For more information about preparing for and participating in these rites, read about our annual Spiritual Pilgrimage or contact us.

Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament (or way that we receive grace) by which God adopts us as God’s own children, and makes us part of Christ’s body, the Church. In baptism, we are joined with Christ in his death and resurrection by a bond that can never be broken, and we are born into God’s family, the Church. In the waters of baptism, our sins are forgiven, and we receive new life in the Holy Spirit.

In our baptismal liturgy, we renounce the evil powers of this world that corrupt and destroy God’s creatures and creation. We turn away from darkness, and turn toward the light of Christ, promising, with God’s help:

  • To continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
  • To persevere in resisting evil, and whenever we fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
  • To proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.
  • To seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
  • To strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.

At St. Luke’s, you’ll notice the baptismal font as soon as you walk in the door to our worship space. We keep it there by the door to remind us of what binds us in beloved community as part of Christ’s Body. The font also reminds us of the promises we make in baptism as we leave the church, going into the world, to seek and serve, to proclaim and persevere every day. Some people even dip their fingers in the holy water and make the sign of the cross as they pass the font; this reminds us of our baptism, which both brings us together and sends us into the world.

The sacrament of Baptism is administered by a priest, most commonly on Easter or Baptism is life-changing event that deserves reflection and preparation, so we have classes that we ask people who desire to be baptized to take. If you are interested in being baptized, please contact us.

Confirmation

In the sacrament of Confirmation, we “”express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” (BCP, p. 860). This public affirmation of faith and commitment to the responsibilities of baptism is administered by a bishop, often at the annual Cathedral Day event or during the bishop’s visitation to St. Luke’s. In preparation for Confirmation, candidates discern ways to live out their baptismal vows in their lives.

Reception

Reception is a form of Christian commitment for those who have previously made a mature commitment in a different denomination and would like to join the Episcopal Church. Like Confirmation, it is a public affirmation of faith and commitment to the baptismal promises that is administered by a bishop.