In today's society the ritual structure of Baptism is supremely different to the way it was performed in Jesus' time, however the underlying meanings behind the actions carried out are relatively unchanged (10). Over thousands of years Baptism has been a tradition in the Church and Christian communities all over the world. However, between the time of Jesus Christ and the current year, the ritual itself has been altered significantly (10). The Baptismal Ceremony today is a modified version of the original water submersion Baptism and is generally performed when the recipient is an infant, unlike Baptism in the Early Church (9).
The ritual is performed in a church of choice by a priest who has been ordained into the faith (11). A number of objects are integrated into the ceremony as religious symbols that are considered important when entering the Christian community (12).
Current Catholic Baptismal Ceremony
Presentation of the Candidates
To begin the ceremony of initiation, the priest firstly presents the candidate and usually the family and Godparents to the congregation.
Signing with the Cross
The sign of the cross, an important symbol of Catholicism, is traced on the child's forehead by both the priest and the chosen Godparents at the beginning of the Baptismal ceremony. This act symbolizes that the child belongs to Christ, and it is a reminder of the love Jesus has for them and will always have for them (13).
Prayer over the Water
The Priest then blesses the Baptismal water, by saying a prayer. A canticle, psalm, hymn or litany can be used for this process.
Profession of Faith
The Profession of Faith is a process in which the Priest addresses the congregation, asking them direct questions relating to their faith and also praying for the candidate of Baptism.
Anointing of the Candidate
During the Anointing, two oils are utilised: the Oil of Baptism (or Cathechumens) and the Oil of Chrism (13). Oil of Baptism is Olive oil, rubbed on the breast of the candidate, it symbolizes preparing and strengthening for the struggles of life ahead. Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the Holy Spirit (12).
Baptismal Promises
The Baptismal Promises are the promises made by the parents of the infant who is being initiated/Baptized, these promises are based on the Apostles Creed.
The priest and parents, along with the infant, gather around the Baptismal Font, this is the basin or vase that serves as a receptacle for baptismal water in which the candidate for baptism is immersed, or washed over (13). The priest questions the parents in regards to what they want for their child. The parents answer, requesting Baptism and then continue to make the promises on behalf of their child (13).
The Baptismal promises address these questions:
1. Do you reject Satan, and all his works?
2. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth?
3. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified,
died and was buried, rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
4. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrections of the body, and life everlasting?
(13)
These promises made by the candidate's parents are then renewed at the child's first Communion, where the child is of age to commit to the Church and make the promises themselves (13). Once these promises have been stated, the purification process begins.
Baptism with Water
This action of the Baptism ceremony directly relates to the process of Baptism utilized by John the Baptist, performed on Jesus Christ. The priest pours water over the head of the child (in current days the child is rarely immersed in water), this water symbolises the purifying process and the washing away of Original Sin. As the child is washed, the priest states these words: "I Baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Song, and of the Holy Spirit". By completing this process, the priest is symbolically cleansing the child and welcoming them into their new spiritual life (12).
Many symbolic items are used during the Baptismal process, the items each symbolizing an important part of the candidate's future Catholic life and faith journey.
Candle
In every Baptismal ceremony the Cathechumen has a Baptismal candle, which is a symbol of new life and is considered to be symbolic for the light of Christ- the light of the world- as it is lit from the Easter candle. It is generally either the father or Godparent who lights the candle and stands behind/beside the child. This candle is the light that darkness cannot overcome. Light warms and encourages, it gives safety and illuminates the way ahead. The baptized child, who has opened his/her eyes to the light of creation, is now awakened by the flame of faith, called to see all things through the eyes of Jesus (13).
White Garment
Clothed in a white garment is part of the ceremony to symbolize the candidates' new life in Christ. The family might have a Christening gown to use or a shawl. The colour white speaks of life, purity, newness and innocence. It is also a sign of the new life of resurrection (12).
