Baptism, Confirmation, and Reception

Baptism

Baptism is for people of all ages and backgrounds. For infants and very young children, it is the public declaration of the parents' intent to raise the child in the way of Jesus. For adults it is that person's public declaration of the intentional decision to follow the way of Jesus. At Trinity, the sacrament of baptism includes lighting a baptismal candle, special prayers, pouring holy water over the forehead in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and marking the forehead with sacred oil (chrism). The Episcopal Church recognizes all baptisms that are done with water in the Name of the Trinity, and we do not rebaptize people baptized in this way. So, for example, if you were baptized as a Roman Catholic or as a Southern Baptist, you do not need to be rebaptized as an Episcopalian.

Confirmation and Reception

If you have already been baptized as a Christian and wish to renew your faith, you may be received or confirmed in The Episcopal Church at Trinity. Adults of any age who were baptized as children should be confirmed, which means publicly claiming their baptism in front of the bishop, after which the bishop lays his or her hands on the confirmand’s head, prays for them, confirms their baptismal vows, and asks the Holy Spirit to continue to work within and through them. Persons baptized as adults may also be confirmed, though it is not required. If you were confirmed in another denomination, speak to the priest to discern whether you should be confirmed or simply received into The Episcopal Church by the laying on of hands by the bishop.