Describe a service of baptism in a tradition with which you are familiar. Explain the order of service and the part played by all attending.

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Describe a service of baptism in a tradition with which you are familiar

Describe a service of baptism in a tradition with which you are familiar. Explain the order of service and the part played by all attending.

"Go therefore, make disciples of all nations;

Baptise them in the name of the Father,

And of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"

(Matthew 28: 19-20)

Baptism is a sacred action in which the Christian community comes together to celebrate. This sacrament is a symbol of God's care for us, and by carrying it out we bring ourselves together closer to the Lord. During Baptism, we are received into the church.

The first thing that happens during a Baptismal celebration is the welcome into the Christian community by the priest at the entrance to the church.

The Priest, or Celebrant asks the parents the name they wish to give their child followed by what they ask from the church for that child. When the parents reply that they wish for their child to be baptised the celebrant explains to them their responsibilities and asks the godparents if they are willing to help the parents bring the child up in the church.

The role of godparents is to help their godchild lead a Christian life. Traditionally, the godparents are the ones who insure that their godchild is given a Christian upbringing if the parents are no longer able to fulfil that responsibility. But they also help the parents in the ordinary circumstances of daily life - by their special concern for their godchild, by their example, and by whatever assistance they can provide in raising the child. During the liturgy, they declare their readiness to help the parents "in their duty as Christian mothers and fathers."

The Priest claims the child for Christ by signing the child's forehead and he encourages the parents and godparents to do the same.

Everyone subsequently moves on to celebrate God's word. A Gospel passage or two are read, usually describing the baptism of Jesus; during which the parents and godparents sit. After a short Sermon in which the priest explains the reading, the prayers of the Faithful or Bidding prayers are recited to help the parents, godparents and the child followed by the Litany of saints, where all those present ask the saints to help the child: "St. Anthony pray for us.... etc."
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The priest now recites the Prayer of exorcism; asking for the child to be rescued from the slavery of sin and pass into the freedom of God.

"We pray for this child:

Set him free from original sin

Make him a temple in your glory

And send your holy spirit to dwell with him

We ask this through Christ our Lord"

He anoints the child on the breast with oil of Catechumens and everyone proceeds to the Baptismal font. A hymn may be sung before the Priest blesses the water and invokes ...

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