Baptismal Certificate and Baptismal Register
At the end of the ceremony the candidate's parents and Godparents are asked to sign the parish Baptismal register and are given a Baptismal Certificate. The candidate's baptism will be recorded in the Parish Baptismal Register. This certificate is imperative to keep safe, as it is necessary when enrolling in a Catholic school or for the receiving of the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation (14).
The ritual is performed in a church of choice by a priest who has been ordained into the faith (11). A number of objects are integrated into the ceremony as religious symbols that are considered important when entering the Christian community (12).
Current Catholic Baptismal Ceremony
Presentation of the Candidates
To begin the ceremony of initiation, the priest firstly presents the candidate and usually the family and Godparents to the congregation.
Signing with the Cross
The sign of the cross, an important symbol of Catholicism, is traced on the child's forehead by both the priest and the chosen Godparents at the beginning of the Baptismal ceremony. This act symbolizes that the child belongs to Christ, and it is a reminder of the love Jesus has for them and will always have for them (13).
Prayer over the Water
The Priest then blesses the Baptismal water, by saying a prayer. A canticle, psalm, hymn or litany can be used for this process.
Profession of Faith
The Profession of Faith is a process in which the Priest addresses the congregation, asking them direct questions relating to their faith and also praying for the candidate of Baptism.
Anointing of the Candidate
During the Anointing, two oils are utilised: the Oil of Baptism (or Cathechumens) and the Oil of Chrism (13). Oil of Baptism is Olive oil, rubbed on the breast of the candidate, it symbolizes preparing and strengthening for the struggles of life ahead. Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the Holy Spirit (12).
Baptismal Promises
The Baptismal Promises are the promises made by the parents of the infant who is being initiated/Baptized, these promises are based on the Apostles Creed.
The priest and parents, along with the infant, gather around the Baptismal Font, this is the basin or vase that serves as a receptacle for baptismal water in which the candidate for baptism is immersed, or washed over (13). The priest questions the parents in regards to what they want for their child. The parents answer, requesting Baptism and then continue to make the promises on behalf of their child (13).
The Baptismal promises address these questions:
1. Do you reject Satan, and all his works?
2. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth?
3. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified,
died and was buried, rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
4. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrections of the body, and life everlasting?
(13)
These promises made by the candidate's parents are then renewed at the child's first Communion, where the child is of age to commit to the Church and make the promises themselves (13). Once these promises have been stated, the purification process begins.
Baptism with Water
This action of the Baptism ceremony directly relates to the process of Baptism utilized by John the Baptist, performed on Jesus Christ. The priest pours water over the head of the child (in current days the child is rarely immersed in water), this water symbolises the purifying process and the washing away of Original Sin. As the child is washed, the priest states these words: "I Baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Song, and of the Holy Spirit". By completing this process, the priest is symbolically cleansing the child and welcoming them into their new spiritual life (12).
Many symbolic items are used during the Baptismal process, the items each symbolizing an important part of the candidate's future Catholic life and faith journey.
Candle
In every Baptismal ceremony the Cathechumen has a Baptismal candle, which is a symbol of new life and is considered to be symbolic for the light of Christ- the light of the world- as it is lit from the Easter candle. It is generally either the father or Godparent who lights the candle and stands behind/beside the child. This candle is the light that darkness cannot overcome. Light warms and encourages, it gives safety and illuminates the way ahead. The baptized child, who has opened his/her eyes to the light of creation, is now awakened by the flame of faith, called to see all things through the eyes of Jesus (13).
White Garment
Clothed in a white garment is part of the ceremony to symbolize the candidates' new life in Christ. The family might have a Christening gown to use or a shawl. The colour white speaks of life, purity, newness and innocence. It is also a sign of the new life of resurrection (12).
Baptismal Certificate and Baptismal Register
At the end of the ceremony the candidate's parents and Godparents are asked to sign the parish Baptismal register and are given a Baptismal Certificate. The candidate's baptism will be recorded in the Parish Baptismal Register. This certificate is imperative to keep safe, as it is necessary when enrolling in a Catholic school or for the receiving of the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation (14).