Rachel Ding ‘26
The annual service of *Confirmation and Baptism took place on Sunday, April 21st, in Belmont Chapel. Bishop Mark Beckwith, retired Bishop of Newark, baptized 6 St. Markers. Bishop Beckwith confirmed 17 students.
*Baptism is a rite of initiation for new Christians. At the same time, Confirmation publicly affirms the vows made by your parents and godparents at your infant baptism and marks the shift into adult Christianity.
Preparation for both began just before Spring break. While most students who attended these meetings were interested in getting confirmed and/or baptized, some were already confirmed (and just enjoyed talking about this stuff), and some were not religious (and just curious)—everyone was welcome to join!
Throughout six sessions, we delved into the mystery of the Holy Trinity, exploring the nature of God as three distinct entities—the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit—who are of one essence, co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial. We began by examining the Holy Spirit, sharing our personal experiences, and discussing its role in Baptism while distinguishing between spirituality and religion. We then discussed the role of doubt in our faith journey, reviewed the Creeds, and pondered who/what God is. Our exploration continued with the life and ministry of Jesus, learning how to integrate his teachings and the Gospel into our lives and understanding the significance of his death and resurrection, mainly through the meaning of the Holy Eucharist. For the remainder of our time together, we broadened our horizons by looking into other religions alongside our own. We discussed the Church as the “body” and “bride” of Christ, various branches of Christianity, and how to view faithful individuals of other religions or those with no professed religion. These prolific conversations were complemented by pizza and prayer each Thursday night!
A few hours before the service of Confirmation and Baptism took place, candidates had the opportunity to convene with the Bishop in the dining hall. Following the lunch, all catechumens and confirmands were gathered in the crypt alongside them for one final moment of discussion and reflection. Each of us wrote down one question that we still sought answers to, and the Bishop offered insight into it and had us share our own opinions regarding each of them. After one final prayer, we headed upstairs to Belmont Chapel for the service of Confirmation and Baptism.
The service began with hymns and readings, followed by the presentation and examination of the candidates. We then recited the Baptismal Covenant, and the congregation prayed for us. The Bishop consecrated the water in preparation for the baptisms, then laid hands on each confirmation as they renewed their commitment to Christ. The service concluded with communion, followed by a tea reception at Choate House.
As small gifts of congratulations, candidates received certificates signed by the Bishop and a cross pin with a mosaic design. Rev. Talcott and Rev. Solter left us with this message: “We chose the mosaic design as a reminder that you are entering a very diverse group that is worldwide Christianity. When you look at it, remember what a rich tradition you are a part of. You will not always agree with your fellow Christians because they are all so different, but one of those colorful little chips is you; whatever small-c church you choose to join, you will always be a part of the big-C Church that together comprises the body of Christ in this world. Be his hands and feet, be his heart, and play your small part in making this earth the Kingdom of God that he gave so much to secure and to see passed on to you. Yesterday was an important moment in that transmission.”
While I come from a Baptist background, the Episcopal values integrated into the mosaic metaphor resonated with me. Each piece of the mosaic is unique in its color and shape, contributing to a cohesive image—I think this serves as a powerful reminder of the richness and diversity within the Christian faith. It speaks to the many traditions, cultures, and perspectives that come together to form the global Christian community.
The message encourages us to embrace this diversity, recognizing that differences among fellow Christians are not barriers but facets of a greater whole. It acknowledges that disagreements are inevitable, given the varied backgrounds and viewpoints—yet it also emphasizes that despite these differences, we are all integral parts of the same body of Christ.
Again, congratulations to the newly baptized and confirmed St. Markers!