Membership in the Episcopal Church

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the Church. In Confirmation, a person makes a mature profession of faith and receives the laying on of hands by a Bishop. Reception is a mature profession of faith made by a person baptized and confirmed in another Christian denomination who desires to become a full member of the Episcopal Church. Both Confirmation and Reception bestow rights of voting and serving in particular church ministries.

baptism

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble, and is recognized by most mainline Christian denominations.
 
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confirmation

In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by a Bishop.
Those baptized as adults are also expected to make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism in the presence of a Bishop and to receive the laying on of hands.

reception

Adults who are baptized and who have been confirmed by bishops of churches in historic succession as well as adults who are baptized and previously made a mature public commitment in another church may be received or confirmed.

​If an adult was confirmed by clergy other than a bishop, including those confirmed by priests in the Roman Catholic Church, he or she should be confirmed rather than received.
 

reaffirmation

Confirmed adults may, at certain times, wish to reaffirm their baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 
​At St. John’s, we believe this is best preceded by renewed instruction in the Baptismal Promises.

Baptism

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If you wish to be baptized, or for your child to be baptized, contact the Rector at the church office, 512-580-0200​, or request an appointment at stjohns@austinstjohns.org.
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Requirements for baptism at St. John’s are:
  • Regular attendance at Sunday worship services for a minimum of 3 months.
  • Parents and Godparents, or adult candidates, attend 3-4 preparatory classes (classes arranged upon request)
We do not charge for baptisms. However, as many people wish to make a special offering, we suggest a donation of $25 or more.
Baptism Days - Except in cases of emergency, baptisms are performed during our Sunday Service, most typically on preferred days. 

Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation

Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation are offered when the Bishop visits St. John’s.  For more information, contact the church office at 512-580-0200.