Episcopalians believe that there are two sacraments given and directed by Christ, Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. We celebrate and administer other sacraments grounded in the Bible. Baptism and Holy Eucharist are considered necessary for all Christians. Confirmation is a normal part of church life. Not everyone participates in the other sacraments.
Baptism is the sacrament of membership in the church.
The outward sign is the pouring on of water or immersion in the name of the Trinity. The inward grace is new life, death to sin and rising with Christ. Baptism is birth into eternal life. Episcopalians baptize infants, as did the early church. The church is the family of God, and as in an earthly family, parents and other family members see to a child's rearing until the child is old enough to accept responsibility.