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Baptism by The Rev. Laura Queen Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which one becomes a Christian and a member of the Church. All our life as Christians originates in our baptisms and for this reason, living out our baptism is at the very heart of our life together. The Episcopal Church defines baptism as "full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the Church" (Book of Common Prayer p. 298) and recognizes any baptism administered with water and in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, regardless of the church in which the rite was performed. One can only be baptized once, whether baptized as an infant or an adult. Baptism is indelible. Further, while baptism is an event of primary celebration for individuals and their families and friends; it is also an occasion for the renewal of the baptismal promises for all Christians and for this reason, must be performed in the context of corporate worship. There are no "private" or "family" baptisms except in the instance of grave illness or impending death, in which case, any baptized individual can baptize another with water and the name of the Triune God. Baptisms are offered on specified Sundays throughout the church year and the next scheduled baptism, fittingly so, is on the Sunday of Pentecost, May 11, 2008 during the 10:30 service. Members of the parish who are interested in baptism for themselves or for their children on Pentecost are encouraged to speak to a member of the clergy by Sunday, April 27th. Copyright © 2008 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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