The Episcopal Church of the Atonement Baptisms

Holy Baptism

As a congregation of The Episcopal Church, the Church of the Atonement welcomes anyone who wishes to journey with us in faith. We are all seeking a deeper knowledge of God and how that knowledge and God’s love will help us and guide us in our daily lives.

We do not include or exclude individuals based on statements of faith. Instead, we welcome everyone to worship with us, trusting that God will invite each of us deeper into God’s presence.

Baptisms are usually scheduled on the following days, on which the lessons from Holy Scripture are particularly relevant. Consideration is given to the specific needs of the individual. In the case of a medical emergency, please call the church office to be in touch with the priest immediately.

The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (Sunday following January 6)

Easter Eve or Easter Day

The Day of Pentecost (50 days after Easter)

The Feast of All Saints’ (November 1 or the Sunday following)

If you desire Baptism, or if you wish your child to be baptized, please call the church office and schedule an appointment with the Rector. Or you may send her an email at rector@atonementwestfield.net.

The Book of Common Prayer is our guide in this worship. Our services are informed by it and conform to it. The statement below is taken from p. 298 of the prayer book.

Concerning the Service

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. . . .

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.