Baptism
What is Baptism?
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.
- The Book of Common Prayer, page 858
A person who has been baptised does not need to be re-baptised.
When is Baptism administered?
The Episcopal Church generally offers Baptism on four occasions:
The First Sunday after the Epiphany (the Baptism of our Lord) early in January
The Easter Vigil, on the Saturday evening before Easter
The Day of Pentecost, late spring or early summer
All Saints’ Day (Sunday after November 1)
Baptism may also be administered when a Bishop is present. The actual calendar dates for baptism in any given year are available from the Parish Coordinator. Baptism welcomes people into the fellowship of the Church. Baptism is administered during a worship service, when the community gathers for the Eucharist. Private baptisms are discouraged and are permitted only in extraordinary circumstances.
The Sponsors
Each candidate for Baptism is sponsored by one or more baptised individuals. Sponsors of infants and children are the godparents. Godparents should be willing and able to make a commitment to nurture the child’s faith, helping the new Christian grow in the knowledge and love of God. Sponsors of older children or adults offer their endorsement and support for the candidate they present.
Preparation
Parents, godparents, and older baptismal candidates receive instruction for Baptism. You will receive information concerning instruction, as well as a rehearsal for the Baptism service. Parents and godparents are strongly encouraged to participate as fully as possible in this preparation for the joy and responsibility of presenting a child for Baptism.
To begin the process of planning a Baptism at the American Cathedral in Paris, please complete the following form.
The Cathedral’s Canon will work with you to confirm the date of Baptism.
Please contact our Parish Coordinator with questions or difficulties on parish.coordinator@americancathedral.org / +33 (0)1 53 23 84 08