Baptism is the universal ritual of initiation into the fellowship of followers of Jesus Christ known as the Church. Christians, whether adults or children, are baptized with water in the name of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Baptism is the beginning of the life of faith. It is the public sign, or sacrament, that Jesus introduced in order to welcome us as a part of his Body, the Church. Baptism is neither an isolated event or a magic moment, but the beginning of a life of faith in, and faithfulness to the God revealed in Jesus Christ.

While people are baptized as individuals, they are baptized into a community of faith that promises to:

  • persevere in resisting evil
  • forgive one another, as God has forgiven them
  • seek and serve Christ in all persons
  • strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being
  • strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation, and
  • respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth  

Baptism is open to all – whether adults or children.
By bringing their child to be baptised, parents are giving a sign to the world, and to others in their worshipping community, of their commitment to partner with God nurture their child in the faith and life of the Christian community. At the same time, the Christian community commits to partner with the parents in helping to raise these children in the life of Christ.

Adults who present themselves for baptism make the choice, prompted by the Holy Spirit, to turn towards Christ. If you find yourself on this journey, you might consider taking the next steps towards baptism.

All baptized persons are encouraged to participate in God’s work in the world through their gifts of time, talent and financial resources.  

Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child
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 or adoption of a child and to pray for God’s help in the child’s care and nurture.  

Next Steps
In the Anglican Church of Canada, Holy Baptism typically happens within the celebration of the eucharist as the main service on a Sunday. There are four main feasts where we hold baptisms: Easter, Pentecost, All Saints Day, and the Baptism of the Lord.

If you would like to be baptized, have your child baptized, or have a service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child, please download the form at the bottom of the page and contact one of the clergy to begin the process.

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