{"id":1218,"date":"2021-07-13T12:01:49","date_gmt":"2021-07-13T16:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjamesny.wpengine.com\/?page_id=1218"},"modified":"2025-08-08T06:42:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T10:42:41","slug":"baptism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/baptism\/","title":{"rendered":"Baptism"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-5-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;top&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Transformed in Christ&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23d92829&#8243; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text]The most significant step you can take on the road to a deeper and transformed life in Christ is to be baptized with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. By Baptism, we are joined to Christ in his death and resurrection and made full members of his body, the Church. At Baptism, we make promises about how we will live our lives as followers of Jesus. God promises us forgiveness of our sins and new life in the Holy Spirit, and welcomes us into full communion with Christ and his Church.<\/p>\n<p>At St. James&#8217; we baptize children and adults. Most Baptisms involve small children, with their parents and godparents making promises on their behalf. However, every year, we are also delighted to be able to baptize a number of adults. If you (or your child) are ready for Baptism, we encourage you to contact the Rev. Matt Oprendek to begin a conversation, and to join us regularly in worship.[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;large&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Contact the Rev. Matt Oprendek&#8221; url=&#8221;mailto:moprendek@stjames.org&#8221;][nectar_btn size=&#8221;large&#8221; constrain_group_2=&#8221;yes&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Extra-Color-2&#8243; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Frequently-Asked Questions&#8221; margin_left=&#8221;10&#8243; margin_right=&#8221;10&#8243; url=&#8221;#faq&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; constrain_group_1=&#8221;yes&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; class=&#8221;excerpt-row&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-8-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][divider line_type=&#8221;Full Width Line&#8221; line_thickness=&#8221;3&#8243; divider_color=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;10&#8243;][vc_column_text]<em>&#8220;So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; 2 Corinthians 5:17[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;Full Width Line&#8221; line_thickness=&#8221;3&#8243; divider_color=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;10&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; 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font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;padding-3-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_border_color=&#8221;#dcdcdc&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;July 26, 2026&#8243; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Feast of St. James&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;top&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;padding-3-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#1d3354&#8243; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; font_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_color=&#8221;#dcdcdc&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text]If you (or your child) are ready for baptism, we encourage you to\u00a0contact the Rev. Matt Oprendek to begin a conversation, and to join us regularly in worship.[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;large&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Contact the Rev. Matt Oprendek&#8221; url=&#8221;mailto:moprendek@stjames.org&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_background&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#f7f7f7&#8243; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;100&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;100&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;faq&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Frequently-Asked Questions&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:46|text_align:left|color:%23d92829|line_height:50px&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][toggles style=&#8221;minimal&#8221;][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;Do I have to be a member of St. James&#8217; to schedule a baptism?&#8221;][vc_column_text]No. If you want to have a baptism here, our answer is &#8220;Yes.&#8221; But if you don\u2019t have a church, why not make St. James\u2019 your church? If you do have a church, why not have the baptism there? And if you don\u2019t want a church, why have a baptism at all? These questions sometimes have very good answers, but they\u2019re always worth asking. The clergy at St. James&#8217; would love to talk with you about these questions or any related issues that might be on your mind.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;What is the appropriate age for baptism?&#8221;][vc_column_text]Any age is an appropriate age because God\u2019s love for his people is absolutely independent of understanding or achievement. We have baptized babies as young as two hours old; we have also baptized parishioners well into their 80s and 90s.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;What if one of the parents or godparents is not a Christian?&#8221;][vc_column_text]The love and support of relatives and friends is a blessing from God. All are invited to participate in baptism at St. James\u2019 in whatever way makes sense to them and to you, including as supporters and witnesses. One role that does not make sense for a non-Christian is that of godparent. This is a matter of courtesy and hospitality to the non-Christian, in light of the fact that godparents make public promises and affirmations in the name of Christ as part of the baptismal service.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;Should I bring the baby to the preparation meetings? To church?&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<p class=\"p\">Babies should be wherever they\u2019re comfortable and their parents are happy. If you and the baby are happy together, then keep the baby with you even if there\u2019s some fussing and wiggling and getting up and down. A worship service is not the opera, and our pre-baptismal conversations are not business meetings. On the other hand, if the baby\u2019s happy in the nursery, and you\u2019re happy for a break, you may leave the baby in our professionally staffed nursery for any part of Sunday morning. Older siblings, depending on their age and comfort level, can play in our playroom, go to Sunday school (which coincides with our meetings), or stay in the room with us and run the risk of being bored.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;What if I myself am not sure about Christianity or my commitment to the Church?&#8221;][vc_column_text]The best way to address those questions is to participate, reflect, and evaluate. You are more likely to make progress on these issues in conversation with others than at home by yourself. We would love to have you join us to explore, even if you\u2019re not committed to membership or baptism.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][\/toggles][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-5-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;top&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1218","page","type-page","status-publish"],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1218","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1218"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1218\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}