The Sacrament of Holy Baptism -Application Form
Baptism is defined in the Book of Common Prayer as full Initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, The Church. This sacrament is offered within the context of the celebration of the Eucharist on prescribed days in accordance with the Church calendar. This is to allow the entire community to accept responsibility for nurturing of the newly baptized and to welcome them into the household of God.

Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints' Day or the Sunday after All Saints' Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). It is recommended that, as far as possible, Baptisms be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is present.

You may want to review the service of Holy Baptism prior to filling out this application. The service begins on page 299 in the Book of Common Prayer, with specific questions and vows for parents, godparents, or sponsors found on page 302. An online version of the Book of Common Prayer can be found at: http://www.bcponline.org

If you have any questions or concerns regarding baptism at The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, please feel free to contact us using any of the methods below:
email: baptism@aecst.org; fill out the "FURTHER QUESTIONS" area at the end of this application; contact the Baptism Co-Chairs- Gail Hinton Harris (215) 450-9312 or Patricia Walker-Ellison (215) 643-7223; contact the Rector (215) 473-3065; or email the rector: rector@aecst.org

Please note that the information provided below will never be shared, sold or otherwise distributed.
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Email *
DATES
The dates for Baptism will be those prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer, p. 312, unless the number of requests require supplemental dates:
-Easter Vigil
-Pentecost
-All Saints Day (or the Sunday after)
-Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
-Bishop’s Visitation
A person should contact the Rector (or his designee/s) at least two months in advance of the desired date to establish dates for Baptismal counseling and Baptism. The date will be set according to the calendar after the Priest and the family have conferred regarding the spiritual significance of baptism in the Episcopal Church. On the date decided upon, the parents, godparents/sponsors, family members and friends of the candidate are requested to be in the Absalom Jones House of the Church at a time established by the Rector for counseling before the service is to begin. Baptisms are generally a part of the 10 am service. Only emergency Baptisms will be done outside of the Church.

Please note that because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is presently uncertain when we will return to worship and baptisms in the church; however, planning is underway to assure that we are all able to safely worship upon our return.
REQUIREMENTS
PARENTS
At least one parent must be an active and participating member of the Saint Thomas congregation or some other Christian congregation. Parents reactivating or reaffirming their faith must be regular in attendance for at least three months prior to the Baptism or have spoken to the Rector for a waiver.

GRANDPARENTS
may take on the spiritual parental role if they are directly active in the life of a child.

GODPARENTS OR SPONSORS
must be baptized, actively practicing members of a Christian congregation. A letter of certification is required from Rectors or Pastors, (unless they are active members of St Thomas) and must be sent to the Church shortly after submitting this application form. Please send all letters to:
     The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas
     6361 Lancaster Avenue
     Philadelphia, PA 19151
     email: baptism@aecst.org
COSTS
NONMEMBERS ONLY
Nonmembers of St. Thomas will be required to make a minimal contribution of one hundred dollars ($100.00) to the parish.
What service date is your preference? (Because of the pandemic, we are not sure when future services will be held. You will be contacted when services resume.) *
CANDIDATE'S INFORMATION
Please fill out this information keeping in mind that the information provided will be used in the development of the Certificate of Baptism, an official record.
Candidate's First Name *
Candidate's Middle Name *
Candidate's Last Name *
Gender *
Birth Date *
MM
/
DD
/
YYYY
Place of Birth: City *
Place of Birth: State *
Father's Full Name *
Mother's Full Name (Include Maiden Name) *
Contact Address *
Contact Phone or Cell *
Contact Email Address *
Godparent's or Sponsor's Full Name (You must have at least one or a waiver from the Rector.) *
Godparent's or Sponsor's Address *
Godparent's or Sponsor's Phone, Cell &/or Email Address *
Godparent's or Sponsor's Church of Attendance *
Godparent's or Sponsor's Church Address, Phone and Minister's Name *
2nd Godparent's or Sponsor's Full Name
2nd Godparent's or Sponsor's Phone, Cell & Email Address
2nd Godparent's or Sponsor's Church of Attendance
2nd Godparent's or Sponsor's Church Address, Phone and Minister's Name
3rd Godparent's or Sponsor's Full Name
3rd Godparent's or Sponsor's Phone, Cell & Email Address
3rd Godparent's or Sponsor's Church of Attendance
3rd Godparent's or Sponsor's Church Address, Phone and Minister's Name
4th Godparent's or Sponsor's Full Name
4th Godparent's or Sponsor's Phone, Cell & Email Address
4th Godparent's or Sponsor's Church of Attendance
4th Godparent's or Sponsor's Church Address, Phone and Minister's Name
FURTHER QUESTIONS: Please submit any questions, concerns or additional information you may have pertinent to this application in the space below:
A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.
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