Baptism is the way in which the church receives people into the family of God to live life in a new way and with new meaning. At the time of baptism, the person is formally received as a member of the church, and may receive Holy Communion.
What is Baptism?
According to the Book of Alternative Services of the Anglican Church of Canada, "baptism is the sign of new life in Christ and unites Christ with his people" (p. 146). When we become baptized we make a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. This means that we are willing to let go of our old ways of seeing ourselves and others. We make a conscious decision to respect ourselves and others, to grow in our ability to live in harmony with others, and to forgive when others hurt us. We believe that we have a responsibility to resist evil in our own lives and to work to transform our society into a caring family which is centered on Christ's passionate love for the world.
If we are bringing children to be baptized we make a commitment to bring them up to understand God's purpose for the world and to encourage them to participate in bringing about this purpose. As baptized individuals or parents of a child being baptized we also promise to support the work of our local congregation and diocese through our gifts of time, talents, and financial resources.
If parents are not ready to make baptismal promises or wish to defer baptism until the child is able to make his or her own decision, the church also offers a service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child.
This service provides an opportunity for a family to give thanks for the birth of a child and to pray for God's help in the child's care and nurture.
Baptism Within St. Francis-in-the-Wood
The Baptism service is performed several times per year, and is preceded by preparation meetings with the Rector or Associate Priest. To discuss baptism, please contact the church office at stfrancis@telus.net or 604 922 3531.