Rite of Baptism for a Large Number of Children
Texts marked with an (L) indicate that a Latin text is available after the English text, and may be accessed by scrolling down after the English text. Users, especially of the Blackberry and iPhone/iPad applications, are reminded that they may scroll up to the top of the screen (press ‘T’ on BB, tap the status bar at the top of the screen on the iPod/iPad) for faster navigation using the index of quick links given below.
The General Introduction to Christian Initiation and the Introduction to the Baptism of Children can be found in the Readings for Baptism found in the ‘Rites’ section of the iBreviary.
INTRODUCTORY RITES
Reception of the Children
CELEBRATION OF GOD’S WORD
Readings and Homily
Intercessions 1 2 3 4
Invocation of the Saints
Prayer of Exorcism (L)
Anointing before Baptism (L)
CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT (L)
Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water
Form 1 English Latin
Form 2 English Latin
Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
Baptism (L)
EXPLANATORY RITES
Anointing after Baptism (L)
Clothing with the White Garment
Lighted Candle (L)
CONCLUSION OF THE RITE
The Lord’s Prayer
Blessing (L)
RECEPTION of the CHILDREN
107.The people may sing a psalm or hymn suitable for the occasion. Meanwhile the celebrating priest or deacon, vested in alb or surplice, with a stole (with or without a cope) of festive color, and accompanied by the ministers, goes to the entrance of the church or to that part of the church where the parents and godparents are waiting with the children.
108. The celebrant greets all present, and especially the parents and godparents, reminding them briefly of the joy with which the parents welcomed their children as gifts from God, the source of life, who now wishes to bestow his own life on these little ones.
Then the celebrant questions the parents and godparents together:
A
Celebrant: What name do you want to give to your children?
Each family answers in turn, giving the names of the children.
Celebrant: What do you ask of God’s Church for these children?
All families together: Baptism.
But if there is a very large number to be baptized, he omits the first question and asks:
B Celebrant: Parents and godparents, what do you ask for these children?
All families together: Baptism.
109. The celebrant speaks to the parents in these or similar words:
You have asked to have your children baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God&srquo;s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?
All parents together: We do.
110. Then the celebrant turns to the godparents and addresses them in these or similar words:
Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?
All the godparents: We are.
111. The celebrant continues:
N. and N. (or, My dear children), the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross. I now trace the cross on your forehead, and invite your parents (and godparents) to do the same.
He makes the sign of the cross over all the children together, and says:
Parents (or godparents), make the sign of Christ our Savior on the foreheads of your children.
Then the parents (or godparents) sign the children on their foreheads.
LITURY OF THE WORD
SCRIPTURAL READINGS AND HOMILY
112. One or even two of the following gospel passages are read, during which all may sit, if convenient. Additional options may be found in Readings for Baptism, found in the ‘Rites’ Section of the iBreviary
John 3: 1-6: The meeting with Nicodemus.
Matthew 28: 18-20: The apostles are sent to preach the gospel and to baptize.
Mark 1: 9-11: The baptism of Jesus.
Mark 10: 13-16: Let the little children come to me.
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
Jn 3: 1-6
No one can see the Kingdom of God without being born from above.
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
He came to Jesus at night and said to him,
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God,
for no one can do these signs that you are doing
unless God is with him.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born from above,
he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus said to him,
“How can a man once grown old be born again?
Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?”
Jesus answered,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born of water and Spirit
he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Mt 28:18-20
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Then Jesus said to the Eleven disciples:
“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark
Mk 1:9-11
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan by John.
Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark
Mk 10:13-16
Let the children come to me; do not prevent them.
People were bringing children to him that he might touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it.”
Then he embraced them and blessed them,
placing his hands on them.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The passages listed in nos. 186-194 and 204-215 may be chosen, or other passages which better meet the wishes or needs of the parents. Between the readings, responsorial psalms or verses may be sung as given in nos. 195-203.
