In the waters of baptism, we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. Holy Baptism, which can be performed through pouring of water or immersion in it, marks a formal entrance to the congregation and wider Church; the candidates for the sacrament make a series of vows, including an affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant, and are baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are marked as Christ’s own for ever, having “clothed [themselves] with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

All people of any age are welcome to baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).

From the Episcopal Church Website

According to the Book of Common Prayer, “In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of the Baptism and to receive the laying on of hand by the bishop.” Some might call confirmation a sacrament of maturity.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church holds a strong commitment to preparation of candidates for confirmation. The preparation is spread out over the months of January through May. Individuals participate in formation classes, field trips, Holy Eucharist, and more.

Participants in confirmation can expect to gain a basic understanding of the Christian faith and its manifestation in the Episcopal Church. Beyond knowledge, participants can expect to create lasting relationships with their classmates, mentors, teachers, and invited speakers.

Reception is a rite in which those who have already made a mature Christian commitment in another denomination are recognized as members of the one holy catholic and apostolic church, and received into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church holds a strong commitment to preparation of candidates for reception. The preparation is spread out over the months of January through May. Individuals participate in formation classes, field trips, Holy Eucharist, and more.

Participants in reception can expect to gain a basic understanding of the Christian faith and its manifestation in the Episcopal Church. Beyond knowledge, participants can expect to create lasting relationships with their classmates, mentors, teachers, and invited speakers.