Baptisms

Holy Baptism is the Sacrament by which someone becomes a Christian and a member of the Church. We believe that all ministry originates in our Baptism, which is the outward sign of our authority to serve in the name of Christ.

The Episcopal Church defines Holy Baptism as "full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the Church" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298), and we recognize as valid any baptism administered with water and in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is an event of primary significance and is a celebration not only for the individual being baptized and his or her family, but also for the whole church community, who make a promise to do all in our power to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ. At Christ Church Cathedral, Holy Baptism is always celebrated within the context of the whole community gathered at worship.

We offer Holy Baptism for children and youth at Christ Church Cathedral on several feasts throughout the year:

• All Saints' Sunday (the first Sunday in November);
• The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (usually the first or second Sunday in January);
• The Great Vigil of Easter (the Saturday evening of Easter weekend);
• Pentecost Day (usually in May); and
• The Sunday following the Feast of the Transfiguration (usually in early August).

Parents and Godparents participate in a one-evening preparation seminary that is offered regularly in anticipation of Baptism Sundays.

Holy Baptism is offered for adults once a year at the Great Vigil of Easter, and is the culmination of our year-long Catechumenate that prepares adults and newcomers for a life of spiritual exploration and a faith journey at Christ Church Cathedral. For more information on the Catechumenate, click here.