Except in extraordinary circumstances, Holy Baptism should be administered by an ordained Minister in the presence of the gathered local church into which the candidate is being admitted as a member (see Catechism Question 44). Baptism may be administered at any time, but it is especially appropriate at Easter, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). For the baptism of infants, parents and/or godparents answer the questions (see Question 45). Those who were already baptized, whether as an infant or adult, can never be baptized again. Those already baptized may be received into the local church by renewing their baptismal vows, preferably at a time when others are being baptized.
PREFACE
The Minister may give a brief exhortation on the meaning and importance of baptism. Catechism Questions 43, 44, and/or 45 may be said. Then, the Candidates are invited to come forward and the congregation is asked to pray for them.
INVITATION TO PRAYER
Since all people are conceived and born in sin, and since our Savior says that “no one can enter into the kingdom of God unless they are regenerate and born anew of water and of the Holy Spirit,” I ask you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his abundant goodness he will grant to these persons that which by nature they cannot have; that they may be baptized with water and the Holy Spirit, and received into Christ’s holy Church, and be made living members of the same.
PRAYER FOR THE CANDIDATES
Almighty and everlasting God, in your great mercy you saved Noah and his family in the ark from perishing by water. You also safely led the children of Israel, your people, through the Red Sea, prefiguring your holy baptism. And by the baptism of your well-beloved Son Jesus Christ in the river Jordan, you sanctified the element of water to the mystical washing away of sin. We ask that you will now look with mercy upon these your servants. Wash them and sanctify them with the Holy Spirit, that being delivered from your wrath, they may be received into the Ark of Christ’s Church; and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that they may finally come to the land of everlasting life; there to reign with you, world without end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE GOSPEL FOR THE BAPTISM OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Hear the words of the Gospel of Saint Mark, in the tenth chapter, at the thirteenth verse: “And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
THE GOSPEL FOR THOSE IN LATER YEARS
Hear the words of the Gospel of Saint John, in the third chapter, at the first verse: “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, “You must be born again.” The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’”
EXHORTATION TO THE PARENTS AND GODPARENTS
Today, on behalf of this child, you will make vows to renounce the devil and all his works, to trust God wholeheartedly, and to serve him faithfully. It is your task to see that this child is taught, as soon as he is able to learn, the meaning of all these vows, and of the faith that you will profess as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. He must come to put his faith in Jesus Christ, and learn the Creeds, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and all other things that a Christian ought to know, believe, and do for the welfare of his soul. And when he has embraced all these, he is to come forward to be confirmed, that he may publicly claim the faith for his own. (Adapted from the 2019 BCP)
Are you willing and ready to undertake this?
I am, the Lord being my helper.
THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT
The Minister asks the following questions to the Candidates or to the Parents and Godparents.
Do you renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that you will not follow nor be led by them?
I renounce them all.
Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?
I believe.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord: that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and was buried: that he descended to the dead: And on the third day he rose again from the dead: And that he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father: And from there will come to judge the living and the dead?
I believe.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit: the holy catholic church: the communion of saints: The forgiveness of sins: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting?
I believe.
Being baptized in this faith, will you obediently keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of your life, God being your helper?
I will, God being my helper.
The Candidates may be permitted to share a personal testimony that has been prewritten and preapproved by the Minister. A hymn or chorus may also be sung.
PRAYER OF SANCTIFICATION
Almighty and everliving God, your most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, shed out of his most precious side both water and blood; and commanded his disciples, that they should go and teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Regard the prayers of your congregation. Sanctify this water to the mystical washing away of sin, and grant that these persons, now to be baptized, may receive the fullness of your grace, and ever remain in the number of your faithful and elect children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE BAPTISM
The Minister baptizes each candidate by name, saying exactly,
[Name,] I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
RECEPTION OF THE MEMBERS
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
We receive you into the congregation of Christ’s flock. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, and bravely fight under his banner against sin, the world, and the devil, and continue Christ’s faithful soldier and servant unto your life’s end. Amen.