Baptism, Confirmation, Reception & Reaffirmation

We are so blessed to have so many people as part of our St. Matt’s family and hope that some of you will consider making a public affirmation of that commitment during St. Matthew’s Day and the Bishop’s Visit on Sunday, September 26th.

Baptism is initiation into the body of Christ. While the word “initiation” might seem a little weird, it carries great meaning. By it, the church means to welcome you into this quirky, challenging, love, and grace-filled community through a meaningful ritual. Jesus was baptized by John in the river Jordan, and from that moment on, Christians have been using water as an outward and visible sign that something inward, spiritual, and grace-filled is happening to us. Baptism welcomes, or initiates, people into the saving work of Christ and signifies the start of life with God.

Confirmation is saying “I was baptized when I was younger…and now I’m ready to choose Christ for myself!” Confirmation is a way for anyone who is growing into themselves and building their identity (whether you are 13 or 93) to do so in the framework of Christian faith and living. It is another important step on our journey to be disciples of Christ.

Reception is saying “I used to be [Catholic]. I was baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I stood up and said I believed in God and the saving work of Jesus when I was growing up. But now I really love the Episcopal Church—this is where I want to worship and where my soul feels most at home.” We would love to receive you into the arms of The Episcopal Church and walk our journeys of faith together.

Reaffirmation means something big has happened in your life. You were baptized and confirmed Episcopalian, but perhaps you were away for a long time. Perhaps you had a crisis of faith and find yourself with a deeper or different understanding of your baptism. Maybe you messed up big time and you have gone on a journey of healing and forgiveness. Reaffirming your baptismal covenant allows you to commit to godly living, acknowledging and celebrating that we are always growing as people and Christians.

If any of these sound like they might be meaningful to you, please do fill out this form or reach out me directly at MaryMargaret@smttts.org.

Blessings to all as we discern and grow together.

Rev. Mary Margaret Winn