Every organization places some expectations upon it’s members.  The church is no different.  We each take on those expectations when we become members.

St. Michael’s places the expectations squarely upon each member.  Nobody else can best interpret those expectations.  We are each called to interpret and enact those expectations.

So where does one determine the expectations of membership?  Our Value, Vision and Mission statements guide us in interpreting the expectations but we draw the expectations from a much more ancient tradition, We expect that each person will strive to discern God’s will from the Baptismal Covenant, as each is able.  Some persons hold a more literal interpretation; some a more mystic interpretation; some a strict interpretation; some a more loose interpretation.  That’s OK.

With this expectation comes acceptance of all persons who commit to the task: acceptance in all our similarities and our differences, and acceptance of each person’s call to live out the discernment.  There is room in the Family of God for such differences.

The Baptismal Covenant, normally spoken in call and response, is presented here as statements for simplicity and brevity.

Baptismal Covenant

• I renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God.
• I renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God.
• I renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God.
• I turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as my Savior.
• I put my whole trust in His grace and love.
• I promise to follow and obey Him as my Lord
• I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
• I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
  • He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
  • He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
  • He descended to the dead.
  • On the third day he rose again.
  • He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
  • He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
• I believe in the Holy Spirit:
  • the holy catholic Church,
  • the communion of saints,
  • the forgiveness of sins,
  • the resurrection of the body,
  • and the life everlasting.
• I, with God’s help, will continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
• I, with God’s help, will persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever I fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
• I, with God’s help, will proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.
• I, with God’s help, will seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving my neighbor as myself.
• I, with God’s help, will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.