The sacrament of Baptism has many significant rites and symbols within the celebration itself. We begin with the sign of the cross, which marks the gift of redemption that Christ brought about through his dying on the cross.
The proclamation of the Wordreveals God's truth to the assembled.
The prayer of exorcism and anointing before baptismfrees us from sin and prepares us for the Holy Spirit. Strengthening us with God's power.
Thebaptismal wateris blessed and is a sign of God's gift through the Holy Spirit, of new birth into divine life.
Our profession of faith is a renewal of our faith and a promise as a community of believers that we will develop and grow our faith and that of the person being baptized.
Next is the essential rite of Baptismwhich involves immersion or pouring of the baptismal water three times. Anointing with the sacred chrismsignifies being anointed by the Holy Spirit and becoming a member of Christ's body, sharing in everlasting life.
The white garmentshows us that the baptized member has been "clothed in Christ".
The candle is lit from the Easter candle revealing that we have now been "enlightened by Christ". Ephphetha or Prayer over Ears and Mouthasks that we receive and proclaim the Good News.
The solemn blessingconcludes the celebration and blesses the parents that they teach and bear witness for the baptized.
