Baptism three girls 2 188x250 St Matthew's is a baptizing community and there is nothing more meaningful to us than to make vows before God with those being baptized. As the Body of Christ, we commit to one another and to God in sharing our lives together; lives marked by participating in, and becoming, the Eucharist, patterning our lives after Jesus Christ, and serving the world God loves.

 We're so pleased you are seeking Baptism for yourself or your child! Baptism is your promise, supported by your family, friends and the entire congregation, based on your faith and membership in the church, to raise your child to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ or to be a faithful follower yourself.

 We're committed to helping you prepare for Baptism so that it's a meaningful experience and the beginning of a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ.

crucifix irelandWhat is Baptism?

In Baptism we ritually die to the "human condition" that ensnares us and are reborn in Christ, consecrated by the Holy Spirit. We make renunciations and promises to allow our lives to be reformed in Christ. We are restored into the image and likeness we are created to be, an intention in the heart of God that is realized and fulfilled with all the Saints at the end of time. The life of the baptized, fed by the Eucharist, is a lifelong journey of conversion and transformation.

Baptism is the accepting of our inheritance as children of God. Like any journey of great significance, the road to Baptism takes time. Practically speaking, you'll want to plan ahead, allowing 6-9 months for the following steps to unfold:

Get the Ball Rolling!

The first step is to speak to the Rector, the Reverend Geoff Chapman. Please contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Find a Rhythm of Worship and Get to Know Us

Second step: We invite you to spend some time worshipping with us regularly for 3 to 6 months. This helps you form a solid basis for the promises you will make at Baptism. Then, in conversation with the Rector, you decide whether you are ready to make the commitment of Baptism. If so, you become a candidate, and a period of intentional formation begins.

The Catechumenate

Pantokrator smlThird step: In discernment with the Rector, the candidate becomes a "catechumen" and a parish sponsor is assigned. The sponsor agrees to walk with you during your formation and will present you for Baptism. That usually happens at the Sunday of the Transfiguration, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.

Formation

Fourth step. Following Ash Wednesday, you will participate in five weeks of experiential formation through Lent including

  • Participating in the "Christianity 101" program
  • Instruction in prayer, and
  • One-on-one time with the Rector.

The Rite

Fifth step: You will join the community in the great Passover consisting of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Vigil of Easter where the Baptismal Rite takes place (some provision can be made to baptize on the Sunday following Easter for infants). The Sunday following Easter you will participate in serving the Holy Eucharist where you are formally welcomed into the community.

The newly baptized also participates in final session of reflection on the experience of baptism called "mystagogy" and prepares for Pentecost.

We hope you find baptism to be as exciting a journey as we do! Please pray for us and all those seeking the light of faith.


 

 Confirmation 2017 01  A December Confirmation

In December 2017, seven young people who had been baptized at birth were confirmed in their faith after 6 weeks of study with the Reverend Gregor Sneddon and Asha Kerr-Wilson.  The confirmation was celebrated by the Bishop of Ottawa, John Chapman, assisted by Archbishop Barry Curtis, whose grandson was one of the confirmands.

 

 

 

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217 First Avenue Ottawa,
ON K1S 2G5
Office: 613-234-4024

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