113. After the reading, the celebrant gives a short homily, explaining to those present the significance of what has been read. His purpose will be to lead them to a deeper understanding of the mystery of baptism and to encourage the parents and godparents to ready acceptance of the responsibilities which arise from the sacrament.
INTERCESSIONS
114. Then the general intercessions are said:
Form 1 2 3 4 5
Form 1
Celebrant:
My dear brothers and sisters, let us ask our Lord Jesus Christ to look lovingly on these children who are to be baptized, on their parents and godparents, and on all the baptized.
Assisting Minister: By the mystery of your death and resurrection, bathe these children in light, give them the new life of baptism and welcome them into your holy Church.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Through baptism and confirmation, make them your faithful followers and witnesses to your gospel.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Lead them by a holy life to the joys of God’s kingdom.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Make the lives of their parents and godparents examples of faith to inspire this child.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Keep their families always in your love.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Renew the grace of our baptism in each one of us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Go to the Invocation of the Saints
Form 2
Celebrant: We have been called by the Lord to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he acquired for himself. Let us ask him to show his mercy to these children, who are to receive the graces of baptism, to their parents and godparents, and to all the baptized everywhere.
Assisting minister: Through baptism, bring these children into your Church.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: Throughout their lives, help them to be faithful witnesses to your Son, Jesus Christ, for they are being marked with his cross.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:As they are being buried in the likeness of Christ’s death through baptism, may they also share in the glory of Christ’s resurrection.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: Teach them by the words and example of their parents and godparents, and help them to grow strong as living members of the Church.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: May all Christ’s followers, baptized into one body, always live united in faith and love.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Go to the Invocation of the Saints
Form 3
My fellow Christians, let us ask the mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord for these children who will receive the gift of baptism, for their parents and godparents and for all baptized persons.
Through baptism, make these children God’s own sons and daughters.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Help these tender branches grow to be more like you, the true vine, and be your faithful followers.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
May they always keep your commands, walk in your love, and proclaim your Good News to their fellow men.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
May they be counted as God’s friends through your saving work, Lord, Jesus, and may they inherit eternal life.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Inspire all men to share in the new birth of baptism.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Go to the Invocation of the Saints
Form 4
Celebrant: We have been called by the Lord to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he acquired for himself. Let us ask him to show his mercy to these children, who are to receive the graces of baptism, to their parents and godparents, and to all the baptized everywhere.
Assisting minister: Through baptism may these children become God’s own beloved sons and daughters. We pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: Once they are born again of water and the Holy Spirit, may they always live in that Spirit, and make their new lives known to their fellow men. We pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: Help them to triumph over the deceits of the devil and the attractions of evil. We pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: May they love you, Lord, with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and love their neighbors as themselves. We pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: Help all of us here to be models of faith for these children. We pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: May all Christ’s faithful people, who receive the sign of the cross at baptism, always and everywhere give witness to him by the way they live. We pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Go to the Invocation of the Saints
Form 5
220 Celebrant: Let us ask Christ’s mercy for these children, their parents and godparents, and all baptized Christians.
Assisting minister: Give them a new birth to eternal life through water and the Holy Spirit.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: Help them always to be a living member of your Church.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: Inspire them to hear and follow your gospel, and to give witness to you by their lives. We ask this, Lord.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: May they come with joy to the table of your sacrifice.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: Help them to love God and neighbor as you have taught us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: May they grow in holiness and wisdom by listening to their fellow Christians and by following their example.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister: Let all your followers remain united in faith and love.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
INVOCATION of the SAINTS (may be omitted).
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
All: Pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist.
All: Pray for us.
Saint Joseph.
All: Pray for us.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
All: Pray for us.
The names of other saints may be added, especially the patrons of the children to be baptized, and of the church or locality. The litany concludes:
All holy men and women.
All: Pray for us.
PRAYER OF EXORCISM
115. The prayer of the faithful is concluded with the prayer of exorcism:
Almighty and ever-living God,
you sent your only Son into the world
to cast out the power of Satan, spirit of evil,
to rescue man from the kingdom of darkness,
and bring him into the splendor of your kingdom of light.
