A resource is coming soon! In the meantime, check out this great information from the Diocese of New Westminster!
Baptism
The Anglican Church of Canada baptizes both infants and adults to receive them into the family of God.
What is baptism?
Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ and unites Christ with his people. When we become baptized we make a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. We let go of our old ways of seeing others and ourselves. We learn to see one another through the eyes of Christ. We make a conscious decision to respect others and ourselves, to grow in our ability to live in harmony with others and to forgive. We have a responsibility to resist evil in our own lives and to work to transform our society into a caring family centered on Christ’s passionate love for the world. At the time of baptism, the person is formally received as part of the church and may receive Holy Communion (or Eucharist).
What is infant baptism?
In the Anglican Church, children may be baptized, with parents and sponsors making these
commitments for them. The parents and sponsors and the parish community also commit on their
own to bring these children up in the church to understand God’s purpose for the world.
If parents are not ready to make baptismal promises or wish to defer baptism for a while,
the church offers a service of thanksgiving for the gift of a child. In this service, the family gives thanks for the birth and prays for God’s help in the child’s care and nurture.
Who may be baptized?
Any adult who believes God is calling her or him into the Christian way of life is invited to be baptized. Any baptized adult may present a child for baptism. Usually, the person bringing the child
forward is a baptized parent. Baptized or not, it is customary that both parents of the child consent
to the baptism of the child. A single parent may bring a child to be baptized on her or his own.
Who are sponsors?
Sponsors are baptized adult members of a Christian community. They are witnesses to the baptism and accept responsibility for supporting the person’s spiritual development–his or her growth in Christ. Both children and adults have sponsors (often called godparents).
When does baptism take place?
In baptism, a person becomes part of the church community, and the community should be present to witness and welcome. Many parishes reserve baptism for a few special Sunday celebrations during the year.
How do we prepare for baptism?
Candidates for baptism, their parents, and sponsors receive instruction in the meaning of baptism and of the vows which they will make. The extent of this instruction will vary from parish to parish and according to the age and capability of the candidates.