Baptism: beginning the faith journey...

Whether for yourself or for a member of your family, baptism represents a meaningful and joyous milestone in your life and the life of your family.

What is baptism?

Baptism is a sacrament and a special celebration for the congregation. In baptism a person is declared a child of God, marking the beginning of a spiritual pilgrimage with Jesus and with fellow Christians. Baptised persons become members of the congregation, thus sharing in the United Church, and in the wider fellowship of Christians everywhere.

The baptism of a child is an opportunity for a parent to reaffirm their own faith as they promise to give their child a Christian upbringing. The commitments and questions for a parent are the same asked of any adult presenting themselves for baptism or confirmation.

The expectation is that at least one parent will be an active participant in church life (eg. will regularly attend worship), and will take steps to become a confirmed member of the congregation, if this has not already happened. A parent may come on their own to have a child baptised. The marital status of a child's parents has no bearing on that child's baptism.

Baptisms are celebrated as part of the Sunday worship service. Households are encouraged to establish the date of the baptism in consultation with the minister before arranging for family celebrations. In the United Church, the custom of having godparents present is welcomed, though neither required nor presumed. This is a choice for the parents or candidates. Godparents are of course welcome to be included in the celebration of baptism.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to e-mail the church at churchoffice@fairfieldunited.ca. We welcome all inquiries about baptism, and hope you will consider Fairfield United as your church home.