Baptism is not simply a splash of water. It is the applying of water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Through Baptism, the Holy Spirit brings forgiveness of sins, faith in Jesus Christ, and eternal salvation. Baptism is not something we do for God; it is something God does for us. [Jesus said,] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20.
At St. John, we take our cues for serving others from Jesus Christ. He is the one who, in a single sentence, sums up the value of being available to others: “I came not to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Daily you will notice ways to extend a helping hand to your neighbor next door, around the block, or through countless St. John channels.