Baptism Ceremony
In planning for your child's Baptism, the first sacrament of Initiation, it is important to understand how the ceremony will be conducted.
Although various Christian communities may include different steps in the ceremony, many pieces remain the same across all branches of the faith.
Some important facts about Baptism include: The people involved: The child who is preparing for Baptism will be surrounded by family, friends, and Church members who are there to support him or her in their entrance into the faith community.
If the ceremony takes place during a Mass, then more Church members will be present.
However, it is also possible to choose to hold the ceremony after the Mass is finished with just invited guests present.
While the priest will generally conduct the baptism, the parents and godparents, or sponsors, of the child are also vital parts of the ceremony.
(It is not necessary for a priest to conduct the ceremony, though this is common practice.
)The child's parents must express their desire to have their child baptized.
Godparents must then lead the child in growing in their faith, particularly in the absence of the parents, and thus, this is an important role and needs to be considered carefully.
The meaning of baptism: Baptism absolves the child of original sin and signifies their entry into the Christian community.
It also signifies the beginning of a new life and the first step in eternal life for the person being baptized.
Thus, the ceremony should be celebrated by all members of the Church.
Baptism by water: The priest or other celebrant will pour water over the child's head while baptizing him or her in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Generally, the priest will pour more water with each name mentioned.
The water may be held in a large pool or may be flowing like a fountain.
Other signs of baptism: During the ceremony, the infant will also be anointed with chrism, or holy oil.
This generally smells of incense and is used to make a sign of the cross on the child's heart and between their shoulders.
After baptizing the child in water and anointing them with oil, the priest will place the white baptismal cloth on the child's head.
Also, one of the godparents will light the baptismal candle, and the entire community recites their belief in God and the Church to signify their unity with the newly baptized member.
Although various Christian communities may include different steps in the ceremony, many pieces remain the same across all branches of the faith.
Some important facts about Baptism include: The people involved: The child who is preparing for Baptism will be surrounded by family, friends, and Church members who are there to support him or her in their entrance into the faith community.
If the ceremony takes place during a Mass, then more Church members will be present.
However, it is also possible to choose to hold the ceremony after the Mass is finished with just invited guests present.
While the priest will generally conduct the baptism, the parents and godparents, or sponsors, of the child are also vital parts of the ceremony.
(It is not necessary for a priest to conduct the ceremony, though this is common practice.
)The child's parents must express their desire to have their child baptized.
Godparents must then lead the child in growing in their faith, particularly in the absence of the parents, and thus, this is an important role and needs to be considered carefully.
The meaning of baptism: Baptism absolves the child of original sin and signifies their entry into the Christian community.
It also signifies the beginning of a new life and the first step in eternal life for the person being baptized.
Thus, the ceremony should be celebrated by all members of the Church.
Baptism by water: The priest or other celebrant will pour water over the child's head while baptizing him or her in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Generally, the priest will pour more water with each name mentioned.
The water may be held in a large pool or may be flowing like a fountain.
Other signs of baptism: During the ceremony, the infant will also be anointed with chrism, or holy oil.
This generally smells of incense and is used to make a sign of the cross on the child's heart and between their shoulders.
After baptizing the child in water and anointing them with oil, the priest will place the white baptismal cloth on the child's head.
Also, one of the godparents will light the baptismal candle, and the entire community recites their belief in God and the Church to signify their unity with the newly baptized member.
