(Beginning after the homily and prayers)

PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES

The candidates are presented. The priest asks those who are able to answer for themselves
Do you wish to be baptized?
Older candidates: I do.

The priest addresses the congregation
Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling. People of God, will you welcome these candidates and uphold them in their new life in Christ?
All: With the help of God, we will.

Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?
Parents and Godparents: With the help of God, we will.

In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?
Parents and Godparents: With the help of God, we will.

DECISION

The priest addresses the candidates directly, or through their parents, godparents and sponsors.

In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
Parents, Godparents and older candidates: I reject them.

Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
Parents, Godparents and older candidates: I renounce them.

Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
Parents, Godparents and older candidates: I repent of them.

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour? Parents, Godparents and older candidates: I turn to Christ.

Do you submit to Christ as Lord? Parents, Godparents and older candidates: I submit to Christ.

Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life? Parents, Godparents and older candidates: I come to Christ.

SIGNING WITH THE CROSS

The priest anoints the forehead of each candidate with the sign of the cross, saying
Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross.

When all have been anointed, the priest says
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
All: Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.

May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ.
All: Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE WATER

The priest stands before the water of baptism and says

Praise God who made heaven and earth,
All: who keeps his promise for ever.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give thanks and praise.

The priest says a prayer of blessing over the water

PROFESSION OF FAITH

The priest addresses the congregation
Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess together with these candidates the faith of the Church.

Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
All: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
All: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
All: I 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. Amen.

BAPTISM

N, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.

The priest anoints those who have been baptized with Chrism, while the rest of the congregation says

May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the riches of his grace, that within the company of Christ’s pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory. Amen.

WELCOME

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism: N, by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body.
All: We welcome you into the fellowship of faith; we are children of the same heavenly Father; we welcome you.

THE PEACE

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: and also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

(The service continues with Holy Communion)

GIVING OF A LIGHTED CANDLE

(At the end of the service)
Those who have been baptized are given a lighted candle.

God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and has given us a place with the saints in light. You have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life.
All: Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.

Liturgical material from Common Worship is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000, 2011.

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