Baptism signifies entrance into the Christian faith and life of the Church. The sacrament of baptism is offered on Sunday mornings, generally on a major feast of the church. The Episcopal Church practices baptism by effusion, the priest pouring the waters of baptism over the head of the person being baptized, or full immersion when available and desired.

As baptism is a sacrament that confers full membership into the whole body of Christ, private baptisms are not performed at St. Patrick’s. In order to prepare for baptism, adults and older children, or the parents of infants to be baptized, consult with clergy for counsel and preparation. Please contact the clergy to inquire about baptism.

Confirmation is a sacramental rite in which a person makes a mature and public commitment to follow Jesus, if they were baptized at a young age or if they have not previously received the laying on of hands by a bishop in The Episcopal Church. During Confirmation an Episcopal bishop of apostolic succession lays their hands upon the confirmand, praying that God would uphold them in the spiritual work begun in their baptism. Anyone who has been confirmed or made a mature and public commitment to follow Jesus in another denomination may be “Received” by an Episcopal bishop to become a member of The Episcopal Church.

Some offices of leadership in a congregation require Confirmation/Reception, such as: eucharistic minister (chalice bearer), vestry member, lay eucharistic visitor.

The Inquirer’s Class is an important time of learning and formation in preparation for Confirmation or Reception, which are bestowed by the bishop at the bishop’s annual parish visit. Please contact the clergy for information about classes and confirmation/reception dates.