Sacramental Preparation

Baptism Q & A

What do I need to do to arrange a Baptism?

Please call the church and ask to speak to a member of the Clergy. Prior to a scheduled Baptism, members of the clergy and staff at Redeemer will meet with parents and godparents to discuss the implications of this sacrament.


When can Baptisms take place?

Holy Baptism is administered as part of the Eucharist on Sundays or on feast days including the Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day (or the Sunday after All Saint’s Day), and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after The Epiphany). The Book of Common Prayer recommends that, as far as possible, baptisms are held on these holy days or when a bishop is present. (The Book of Common Prayer, pp. 298 and 312.)


What needs to have happened before my child or I can be baptized?

For an adolescent or adult, his or her expressed desire to be baptized. For a pre-adolescent child, his or her expressed desire, along with the consent of the parent(s) or guardian(s). For an infant, the expressed desire of the parent(s) or guardian(s) and assurance of their faith in Jesus Christ.


Click here for a Baptism information sheet for information needed by the Parish Office.

Baptisms

We have general information for you in downloadable leaflets, called “Customaries” for Baptismal services. These leaflets are designed to give you background information, based on the customary or usual practices, of the Book of Common Prayer, the Episcopal Church, and the tradition here at the Church of the Redeemer. We encourage you to read the leaflet before calling the office (610-525-2486) to arrange your service. Download the customary for Baptisms

Confirmation

The Book of Common Prayer defines Confirmation as “the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” Youth Confirmation classes and adult inquirers’ classes are offered prior to the bishop’s visitation. Persons who have been confirmed in another denomination by a bishop in the apostolic succession (most often Roman Catholic or Orthodox) are received by the bishop rather than confirmed. Those who have been confirmed or received are classified as “confirmed communicants.” 


At The Redeemer, all youth in 8th grade or above are invited to discern the possibility of Confirmation. Our Confirmation cohort meets each Sunday from 10:45-11:30am in the Youth Cottage. Through interactive sessions, our confirmands wrestle alongside one another and their teachers with the big questions of our faith as Episcopalians. They currently use a modified version of Confirm not Conform for their curriculum.


An adult inquirer’s classes are offered by our clergy in advance of the Bishop’s visitation. Check back for more information when that visit is scheduled.


If you, or someone you know is interested in Confirmation or Reception, please forward that information to Jeremy O'Neill.

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