The Sacrament of Baptism

The Meaning of Baptism

Welcome! Thank you for making us a special part of your family’s life. Baptism is a way of celebrating God’s love for us and our love for God. Baptism is an act of welcoming, blessing, and belonging.

Baptism is not necessary for life – God accepts us no matter who we are or where we’ve come from. However, many families choose to have a child baptized because they want to celebrate the gift of life that has come to them in their child.

At Rosemont United Church baptism takes place within the regular Sunday morning worship service. Since infants cannot speak for themselves, at a baptism service the parents are asked to make a commitment of faith on the child’s behalf. Parents promise to do their best to raise their child in a Christian environment. At the same time the gathered congregation promises to support families in the promises they make at baptism.

Following Jesus and discovering how God is at work in a person’s life is not always an easy task. Young families can easily become overwhelmed by the many pressures on them, even without adding God into the mix. This is where the church comes in. Rosemont United Church offers a community filled with experienced grandparents who enjoy connecting with young people and appreciate the blessings that children bring to the world.

Policy Guidelines

It is the expectation of Rosemont United Church that parents who bring a child for baptism will have a church connection.

Parents should be attending, or willing to attend, worship services with some regularity and the family should consider involvement in congregational activities. When parents bring a child for baptism they will be required to attend church services at least three time in the three months prior to baptism.

Since part of baptism is a declaration of faith, it is necessarily that one or both parents accept the basic beliefs of the Christian faith. If you are wondering what these might be, or have questions, please do not hesitate to ask – we are a community of learners and none of us have all the answers, but we do make the commitment to learn together.

Arranging a Baptism

To make arrangements for the baptism of their child(ren), parents should contact the church office. Once a suitable date for the baptism has been established, a baptism preparation meeting will be arranged with the minister and representatives of the Membership Team.

The baptism preparation session will include:

• discussing understandings of baptism,
• sharing our hopes and expectations,
• reviewing the baptismal vows and the shape of the worship service,
• completing information forms,
• a tour of the facilities.

Baptism Timing

The Liturgical Team schedules the Sacrament of Baptism at Rosemont United Church as per requests of families.

Photographs

As mentioned earlier, baptism is normally celebrated within the regular Sunday worship service. To that end, we ask that no flash photography be used. Video cameras are welcome, as long as they are stationary. Following the service, pictures around the baptismal font and in the worship space are most welcome.

Jesus said, “Come, follow me.” And we are!!