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.
baptismHoly 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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confirmationIn 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. |
receptionAdults 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. |
reaffirmationConfirmed 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

If you wish to be baptized, or for your child to be baptized, contact the Rector at the church office, 512-836-3974, or request an appointment at info@austinstjohns.org.
Requirements for baptism at St. John’s are:
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)
Baptism Days - Except in cases of emergency, baptisms are performed during our Sunday Service, most typically on preferred days.
For 2020, the reserved days for Baptism are:
For 2020, the reserved days for Baptism are:
- Sunday, January 12, 2020 - Baptism of Jesus
- Saturday, April 11, 2020 - Easter Vigil
- Sunday, April 12, 2020 - Easter
- Sunday, May 31, 2020 - The Day of Pentecost
- Sunday, August 30, 2020 - Visitation by The Rt. Reverend Kai Ryan, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Texas
- Sunday, November 1, 2020 - All Saints' Day
Confirmation
Confirmation is offered when the Bishop visits St. John’s. The next scheduled visitation will be in 2021.
For adults and children 11 years or older, attendance at the Episcopal 201 and Episcopal 301 classes are required and are offered just prior to the Bishop's visit. For more information, contact Fay Jones at 512-836-3974.
For adults and children 11 years or older, attendance at the Episcopal 201 and Episcopal 301 classes are required and are offered just prior to the Bishop's visit. For more information, contact Fay Jones at 512-836-3974.
Reception
Reception is offered when the Bishop visits St. John’s. The next scheduled visitation will be in 2021.
Attendance at the Episcopal 201 class is required; this class is offered just prior to the Bishop's visit. For more information, contact Fay Jones at 512-836-3974.
Attendance at the Episcopal 201 class is required; this class is offered just prior to the Bishop's visit. For more information, contact Fay Jones at 512-836-3974.
Reaffirmation
Reaffirmation is offered when the Bishop visits St. John’s. The next scheduled visitation will be in 2021.
Attendance at the Episcopal 301 class is required; this class is offered just prior to the Bishop's visit. For more information, contact Fay Jones at 512-836-3974.
Attendance at the Episcopal 301 class is required; this class is offered just prior to the Bishop's visit. For more information, contact Fay Jones at 512-836-3974.