Rite of Baptism Administered by a Catechist
RITE OF BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN
ADMINISTERED BY A CATECHIST
WHEN NO PRIEST OR DEACON IS AVAILABLE
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.
Reception of the Children
Liturgy of the Word
Intercessions 1 2 3 4 5
Invocation of the Saints
Celebration of the Sacrament
Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
Baptism
Clothing with the White Garment and Lighted Candle
Conclusion of the Rite
RECEPTION OF THE CHILDREN
132 While the faithful sing a suitable psalm or hymn, the catechist and the ministers approach the door of the church or the part of the church where the parents, godparents, and the children to be baptized are waiting.
If there is a large group of persons to be baptized, the catechist may be assisted by others in the act of baptism, as noted below.
133 The catechist 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 he questions the parents and godparents together in these or similar words:
A
What name do you give your children? (or: have you given?)
Each family answers in turn, giving the names of the children.
Catechist:
What do you ask of God’s Church for these children?
All families together:
Baptism.
B
If there are many children to be baptized, the first question is omitted and the catechist asks:
Parents and godparents, what do you ask for these children?
All families together:
Baptism.
134 Then the catechist speaks to the parents:
Parents, 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’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.
135 Then turning to the godparents, the catechist asks:
Godparents, are you ready to help these parents in their duty as Christian mothers and fathers?
All the godparents together:
We are.
136 The catechist continues:
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.
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.
READING and HOMILY or SHORT TALK
137. The catechist invites the parents and godparents, and the other to take part in the liturgy of the word. Matthew 28:18-20 is read, telling how the apostles were sent to preach the gospel and to baptize:
+ 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.
Other passages may also be selected from nos. 186-194 and 204-215. (Additional options may be found in Readings for Baptism, found in the ‘Rites’ Section of the iBreviary.)
If songs and hymns are sung, see nos. 195-203.
Go to the Acclamations and Hymns
After the reading, the catechist can give a brief homily in the way determined by the bishop.
138 In the place of the scripture reading and the homily, the catechist can, if necessary, give this talk:
In baptism, Christ will come to meet these children. He entrusted this sacrament to his Church when he sent forth his apostles with these words: “Go, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
As you know, these children will be given countless gifts in this great sacrament: they will be freed from sin; they will become members of the Church; they will become God’s own children. But since man is unable to accomplish such wonders, we must pray together with humility and faith for these blessings.
May God our Father see in the fellowship of our community the faith of his Church, and hear in our prayer the voice of Jesus his Son. As he promised us through Christ, may he bless these children by the power of his Holy Spirit.
INTERCESSIONS
139. Then the general intercessions are said:
Form 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.
Leader: 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.
Leader: Through baptism and confirmation, make them your faithful followers and witnesses to your gospel.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Lead them by a holy life to the joys of God’s kingdom.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Make the lives of their parents and godparents examples of faith to inspire these children.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Keep their families always in your love.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Renew the grace of our baptism in each one of us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Go to 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 Invocation of the Saints
Form 3
Celebrant:
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.
Assisting Minister: Through baptism, make these children God’s own sons and daughters.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Help these tender branches grow to be more like you, the true vine, and be your faithful followers.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: May they always keep your commands, walk in your love, and proclaim your Good News to their fellow men.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: 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.
Assisting Minister: Inspire all men to share in the new birth of baptism.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Go to 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.
Then the catechist invites all present to invoke the saints:
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 child to be baptized, and of the church or locality. The litany concludes:
All holy men and women.
All: Pray for us.
140. The prayer of exorcism and the anointing with oil of catechumens are omitted.
BLESSING and INVOCATION of GOD over BAPTISMAL WATER
141 With the parents and godparents carrying the children who are to be baptized, the catechist comes to the font. He invites all to pray:
My dear brothers and sisters, let us ask God to give these children new life in abundance through water and the Holy Spirit.
142 If there is no blessed water available, the catechist stands before the font and says this invocation:
A
Catechist:
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).
Catechist:
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.
Catechist:
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.
Catechist:
You have chosen your baptized people to announce with joy the Good News of Christ to all nations.
All: Blessed be God.
Catechist:
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.
143 If blessed water is available, he says the following invocation:
B
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
source of all life and love,
you are glorified throughout the world
by the simple joys and daily cares
of mothers and fathers.
In the beauty of a child’s birth
and in the mystery of his rebirth to eternal life,
you give us a glimpse of all creation:
it is guided by your fatherly love,
unfolding in fruitfulness to perfection
in Jesus Christ your Son.
In your kindness
hear the prayers of the Church and of these parents.
Look upon these children with love,
and keep them from the power of sin.
Since they are a gift from you, Father,
welcome them into the kingdom of your Son.
You have created this water,
and made it clean, refreshing, and life-giving.
You have made it holy through the baptism of Christ,
that by the power of the Holy Spirit
it may give your people a new birth.
When these children are baptized into the mystery
of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection,
may they be worthy to become members of your Church,
your very own children.
Father, may they rejoice
with Jesus your Son and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
RENUNCIATION of SIN and PROFESSION of FAITH
144. The catechist 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.
145. Then he asks them:
A
Catechist: Do you reject Satan?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Catechist: And all his works?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Catechist: And all his empty promises?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
B
Catechist: Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God’s children?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Catechist: Do you reject the glamor of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Catechist: 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.
58. Then the catechist asks for the threefold profession of faith from the parents and godparents:
Catechist:
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Catechist:
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.
Catechist:
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.
147. The catechist and the congregation give their assent to this profession of faith:
Catechist:
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
148. The catechist invites the first of the families to the font. Using the name of the individual child, he asks the parents and godparents:
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.
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.
If 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 parent or godparent lifts the child out of the font.
149 If the number of children to be baptized is large, and other catechists are present, these may baptize some of the children in the way described above, and with the same form (no. 148).
150 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.
151 The anointing with the chrism is omitted. The catechist says once for all the newly-baptized children:
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, and has given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit. He has made you Christians now, and has welcomed you into his holy people. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as members of his body, sharing everlasting life.
All: Amen.
CLOTHING WITH THE WHITE GARMENT
152. The catechist 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
153. The catechist takes the Easter candle and says:
Receive the light of Christ. 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 a 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
154. The catechist 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:
155. All say together:
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.
The catechist invokes the blessing of God and dismisses those present, saying:
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.
R. Amen.
Catechist: Go in peace.
All: Thanks be to God.
156. 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.
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.
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 Homily or Talk
Return to the Intercessions
Return to the Lord’s Prayer