We pray for these children:
set them free from original sin,
make them temples of your glory,
and send your Holy Spirit to dwell within them.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Or:
Almighty God,
you sent your only Son
to rescue us from the slavery of sin,
and to give us the freedom
only your sons and daughters enjoy.
We now pray for these children
who will have to face the world with its temptations
and fight the devil in his cunning.
Your Son died and rose again to save us.
By his victory over sin and death,
cleanse these children from the stain of original sin.
Strengthen them with the grace of Christ,
and watch over them at every step in life’s journey.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
[Latin: Omnípotens sempitérne Deus,
qui Fílium tuum in mundum misísti,
ut Sátanæ, spíritus nequitiæ, a nobis expélleret potestátem,
et hóminem, eréptum e ténebris,
in admirábile lucis tuæ regnum transférret:
te súpplices exorámus,
ut hos párvulos,
ab origináli labe solútum,
tuæ templum perfícias maiestátis,
et Spíritum Sanctum in eis habitáre indúlgeas.
Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
Omnes: Amen.]
ANOINTING before BAPTISM
Because of the large number of children to be baptized, the celebrant does not anoint them with oil of catechumens. He imposes his hands over all the children at once and says:
May you have strength in the power of Christ our Savior,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
[Latin:
Múniat vos virtus Christi Salvatóris,
qui vivit et regnat in sáecula saeculórum.
Omnes: Amen.]
116. Then they go to the place where baptism is celebratedt.
117. When they come to the font, the celebrant briefly reminds the congregation of the wonderful work of God whose plan it is to sanctify man, body and soul, through water. He may use these or similar words:
A My dear brothers and sisters, we now ask God to give these children new life in abundance through water and the Holy Spirit.
B My dear brothers and sisters, God uses the sacrament of water to give his divine life to those who believe in him. Let us turn to him, and ask him to pour his gift of life from this font on the children he has chosen.
BLESSING and INVOCATION of GOD over BAPTISMAL WATER
118. Then, turning to the font, he says the following blessing:
Celebrant:
Merciful Father, from the font of baptism you have given us new life as your sons and daughters.
All: Blessed be God. (or some other suitable acclamation by the people).
Celebrant:
You bring together all who are baptized in water and the Holy Spirit to be one people in Jesus Christ your Son.
All: Blessed be God.
Celebrant:
You have made us free by pouring the Spirit of your love into our hearts, so that we will enjoy your peace.
All: Blessed be God.
Celebrant:
You have chosen your baptized people to announce with joy the Good News of Christ to all nations.
All: Blessed be God.
Celebrant:
Come and + bless this water in which your servants are to be baptized. You have called them to the washing of new life in the faith of your Church, so that they may have eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
119 During the Easter season, if there is baptismal water already blessed, the celebrant omits the last part of the blessing Come and bless, and concludes in this way:
By the mystery of this consecrated water, you bring your servants to spiritual rebirth. You have called them to the washing of new life in the faith of your Church, so that they may have eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Form 1 English Latin
Form 2 English Latin
Form 1
Facing the font (or vessel) containing the water, the celebrant says the following:
Praise to you, almighty God and Father, for you have created water to cleanse and to give life.
All sing or say a suitable acclamation such as the following:
All: Blessed be God.
Celebrant:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s only Son, for you offered yourself on the cross, that in the blood and water flowing from your side, and through your death and resurrection, the Church might be born.
All: Blessed be God.
Celebrant:
Praise to you, God the Holy Spirit, for you anointed Christ at his baptism in the waters of Jordan, so that we might all be baptized in you.
All: Blessed be God.
Go to part B when the water is already blessed
A Go to Latin
Celebrant:
Come to us, Lord, Father of all, and make holy this water which you have created, so that all who are baptized in it may be washed clean of sin and be born again to live as your children.
All sing or say the following, or some other suitable invocation:
All: Hear us, Lord.
Celebrant:
Make this water holy, Lord, so that all who are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection by this water may become more perfectly like your Son.
