Rites of Initiation
Baptism: This sacramental rite is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the church. God establishes an indissoluble bond with each person in Baptism, adopting us and making us members of the church and inheritors of the Kingdom of God [BCP, p. 298, 858].
Confirmation: The sacramental rite by which candidates confirm their baptismal promises by expressing “a mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” [BCP, p. 860].
Reception into the Episcopal Church: Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian denomination and wish to become affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop.
Reaffirmation: Those who have entered a new level of spiritual life or who are returning to church after a period of absence may reaffirm their baptismal vows in the presence of a bishop.
Baptism
Baptisms at Saint Mark's occur on or near four feast days with a particular association with baptism.
Upcoming Baptism Dates
- Sunday, November 1, 2026 – The Feast of All Saints
- Sunday, January 1, 2027 – The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
- Saturday, March 27, 2027 – The Great Vigil of Easter
- Sunday, May 16, 2027 – The Feast of Pentecost
When you have selected a date, please fill out a baptism request form and Canon Wendy Claire Barrie will reach out with next steps. If you have questions or would like to meet with a clergy person before scheduling baptism, email Canon Wendy.
Parents meet with a clergy person to discuss baptism. Parents and godparents attend a baptism class and rehearsal on the Saturday before Baptism Sunday.
Parents meet with a clergy person to discuss baptism. Parents and godparents attend a baptism class and rehearsal on the Saturday before Baptism Sunday.
Parents and youth meet with a clergy person to discuss baptism. Parents set a time for the candidate to meet with the Canon for Intergenerational Ministries and the Youth Minister. Parents, candidates, and godparents attend a baptism class and rehearsal on the Saturday before Baptism Sunday.
The Inquirers’ Class series is recommended to all adults seeking baptism and confirmation. Candidates meet with a clergy person to discuss baptism/confirmation. Candidates and sponsors attend a baptism class and rehearsal on the Saturday before Baptism Sunday.
Confirmation, Reception, & Reaffirmation
These rites are offered at the cathedral on Cathedral Day, May 2, 2027. Fill out the Confirmation Request Form to request any of this initiation rites. If you have questions or would like to meet with a clergy person before filling out the form, email Canon Wendy.
There is no “right age” to begin this process. Youth who desire to dig deeper into the church and their own beliefs are invited into the year-long process of preparation for youth confirmation. Youth Confirmation Class is offered every other year. You don't need to be sure that you want to be confirmed to take this class; asking questions is part of the work we do together.
Contact Rebekah Gilmore, Director of Youth Ministry, to learn more.
There are two class offerings to prepare for these rites, including a five week series, The Inquirers' Class and a seven week series, Contours of the Christian Life (not offered in 2027). We also encourage participation in the Cathedral Commons series on Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m.
Contact Canon Wendy Claire Barrie, Canon for Intergenerational Ministries, to learn more.
Identifying or Being a Sponsor
The role of godparent, baptismal sponsor, or confirmation sponsor is an important part of the rites of initiation, and serving in this role can be a meaningful and moving experience for the sponsors themselves. Godparents or sponsors serve as "spiritual companions" during the period of preparation, and then pledge to uphold the candidate in their life of faith going forward. Watch this video to learn more about what this special role entails.