Ripple Effect: Deepening Relationships in a Beloved Community

In the life of the Church, there is a profound liturgical moment when new members are welcomed into the community through the sacrament of baptism. Amidst the joyous celebration, a series of questions and promises are exchanged—the Baptismal Covenant. These sacred vows not only shape the journey of the newly baptized but also hold a powerful invitation for the entire congregation to reflect on their own commitment to the faith. Let's take a moment to explore the importance of intentionally reflecting on and renewing our baptismal promises as we seek to embrace the first diocesan goal of inviting every baptized person to renew their own personal faith through regular examination of the Baptismal Covenant. Like an earlier post, I hope these reflections will contribute to the conversation of how to set sail into a new future for the Church.

The Baptismal Covenant

The Baptismal Covenant, found in the BAS service of baptism, encompasses the core beliefs and affirmations of our faith. It begins by acknowledging our belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I regularly tell families bringing babies to church to be baptized that the first part of our baptismal covenant focuses on what we believe, while the second part challenges us to put our faith into practice. Each question and response carries deep theological meaning, expressing our commitment to a life of discipleship.

This Covenant goes beyond mere doctrinal statements; it calls us to action. It binds us to the apostles' teaching, the fellowship of believers, the breaking of bread, and the prayers. It urges us to persevere in resisting evil, repent when we falter, and return to the Lord. It charges us with proclaiming the good news of God in Christ, seeking and serving Christ in all persons, and striving for justice and peace among all people. Moreover, it compels us to safeguard the integrity of God's creation and to respect, sustain, and renew the life of the earth.

Living Out the Promises

As we consider our baptismal promises, we acknowledge that many of us already strive to live out these commitments. In parishes throughout our diocese, we witness inspiring examples of individuals embodying the spirit of the Covenant. Yet, the challenge lies in embracing these promises more intentionally, allowing them to shape our daily lives and interactions. How can we bring greater awareness to our baptismal vows and make deliberate choices that reflect our faith?

To answer this challenge, we must create space for reflection, both individually and as a community of believers. By dedicating time to examine our baptismal promises, we deepen our understanding of their significance and strengthen our resolve to live them out faithfully. Engaging in spiritual practices, such as regular prayer, reading and studying Scripture, and participating in the sacraments, nurtures our connection with God and equips us to fulfill our commitments.

Renewing the Covenant

Renewing the Baptismal Covenant is not an individual endeavor but a communal act of faith. As we witness the baptism of candidates, we are invited to renew our own baptismal vows, reminding ourselves of the promises we made. Additionally, during significant liturgical observances like the Great Vigil of Easter, the entire congregation participates in the renewal of baptismal vows. This communal aspect highlights the interconnectedness and shared responsibility within the Body of Christ.

Inviting Reflection and Reaffirmation

To deepen our understanding and commitment to the Baptismal Covenant, churches can create intentional opportunities for reflection and reaffirmation:

• Mixed Groups for Baptismal Preparation: Encourage the formation of diverse groups consisting of newcomers and experienced disciples to prepare candidates and their families for baptism. This inclusive approach fosters connections, support, and a sense of belonging.

• Small Group Reflection: Organize small groups where individuals can engage in discussions and reflections on the significance of their baptismal vows. These intimate settings facilitate deeper sharing and mutual learning.

• Baptismal Retreats: Offer dedicated retreats that provide time and space for participants to explore the profound meaning of their baptismal vows and their ongoing journey of discipleship.

• Enhanced Symbolism in Worship: Enrich worship services by intentionally incorporating baptismal symbolism, such as water, candles, and baptismal promises. This visual and experiential connection strengthens the link between worship and the transformative power of baptism. Reclaiming the liturgical richness of the Great Vigil of Easter is also an excellent opportunity to create such opportunities.

Deepening Relationships: A Community Approach

Some inspiration can be found in the practices of St. Michael's Church. In past confirmation preparation processes, we have invited parents or godparents to embark on the preparation journey alongside the candidates. This approach fosters a shared experience of growth and learning, strengthening the bonds within families and the wider faith community.

Furthermore, we have also extended the invitation for parents or godparents to reaffirm their baptismal vows during the confirmation service. This act of reaffirmation emphasizes that our journey of faith is not confined to one moment but is a lifelong commitment. It also serves as a powerful witness to the candidates, illustrating the enduring nature of the Baptismal Covenant and the community's support in living it out. In both the preparation and reaffirmation processes, we have worked on the assumption that the example of parents, godparents, or other role models taking their faith seriously can be far more influential than any traditional confirmation 'class'.

By expanding this family approach to confirmation into a community approach to baptism, the church can acknowledge that the process of preparing for baptism or confirmation is not solely the responsibility of the candidates and their families but is a communal effort. By bringing newcomers and experienced disciples together, everyone can benefit from shared learning and engagement, creating an environment where questions can be asked, stories can be shared, and relationships can be formed.

A mixed group approach also facilitates spiritual guidance and influence from more seasoned members of the congregation. Longtime members of a parish can offer support, guidance, and practical insights to newcomers, helping them navigate their baptismal journey with a sense of belonging and assurance.

In our journey of faith, the renewal of the baptismal covenant plays a vital role in deepening relationships. It invites us to regularly examine our commitment, reaffirm our beliefs, and actively live out our faith in the world. By intentionally reflecting on and embracing our baptismal promises, we deepen our discipleship, foster unity within our faith communities, and become more authentic witnesses of God's love and grace. As we set sail together, we need to consider how we can implement these practices and suggestions in our own congregations, creating spaces for meaningful reflection, renewal, and discipleship.

Embracing the fullness of our baptismal covenant has the potential to transform our lives and communities. By allowing its promises to shape our thoughts, words, and actions, we can become more authentic witnesses of God's love and grace. As we look for ways to embrace this diocesan goal in our own contexts, perhaps we should also be asking this:

How might our lives and communities be transformed if we wholeheartedly embraced the power of our baptismal covenant and lived it out in every aspect of our lives?