BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS
 	 	 			
		Preparation			
 
		Some may find the brief words of explanation 
		at the end of this book useful.   (page 22)	 	 			
 	 	At the entry of the ministers a hymn may be sung. 		 	 	 			
 	 	The Greeting 	 			
 	 	 			
 	 	The president says 			
 	 	 			
 	 	The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,			
 	 	the love of God			
 	 	and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
		be with you all			
All	and also with you.			
 	 	 			
 	 	Words of welcome or introduction may be said.	

 	 	Introduction 	 			
 	 	 			
 	 	The president may use these or other words		
 	 	 			
 	 	Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us			
 	 	that to enter the kingdom of heaven			
 	 	we must be born again of water and the Spirit,	
 	 	and has given us baptism as the sign and seal of this new birth. 
 	 	Here we are washed by the Holy Spirit and made clean.
 	 	Here we are clothed with Christ, 			
 	 	dying to sin that we may live his risen life.		
 	 	As children of God, we have a new dignity		    
		and God calls us to fullness of life.	

 	 	The Gloria in excelsis may be used (page 23),
		 or a Hymn may be sung.

		The Collect 	 

 	 	The president introduces a period of silent prayer with 			the words 'Let us pray' or a more specific bidding.	

 	 	Either the Collect of the Day, or this Collect is said.			 	 	 			
 	 	Heavenly Father,			
 	 	by the power of your Holy Spirit			
 	 	you give to your faithful people new life 
		in the water of baptism.			
 	 	Guide and strengthen us by the same Spirit,		
 	 	that we who are born again may serve you 
		in faith and love,			
 	 	and grow into the full stature of your Son, Jesus Christ,	
 	 	who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit
 	 	now and for ever. 			
All	Amen.			

		The Liturgy of the Word			
 	 	 			
 	 	Readings 	 			
 	 	 			
 	 	Either one or two readings from Scripture 
		may precede the Gospel reading.	 	 	 	
 	 	At the end of each the reader may say			
 	 	 			
 	 	This is the word of the Lord.			
All	Thanks be to God.	
		
 	 	The psalm or canticle follows the first reading; 
		other hymns and songs may be used between the readings.	
 	 	 			
 	 	Gospel Reading 	 			

		An acclamation of this form may herald the gospel

		Alleluia Alleluia 
			[Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. 
			You have the words of eternal life.]
All	Alleluia. 
			
 	 	When the Gospel is announced the reader says		 	 	 			
 	 	Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to N.	
All	Glory to you, O Lord.			
 	 	 			
 	 	At the end			
 	 	 			
 	 	This is the Gospel of the Lord.			
All	Praise to you, O Christ.			
 	 	 			 	 	
		Sermon 	

		The Liturgy of Baptism			
 	 	 			
 	 	Presentation of the Candidates	 			
 	 	 			
 	 	The candidates may be presented to the congregation. 
		Where appropriate, they may be presented 
		by their godparents or sponsors.			

 	 	The president addresses the whole 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 children/candidates 
	 	and uphold them in their new life in Christ?			
All	With the help of God, we will.			
 	 	 			
 	 	At the baptism of children, the president then says 
		to the parents and godparents			
 	 	 			
 	 	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?			
 	 	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?		 	 	With the help of God, we will.		
 	 	The Decision	 			
 	 	 			
 	 	A large candle may be lit. 
		The president 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?	 	 	I reject them.			
 	 	 			
 	 	Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?		 	 	I renounce them.			
 	 	 			
 	 	Do you repent of the sins 
		that separate us from God and neighbour?			
 	 	I repent of them.			
 	 	 			
 	 	Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?			
 	 	I turn to Christ.			

 	 	Do you submit to Christ as Lord?			
 	 	I submit to Christ.	
		
 	 	Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?	
 	 	I come to Christ.			

 		Signing with the Cross

 	 	The president or another minister 
		makes the sign of the cross 
		on the forehead of each candidate, saying			
 	 	 			
 	 	Christ claims you for his own. 			
 	 	Receive the sign of his cross.			

 	 	The president may invite parents, godparents and sponsors 
		to sign the candidates with the cross. 
		When all the candidates have been signed, the president 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 ministers and candidates gather at the baptismal font. 
		A canticle, psalm, hymn or litany may be used 	
 	 	 			
	 	The president 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.	
 	 	 	
