Infant Baptism in the Catholic Church

Infant Baptism in the Catholic Church

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 3. Exorcism and Anointing

   • Priest anoints child's chest using catechumen.
     • Oil symbolizes strength and healing
     • Prayer that child will be protected against evil.

5. 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

6. 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."

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.