Baptism
Baptism is the free gift of God’s unbreakable bond of love.
Baptism is our gateway into the Body of Christ, the worshipping and serving community called “Church.”
Baptism is our initiation into the mysteries of God’s saving work for all creation.
Baptism is our response to God’s free gift of love. Our response comes in the form of vows; vows to live our lives respecting and enhancing life before God.
Baptism doesn’t have to happen in infancy. Some people are raised in faith traditions that baptize when a child or adult can request it for themselves. Some families come to Christian practice later in life and enter the Christian family with baptism of one or more family members together.
Are there members of your family who would like to be baptized? Our Minister for Children & Youth, Anne Alexis Harra, would be pleased to talk with you about the process and its preparation. Similarly, we’re happy to prepare adults who have been baptized and never confirmed to make a mature commitment to their faith and their membership in the Body of Christ through the sacrament of Confirmation. Please read below for more information.
For Adults and Teenagers
When a person who is old enough to consent to baptism is interested in the sacrament, we begin with a conversation with the clergy. Instruction will follow in either a tutorial, small group, or classroom setting. The baptism service, beginning on page 299 of the Book of Common Prayer, will provide the structure of the preparation. For this age group, baptism is a confession of faith both as belief and trust in the God revealed in Jesus Christ.
For Children: Baptism or Blessing?
The birth of a child is a cause for celebration! All families are welcome to explore the possibility of baptism for their children at St. Martin’s. The process begins with a conversation with the clergy and instruction for the parents. Children who are 3 years old or older also will receive age-appropriate preparation for baptism.
Adult family members consent to the baptism for the child, and take vows on the child’s behalf. During baptismal preparation we will want to know if the family sincerely intends to follow through on the vows they make. Signs of sincerity include attendance at worship and participation in the life of the church with prayers, gifts, and service.
Sometimes a family is not ready to make the commitment that comes with baptism. In that case, we are very pleased to offer a service of blessing called “A Service of Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child” during regular Sunday worship. The sacrament of baptism will always remain an option for the child who has been blessed, when the time is right.
Standard Baptismal Dates*
All Saints’ Sunday - Sunday of, or immediately following, November 1
Baptism of the Lord - Sunday after the Epiphany - usually the second Sunday in January
Easter Vigil evening service (best for youth or adults) - Saturday of Holy Week
Second Sunday of Easter - Sunday immediately following Easter Sunday
Pentecost - Sunday in late May or early June, 7 weeks after Easter Sunday
*other dates are open and may be arranged with the staff.
Anne Alexis Harra (she/her) was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. She and her beloved partner, Cole (he/him) currently live in Manayunk. Anne Alexis graduated from Washington College in May 2019 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy. Anne Alexis has served on the Diocesan Council in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, as well as the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission, and the Diocesan Assessment Committee. Since moving to Philadelphia in January 2021, she has served on the DioPA Youth Leaders Team and the DioPA Dismantling Racism for Youth Leaders Team. She is passionate about children's spirituality and using education as a force for good in their spiritual lives. Beginning with the waters of baptism, Anne Alexis has devoted her life to serving God in the Episcopal Church. Raised on Godly Play in Sunday school and moving into a tight-knit youth group, she is aware of the positive impact that the Church’s presence can have in the life of a young person. She is passionate about encouraging children and youth to explore their faith on a personal level while also committing to a community-centered effort to enact change for the greater good. Anne Alexis is passionate about racial justice and healing, as well as advocating for the rights of children in the context of the Christian faith. She hopes for a church where all of God's beloved are welcomed, heard, and included. She seeks and envisions a church where every member feels the true love of God in Christ. Anne Alexis is deeply aware of the profound impact of Jesus' unyielding love for all, including the most tender and vulnerable in our society: children. Hopeful for a day when all marginalized peoples are treated with equity, she continues "to seek and serve Christ in all persons." The Baptismal Covenant and Sacrament of Eucharist guide her ministry. Anne Alexis’ father owns and is president of a local funeral home in Wilmington. Some of her earliest childhood memories include observing him engage with bereaved families in a way that can only be described as ministerial. Her mother is a hospice nurse who guides her patients and families through a dignified palliative care stage. Anne Alexis’ parents have left a huge impression on her heart. A ministerial goal she has at St. Martin’s is exploring the often taboo topics of dying and death in the hopeful context of the gospels. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, spending time with her family (notably her godson, Will), and watching new shows with her beloved cats by her side. She and Cole enjoy trying eclectic restaurants in their neighborhood -- observing COVID restrictions, of course!Anne Alexis Harra
Minister for Children, Youth, & Families
215 247 8716 [email protected]
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Resources for Reflection and Growth this Lent
Wade in the Water
Preparing for Baptism
Recalling our Baptism
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