practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him up to keep
God’s Commandments.”
The sign of the cross is traced on the child’s forehead (symbol of belonging to God).
“I will now trace the Sign of the Cross on your forehead and invite
your parents and god-parents to do the same”
A celebration of the Word of God
Readings take place from scriptures, showing the importance of Baptism. The “Prayers of the Faithful” are read. These are for the child, parents and godparents.
The Exorcism and Anointing
“O God, you sent your Son to cast out the power of Satan, set this child free
from Original Sin.” -Priest
The priest anoints the child on the chest, with the oil of catechumens. Oil is a sign of healing and strength.
Baptismal promises
The water is blessed. The priest asks the parents and godparents to declare their faith by the baptismal promises (rejection of sin and satan).
“You must make it your constant care to bring him up in the practice of the faith”
They are an open declaration of the Christian teachings (in the Apostle’s Creed).
The Baptism
The child is baptised by pouring water 3 times over the child’s forehead (infusion)
“I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”-Priest
This is the sacrament of baptism. The child is now a member of the Church.
The Anointing with Chrism
Baptism is followed by the anointing of chrism (symbol of the child being called to live as Jesus did). The concluding part of baptism emphasises the new life and faith of the Christian.
Clothing with the White Garment
White is associated with innocence and purity. The priest puts the white garment (shawl) around the child as a sign the child’s soul is spotless because it has been baptised and cleansed of original sin.
The Baptismal Candle
This conveys how Jesus is going to guide the child throughout its Christian life. A candle is given to the parent and lit from the Paschal Candle (represents the Resurrection of Jesus).
Conclusion at the altar
The Rite of Baptism concludes at the altar. The “Our Father” is said. Three blessings follow for the family.
Anglican Baptism
The Catholic ceremony and the Anglican service are identical except that the Anglican service does not contain the anointings and the clothing of the white garments.
The parents and godparents agree to help the child grow up in the Christian faith and show good example. The priest makes the Sign of the Cross on the child’s forehead and the baptismal promises are said. A candle is lit. The congregation welcomes the child as a Christian.
Believer’s Baptism
The Baptist, Pentecostal Churches and other Evangelical traditions practise believer’s baptism. It is baptism for those that are old enough to make their own decisions. The method of baptism is by total immersion into the water. It takes place in a pool inside the church (may be in a river or sea).
The Service
Candidates (those being baptised) are asked if they have faith and have repented their sins. They give a testimony after an important reading from the bible. This explains how they came to be baptised. The candidate enters the pool (as a sign they wish to leave their old life behind).
“Because you have repented your sins, I now
baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- The Minister
The candidate is briefly immersed in water (sign that the old life has died and that Christians are buried in the way Jesus was). For a brief moment the minister rocks the person, back in the water so that their whole body is immersed (symbolises the death of old life). Leaving the pool symbolises that new life has begun. A hymn may be sung and the candidate leaves to live life as a Christian.
