Baptism
The Anglican Church baptizes infants even though they are not old enough to profess the Christian faith themselves. This is done with the understanding that the parents will teach their children the faith and encourage them to live it out in their daily lives. Here are some of the statements you make on behalf of your child:
- To see that your child is nurtured in the faith and life of the Christian community–(in other words, the church.)
- To, by your prayers and witness, help your child to be like Jesus.
You will also publicly:
- Renounce Satan, all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God, the evil powers of this world and all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God.
- Turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Saviour
In addition, you will enter into a baptismal covenant with God and His Church in which you will agree, with God’s help, to:
- Continue in the apostle’s teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers–(in other words, be an active member of the Church)
- Persevere in resisting evil and, whenever you sin, repent and return to God
- Proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Jesus Christ
- Seek and serve Jesus in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself
- Strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
This means that parents who wish to have a child baptized in the Christ Church Anglican community, must either be, or become, active members. These are the expectations of membership at Christ Church, Fort Macleod. As a member you will:
- Believe in, and commit to, the Christian faith as it is laid out in the questions and promises of the baptismal service in the Book of Alternative Services: in particular, the questions to the candidates on p154, and the baptismal covenant on pp158-159
- Attend Sunday worship, with your children, regularly and frequently, preferably weekly
- Make an honest effort to grow in your spiritual life and discipleship through prayer, Bible reading, study, community life and service.
- Be a regular and committed financial supporter of the parish
Therefore parents are asked to consider the following honestly and carefully before bringing children to Baptism:
- Are you prepared to become an active member of Christ Church? (meeting the expectations outlined above)
- Will you encourage your child to look forward to receiving Confirmation at a later date so s/he may be equipped and enabled to carry out his or her own personal ministry, in the power of the Holy Spirit, as part of our Lord’s body, the church?
If you are interested in Christian Baptism for your children, please contact the pastor.