Clergy Notes — Sunday, March 31, 2019
As we approach Easter we head toward the cross and when we get to the great Easter Vigil having run the gauntlet of the Holy Week liturgies we often celebrate baptism. Baptism is the thing that unites us with one another and with Christ. Some people might call it a rite of passage, some are baptised as adults and others as infants. What is baptism in the Anglican Church?
Baptism is a coming into the Body of Christ, in which we become members of one another and of Christ – it is about who we are in Christ, and whose we are: God’s own. In baptism we are gathered… and sent forth, in the ministry that is God’s own ministry of transformation, reconciliation, healing and salvation of the world. So, baptism is not just about identity and belonging, it’s also about being sent in mission and ministry.
https://www.anglican.ca/faith/ministry/baptised/
If you haven’t been baptised and you want to know more about what it means, please speak to one of the clergy. The promises we make at baptism are the foundation of our lives and ministries as Christians.
Likewise confirmation is a further step in our church, when we renew our baptism vows and our bishop lays hands upon us in prayer.
If you would like to know more or are curious about whether you want to be confirmed, please consider attending the diocesan confirmation prep day on May 4th, 2019 at Christ Church Cathedral. You need to sign up for this, and we can help you with that if you speak to one of us.
“Explore your spiritual gifts. Ask the big questions. Get up close and personal to a sacred space. You can do all this at the upcoming Confirmation Preparation Day on May 4th at Christ Church Cathedral.
This one day event, hosted by Archbishop Melissa Skelton, is for all youth and adults who are preparing for confirmation, reception into the Anglican Church, or reaffirmation of baptismal vows. The day will include prayer, discovering Anglican identity, seeing the place and action of confirmation in the church, reflecting on our baptism and spiritual gifts, and lots of conversation and relationship building.”
https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/events/confirmation-preparation-day
