Baptism is a rite of belonging in which we enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church. Confirmation is how we affirm our desire to be part of the Anglican Tradition.

Adult Baptism
Classes begin either in September or January. The inquiry class serves two purposes: It acquaints the participants with information about the Episcopal Church and about what it means to live a Christian life and to know Christ. It also prepares individuals for Baptism and Confirmation, or reception into the Episcopal Church. During the fall, classes are held on Wednesday evenings. Baptism and Confirmation are scheduled for the Easter Vigil (the Saturday before Easter) or at the diocesan-wide seasonal Confirmation at Christmas.

Children and Youth
Preparation classes for Baptism for children, four years old and older, are scheduled by the Director of Religious Education. These classes usually occur during Lent and the children are baptized at the Easter Vigil.

Confirmation for our youth is also offered. A special series is usually part of the education offerings during Lent for the high school class.

Infants
Parents desiring to have their children baptized are asked to attend a three session-class and a Sunday in summer. These classes are offered twice a year with the baptisms scheduled for All Saints, First Sunday after Epiphany, Easter Vigil and Pentecost. Parents who request Baptism for their child should be communicants of Saint Mark’s. Baptism is always done as part of a regularly-scheduled church services (except in an emergency).