10 Sep 2010, Posted by Christ Church Cathedral Vancouver

Baptism at Christ Church

At Christ Church Cathedral, the sacrament of baptism is celebrated five times each year. These dates correspond to the principal feasts of the church and hold within their commemorations many of the key messages about new life in Jesus Christ.

Baptism is celebrated on:

Baptism of the Lord (Jan. 8, 2012)

Easter Sunday (April 8, 2012, adults @ 6:15 am and children @ 8:00 am)

Feast of Pentecost (May 27, 2012)

Transfiguration (August 5, 2015)

Holy Cross Day (Sept. 16, 2012)

Sunday nearest All Saints Day (Nov. 4, 2012)

Baptism of the Lord (Jan 13, 2013)

If you interested in baptism, please contact Lesley Godwin, by email at lpgodwin@shaw.ca, or through the Cathedral office, at 604.682.3848.

About Baptism

The Ministry of all the Baptized

Baptism is a coming into the Body of Christ, in which we become members of one another and of Christ; it is about who we are in Christ, and whose we are: God’s own. In baptism we are gathered and sent forth, in the ministry that is God’s own ministry of transformation, reconciliation, healing and salvation of the world. So, baptism is not just about identity and belonging, it’s also about being sent in mission and ministry. The baptismal liturgy speaks of the foundation of that mission and ministry:

“Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ. Baptism unites Christ with his people. That union is both individual and corporate. Christians are, it is true, baptized one by one, but to be a Christian is to be part of a new creation which rises from the dark waters of Christ’s death into the dawn of his risen life. Christians are not just baptized individuals; they are a new humanity. As the World Council of Churches document Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry has reminded Christians, the scriptures of the NewTestament and the liturgy of the Church unfold the meaning of baptism in various images (often based on Old Testament water symbols) which express the mystery of salvation. Baptism is participation in Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6.3-5; Colossians 2.12); a washing away of sin (1 Corinthians 6.11); a new birth (John 3.5); an enlightenment by Christ (Ephesians 5.14); a reclothing in Christ (Galatians 3.27); a renewal by the Spirit (Titus 3.5); the experience of salvation from the flood (1 Peter 3.20-21); an exodus from bondage (1 Corinthians 10.1-2) and a liberation into a new humanity in which barriers of division, whether of sex or race or social status, are transcended (Galatians 3.27-28; 1 Corinthians 12.13). The images are many but the reality is one. Several dimensions of baptism became clear as the early Church developed its practice. Initiation into the Church was a vital concern of the whole Christian community and not only of the candidates for baptism and their immediate families. Preparation for baptism was a responsibility shared among various members of the community, both ordained and lay. Becoming a Christian had as much to do with learning to live a new lifestyle within the Christian community as it did with specific beliefs. When the day of baptism finally arrived, the event took place within the context of the Sunday eucharist, when the whole community was gathered and where the newly baptized received communion for the first time.

-From the Introduction to the Baptismal Liturgy of the Book of Alternative Services of the Anglican Church of Canada ©The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada 1985.

The Baptismal Covenant -From The Book of Alternative Services

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?

People I believe in God,

The Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People I believe in Jesus Christ,

his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again

to judge the living and the dead.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People I believe in God the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and

fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the

prayers?