All: Hear us, Lord.
The celebrant touches the water with his right hand and continues:
Lord, make holy this water which you have created, so that all those whom you have chosen may be born again by the power of the Holy Spirit, and may take their place among your holy people.
All: Hear us, Lord.
[Latin:
Celebrans:
Adésto nobis, Dómine, Pater unus,
et sanctífica creatúram aquæ,
ut, in ea baptizáti,
hómines a peccáto abluántur
et ad vitam tuórum renascántur adoptiónis filiórum.
Omnes: Exáudi nos, Dómine (vel alia apta invocano).
Celebrans:
Sanctífica creaturam aquæ,
ut, qui per eam in mortem et resurrectionem Christi baptizántur,
confórmes in ipso fiant imágini Fílii tui.
Omnes: Exáudi nos, Dómine.
Celebrans manu dextera tangit aquam et pergit:
Sanctífica. hanc creatúram aquæ,
ut Spíritu Sancto regeneréntur quos elegísti,
et partem hábeant pópuli sancti tui.
Omnes: Exáudi nos, Dómine.]
B
During the Easter season, if there is baptismal water already blessed, the celebrant concludes with the following:
You called your children N.and N. to this cleansing water, that they may share in the faith of your Church and eternal life. By the mystery of this consecrated water lead them to a new and spiritual birth. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Go to the Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
Form 2
Facing the font (or vessel) containing the water, the celebrant says the following:
Father, God of mercy, through these waters of baptism you have filled us with new life as your very own children.
All sing or say a suitable acclamation such as the following:
All: Blessed be God.
Celebrant:
From all who are baptized in water and the Holy Spirit, you have formed one people, united in your Son, Jesus Christ.
All: Blessed be God.
Celebrant:
You have set us free and filled our hearts with the Spirit of your love, that we may live in your peace.
All: Blessed be God.
Celebrant
You call those who have been baptized to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ to people everywhere.
All: Blessed be God.
Go to part B: when the water is already blessed
A Go to Latin
You have called your children, N. and N. to this cleansing water and new birth, that by sharing the faith of your Church they may have eternal life. Bless + this water in which they will be baptized. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
All: Amen.
[Latin:
Hanc aquam benedícere + nunc dignáre,
qua baptizándi sunt fámuli tui (N. et N.) et fámulæ tuæ (N. et N.),
quos ad lavácrum regeneratiónis in fide Ecclésiæ vocásti,
ut hábeant vitam ætérnam.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Omnes: Amen.]
B
During the Easter season, if there is baptismal water already blessed, the celebrant concludes with the following:
You have called your childen, N. and N. to this cleansing water, that they may share in the faith of your Church and have eternal life. By the mystery of this consecrated water lead them to a new and spiritual birth. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
RENUNCIATION of SIN and PROFESSION of FAITH
120. The celebrant speaks to the parents and godparents in these words:
Dear parents and godparents: You have come here to present these children for baptism. By water and the Holy Spirit they are to receive the gift of new life from God, who is love.
On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring them up in the practice of the faith. See that the divine life which God gives them is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in their hearts.
If your faith makes you ready to accept this responsibility, renew now the vows of your own baptism. Reject sin; profess your faith in Christ Jesus. This is the faith of the Church. This is the faith in which these children are about to be baptized.
121. The celebrant questions the parents and godparents:
A
Celebrant: Do you reject Satan?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant: And all his works?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant: And all his empty promises?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
B
Celebrant: Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God’s children?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant: Do you reject the glamor of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant: Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
According to circumstances, this second form may be expressed with greater precision by the conferences of bishops, especially in places where it is necessary for the parents and godparents to reject superstitious and magical practices used with children.
122. Next the celebrant asks for the threefold profession of faith from the parents and godparents:
Celebrant:
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant:
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?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant:
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?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
123. The celebrant and the congregation give their assent to this profession of faith:
Celebrant:
This is our faith.
This is the faith of the Church.
We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All: Amen.
If desired, some other formula may be used instead, or a suitable song by which the community expresses its faith with a single voice.
