St. Matthew the Apostle Anglican Church Diocese of Toronto 80 George Henry Blvd. North York Ontario M2J 1E7  416 494-7020 (Church Office) The Rev. Canon Brad Lennon brad_lennon@stmatthew.ca York Scarborough Area Bishop The Rt. Rev. Patrick Yu

Baptism at St. Matthew the Apostle Anglican Church (North York)

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Is The Church Changing Baptism ? No, not changing baptism, but being more careful to see that the celebration of baptism shows its great importance and meaning. Because baptism is important, candidates or their parents need to examine their intentions seriously. Baptism gives us full membership in the church, so it is closely linked with the church's central act of worship, the Holy Eucharist. God's love and care reaches out to all people whether they are baptized or not. The Church exists as a body of people worshiping God through Jesus Christ. Each member is called to help fulfill God's loving purposes in our world. Baptism and Holy Communion signify the special grace God gives to help form and sustain such a loving, worshipping, witnessing community. Baptism signifies an intention to participate in the special gifts and care God gives through the Church and in witnessing to God's continuing creation and redemption of the world. Some Questions and Answers Will parents have to take more responsibility? Certainly. If they do not feel ready to accept the responsibility of fulfilling the promises they make in baptism, they ought to defer the baptism. How will Christian Education be affected? Emphasis must now be laid on the training of parents and other adults to carry out their responsibilities. Well trained and committed adults will bring vitality to the Church. Education within families, and in church schools will prepare children for Christian life. Should baptism be restricted to adults? Although becoming a member of the church requires adult commitment, children are admitted because they are being nurtured in a Christian home to grow in their faith. How much can children know and understand? Children cannot understand all that is involved in our relationship with God - nor can adults. There is every indication that children understand belonging, trusting and sharing long before they can describe their experience. Will the bishop continue to visit the parishes? Yes. The bishop will continue to participate in parish life and events.

To seek and serve Christ in all persons has become our motto, our parish statement.
It has been taken from the Baptismal Liturgy of the BAS.