		Father, we give you thanks and praise	
 	 	for your gift of water in creation;
 	 	for your Spirit, sweeping over the waters,
 	 	bringing light and life;
 	 	for your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
 	 	baptized in the river Jordan.
 	 	We bless you for your new creation,
 	 	brought to birth by water and the Spirit,
 	 	and for your grace bestowed upon us your children,
 	 	washing away our sins.
 	 	May your holy and life-giving Spirit
 	 	move upon these waters.
 	 	Restore through them the beauty of your creation,
 	 	and bring those who are baptized
 	 	to new birth in the family of your Church.
 	 	Drown sin in the waters of judgement,
 	 	anoint your children with power from on high,
 	 	and make them one with Christ
 	 	in the freedom of your kingdom.
 	 	For all might, majesty, dominion and power are yours,
 	 	now and for ever.
All	Amen.	
 	 	 	
 	 	Profession of Faith	 	
 	 	 	
 	 	The president 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	 	
  	 	 	
 	 	The president or another minister dips each candidate in water, 		or pours water on them, saying	
 	 	 	
 	 	N, I baptize you 
		in the name of the Father,	
 	 	and of the Son, 
		and of the Holy Spirit. 	
All	Amen.	
 	 	 	
 	 	If the newly baptized are clothed with a white robe, 
		a hymn or song may be used, and then a minister may say	

 	 	You have been clothed with Christ.	
 	 	As many as are baptized into Christ have put on Christ.	
 	 
 	 	The president 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. 	
All	Amen.	

 	 	The president and those who have been baptized 
		may return from the font.	

		The Prayers

		The Commission may be read (page 23)

 	 	Faithful and loving God,	
 	 	bless those who care for these children	
 	 	and grant them your gifts of love, wisdom and faith.	
 	 	Pour upon them your healing and reconciling love,	
 	 	and protect their home from all evil.	
 	 	Fill them with the light of your presence	
 	 	and establish them in the joy of your kingdom,	
 	 	through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 		God of grace and life,	
 	 	in your love you have given us	
 	 	a place among your people;	
 	 	keep us faithful to our baptism,	
 	 	and prepare us for that glorious day	
 	 	when the whole creation will be made perfect	
 	 	in your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.	
 
		These words may be added.
	 	 	
 	 	N and N,	
 	 	today God has touched you with his love	
 	 	and given you a place among his people.	
 	 	God promises to be with you in joy and in sorrow,	
 	 	to be your guide in life, and to bring you safely to heaven.	
 	 	In baptism God invites you on a life-long journey.	
 	 	Together with all God’s people	
 	 	you must explore the way of Jesus	
 	 	and grow in friendship with God,	
 	 	in love for his people,	
 	 	and in serving others.	
 	 	With us you will listen to the word of God	
 	 	and receive the gifts of God.	 	
 	 	The Welcome and Peace 	 	
 	 	 	
 	 	There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism:	
 	 	N and 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 congregation may greet the newly baptized.
	
 	 	The president introduces the Peace 
		in these or other suitable words
	
 	 	We are all one in Christ Jesus.	
 	 	We belong to him through faith,	
 	 	heirs of the promise of the Spirit of peace.	
 	 	The peace of the Lord be always with you	
All	and also with you.	
 	 	 	
 	 	A minister may say	

 	 	Let us offer one another a sign of peace.	
 	 	 	
 	 	All may exchange a sign of peace.	
 	 	 	
		A Hymn may be sung, and a collection may be taken.

		The service ends with the Sending Out on the next page,
		unless the Holy Communion follows.

If the service is to continue with 
The Holy Communion 
go to page 15.

	 	The Conclusion and Sending Out		 	
		These words may be used.

 	 	As a royal priesthood, 
		let us pray to the Father	
 	 	through Christ who ever lives 
		to intercede for us.	

 	 	Reveal your kingdom among the nations;	
 	 	may peace abound and justice flourish.
 	 	Your name be hallowed.	
All	Your kingdom come.	

 	 	Send down upon us the gift of the Spirit	
 	 	and renew your Church with power from on high.
 	 	Your name be hallowed.	
All	Your kingdom come.	

 	 	Deliver the oppressed, strengthen the weak,	
 	 	heal and restore your creation.
 	 	Your name be hallowed.	
All	Your kingdom come.	

