Baptism at Emmanuel

Concerning the Service (BCP page 298)

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.

Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast.

The bishop, when present, is the celebrant; and is expected to preach the Word and preside at Baptism and the Eucharist.  At Baptism, the bishop officiates at the Presentation and Examination of the Candidates; says the Thanksgiving over the Water; [consecrates the Chrism;] reads the prayer, “Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit;” and officiates at what follows.

In the absence of a bishop, a priest is the celebrant and presides at the service. If a priest uses Chrism in signing the newly baptized, it must have been previously consecrated by the bishop.

Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates.

It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church.

Please feel free to discuss you interest in Baptism with the Rector. You can call the church office to find out when the next service that includes Baptism is to take place. The telephone number is 706-543-1294.

Please be aware that there will be a Baptismal Preparation Class for all Candidates and Sponsors prior to the date of the baptism.

An application form that you can print, complete and mail to the church office is available through the following link: Paper Application Form

An application form that you can complete on line and submit electronically to the church office is available through the following link: Electronic Application Form.