Signs and Symbols

Christian worship is rich with signs and symbols that engage our whole being. Baptism incorporates tangible elements like water, white garments, and candles to embody spiritual truths. Water symbolizes cleansing (Eph. 5:25-26) and rebirth (John 3:5), reminding us of God’s grace in washing away sin and bringing new life. White garments represent the pure righteousness of Christ given to us (Gal. 3:27). Candles, lit from the paschal candle, symbolize the light of Christ, which illuminates our lives. These candles can be relit on the anniversary of one’s baptism as a reminder of this special day.

Godparents

In the sacrament of baptism, Godparents (also called Sponsors) embody the communal nature of faith, serving as visible witnesses to the baptized’s entry into the life of the Church. Through baptism, Candidates are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, welcomed into the covenant community, and set on the path of new life in the Kingdom of God. Godparents represent the Church’s shared responsibility to nurture this new life, committing to pray for the baptized, model a Christ-centered life, and support their growth within the worshiping community.

Godparents remind us that baptism is not just a moment but the beginning of a lifelong journey into the mystery of God’s love. Their role reflects the Church’s mission to guide the baptized in growing into their identity as members of the Body of Christ, living in communion with God and one another. By their presence and commitment, Godparents serve as sacramental signs of the Kingdom of God—a community bound together in faith, love, and the shared life of grace.

Godparents may be chosen for both adults and children being baptized, underscoring the Church’s collective responsibility to support all its members in their journey of faith.

Baptism of Children

Baptism is a sign of God’s covenantal promise, extending His grace to children and welcoming them into the family of faith. It marks their inclusion in Christ’s Church, declaring that they belong to His covenant community and are embraced by His love. When parents bring their children for baptism, they commit to raising them in the knowledge and love of the Lord, while the Church dpromises to support and guide them in their spiritual journey. Baptism is a communal act, reminding us that faith grows within the life of the Church.

This sacrament begins a lifelong journey of faith, where baptized children are called to grow into their baptism, learning to know and follow Jesus. With the Church’s encouragement, this journey culminates in Confirmation, where they publicly affirm the faith nurtured in them. Baptism reminds us that God’s grace calls families and communities into His redemptive story, uniting us as His people in Christ.

First Communion

First Communion is a moment of joy and mystery, where the baptized are welcomed to partake fully in the Eucharist—the sacred meal at the heart of the Church’s life. In this sacrament, heaven and earth meet, and we encounter Christ, who nourishes us with His life and unites us with His Body, the Church. In the Anglican tradition, all baptized individuals are invited to receive Holy Communion, regardless of age, as baptism is the gateway to the Table. We welcome children to receive as early as possible, emphasizing that grace is not dependent on understanding. However, if as a parent you prefer to wait until your child expresses readiness or desire, we encourage preparation through catechesis and possibly waiting until they have chosen to be Confirmed.

This first participation in the Eucharist is not an end but a beginning—an invitation to live more deeply into the mystery of God’s love and the life of His Kingdom, as we journey toward the ultimate feast around His Table.