Question about Baptism

[quackle]

Hi Everyone- I am new to this forum. I have a quick question regarding baptism. Here's the history: I grew up going to a Nazarene church until Highschool when I decided that church was not for me. I was never baptised, as my mom said the church did not press infant or child baptism. Throughout my adult life, (I am now 32), I have inconsistently attended various churches. Finally, something clicked... I am now attending an Episcopal church close to my home. I finally feel comfortable going to church. I love the tradition and respect that is employed during the Episcopalian service. My problem is, I feel weird being almost the only individual who does not go up for Communion. Does anyone here have any suggestions on my next steps to becoming baptised? Thank you!

[Lotar]

Congratulations on finding a church :)

Just ask your pastor about it.

[Polycarp1]

Depending on the parish, there will be some form of instruction that you will be not only welcome but encouraged to join in, leading to your Baptism and Chrismation, and presumably your Confirmation. The program differs between parishes, there being some priests who prefer to "do it their way," and three or four competing syllabuses on how to give the fundamentals and groundwork of being a knowlegeable member of your church.

Alternatively, the priest may choose to baptize you first, on profession of faith (see p. 299 and following (http://www.holycross-raleigh.org/bcp/299.html) of the Book of Common Prayer for what this entails), to admit you to the Eucharist, and then offer you the opportunity to join that sort of course.

(The instruction is not mandatory, per se, but is very useful in getting a grasp of what we do and why in the Episcopal Church.)

[Phoebe]

Hi Everyone- I am new to this forum. I have a quick question regarding baptism. Here's the history: I grew up going to a Nazarene church until Highschool when I decided that church was not for me. I was never baptised, as my mom said the church did not press infant or child baptism. Throughout my adult life, (I am now 32), I have inconsistently attended various churches. Finally, something clicked... I am now attending an Episcopal church close to my home. I finally feel comfortable going to church. I love the tradition and respect that is employed during the Episcopalian service. My problem is, I feel weird being almost the only individual who does not go up for Communion. Does anyone here have any suggestions on my next steps to becoming baptised? Thank you!
Congratulations.
I also would advise that you just speak to your priest.
May God be with you on your journey!

[InquisitorKind]

Hi Everyone- I am new to this forum. I have a quick question regarding baptism. Here's the history: I grew up going to a Nazarene church until Highschool when I decided that church was not for me. I was never baptised, as my mom said the church did not press infant or child baptism. Throughout my adult life, (I am now 32), I have inconsistently attended various churches. Finally, something clicked... I am now attending an Episcopal church close to my home. I finally feel comfortable going to church. I love the tradition and respect that is employed during the Episcopalian service. My problem is, I feel weird being almost the only individual who does not go up for Communion. Does anyone here have any suggestions on my next steps to becoming baptised? Thank you!
I'm in somewhat the same position, and I agree, it does feel weird being the only person who doesn't take communion. As other posters have suggested, just talk to a church leader about the process.

~Matt

[JVAC]

Hi Everyone- I am new to this forum. I have a quick question regarding baptism. Here's the history: I grew up going to a Nazarene church until Highschool when I decided that church was not for me. I was never baptised, as my mom said the church did not press infant or child baptism. Throughout my adult life, (I am now 32), I have inconsistently attended various churches. Finally, something clicked... I am now attending an Episcopal church close to my home. I finally feel comfortable going to church. I love the tradition and respect that is employed during the Episcopalian service. My problem is, I feel weird being almost the only individual who does not go up for Communion. Does anyone here have any suggestions on my next steps to becoming baptised? Thank you!All right an Episcopal Sister!!! You guys are growing in ranks ;) .

I am so very glad to here of your interest in this Holy Sacrament, it gets too downplayed nowadays. I feel you have been given some great advice already, and I just wanted to add my blessing, if I may.

"May God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit take you and keep you always!"

[quackle]

Thank you all for your advice. I feel there have not been many things in my life that I needed to have my "hand held" ... But this baptism situation is different. I feel a bit on the shy-side when it comes to asking the priest at my church about getting baptised. She (the priest), is very nice, and has reached out to me by sending me a welcome letter a few weeks ago when I first attended. She remembers my name when greeting me at the end of the service... I guess I just do not know how to tell her my story. Do I make an appointment, do I speak to her at the end of a service (she always looks very busy at this time)..? Any suggestions...

[Filia Mariae]

I would suggest you call the parish office and make an appointment...Sunday morning can be a hectic time for all pastors and you will probably get more time and privacy to explain your situation to her if you make an appointment.

[Phoebe]

Thank you all for your advice. I feel there have not been many things in my life that I needed to have my "hand held" ... But this baptism situation is different. I feel a bit on the shy-side when it comes to asking the priest at my church about getting baptised. She (the priest), is very nice, and has reached out to me by sending me a welcome letter a few weeks ago when I first attended. She remembers my name when greeting me at the end of the service... I guess I just do not know how to tell her my story. Do I make an appointment, do I speak to her at the end of a service (she always looks very busy at this time)..? Any suggestions...
Some churches have a guest book that you can sign, or maybe a communion card. Some have an option box that you can put a checkmark in. It may have one where you can check if you desire the Priest to call. Or, as Carly said, call the office and make an appointment. The Priest will probably be thrilled with this request. That is why she has been called. To be a shepherd. Give her an opportunity to fulfill her calling.