BAPTISM
If there are several ministers because of the large numbers ot be baptized, each of them questions the parents and godparents, using the name of the individual child:
Celebrant:
Is it your will that N. should be baptized in the faith of the Church, which we have all professed with you?
Parents and Godparents: It is.
Go to Latin text of Baptism
He baptizes the child, saying:
N., I baptize you in the name of the Father,
He immerses the child or pours water upon it.
and of the Son,
He immerses the child or pours water upon it a second time.
and of the Holy Spirit.
He immerses the child or pours water upon it a third time.
[Latin:
N. ego te baptízo in nómine Patris,
immergit infantem vel infundit aquam primo
et Fílii,
immergit illum vel infundit aquam secundo
et Spíritus Sancti.
immergit illum vel infundit aquam tertio.]
He asks the same question and performs the same action for each child.
If the baptism is performed by the pouring of water, it is preferable that the child be held by the mother (or father). Where, however, it is felt that the existing custom should be retained, the godmother (or godfather) may hold the child. If baptism is by immersion, the mother or father (godmother of godfather) lifts the child out of the font.
While the children are being baptized, the community can make acclamations or sing hymns (see. nos. 225-245.
Go to the Acclamations and Hymns
Some passages from Scripture may also be read, or a sacred silence observed.
ANOINTING AFTER BAPTISM
125. Then the celebrant says the formula of anointing once for all the children:
The God of power and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
has freed you from sin,
given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit,
and welcomed you into his holy people.
He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation.
As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King,
so may you live always as a member of his body,
sharing everlasting life.
All: Amen.
[Latin:
Deus omnípotens, Pater Dómini nostri Iesu Christi,
qui vos a peccáto liberávit
et regenerávit ex aqua et Spíritu Sancto,
ipse vos linit chrísmate salutis,
ut, eius aggregáti pópulo, Christi sacerdótis, prophétæ et regis
membra permaneátis in vitam ætérnam.
Omnes: Amen.]
Then the ministers anoint each child on the crown of the head with the sacred chrism, in silence.
But if the number of children is extremely large, the conferences of bishops mat decide that the anointing with chrism may be omitted. In this case, an adapted formula is used:
The God of power and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
has freed you from sin,
given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit,
He has made you Christians now
and welcomed you into his holy people.
As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King,
so may you live always as a member of his body,
sharing everlasting life.
All: Amen.
[Latin:
Deus omnípotens, Pater Dómini nostri Iesu Christi,
qui vos a peccáto liberávit
et regenerávit ex aqua et Spíritu Sancto,
vobis largiátur, ut, christiáni nunc effécti,
et pópulo elécto aggregáti,
Christi sacerdótis, prophétæ et regis
membra permaneátis in vitam ætérnam.
Omnes: Amen.]
CLOTHING with the WHITE GARMENT
126. The celebrant says:
My dear children, you have become a new creation,
and have clothed yourself in Christ.
See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity.
With your family and friends to help you by word and example,
bring that dignity unstained
into the everlasting life of heaven.
All: Amen.
The white garment is put on the children. A different color is not permitted unless demanded by local custom. It is desirable that the families provide the garment.
LIGHTED CANDLE
127. The celebrant takes the Easter candle and says:
Receive the light of Christ.
[Latin: Lumen Christi accipiter.]
Parents and godparents,
this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly.
These children of yours have been enlightened by Christ.
They are to walk always as children of the light.
May they keep the flame of faith alive in their hearts.
When the Lord comes, may they go out to meet him
with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.
Candles are distributed to the families. The head of one family lights his candle from the Easter candle and passes the flame on to the rest. Meanwhile the community sings and baptismal song such as:
You have put on Christ,
in him you have been baptized.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Other hymns may be chosen from nos. 225-245.
Go to the Acclamations and Hymns
Meanwhile, unless the baptisms were performed in the sanctuary, there is a procession to the altar. The lighted candles are carried for the children.
