Sacramental Events: Holy Baptism
Questions? Contact the Parish Office at 202-363-8286.
Baptism represents the beginning of our life as Christians when we are “sealed as Christ’s own forever.” This sacrament occurs only once in a person’s life. It is a time of great importance for the individual, the family and the whole Christian community.
Parish Policies and Practices
Holy Baptism is the initiation of children or adults into the full life of the Christian Church. Baptism should only be sought, therefore, when there is a serious intention on the part of all responsible parties that the candidate will participate fully and regularly in the life of the church, especially through its services of worship, educational programs, and mission in the world.
As the symbol of full membership in the Christian community, baptized members are welcome to partake in the Eucharist, regardless of age.
The clergy of St. Alban’s Parish officiate at the service of Holy Baptism. There is no fee. Any honoraria given to the clergy at the time of the Baptism are placed in their respective discretionary fund and used to meet material or educational needs of people who cannot otherwise assist themselves.
Where and When
Because baptism is a corporate rite of the whole Christian household, it is administered according to Church Canon as stipulated in The Book of Common Prayer at regularly scheduled services on the feasts of the Church. Adults are generally baptized at the Feast of All Saints and the Easter Vigil.
Baptisms may be held at any of the four Sunday services: 8 am, 9:15 am, 11:15 am or 5:30 pm. Be sure to specify which service on the application for baptism form (pdf file).
Questions? Contact: The Parish Administrator, 202-363-8286
The Presentation
The presentation marks the beginning of a four-week instruction period. All candidates for Holy Baptism are expected to be presented to the congregation at a regular Sunday service approximately four weeks prior to the baptisms. The Candidate or parents of the Candidate choose the service.
Parents and adult candidates will answer simple questions about their intentions. The presentation lasts about five minutes and requires no advance preparation—just show up! The presentation also allows the congregation to become acquainted with families preparing for baptism and begin their supportive relationship.
Instruction
Baptismal instruction is required for adult candidates and for parents of child candidates. Godparents are welcome to attend. In addition to historical and theological perspectives on baptism, preparation will provide opportunities for participants to explore such topics as the nature of the Christian community, an outline of the faith, and the symbols of baptism. Members of the Catechumenal Committee of the parish, in consultation with the clergy, conduct the class. Classes meets on one Saturday morning prior to the baptismal date from 9:30 am to noon.
Selection of Godparents or Sponsors
Godparents of children or sponsors of adults should be chosen for their grasp of the Christian faith and their value as living role models of it. Godparents and sponsors ought to be willing and able to keep the promises and vows they make at the baptismal service. Godparents or sponsors are persons who accept the responsibility of loving and supporting the child or person as he or she matures in the Christian faith and life.
In choosing people to be godparents for your children, it is wise to choose individuals whom your child will have an opportunity to know well, those who will develop a relationship with your child as well as with you. Each child should have at least two godparents, but no more than four.
Traditionally, boys have two godfathers and one godmother, and girls have two godmothers and one godfather. While ideally we like to include all who wish to be sponsors, we strongly advise that you limit the total number of godparents and/or sponsors to four people. If you wish to have more, please speak to a member of the clergy.
You should attempt to select godparents and/or sponsors before the date of presentation so that they may participate in it.
We are happy that you have chosen St. Alban’s Parish as your Christian community. We look forward to sharing your life in Christ.