Baptism, a rite of entry into the church, is the sign of new life in Christ. In baptism we are a new creation born into the life of the Church. Water is blessed and poured over the head of the person being baptised, as he or she is named as Christ’s own in the name of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
At Christ Church Cathedral we baptize infants and young children as well as those who come to faith as adults seeking to be received into the household of faith through baptism.
As baptism is about being made a member of the household of faith, it is important that the household participate in welcoming the new member. For this reason, baptisms at Christ Church Cathedral take place when the community is gathered, namely Sunday mornings at the 9:15 am service of worship.
Baptisms take place 5 times a year: the second Sunday of January (the Baptism of the Lord), Second Sunday of Easter, Pentecost, the Sunday closest to Holy Cross Sunday (September 14) and the Sunday closest to All Saints Day (November 1). If you are considering having your child baptized, please call the church office at 250.383.2714 to speak to one of the clergy.
Adults seeking baptism and/or confirmation are encouraged to take part in the Lenten educational programme that begins in the week following Ash Wednesday and concludes in Holy Week. Those seeking baptism or confirmation are baptized or confirmed during the Easter Vigil which takes place on the Saturday evening before Easter Day.
If you thinking about deepening your commitment to your life in Christ and would like to be baptized and/or confirmed call the church office (250.383.2714) and arrange to speak with one of the clergy about the next steps toward this commitment.