The Rituals
Rituals reflect the traditions of Catholic faith and express its symbols. Rituals play a huge role in making the invisible visible.
The rituals in Baptism are as follows:
Introduction or welcome: Sign of the cross.
Parents and God parents are called to the front to perform the sign if the cross. Here the priest traces the sign of the cross of the baby's forehead as symbol of Jesus love for us as depicted through the crucifixion.
Anointing with Oil - Oil of Catechisms
Before the baptism The priest anoints the baby on the chest or head with the Oil of Baptism. This will strengthen the baby as it grows to turn away from evil, temptation or sin.
Priest “We anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Saviour; may he strengthen you with his power, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.”
Blessing of the Baptismal water- God Parents, parents, baby and priest all proceed to the baptismal font, the furniture or fixture that holds the Baptismal water.Using his right hand the priest touches the water a few times as he reads out words of blessing before the baptism occurs.
Renunciation of sin and Profession of Faith- Parents are called to recite the baptismal promises, renewing their vows of baptism, to reject sin, profess faith in Jesus Christ and faith in the Catholic Church.
Baptism with Water
After the profession of faith, the priest begins the baptism by pouring holy water from the baptismal font onto the baby's head three times. As he does this, he says,
“I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.
Anointing with the Oil of Chrism.
Oil is anointed on the baby's head or chest, sign of sealing, with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
White Garment
Moving to the front of the church baby is present with a white stole, a sign of acceptance and belonging in the community of faith.
Priest " you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven.”
Candle
Following the white garment presentation, parents or God parents are asked to light and hold a candle. The lighted candle symbolises the light of Christ being present with the new baptised child.
Priest: Parents and Godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light. May he (she) keep the flame of faith alive in his (her) heart. When the Lord comes, may he (she) go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.
Rite of Ephphetha-
Priest touches the ears and mouth of the child with his thumb. Pray that the child will grow to hear the word of God and profess their faith.
Priest " The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith. To the praise and glory of God the Father."
Closing the ceremony- Blessing and Dismissal
Priest blesses the parents and lastly the entire assembly. Baptismal Certificates are presented.
The celebrant first blesses the mother, who holds the child in her arms, then the father, and lastly the entire assembly:
(Catholic.sk, 2015)
For More Information: Catholic Australia
The rituals in Baptism are as follows:
Introduction or welcome: Sign of the cross.
Parents and God parents are called to the front to perform the sign if the cross. Here the priest traces the sign of the cross of the baby's forehead as symbol of Jesus love for us as depicted through the crucifixion.
Anointing with Oil - Oil of Catechisms
Before the baptism The priest anoints the baby on the chest or head with the Oil of Baptism. This will strengthen the baby as it grows to turn away from evil, temptation or sin.
Priest “We anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Saviour; may he strengthen you with his power, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.”
Blessing of the Baptismal water- God Parents, parents, baby and priest all proceed to the baptismal font, the furniture or fixture that holds the Baptismal water.Using his right hand the priest touches the water a few times as he reads out words of blessing before the baptism occurs.
Renunciation of sin and Profession of Faith- Parents are called to recite the baptismal promises, renewing their vows of baptism, to reject sin, profess faith in Jesus Christ and faith in the Catholic Church.
Baptism with Water
After the profession of faith, the priest begins the baptism by pouring holy water from the baptismal font onto the baby's head three times. As he does this, he says,
“I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.
Anointing with the Oil of Chrism.
Oil is anointed on the baby's head or chest, sign of sealing, with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
White Garment
Moving to the front of the church baby is present with a white stole, a sign of acceptance and belonging in the community of faith.
Priest " you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven.”
Candle
Following the white garment presentation, parents or God parents are asked to light and hold a candle. The lighted candle symbolises the light of Christ being present with the new baptised child.
Priest: Parents and Godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light. May he (she) keep the flame of faith alive in his (her) heart. When the Lord comes, may he (she) go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.
Rite of Ephphetha-
Priest touches the ears and mouth of the child with his thumb. Pray that the child will grow to hear the word of God and profess their faith.
Priest " The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith. To the praise and glory of God the Father."
Closing the ceremony- Blessing and Dismissal
Priest blesses the parents and lastly the entire assembly. Baptismal Certificates are presented.
The celebrant first blesses the mother, who holds the child in her arms, then the father, and lastly the entire assembly:
(Catholic.sk, 2015)
For More Information: Catholic Australia