THE RITE OF BAPTISM
THE RITE OF BAPTISM IS A SACRED LITURGY CELEBRATED EITHER DURING MASS OR OUTSIDE OF IT, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE FAITHFUL. IT UNFOLDS THROUGH A SERIES OF RICH SYMBOLIC ACTIONS, PRAYERS, AND SCRIPTURAL TEXTS. EACH MOMENT REFLECTS THE MYSTERY OF DYING AND RISING WITH CHRIST
1. Reception of the Child or Candidate
The celebrant welcomes the child, asks for the child’s name, and inquires what the parents ask of the Church. The response is typically: “Baptism.” The godparents are then asked if they are ready to assist the parents in raising the child in the faith. The celebrant then signs the child with the Sign of the Cross a mark of Christ's redemption and ownership and invites the parents and godparents to do the same.
The celebrant welcomes the child, asks for the child’s name, and inquires what the parents ask of the Church. The response is typically: “Baptism.” The godparents are then asked if they are ready to assist the parents in raising the child in the faith. The celebrant then signs the child with the Sign of the Cross a mark of Christ's redemption and ownership and invites the parents and godparents to do the same.
2. Liturgy of the Word
The rite continues with the proclamation of Sacred Scripture. A brief homily follows, illuminating the mystery of Baptism. The faithful are reminded of God's saving plan and the gift of new life in Christ.
The rite continues with the proclamation of Sacred Scripture. A brief homily follows, illuminating the mystery of Baptism. The faithful are reminded of God's saving plan and the gift of new life in Christ.
3. Prayers of the Faithful and Litany of the Saints
Intercessory prayers are offered for the child, the parents, the godparents, and the whole Church. In solemn celebrations, the Litany of the Saints is chanted, invoking the help of the communion of saints as the child is about to enter the Church.
Intercessory prayers are offered for the child, the parents, the godparents, and the whole Church. In solemn celebrations, the Litany of the Saints is chanted, invoking the help of the communion of saints as the child is about to enter the Church.
4. Prayer of Exorcism and Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens
The priest prays a prayer of exorcism, asking for the child to be protected from sin and evil. Then, he anoints the chest of the child with the Oil of Catechumens, symbolizing strength for the spiritual journey ahead. This oil is consecrated by the bishop during the Chrism Mass.
The priest prays a prayer of exorcism, asking for the child to be protected from sin and evil. Then, he anoints the chest of the child with the Oil of Catechumens, symbolizing strength for the spiritual journey ahead. This oil is consecrated by the bishop during the Chrism Mass.
5. Blessing of the Baptismal Water
The celebrant blesses the water used for Baptism, recalling the Spirit hovering over the waters at creation, the great Flood, the parting of the Red Sea, and the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. This prayer transforms ordinary water into a sacramental sign of death and rebirth.
The celebrant blesses the water used for Baptism, recalling the Spirit hovering over the waters at creation, the great Flood, the parting of the Red Sea, and the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. This prayer transforms ordinary water into a sacramental sign of death and rebirth.
6. Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
Parents and godparents are invited to renew their own baptismal promises by rejecting sin, Satan, and all evil, and professing faith in the Triune God. In adult baptisms, the catechumen proclaims this faith personally.
Parents and godparents are invited to renew their own baptismal promises by rejecting sin, Satan, and all evil, and professing faith in the Triune God. In adult baptisms, the catechumen proclaims this faith personally.
7. The Essential Rite: Baptism with Water
The celebrant pours water three times over the child’s head (or immerses them) saying:
“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
This is the heart of the sacrament. Through this act, the soul is cleansed of sin, regenerated, and made a member of Christ’s Body, the Church.
The celebrant pours water three times over the child’s head (or immerses them) saying:
“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
This is the heart of the sacrament. Through this act, the soul is cleansed of sin, regenerated, and made a member of Christ’s Body, the Church.
8. Anointing with Sacred Chrism
After Baptism, the celebrant anoints the crown of the child’s head with Sacred Chrism, a perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop. This symbolizes the baptized person's sharing in the mission of Christ as priest, prophet, and king.
After Baptism, the celebrant anoints the crown of the child’s head with Sacred Chrism, a perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop. This symbolizes the baptized person's sharing in the mission of Christ as priest, prophet, and king.
9. Clothing with the White Garment
The newly baptized is clothed in a white garment, symbolizing purity and the dignity of new life in Christ. The Church proclaims: “See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity.”
The newly baptized is clothed in a white garment, symbolizing purity and the dignity of new life in Christ. The Church proclaims: “See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity.”
10. Presentation of the Baptismal Candle
A candle, lit from the Paschal Candle, is given to the parents or godparents. It represents the light of Christ that the baptized must carry throughout life. The celebrant says:
“Receive the light of Christ. Keep it burning brightly.”
A candle, lit from the Paschal Candle, is given to the parents or godparents. It represents the light of Christ that the baptized must carry throughout life. The celebrant says:
“Receive the light of Christ. Keep it burning brightly.”
11. Ephphetha (Optional)
In some rites, the celebrant touches the ears and mouth of the child while praying that the baptized may hear the Word of God and proclaim it with faith just as Jesus did when He healed the mute and deaf man.
In some rites, the celebrant touches the ears and mouth of the child while praying that the baptized may hear the Word of God and proclaim it with faith just as Jesus did when He healed the mute and deaf man.
12. The Lord’s Prayer and Final Blessing
The rite concludes with the recitation of the Our Father, prayers of blessing for the parents and godparents, and a solemn blessing over the congregation.
“Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.”
CCC 1213
The rite concludes with the recitation of the Our Father, prayers of blessing for the parents and godparents, and a solemn blessing over the congregation.
“Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.”
CCC 1213