Youth Temple trip 2-16-2022 to Fresno Temple :
The youth, young men of the Yosemite Ward had a wonderful time at the Temple performing
baptisms for their ancestors who are deceased. There were 9 young men there, and 6 adults.
For some of the younger Deacons, this was their first time at the Temple.
Fresno Temple Entrance
Many came with their parents which was a special occasion for those boys and their parents to perform proxy baptisms for their own ancestors. Danny Weir, Andrew Hatch, and Jacob Hatch performed the baptizing, while the other Young Men stood in as proxies for their own ancestors as well as others ancestors. It was a wonderful evening at the Temple followed by a late dinner at
In N Out Burgers, a YM/YW tradition after attending the Temple
Overview of Baptisms for the Dead:
Jesus Christ taught that baptism is essential to the salvation of all who have lived on earth (see
John 3:5). Many people, however, have died without being baptized. Others were baptized
without proper authority. Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to
receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have
died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Individuals can then
choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf.
Some people have misunderstood that when baptisms for the dead are performed, deceased
persons are baptized into the Church against their will. This is not the case. Each individual has
agency, or the right to choose. The validity of a baptism for the dead depends on the deceased
person accepting it and choosing to accept and follow the Savior while residing in the spirit
world. The names of deceased persons are not added to the membership records of the
Church.
The New Testament indicates that baptisms for the dead were done during the time of the
Apostle Paul (see 1 Corinthians 15:29).
This ordinance was restored with the establishment of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For a more complete description of Baptisms for the Dead, please click on the link below.