The Rite of Baptism
Baptism is the process in which an individual is initiated into the Christian Church and the family of God, it is the first of seven sacraments. It involves an individual, wishing to be apart of the church, or an infant, whose parents wish for them to be baptised, receiving grace and the Holy Spirit for the first time. It is a communal celebration, that is, not only the family is involved but the entire local parish.
The Baptismal Rite can be performed by a bishop, priest or deacon and is generally done during Sunday mass. The liturgy involves four symbols; water, oil, a candle and a white garment (see the above link 'Symbols' for the significance).
The Rite of Baptism is as follows:
Reception of the Baptismal Candidate
The Baptismal Rite can be performed by a bishop, priest or deacon and is generally done during Sunday mass. The liturgy involves four symbols; water, oil, a candle and a white garment (see the above link 'Symbols' for the significance).
The Rite of Baptism is as follows:
Reception of the Baptismal Candidate
- Priest greets the church – speaks with the parents about their child; “What name have you given your child? What do you ask of God's Church for your child? Baptism”
- Parents and Godparents accept the mission of raising their child in the faith
- Makes the sign of the cross on the candidates forehead
- A select scriptural reading: John 3:1-6 / Matthew 28:18-20 are possible choices
- Homily
- Prayers of the Faithful
- Prayer of exorcism and anointing prior to baptism
The oil of catechumen is used, for the anointing, to erase evil from the candidate
The Celebration of the Sacrament
- Priest calls upon God and blesses the baptismal water
- Parents and Godparents renounce sin and profess their faith; This is known as the baptismal promise, a personal declaration of faith.
- Priest baptises the child with the blessed water
There are four ways a person may be blessed using water; Immersion = to plunge child into the water, Submersion = place under or cover with water, Infusion = dipping into water, Pouring = flowing water poured over the forehead of the child
- Anointing with Chrism Oil on the child's forehead, sealing the initiate with the Holy Spirit
- The child is dressed in a white garment
- A candle is lit from the Easter candle and given to the parents and godparents
- Ephphetha prayer is said as the priest touches the ears and mouth of the child:
This is a scriptural reference when Jesus healed a deaf and mute man (Mark 7:32-35)
- Our Father; Prayer is said communally by the church
- Final Blessing for the end of mass