Baptism

Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water,
he saw the heavens torn apart
and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
And a voice came from heaven,
‘You are my Son, the Beloved;
with you I am well pleased.
Mark 1:10-11

Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ. Baptism unites us to Christ and with Christ’s people. That union is both individual and corporate. Christians are, it is true, baptized one by one, but to be a Christian is to be part of a new creation, a community, the people of God, the Body of Christ, the Church, which rises from the dark waters of Christ’s death into the dawn of his risen life.

Christians are not just baptized individuals; they are a new humanity. This is why the Sacrament of Baptism is for those who are wishing to make a commitment to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ by being part of this new humanity, the Church. The days of just “showing up” to get a child baptised without any thought of being part of the Church are, thankfully, long gone!

Becoming a Christian has as much to do with learning to live a new lifestyle within the Christian community, the Church, as it does with specific beliefs.

If you are searching for a community of faith that can journey with you in this process of discipleship, which might takes months or even years, then you would be welcome here at All Saints’ Parish, Sarnia and Corunna.