Baptism

Who can be baptized?

The sacrament of baptism is available to all persons, infants and adults. In the United Church baptism is an initiation into Christ’s church and into a particular community of faith. Therefore we require that at least one parent is an active participant in the life of the congregation, or that at least this is his/her intention.  We offer baptism four times per year, in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. 

Some frequently asked questions:

There are many popular understandings of the meaning of baptism which do not reflect our understanding of what is happening at baptism. For example, following are three understandings of baptism which we think seriously limit the deeper meaning of the sacrament.

• Some think that the soul of an unbaptized baby will end up in limbo or purgatory. We don’t believe this. We do believe that all babies are as blessed and known and loved by God whether or not they are baptized.

• Some want to baptize their babies so that they will be "exposed" to religion, and then later in life be able to make their minds up for themselves. It is our belief that our children model their parents attitudes and behaviours. If they see their parents participating in a church community, then they will learn to value this experience for themselves. Baptism is meant to be an initiation into the spiritual life of the community.

• Finally, for many baptism is a way of carrying on a family tradition. This is a family tradition we want to support, but the only way the tradition will continue to have meaning is through the commitment of the parents to a life of faith within a faith community.

Preparation 

By way of preparation, we ask that you attend a session with the Minister, plus attendance at church.  Child care is available.  We will discuss the meaning of baptism in the Christian Church, the mission, vision and values of Canadian Memorial Church, and the meaning of the vows you will make during the baptism.

The following questions, in one form or another, have been asked of the baptismal candidates (or their parents in the case of infant baptism) for almost 2000 years.

1. Do you believe in God, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, and who works in us and others by the Spirit?

2. Desiring the freedom of new life in Christ, do you seek to resist evil, and to live in love and justice?

3. Will you follow in the way of Jesus Christ?

4. Will you join your brothers and sisters in this congregation to share in the life, work, and ministry of Jesus Christ?

These questions are asked in the presence of the congregation, who themselves are asked,

"Do you promise to support and nurture this child and help him/her take his/her place within the mission and witness of Christ’s church?"

As you can see, baptism has its most profound meaning when it reflects the intention of the parents to be active in the life of a congregation, and in their own Christian development.

On rare occasions we make exceptions to this requirement. Sometimes one of the parents were themselves baptized and confirmed at Canadian Memorial and find it meaningful to return for the occasion of their own child’s baptism. It is United Church tradition to have the baptism in the congregation that you will be attending. However, as a courtesy we’ll be happy to talk to the minister of the congregation where you worship or intend to worship.

We would be delighted to talk to you about baptism. It is a truly beautiful sacred ritual.

Contact

If you have any questions or would like to proceed with the baptism, please call our church office and make an appointment for you to speak with or meet our Minister Bruce Sanguin.

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