Current Ritual Structure of Baptism
Over time, there have been some changes to the ritual structure with many of the symbolic actions from the early church still remaining within today’s baptism structure. The current basic structure for an infant baptism involves eight stages.
Summarised from Catholic Australia (2014), the eight stages are:
1. Sign of the Cross
Upon entrance to the church the priest traces the cross on the forehead of the infant and invites the parents and the godparents to follow. This symbolises the sacrifice Jesus Christ made and the love he has as well as a form of “invisible branding” to symbolise that the child is now apart of God’s life.
2. Baptismal Promises
The parents, the godparents, the infant being baptised and the priest all gather around the baptismal font, which is usually a large stone or marble bowl that holds the waters of baptism. With the mother holding the child, the priest will ask the parents what they want for their child. They reply with, “Baptism”. The parents then state the baptismal promises on behalf of the infant, these often involve the future the hope their child will have within the Catholic Church and are also “based on the Apostles Creed.”
3. Anointing
The infant is then anointed with oil on their forehead and chest. Carried out by the priest, this oil (olive oil) is known as the “Oil of Baptism” or “Catechumens” and the “Oil of Chrism”. This stage is a symbol of preparing the infant for the various aspects of its future.
4. Baptism with Water
As the priest says, “I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, they pour water over the infants head. Symbolising cleansing, the water is used to wash away all of the person’s sin. For the infant, the water is also used as a sign of new spiritual life within the church as water helps things grow.
5. Candle
Another symbol for the new spiritual life is the lighting of a candle, which is also a sign of “the light of Christ”. The candle is usually help by the father or a godparent as they stand beside the child. Often the parents will bring their own candle, which they have made for the sacrament.
6. White Garment
The use of a white garment being traditionally worn during a baptism is a symbol “of being clothed in Christ”. Often the parents provide this gown, with some churches providing some as well. This garment is also a sign of purity and innocence.
7. Baptismal Certificate and Baptismal Register
At the conclusion of the Baptism the parents sign the parish’s Baptismal register and receive a Baptismal Certificate. This certificate is used if the child attends a catholic school or if they intend on receiving the other initiation sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
8. Donation
The sacrament of Baptism is a free ceremony carried out by the priest, however often the parents of the child will make a donation to the priest and the parish.
Summarised from Catholic Australia (2014), the eight stages are:
1. Sign of the Cross
Upon entrance to the church the priest traces the cross on the forehead of the infant and invites the parents and the godparents to follow. This symbolises the sacrifice Jesus Christ made and the love he has as well as a form of “invisible branding” to symbolise that the child is now apart of God’s life.
2. Baptismal Promises
The parents, the godparents, the infant being baptised and the priest all gather around the baptismal font, which is usually a large stone or marble bowl that holds the waters of baptism. With the mother holding the child, the priest will ask the parents what they want for their child. They reply with, “Baptism”. The parents then state the baptismal promises on behalf of the infant, these often involve the future the hope their child will have within the Catholic Church and are also “based on the Apostles Creed.”
3. Anointing
The infant is then anointed with oil on their forehead and chest. Carried out by the priest, this oil (olive oil) is known as the “Oil of Baptism” or “Catechumens” and the “Oil of Chrism”. This stage is a symbol of preparing the infant for the various aspects of its future.
4. Baptism with Water
As the priest says, “I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, they pour water over the infants head. Symbolising cleansing, the water is used to wash away all of the person’s sin. For the infant, the water is also used as a sign of new spiritual life within the church as water helps things grow.
5. Candle
Another symbol for the new spiritual life is the lighting of a candle, which is also a sign of “the light of Christ”. The candle is usually help by the father or a godparent as they stand beside the child. Often the parents will bring their own candle, which they have made for the sacrament.
6. White Garment
The use of a white garment being traditionally worn during a baptism is a symbol “of being clothed in Christ”. Often the parents provide this gown, with some churches providing some as well. This garment is also a sign of purity and innocence.
7. Baptismal Certificate and Baptismal Register
At the conclusion of the Baptism the parents sign the parish’s Baptismal register and receive a Baptismal Certificate. This certificate is used if the child attends a catholic school or if they intend on receiving the other initiation sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
8. Donation
The sacrament of Baptism is a free ceremony carried out by the priest, however often the parents of the child will make a donation to the priest and the parish.