Baptism

Baptism is the great Sacrament of initiation into the Church.  In and through the waters of Baptism, a person dies to sin and death and is born again into eternal life through Jesus Christ.  It is not an end but a beginning of a life in Christ.  The Baptized person needs the support of strong Christian family and Church community, if he or she is to grow into the full stature of Christ.  The Sacrament is never performed for merely cultural purposes or to fulfill familial expectations but only in an atmosphere when true faith in Jesus Christ is lived and shared. 

If you are seeking Baptism for yourself or for a family member, please call Fr. Mike at 518-374-8391 to make an appointment to discuss this matter.

First Communion

All Baptized Christians are called to the table of the Lord.  With that in mind, we invite even the smallest of children, who are baptized, to participate in Communion.  Some infants even receive the Holy Eucharist at Baptism, as a small drop of wine is placed on their tongues.  These children continue to receive Communion each Sunday.  

Periodically, the primary Church School class focuses on Communion for at least part of the school year.  At the end of this period, all of the children, those who have been receiving and those who do not yet receive, receive Communion at a special Sunday service. 

Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation

Baptism is the great Sacrament of Christian initiation, in the waters of Baptism we are made Christ’s own and become full members of His body, the Church.  Most of us, however, were baptized as infants, before we could make a commitment of faith.  At Baptism, the Church looks forward to the moment when we can and will stand before Christ and His Church and affirms those commitments that were made for us.  At Confirmation, we reaffirm our Baptism, accept Christ as Lord and Savior, and receive from God the power from the Holy Spirit to live our Christian life with commitment and boldness.  

There is also a provision for those Confirmed as Roman Catholics or in the Orthodox Churches to be received into full membership in the Anglican Communion.  Also, for those already Confirmed or Received who have experienced a deeper conversion to Christ, there is provision that they may Reaffirm their Faith.

While Confirmation focuses on Christian commitment, the focus as with all Sacraments, is on the grace of God who brings us to make such commitments and then enables us to keep them.

For those who would like to be Confirmed, Received, or Reaffirm their Faith, participation in the full life of the Church (Sunday worship, Christian Education, Bible Study) is required.  Also a period of more focused education and service, through Confirmation classes, is needed to prepare the person adequately.  Currently the Diocese is working on a whole new curriculum to be in place - hopefully by 2009.

If you are interested in Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation, please call Fr. Mike at the Parish Office at 518-374-8391.