 	 	Rejoicing in the fellowship of the Church on earth,	
 	 	we join our prayers with all the saints in glory.	
 	 	Your name be hallowed.	
All	Your kingdom come.	

		The Lord's Prayer

		Gathering our prayers and praises into one,
		let us pray with confidence 
		as our Saviour has taught us
All	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.
		For thine is the kingdom,
		the power and the glory,
		for ever and ever.
		Amen.

		Final Collect

 		Eternal God, our beginning and our end,
		preserve in your people the new life of baptism;
		as Christ receives us on earth,
		so may he guide us through the trials of this world
		and enfold us in the joy of heaven, 
		where you live and reign, 
		one God for ever and ever. 
All	Amen.

	 	The Blessing	 	
 	 	 	
 	 	The president may use this or another suitable blessing. 	 	
 	 	The God of all grace,	
 	 	who called you to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus,	
 	 	establish, strengthen and settle you in the faith;	
 	 	and the blessing of God almighty,	
 	 	the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,	
 	 	be upon you and remain with you always. 	
All	Amen.
	
 	 	Giving of a Lighted Candle	 	
 	 	 	
 	 	The president or another person may give each of the newly 		baptized a lighted candle. 
		These may be lit from the candle used at the Decision.	
 	 	When all the newly baptized have received a candle, the 			president says	
 	 	 	
 	 	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. 	
	 	
		The Dismissal 	 	
 	 	 	
 	 	Go in the light and peace of Christ.	
All	Thanks be to God. 	
 	 	 	
 	 	Or from Easter Day to Pentecost  

	Go in the light and peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia 
All	Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia 	

		The Liturgy of the Eucharist

		A Hymn may be sung as the gifts are presented.
		
	Taking of the Bread and Wine
 
		The gifts of the people may be gathered and presented.
		The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.
		The president takes the bread and wine.
 
		Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:
		through your goodness we have this bread to set before you,
		which earth has given and human hands have made.
		It will become for us the bread of life.
All	Blessed be God for ever.
 
 		Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:
		through your goodness we have this wine to set before you,
		fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
		It will become for us the cup of salvation.
All	Blessed be God for ever.

		The President may add either of these prayers

		Blessed be God,
		by whose grace creation is renewed,
		by whose love heaven is opened,
		by whose mercy we offer our sacrifice of praise.
All	Blessed be God for ever.

		Wise and gracious God,
		you spread a table before us;
		nourish your people with the word of life
		and the bread of heaven.
All	Amen.

		Eucharistic Prayer E
 
		The Lord be with you 
All	and also with you. 
		Lift up your hearts.
All	We lift them to the Lord.
		Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All	It is right to give thanks and praise.
 
		Father, you made the world and love your creation.
		You gave your Son Jesus Christ to be our Saviour.
		His dying and rising have set us free 
		from sin and death.
		And so we gladly thank you, 
		with saints and angels praising you, and saying:
 
All	Holy, holy, holy Lord,
		God of power and might,
		heaven and earth are full of your glory.
		Hosanna in the highest.
		Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
		Hosanna in the highest.
 
		We praise and bless you, loving Father,
		through Jesus Christ, our Lord;
		and as we obey his command, send your Holy Spirit,
		that broken bread and wine outpoured
		may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.
 
		On the night before he died 
		he had supper with his friends
		and, taking bread, he praised you.
		He broke the bread, gave it to them and said:
		Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
		do this in remembrance of me.
 
		When supper was ended he took the cup of wine.
		Again he praised you, gave it to them and said:
		Drink this, all of you;
		this is my blood of the new covenant,
		which is shed for you and for many 
		for the forgiveness of sins.
		Do this, as often as you drink it, 
		in remembrance of me.
 
		So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did,
		in him we plead with confidence his sacrifice
		made once for all upon the cross.
		Bringing before you the bread of life 
		and cup of salvation,
		we proclaim his death and resurrection
		until he comes in glory.
 
		Great is the mystery of faith:
All	Christ has died:
		Christ is risen:
		Christ will come again.
 
		Lord of all life,
		help us to work together for that day
		when your kingdom comes
		and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth.
		Look with favour on your people,
		gather us in your loving arms
		and bring us with [N and] all the saints
		to feast at your table in heaven.
		Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,
		in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
		all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father,
		for ever and ever.
All	Amen.

		The Lord’s Prayer  

		Let us pray with confidence 
		as our Saviour has taught us.

