Baptisms

Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are adopted as God's children and become members of Christ's body and the Church. If you wish to schedule a baptism, please contact Anke Hobbs, Assistant to the Vicar, at 703-549-3312 x11 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please note that no baptisms are scheduled during the season of Lent.

On the Saturday preceding the scheduled baptism, St. Paul's holds a class led by one our Baptismal Counselors. These counselors are parents and members of the congregation who meet with all participants in the baptism to explain the logistics of when to stand, where to move, and what to say. Most importantly, they help both parents and godparents more fully understand the significance of their intention to support the child by prayer and example in their Christian life.

While the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism is a joyous occasion, please remember it is also a holy ceremony. We request that you refrain from taking any photographs during the worship hour. An opportunity to take family pictures will be made available at the completion of the service.

About Baptism in the Episcopal Church

Q	What is Holy Baptism?
A	Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.
Q	What is the outward and visible sign in baptism?
A	The outward and visible sign in baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Q	What is the inward and spiritual grace in baptism?
A	The inward and spiritual grace in baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God's family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.
Q	What is required of us at Holy Baptism?
A	It is required that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Q	Why then are infants baptized?
A	Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God.
Q	How are the promises for infants made and carried out?
A	Promises are made for them by their parents and sponsors, who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him.