A primer or refresher on the sacrament of Baptism for new parents, new members, and godparents.This book is about preparing for Christian baptism in the Episcopal Church. While we may hear people say, "e;I was baptized a Methodist,"e; or "e;I was baptized Catholic, or "e;I was baptized Episcopalian,"e; people are not baptized into a denomination; they are baptized into the Christian faith. While various Christian denominations differ both their theology of baptism as it is understood and practiced in the Episcopal Church following the rite found in the Book of Common Prayer 1979."e;This short book is full of helpful information, solid history, sound theology, and thoughtful reflection. It is the perfect book to give to adults or to parents of young children seeking baptism through the Episcopal Church. I am happy that I will be able to offer this book to my students for their future use when guiding baptismal candidates. A truly welcome resource."e;-The Reverend Dr. Nathan Jennings, associate professor of liturgics and Anglican studies, Seminary of the Southwest

Parents (or any adult seeker) who are not active or do not have any knowledge of the Episcopal Church often return to a church to have their child baptized. Many adults who never had a relationship with a faith community often seek baptism when they join a congregation for the first time. As our society becomes more secular, those who enter our churches are neophytes in more ways than in previous generations.This is an accessible resource that clergy can give to families who seek to have an infant or child baptized or to an adult who desires to be baptized, not having been affiliated with a faith tradition previously. Many new parents do not have an understanding of the service of Holy Baptism in the Episcopal Church, what is "required" of them as a parent or how to prepare their child to receive the sacrament, including what it implies for the future formation and involvement of their family in living a Christian life. Contributors include James Turrell (history of baptism) and Tracey Herzer (choosing and preparing godparents).Chapter outline:1. Introduction: What Christian Baptism is All About2. A Brief History of Baptism3. Adults Preparing for Baptism4. Parents Preparing for the Baptism of Infants and Children5. Preparing Children for Baptism6. Choosing and Preparing Godparents7. The Baptismal Covenant8. The Episcopal Baptismal Rite in the Book of Common Prayer9. Remember Your Baptism (Adults and Children)10. Outline for Baptismal Instruction11. Q&A: Episcopal Baptismal Practices23. Resources - Baptismal Request Form for the Parish Church, Information for Godparents, Further Reading