St. Timothy’s & St. Paul’s Parish Baptismal Policy

The following practices remain in place:

1. The candidate needs to be connected with a Christian church somewhere. Contact should be made with their pastor/church where they live (if not nearby) so they can be supported and officially welcomed when they return.
2. Baptisms should take place on feast days during a regular Sunday worship service.

Steps to Baptism:

INTRODUCTION: The Candidate/Family comes to church to meet the pastor and faith family. They receive a brochure, which outlines what baptism is, our expectations (as well as the Anglican Church of Canada’s & Diocesan  Bishop’s) and our Parish process. Include info on “Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child” as another option.

1. BEFORE BAPTISM: The candidate is expected to attend worship for a suggested six weeks (an unspoken minimum of three weeks). There will be prayers given to them to help prepare themselves for this sacred day. We will also include the candidate in our parish prayers.
2. PREPARATION: Assign a sponsor to the candidate or family. (See below for responsibilities of the sponsor.) The Parish continues the three-session program that Cheryl Rafuse is leading, including a rehearsal and review of the baptismal vows with Pastor Lisa at the last session.
3. BAPTISM DAY: Host a reception for the candidates and their families after the service. Give the candidate a Baptism Gift Package including a book (Bibles for babies, youth, adults, etc.) as a gift to encourage the person in their faith journey and to show we care. The package will also include lots of information on the Parish’s services and programs. This will be given by the sponsor. Representatives will be on hand from the Sunday School, Confirmation Class, Wee Spirits, ACW.
4. AFTER BAPTISM: Sponsors throughout the process will pray for the candidate and their family. They will call them from time to time to let them know that they’re being thought of and prayed for. This helps the candidate/family build up a relationship with at least one person other than Pastor Lisa and Cheryl Rafuse. The sponsor may invite the candidate to ‘bridge events’ (men’s breakfast, movie nights, Alpha, kids programs, etc.). The sponsor will be present and supportive at the Baptism and reception and will stay in touch afterwards. Follow-up contact must continue to ensure the candidate doesn’t drift. This may take the form of phone calls, e-mail messages, mailed notes, etc.

This policy and its implementation are evaluated annually by the Parish.