The Sacrament of Baptism is a welcoming of new members into the Body of Christ.

Holy Baptism is the high point of our worship and our life together. In the mystery of Holy Baptism, we die with Christ to sin and death, and we rise again to freedom and life eternal. When we baptize infants, it is the parents and godparents who make promises on behalf of the child. When we baptize adults, the adult themself renounces evil, affirms faith in Jesus Christ, and joins in promising to uphold the faith of the Church. 

In baptism, Holy Water is poured over the head of the person being baptized. Then they are anointed with Holy Oil as the presence of the Holy Spirit is invoked and claimed for this new Christian. Finally, a candle is given to the newly baptized, symbolizing that this person now shares in carrying the Light of Christ into the world. White is traditionally worn at baptisms, symbolizing forgiveness of sin and the hope of life eternal with the saints in heaven. 

Holy Baptism at St. Barnabas is a very special time and takes place within our worship together. At its core, baptism is about initiation into the life of the Christian community and, therefore, private baptisms are not conducted. In past generations, baptism was a broad cultural expectation for infants. This is no longer the case. The Church understands baptism as the beginning of a commitment to the Christian faith and life, which includes ongoing formation and an expectation of continued communal worship.

We baptize at the following major feasts: 

• The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Sunday, January 12, 2025)

• Easter Day (Sunday, April 20, 2025)

• The Day of Pentecost (Sunday, June 8, 2025)

• All Saints’ Day (observed on Sunday, November 2, 2025)

• The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Sunday, January 11, 2026)

 To begin the process toward baptism, please contact Fr. Alex.