LORD’S PRAYER
128. The celebrant stands in front of the altar and addresses the parents, godparents, and the whole assembly in these or similar words:
Dearly beloved, these children have been reborn in baptism.
They are now called the children of God, for so indeed they are.
In confirmation they will receive the fullness of God’s Spirit.
In holy communion they will share the banquet of Christ’s sacrifice,
calling God their Father in the midst of the Church.
In the name of these children, in the Spirit of our common sonship,
let us pray together in the words our Lord has given us:
129. All present join the celebrant in singing or saying:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
BLESSING and DISMISSAL
130. The celebrant blesses the entire assembly and dismisses them:
My brothers and sisters,
we commend you to the mercy and grace of God, our almighty Father,
of his only Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
May he protect your paths,
so that walking in the light of faith
you may come to the good things he has promised us.
May almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit
bless you.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:Go in peace.
All: Thanks be to God.
A 70. The celebrant first blesses the mothers, who hold the children in their arms, then the fathers, and lastly the entire assembly:
Celebrant:
God the Father, through his Son, the Virgin Mary’s child, has brought joy to all Christian mothers, as they see the hope of eternal life shine on their children. May he bless the mothers of these children. They now thank God for the gift of their children. May they be one with them in thanking him for ever in heaven, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:
God is the giver of all life, human and divine. May he bless the fathers of this children. With their wives they will be the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. May they be also the best of teachers,
bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:
By God’s gift, through water and the Holy Spirit, we are reborn to everlasting life. In his goodness,
may he continue to pour out his blessings upon these sons and daughters of his. May he make them always, wherever they may be, faithful members of his holy people. May he send his peace upon all who are gathered here, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:
May almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
bless you.
All: Amen.
B 247 Celebrant:
May God the almighty Father, who filled the world with joy by giving us his only Son, bless these newly-baptized children. May they grow to be more fully like Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:
May almighty God, who gives life on earth and in heaven, bless the parents of these children. They thank him now for the gift he has given them. May they always show that gratitude in action by loving and caring for their children.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:
May almighty God, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, generously bless all of us who are his faithful children. May we always live as his people, and may he bless all here present with his peace.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:
May almighty God, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, bless you.
All: Amen.
C 248 Celebrant:
May God, the source of life and love, who fills the hearts of mothers with love for their children, bless the mothers of these newly-baptized children. As they thank God for a safe delivery, may they find joy in the love, growth, and holiness of her children.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:
May God, the Father and model of all fathers, help these fathers to give good example, so that their children will grow to be mature Christians in all the fullness of Jesus Christ.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:
May God, who loves all people, bless all the relatives and friends who are gathered here. In his mercy, may he guard them from evil and give them his abundant peace.
All: Amen.
Celebrant:
And may almighty God, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, bless you.
All: Amen.
D 249
Celebrant:
My brothers and sisters, we entrust you all to the mercy and help of God the almighty Father, his only Son, and the Holy Spirit. May he watch over your life, and may we all walk by the light of faith, and attain the good things he has promised us.
Go in peace, and may almighty God, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, bless you.
All: Amen.
[Latin:
Dóminus Deus omnípotens,
qui per Fílium suum natum ex María Vírgine
christiánas lætíficat matres ætérnae spe vitæ,
quae suis affúlget infántibus, dignétur matres horum benedícere parvulórum,
ut, quæ de sóbole grátias nunc agunt accépta,
perpétuo cum ipsa gratiárum máneant actióne,
in Christo Iesu Dómino nostro.
Omnes: Amen.
Dóminus Deus omnípotens,
qui vitam terrénam largítur et cæléstem,
patrem horum infántium benedícat,
ut, una cum sius coniugibus,
verbo et exémplo fíliis priórem se fídei testem exhíbeant,
in Christo Iesu Dómino nostro.
Omnes: Amen.
Dóminus Deus omnípotens,
qui nos ex aqua et Spíritu Sancto in vitam regenerávit ætérnam,
hos fidéles suos muníficus benedícat,
ut semper et ubíque vívida sint membra pópuli sui,
et pacem suam ómnibus hic præséntibus largiátur,
in Christo Iesu Dómino nostro.
