Zusammenfassung der Ressource
Infant Baptism in the Catholic Church
- Baptism is an example of a sacrament. A sacrament is a visible sign of God's loving, invisible presence with a child as s/he joins the Christian community.
- 1. Welcome
- Priest meets parents, godparents and child at church entrance.
- Priest traces sign of the cross on child's forehead.
- This symbolizes that the child belongs to God.
- 2. Bible Readings
and Sermon
- Word of God in the Bible.
- Readings from the New Testament.
- Describe Jesus' Baptism.
- Short sermon from priest.
- Prayers of the Faithful for child,
parent and godparents.
- 3. Exorcism and
Anointing
- Priest anoints child's chest using catechumen.
- Oil symbolizes strength and healing
- Prayer that child will be protected against evil.
- 4. Baptismal
Promises
- Priest blesses water in baptismal font.
- Parents and godparents make promises on behalf of child.
- Question and answer format
- Christian teaching found in the Apostles' Creed
- 5. Baptism
- Water poured 3 times over the baby's head.
- Symbolizes child entering new life in the family of God.
- "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
- 6. Anointing with Chrism
- Child is anointed on the head with chrism.
- Symbolizes that the child has been chosen by God to live a Christian life.
- 7. White Garment and
Baptismal Candle
- White shawl wrapped around the baby.
- Symbol of new life clothed in Jesus Christ.
- Candle is lit from the Pascal candle.
- Symbolizes Christ's guidance in the child's life
to live and practice the Christian Faith.
- 8. Lord's Prayer and
Final Blessing
- All recite the Lord's Prayer.
- Child is now a member of the Christian community.
- Blessing of all who attended the ceremony.