Who Can Be Baptized?

In the Episcopal Church there is no age requirement for a person to be baptized. Adults, teens and younger children and infants are regularly baptized.

What is required of us at Baptism is that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We baptize children and infants so that they can share membership in the Church and be benefactors of God's redemption.

Why Is It Important To Understand Baptism?

It's important to understand baptism because baptism is not a "magical" act, but the beginning of a person's Christian life. The newly baptized person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit to enable them growth in the Christian life and faith.

Baptism is that act whereby we publicly proclaim our decision to follow the Christian life. If an infant is being baptized, their parents or sponsors publicly promise to raise the child within the Church, and teach them to know Christ and be able to follow him.

The Meaning of Baptism

Baptism enables our elevation from our purely natural state to become the Children of God.

Baptism signifies our UNION with Jesus in his death and resurrection. This union gives us the strength to carry on Jesus' mission, by sharing our faith with others.

Baptism signifies our BIRTH into God's family, the Church. Baptism initiates us into the community of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

Baptism signifies the FORGIVENESS of our sins, Through Baptism, we are given God's grace and cleansed of our sins.

Baptism signifies our NEW LIFE in the Holy Spirit. As we become children of God, we really become new people -- fuller and richer than we were in our natural state -- full of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism At St. Francis' Church

If you wish to be baptized, or if you have a child that you wish to have baptized, you should contact the Church Office to set up an appointment with the Rector. He will give you further directions about any steps which you may need to take. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the Church Office, at (830)964-3820, to set up an appointment.

St. Francis by the Lake Episcopal Church
13250 Highway 306 @ Spring Mountain Rd.
P. O. Box 2031
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Office: (830)964-3820 Fax: (830)964-3815
Office Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Rev. Jerry Sneary, Rector 
email: francis@gvtc.com