Thank you for your interest in Baptism at Holy Trinity St. Stephen's Memorial! We're excited that you're considering this important sacrament for yourself or your child.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Baptism involves an intentional process of preparation, often called catechesis which takes place over a series of months and involves reading, learning, prayer, discussion and discernment. Preparation typically includes meeting with the parish priest to discuss the meaning of baptism, your faith journey, and what it means to be part of the Christian community. We'll explore the baptismal promises, answer your questions, and ensure you feel ready for this significant step. For infant and child baptisms, we'll discuss your role as parents in nurturing your child's faith and the support you can expect from the parish community. This isn't a test—it's an opportunity for reflection, learning, and building relationship with the church family that will support you in the years ahead.
Baptism almost exclusively takes place during Sunday morning worship with the community present to support the new Christian in their faith journey. Private baptisms are only offered in emergencies.
We typically schedule baptisms for special days: the Easter Vigil (March 22–April 25), Pentecost (50 days after Easter), the Feast of All Saints (November 1 or the following Sunday), and the Baptism of the Lord (early January). These are important celebrations in the church year and are particularly appropriate for baptism.
OUR APPROACH
Baptism is a serious, lifelong commitment to become part of the Body of Christ. We don't baptize on demand or due to family pressure—the desire for baptism should come from a genuine yearning to welcome Christ into your life. And let's be clear: you or your child won't go to hell if unbaptized, despite what anyone might say!
We believe Baptism emerges from a growing desire to affirm faith in Christ and enter into relationship with this parish community and the wider Church. There's no rush—we continue growing into our baptismal promises throughout our lives, no one is ever a fully formed Christian.
Baptism is also not transactional; it's the beginning of a new relationship with God and neighbour. On a practical level this typically means that we look for a minimum of 6 months involvement with the parish community prior to serious discussions about baptism, followed by the period of preparation.
NEXT STEPS
At the end of this page, you'll find Baptism guides for individuals/parents and sponsors—please review them and share the sponsor guide with your potential sponsors. You'll also find the Rite of Baptism from the Book of Alternative Services and a document on the Common Understanding of Baptism from the World Council of Churches. When you meet with the parish priest, all questions are welcome.
If this sounds like something you wish to explore further, click the link below to share some information with us and we'll get in touch to schedule an initial conversation.
Blessings on your faith journey!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Baptism involves an intentional process of preparation, often called catechesis which takes place over a series of months and involves reading, learning, prayer, discussion and discernment. Preparation typically includes meeting with the parish priest to discuss the meaning of baptism, your faith journey, and what it means to be part of the Christian community. We'll explore the baptismal promises, answer your questions, and ensure you feel ready for this significant step. For infant and child baptisms, we'll discuss your role as parents in nurturing your child's faith and the support you can expect from the parish community. This isn't a test—it's an opportunity for reflection, learning, and building relationship with the church family that will support you in the years ahead.
Baptism almost exclusively takes place during Sunday morning worship with the community present to support the new Christian in their faith journey. Private baptisms are only offered in emergencies.
We typically schedule baptisms for special days: the Easter Vigil (March 22–April 25), Pentecost (50 days after Easter), the Feast of All Saints (November 1 or the following Sunday), and the Baptism of the Lord (early January). These are important celebrations in the church year and are particularly appropriate for baptism.
OUR APPROACH
Baptism is a serious, lifelong commitment to become part of the Body of Christ. We don't baptize on demand or due to family pressure—the desire for baptism should come from a genuine yearning to welcome Christ into your life. And let's be clear: you or your child won't go to hell if unbaptized, despite what anyone might say!
We believe Baptism emerges from a growing desire to affirm faith in Christ and enter into relationship with this parish community and the wider Church. There's no rush—we continue growing into our baptismal promises throughout our lives, no one is ever a fully formed Christian.
Baptism is also not transactional; it's the beginning of a new relationship with God and neighbour. On a practical level this typically means that we look for a minimum of 6 months involvement with the parish community prior to serious discussions about baptism, followed by the period of preparation.
NEXT STEPS
At the end of this page, you'll find Baptism guides for individuals/parents and sponsors—please review them and share the sponsor guide with your potential sponsors. You'll also find the Rite of Baptism from the Book of Alternative Services and a document on the Common Understanding of Baptism from the World Council of Churches. When you meet with the parish priest, all questions are welcome.
If this sounds like something you wish to explore further, click the link below to share some information with us and we'll get in touch to schedule an initial conversation.
Blessings on your faith journey!