Baptism

According to The Book of Common Prayer of The Episcopal Church:
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates.

It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church.

Scheduling a Baptism
Please contact the church office at 516-692-6368 x3 to schedule a Baptism. Both parents are expected to attend a Baptism Preparation meeting in advance of the Baptism. Sponsors are encouraged to attend if possible, and children are welcome.

There is a suggested contribution of $150 payable to St. John’s Church.

Photography
Baptism is one of the most important events in the life of the church. To preserve its sacred character, the following rules on photography are to be adhered to strictly:

• Flash photographs of arriving guests and baptismal party are acceptable prior to the service.
• Posed photographs may be made of the baptismal party at the altar before or after the service. The outdoor chapel, including the church garden, is also available for photographs and posed groupings.
• No other pictures are allowed during the course of the service. Ushers should remind arriving guests with cameras of this regulation to avoid the necessity of the clergy having to stop the service to make such a request.
• It is the responsibility of the parents or sponsors of those being baptized to make our rules and parish customs clear to photographers and to all persons attending the baptism.