Omnes: Amen.
Benedícat vos omnípotens Deus,
Pater, + et Fílius, et Spíritus Sanctus.
Omnes: Amen.]
After the blessing, all may sing a hymn which suitably expresses thanksgiving and Easter joy, or they may sing the song of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Magnificat. Where there is the practice of bringing the baptized child to the altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this custom is observed if appropriate.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now
and will be forever. Amen.
[Latin:
Magnificat ánima mea Dóminum.
Et exsultávit spíritus meus:
in Deo, salutári meo.
Quia respéxit humilitátem ancíllæ suæ:
ecce enim ex hoc beátam me dicent omnes generatiónes.
Quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est:
et sanctum nomen eius.
Et misericórdia eius, a progénie in progénies:
timéntibus eum.
Fecit poténtiam in bráchio suo:
dispérsit supérbos mente cordis sui.
Depósuit poténtes de sede:
et exaltávit húmiles.
Esuriéntes implévit bonis:
et dívites dimísit inánes.
Suscépit Israël púerum suum:
recordátus misericórdiæ suæ.
Sicut locútus est ad patres nostros:
Abraham, et sémini eius in sæcula.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,
et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen.]
ACCLAMATIONS AND HYMNS
Acclamations from Sacred Scripture
225 Exodus 15:11
Lord God, who is your equal?
Strong, majestic, and holy!
Worthy of praise, worker of wonders!
226 1 John 1:5
God is light: in him there is no darkness.
227 1 John 4:16
God is love: he who lives in love,
lives in God.
228 Ephesians 4:6
There is one God, one Father of all:
he is over all, and through all:
he lives in all of us.
229 Psalm 34:6
Come to him and receive his light!
230 see Ephesians 1:4
Blessed be God
who chose you in Christ.
231 Ephesians 2:10
You are God’s work of art,
created in Christ Jesus.
232 1 John 3:2
You are now God’s children,
my dearest friends.
What you shall be in his glory
has not yet been revealed.
233 1 John 3:1
Think of how God loves you!
He calls you his own children,
and that is what you are.
234 Revelation 22:14
Happy are those who have
washed their robes clean:
washed in the blood of the Lamb!
235 Galatians 3:28
All of you are one:
united in Christ Jesus.
236 Ephesians 5:1-2
Imitate God, walk in his love,
just as Christ loves us.
Hymns in the Style of the New Testament
237 1 Peter 1:3-5
Praised be the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ:
a God so merciful and kind!
He has given us a new birth, a living hope,
by raising Jesus his Son from death.
Salvation is our undying inheritance,
preserved for us in heaven,
salvation at the end of time.
238
How great the sign of God’s love for us,
Jesus Christ our Lord:
promised before all time began,
revealed in these last days.
He lived and suffered and died for us,
but the Spirit raised him to life.
People everywhere have heard his message
and placed their faith in him.
What wonderful blessings he gives his people:
living in the Father’s glory,
he fills all creation
and guides it to perfection.
Songs from Ancient Liturgies
239
We believe in you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Fill our hearts with your radiance,
and make us the children of light!
240
We come to you, Lord Jesus.
Fill us with your life,
make us children of the Father,
and one in you.
241
Lord Jesus, from your wounded side
flowed streams of cleansing water:
the world was washed of all its sin,
all life made new again!
242
The Father’s voice calls us above the waters,
the glory of the Son shines on us,
the love of the Spirit fills us with life.
243
Holy Church of God, stretch out your hand
and welcome your children
newborn of water
and of the Spirit of God.
244
Rejoice, you newly baptized,
chosen members of the kingdom.
Buried with Christ in death,
you are reborn in him by faith.
245
This is the fountain of life,
water made holy by the suffering of Christ,
washing all the world.
You who are washed in this water
have hope of heaven’s kingdom.
Return to the Anointing After Baptism
Return to the Lord’s Prayer