Infant Baptism in the Catholic Church.

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Baptism- AO1

   There are several parts to the ceremony of Infant Baptism in the Catholic Church. The first part of the ceremony is “the welcome” this begins at the door of the Church. The priest, parents and godparents trace the sign of the cross on the infant’s forehead. The sign of the cross symbolises the saving power of the crucifixion of Jesus.

   The next part of the ceremony is the celebration of the Word of God. Now a reading from the Bible is read and the priest will then give a short sermon to the congregation explaining the reading. Prayers of the faithful or “Biding prayers” are then said for the child, the parents and the godparents. Prayers are said for the new life, the serious responsibilities taken by parents and godparents and there may also be a prayer asking the saints to pray for the child.

   The Exorcism and anointing is the next part of the ceremony. The priest sets the child free from original sin, (power and control evil has over mankind is driven out) through exorcism. The priest then anoints the child with the oil of catechumens on the chest. The oil of catechumens is a sign of strength against temptation, sin and evil.

   The Baptismal promises now take place. The water is blessed and the priest asks the parents and godparents to renew their faith, this includes the rejection of all sin. Water is a sign of new life in the family of God and death to sin.

   The child now is baptised by pouring water over the forehead three times whilst the words,

“I baptise you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” are said by the priest. In these words the formula of the Holy Trinity are expressed.

   The anointing with Chrism is the second anointing of the ceremony. The anointing of Chrism after baptism is a reminder that the new Christian shares in the life of Jesus. Chrism is a sign of being chosen by God for a special task. Chrism is a mixture of balsam (a fragrant perfume) and olive oil. The fragrant perfume is a sign of the beauty of God’s child.

   The baby is now clothed with a white garment. White is a colour associated with innocence and purity. A white garment is a sign of new life and faith, clothed with Christ. White is also a sign of the Messiah.

   One of the parents lights a candle (the baptismal candle) from the Paschal candle which represents the resurrection of Jesus. The flame is a symbol of life and of knowledge. Light is very important in the Christian faith as Jesus said,

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“I am the light of the world.”

   The final part is the conclusion is the conclusion at the altar. If the ceremony takes place at a time other than mass, the “Our Father” is said. The child now belongs to the family of God. Three blessings follow; one for the mother, one for the father and a third for all who attended the baptism.

   In believer’s baptism the ceremony starts with a sermon from the minister explaining the importance of baptism. He may ask the congregation to remember their own baptism and to renew their commitment to ...

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