Our Baptismal Promises

Baptismal Promises, an interactive art exhibition in the Taliaferro Hall Gallery opens Sunday, January 21. The exhibition explores the Epiphany theme chosen by Dean Kate: Our Baptismal Promises. It showcases the beauty of our community’s joyful occasions and invites us to contemplate our commitments to those entering our fold through baptism.

The sacrament of Holy Baptism includes solemn promises we make to support and guide those who will be shaped by our collective witness. It emphasizes intentional actions that define our shared journey of faith. At the heart of the installation is an interactive wall, symbolically backed by a fishing net that catches us all in the embrace of our community. Here, you are invited to contribute by adding a card indicating specific ways you are living into your baptismal promises. The fishing net serves as a visual representation of the bonds we share as a community, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability to one another.

Notably, the installation introduces a sixth baptismal promise, incorporated into the Anglican Church of Canada’s baptismal intentions in 2013 via General Synod. This additional commitment focuses on Creation, highlighting our role as stewards of the Earth and recognizing this responsibility as an important aspect of our shared journey.

All members of the community and the public are invited to visit the installation, reflecting on how God’s help is essential for our life in faith. It is an opportunity for everyone to engage with the theme, share their commitments, and collectively strengthen the bonds that define our community.

~Nancy Purcell, director of marketing and communications