HOLY BAPTISM For Candidates, Parents and Sponsors and/or Godparents in Holy Baptism The meaning and significance of Holy Baptism is particularly important.  Denominations and individuals sometimes differ in their specific beliefs.  In the Episcopal Church we believe that Baptism is a Sacrament; that is “an outward and visible sign, of the inward and spiritual grace” of God. (BCP p. 857)  We believe that grace is the unearned and unmerited favor of God through Jesus Christ given to us by His birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension.  Through the sacrament of Holy Baptism we are “buried with Christ in His death, by it we share in His resurrection and through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit” (BCP p. 306)  We believe that “Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit (see John 3:1-17)  into Christ’s Body the Church.” (BCP p.298)  We do not believe that baptism is magic.  Christianity is a lifestyle that is learned by word (teaching the Bible and Christian character) and example (living like Jesus has taught us to live as His Body, the Church).  We believe that Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Baptism by His submission to His Father’s will and desire when He was Baptized by St. John in the river Jordan (Matthew 6:13ff, Mark 1:9ff, Luke 3:21ff & John 29ff) and affirmed this institution when He gave to the Apostles the Great Commission, “Go ye therefore into all the world baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…”. (Matthew 28: 19ff) When praying about a sponsor for Holy Baptism, or when selecting a godparent for your young child one should be aware that Christian Baptism calls for a great commitment to Christ Jesus on the part of the sponsor and/or godparent.  The first qualification for a is that that individual(s) be a practicing Christian who is able and ready to fulfill the commitments found in the Baptismal covenant (BCP pp.304-305), be regular in their attendance in weekly worship, Bible study, fellowship in the Body of Christ, reception of the Lord’s Supper, and in the prayers.  The Sponsor/godparent is called upon to assist parents in meeting their responsibilities of being examples of Christian living and for helping the newly baptized to be prepared for confirmation at the appropriate time. When asked to be a sponsor or godparent please be aware that you have both a privilege and a solemn obligation, “for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life” and “by your life and witness help this child grow into the full stature of Christ.” (BCP p. 302)  Please pray (talk to God) about the sacred trust you are considering and be sure you can and will fulfill the obligations and trust you are about to accept.   It is appropriate to read over the service of Holy Baptism in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP pp 298–314) and talk with the rector of the parish prior to the celebration.  It is our hope that this will help you be secure in your commitments and an opportunity for you to strengthen your relationship with God as well.  Of course, there is no substitute for prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you seek to assume your duties with a true sense of direction and importance. Several promises will be made by the candidate and/or sponsor/ godparent(s) during the administration of Holy Baptism.  These vows will undoubtedly be a matter for on-going reflection throughout the Christian’s life. Adults, young children, and infants who are baptized will require further instruction and witness to these vows as they grow in age and in Christian maturity.  These vows are basic to Christian discipleship and lifestyle.  (see BCP pp. 302-305)     We are asked if we will renounce all that is wrong, evil, and against God. As Disciples of Christ we are called to repent, that is to turn away from anything that rebels against God and turn to Jesus Christ.  In renouncing Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God we turn away from all that is evil, turning to life in Jesus Christ.   We are called to believe that which is true.  As Christians we believe that God is truth and that He has revealed his truth to His children.  As we grow in Christ Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life… (John 14:6), we are called to seek the mind of Christ as He is revealed in Holy Scripture, and the historic creeds of the Church. We are asked to follow and do that which is right.  We will all be faced with moral problems, choices and temptations.  The basic moral teachings of Jesus will always steer us in the right direction.  The Ten Commandments and the summary of the Law will be our guiding light. (The Ten Commandments BCP pp 317-318,  350, 847&848) The goal of life following Baptism is to grow in the likeness of Christ.  We must continue to grow up in the faith of Christ Jesus.  Sponsorship of a newly baptized person continues at least through the time that the newly baptized is confirmed.  The sacrament of Holy Confirmation is closely associated with baptism as confirmation is the reaffirmation of baptismal vows and accepting those vows as one’s own. “Confirmation is the rite in which 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) The godparent of a young child or infant should assist the parents of the newly baptized to connect the child with a church school and see that they are involved in the Christian Education. Those who have accepted the role of sponsor of an older child or adult should assist the candidate to become involved in a local congregation Bible study and prayer group. Above all the sponsor or god parent should keep their newly baptized in prayer: Almighty Go, whose loving care and protection is over all your children, bless, with your grace and favor, _______________________________________ that learning your ways and living in obedience to your will, she (he) may grow into strong and beautiful maturity of character.  Defend him(her) from all evil and lead her(her)  into the paths of righteousness, goodness, and truth.  Ever zealous for your kingdom, may he(she) grow into the likeness of your dear son, whom with you and the Holy Spirit we glorify, one God, world without end. Amen