Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation
We invite you to celebrate your life events at St. Peter’s in the presence of our community of faith. We consider Baptisms, Confirmation, Weddings, Renewal Ceremonies, and Memorial/Funeral services as life events, marking special conjunctures in the lives of individuals and
families.
Baptisms
Baptisms are celebrated as part of our regular Sunday worship services. Through baptism a person becomes part of the family of God, a member of the church and receiving God’s grace in a visible and tangible way through Water and the Word. Baptism is an important rite that initiates our Christian journey. We hope that many people will join us in discovering God’s way for our lives.
The congregation, which is both the baptizing Church and the receiving community, is always present. It is also important to us that at least one parent of an infant to be baptized is already a member of the church and prepared to bring the child to the house of God and the Christian Education programs. As the called and ordained minister of the congregation, the pastor presides at Baptism. The pastor’s function is that of acting on behalf of the assembled Church.
Sponsors (or godparents) are Christian people who take responsibility for those to be baptized. Those who bring infants or young children for Baptism become accountable for their Christian nurture. Though parents and sponsors assume that responsibility directly, the entire congregation shares it. Pastoral counseling/ teaching with the parents of the child to be baptized is required prior to the baptism. Parents who are non-members and are requesting baptism for their child(ren) are expected to first become members or begin preparations for membership. They should be fully aware that as part of the liturgy, they will make promises to God, with the congregation’s witness and support, to bring their child(ren) to the services of God’s house. Photos during a baptism are limited to video recording. Otherwise, photography is to occur after the service.
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Baptisms take place during our regular Sunday worship services as part of the congregation’s gathered worship.
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Anyone seeking to begin their Christian journey may be baptized. For infants, at least one parent must be a member of the church and committed to raising the child in the Christian faith.
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Yes. A meeting or counseling session with the pastor is required before baptism to discuss its meaning and responsibilities.
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Sponsors (or godparents) should be practicing Christians who promise to support the baptized person’s faith journey alongside the parents and congregation.
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Non-member parents are welcome to inquire but are expected to first become members or begin the membership process before scheduling a baptism.
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Video recording is permitted, but photos should be taken after the service, not during the ceremony.
First Holy Communion
Classes are held in the fall for 3rd graders or older children who did not yet receive Holy Communion. Classes run for three sessions which culminates in First Holy Communion. Children who will receive their First Holy Communion have to be baptized first.
Confirmation
Confirmation Classes are provided for 7th and 8th graders in a two-year program that starts in September of a given year and ends two years later in spring with a service of Confirmation or Affirmation of Faith. These sessions provide in-depth knowledge about the Bible, the Christian faith, and how it relates to everyday life. Part of the confirmation journey is retreats, service projects, and involvement in church and fellowship youth gatherings.
