Holy Baptism is the beginning of life as a Christian, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives us access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin; reborn as a child of God; we become members and are incorporated into Christ and his church.
Essential parts of the celebration include the sign of the cross (opening the celebration marking the one who will belong to Christ reminding us that we have been won by his cross), baptismal water (so that we may be “born of water and the Spirit”) and sacred chrism (perfumed oil signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit, “anointed” into Christ who is priest, prophet and king). The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has “put on Christ” and the candle (lit from the Easter candle) signifies that Christ is the “light of the world”.
Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.
Baptism is the sacrament of faith. In order to be baptized you must have at least one adult, who has received the sacrament of confirmation, in the role of a godparent. The godparent must be a firm believer, able and ready to help the newly baptized, on the road of Christian life.
At St. Andrew Church preparation is necessary for an adult or baby to be baptized. Please contact the rectory for more information.