Baptism is more than a momentary act; it is the beginning of a lifelong pilgrimage.  It is the entrance into the communion of the church, in particular as a member of St. James by-the-Sea but in general as a part of the whole Christian community of all the faithful.  Because of this all baptisms are conducted in one of the gatherings of the church rather than as a private affair for the family.

Adults being baptized are asked to publicly affirm their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and to dedicate their lives to his service. Children may be baptized if at least one parent is also a Christian or the child is of an age to speak for her- or himself.  Parents and sponsors are asked to promise a home environment that encourages the practices and faith of the church, and they promise to pray for the child and be faithful witnesses to God’s love. 

Baptism at St. James takes place on the five Sundays designated in the Book of Common Prayer: the Feast of the Baptism of Christ (January), at the Great Vigil as part of Easter Sunday, the Feast of Pentecost (late spring), All Saints Day (early November) and whenever the Bishop visits.  We also offer one additional day to help accommodate family travel schedules in the summer – the Feast of the Transfiguration (early August).

Preparing for baptism is essential (and required) if one is to take the promises made in the ceremony seriously.  Parents of children to be baptized can count on the Rector to offer a three week baptismal class in the spring and in the fall each year.  Families coming to St. James from another part of the country must make arrangements to complete their preparation in their home church.  Adults to be baptized will have private or small group meetings with the Rector to prepare for baptism. 

Please call the Parish Coordinator at the church office (858-459-3421) to enroll in the Rector’s classes and to schedule a baptism on one of the upcoming baptismal festivals.  Baptism Information Forms, which we need completed before any baptism, are available by clicking here.