through water (by full immersion in and out of water, or by having water poured over us) accompanied by declarations of faith, prayers, anointing with oil, and a blessing.
When do baptisms happen at St. Margaret’s?
Celebrations of Holy Baptism occur on Sundays several times each year usually in November, January, or in the springtime Easter Season.
What are the requirements to be baptised?
Preparation for baptism is required for all candidates and their sponsors (sometimes called "godparents"). This includes two (2) mandatory baptism preparation sessions with the parish clergy. Each person to be baptised requires at least one (1) sponsor. All sponsors must be baptised people and 18+ years old. Parents are eligible as sponsor(s) of their candidate.
Confirmation
"Strengthen, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit;
empower her for your service; and sustain her all the days of her life."
What is Comfirmation?
Confirmation is an affirmation of our baptism. It involves making the promises of a baptised person on our own behalf, particularly if we were baptised as an infant or a young child. The rite involves the presentation of the candidate to the local bishop, a verbal renewal of the baptismal commitment, and the laying on of hands by the bishop in prayer.
When do Confirmations happen at St. Margaret's?
Confirmations can take place during any episcopal visit to the parish. This usually happens once a year.
What are the requirements to be Confirmed?
Preparation for confirmation is required for all candidates and their presenters. This includes two (2) mandatory confirmation preparation sessions with the parish clergy. Each person to be confirmed requires at least one (1) presenter. All presenters must be baptised people and 18+ years old.