Baptism
What is baptism?
Baptism is one of the Sacraments of the Episcopal Church. Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the Church (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 298). The Episcopal Church recognizes as valid any baptism administered with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Baptism and Membership
Any person who has been baptized can be registered as a baptized member of Grace Cathedral. If you were not baptized in the Episcopal Church, simply write to the , enclose a copy of your baptismal or confirmation certificate, and asked to be registered. If you do not have a certificate, please write with the details of when, where, and in what denomination you were baptized.
Celebration of Baptism
The cathedral administers the Sacrament of Holy Baptism four Sundays per year: at the Great Vigil of Easter and Easter morning, All Saints' Day in the fall, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in the winter, and the Feast of Pentecost in the early summer.
Preparation for Adult Baptism
Adults who wish to be baptized should contact the . Under the leadership of the , we offer ongoing formation opportunities, focused on understanding the Christian experience and practicing the way of Jesus.
Current adult spiritual formation opportunities
Preparation for Infant and Child Baptism
A three-hour preparation class -including a rehearsal of the service -is required for all parents who bring their children to be baptized at Grace Cathedral. If they are available, godparents are encouraged to attend as well. Visit our calendar page to see the scheduled preparation classes. For more information about child and infant baptism, .