"Almighty God, through the incarnate Word you have caused us to be born anew of an imperishable and eternal seed: Look with compassion upon those who are being prepared for Holy Baptism, and grant that they may be built as living stones into a spiritual temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 102:15-22, Numbers 21:4-9, and John 8:21-30
In the ancient Church there was a period of preparation that took place before the baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter. The catechumens would prepare for baptism before their actual baptism, and in some cases their education would continue even after the baptism itself. This collect hearkens us back to such a history, asking for God's compassion to be shown to those who are being prepared for their own baptism this upcoming Easter.
At Saint Paul's we don't have a tradition of celebrating the Great Vigil of Easter, but we do have baptisms on the night before Easter. Parents who have children born close to this time may choose to have their children baptized in our chapel on this holy weekend while in town with their family, or they may have a personal family connection with the little church that they wish to pass on to another generation.
As we approach Easter may we remember the children who will be baptized in our own community and all those preparing for baptism throughout the Church.
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