Jesus himself was baptized in the River Jordan by his cousin, John the Baptist. God, at the time of Jesus’ baptism said, “This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased.” So, when we are baptized, we are following in Jesus’ example, which is in turn pleasing to God. Baptism marks that moment in life when become a part of the Body of Christ (the Church) and take our place in the family of God. We believe that at the time of baptism we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Our baptism is Trinitarian, as we baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In the Anglican tradition, we offer the sacrament of Holy Baptism to children, teens, and adults of any age who has not yet been baptized elsewhere. Candidates for baptism (and/or their parents in the case of infants and young children) are required to meet with the priest to learn more about the meaning of baptism, to prepare for receiving this sacrament.

Baptism typically takes place inside the church, pouring water over the head of the baptized; however, immersion baptism is also possible (and in the recent past at St. Aidan’s, we have had baptisms in Lake Ontario). All baptisms must take place within a worship service, as the congregation plays an important role in affirming their ongoing support for those being baptized and welcoming them into the life of the body of Christ, which is the church. Typically, baptisms are scheduled during the principal Sunday worship service (except during the seasons of Advent and Lent) or at the Easter Vigil (the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday). Private baptisms are not offered at St. Aidan’s. To learn more about receiving the sacrament of baptism for yourself or your child contact Rev. Becky:

The sacrament of marriage is typically offered only to members of the congregation or their immediate family members. At least one of the prospective spouses must be a baptized Christian. Couples marrying at St. Aidan’s must be approved by the incumbent; one aspect of that approval is completing required pre-marriage counseling sessions with the priest. Weddings at St. Aidan’s follow an Anglican marriage liturgy. To learn more about being married at St. Aidan’s, please contact Rev. Becky.

The Rite of Christian Burial (which is our term for a funeral service, with or without burial) is typically offered only to members of the congregation or their immediate family members. Funerals at St. Aidan’s follow an Anglican burial liturgy. To learn more, please contact Rev. Becky.