Baptism
The sacrament of Baptism is one of the most important sacraments in the Episcopal Church. The other is the Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion. 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. It is a public statement of one’s intentional decision to follow the way of Jesus. In the case of infant baptism, it is the parents’ declaration of their intent to raise a child in the way of Jesus.
The Baptism of children whose parents live outside of this parish may only be scheduled at St. Peter's with the assurance that the promises and vows of Baptism will be fulfilled through active membership in another parish or community of faith. The Rector is happy to assist families who have some historic ties to St. Peter's and who now live in other communities to locate and join their local Episcopal church. If you are considering baptizing your child at St. Peter's and have never worshiped with us, we welcome you to worship with us. This is an excellent opportunity to meet our community prior to baptizing your child.
Parents and Godparents of children to be baptized at St. Peter's are expected to complete a two session Pre-Baptism class with the Rector at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date of Baptism and be in church for the three Sundays before the baptism when we will be praying for those to be baptized. If you are interested in being baptized or having your child baptized, please call the parish office at 732-826-1594.
Confirmation
While Baptism is the sacrament by which we become members of Christ’s Body, the Church, Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ. This is especially important if you were baptized as an infant. There is a 10 week confirmation class at St. Peter’s for young people between the ages of 13 and 17 when there is a need. If you are an adult and would like to be confirmed, please contact the parish office at 732-826-1594 to set up individual sessions.
Confirmation Classes - The Diocese will be conducting Zoom classes to prepare those who wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation or who have been confirmed in another denomination and wish to be Received into the Episcopal Church. The classes will begin at the end of September and participants will ready for confirmation/reception early in 2025. If you are interested in participating in these classes, please contact Jim Perez at (732)-236-5776 or Debbie Vineyard at (732)-213-4874. Individuals can be confirmed/received either in their home parish, a nearby parish, or the Diocesan confirmation service.