All	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.
		For thine is the kingdom,
		the power and the glory,
		for ever and ever.
		Amen.
 
		Breaking of the Bread

		We break this bread
		to share in the body of Christ.
All	Though we are many, we are one body,
		because we all share in one bread.

		 Agnus Dei  

All	Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
		have mercy on us.
		Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
		have mercy on us.
		Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
		grant us peace.

		Giving of Communion

		Jesus is the Lamb of God
		who takes away the sin of the world.
		Blessed are those who are called to his supper.
All	Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
		but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

		 (or)
 
		God’s holy gifts
		for God’s holy people.
All	Jesus Christ is holy,
		Jesus Christ is Lord,
		to the glory of God the Father.
 
		or, from Easter Day to Pentecost
 
		Alleluia. Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.
All	Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

		The president and people receive the Holy Communion.
	
		Baptized persons who are communicant members of other 		Churches which subscribe to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity,
		and are in good  standing in their own Church 
		may receive the Holy Communion. 
 
		Any person may come to the altar for a blessing. 
		Holding a book is a useful signal to the ministers
          
		During the distribution hymns and anthems may be sung.

		Prayer after Communion

		This Post Communion prayer or some other is said.

		Eternal God, our beginning and our end,
		preserve in your people the new life of baptism;
		as Christ receives us on earth,
		so may he guide us through the trials of this world
		and enfold us in the joy of heaven, 
		where you live and reign, 
		one God for ever and ever. 
All	Amen.

	 	The Sending Out	

 	 	The Blessing	 	
 	 	 	
 	 	The president may use this or another suitable blessing. 	 	
 	 	The God of all grace,	
 	 	who called you to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus,	
 	 	establish, strengthen and settle you in the faith;	
 	 	and the blessing of God almighty,	
 	 	the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,	
 	 	be upon you and remain with you always. 	
All	Amen.

 

	 	Giving of a Lighted Candle	 	
 	 	 	
 	 	The president or another person 
		may give each of the newly baptized a lighted candle. 

		These may be lit from the candle used at the Decision.	

 	 	When all the newly baptized have received a candle, 
		the president says	
 	 	 	
 	 	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. 	

		The Dismissal 	 	
 	 	 	
 	 	Go in the light and peace of Christ.	
All	Thanks be to God. 	
 	 	 	
 	 	Or from Easter Day to Pentecost  

		Go in the light and peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia 
All	Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia 	

Appendix
Pastoral Introduction 
Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love. For all involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith. The wider community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian, promising support and prayer for the future. Hearing and doing these things provides an opportunity to remember our own baptism and reflect on the progress made on that journey, which is now to be shared with this new member of the Church. 
The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way. There is the sign of the cross, the badge of faith in the Christian journey, which reminds us of Christ’s death for us. Our ‘drowning’ in the water of baptism, where we believe we die to sin and are raised to new life, unites us to Christ’s dying and rising, a picture that can be brought home vividly by the way the baptism is administered. Water is also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit, as Jesus was at his baptism. And as a sign of that new life, there may be a lighted candle, a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptized walks in that light for the rest of their lives. As you pray for the candidates, picture them with yourself and the whole Church throughout the ages, journeying into the fullness of God’s love.
				Jesus said,
				‘I came that they may have life, 
				and have it abundantly.’
				John 10.10

		The Gloria in excelsis

All	Glory to God in the highest
		and peace to his people on earth.
		Lord God, heavenly King,
		almighty God and Father,
		we worship you, we give you thanks,
		we praise you for your glory.
		Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
		Lord God, Lamb of God,
		you take away the sin of the world:
		have mercy on us;
		you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
		receive our prayer.
		For you alone are the Holy One,
		you alone are the Lord,
		you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
		with the Holy Spirit,
		in the glory of God the Father. Amen. 

		The Commission

We have brought these children to baptism knowing that Jesus died and rose again for them and trusting in the promise that God hears and answers prayer. We have prayed that in Jesus Christ they will know the forgiveness of their sins and the new life of the Spirit. 

As they grow up, they will need the help and encouragement of the Christian community, so that they may learn to know God in public worship and private prayer, follow Jesus Christ in the life of faith, serve their neighbour after the example of Christ, and in due course come to confirmation.

 As part of the Church of Christ, we all have a duty to support them by prayer, example and teaching. As their parents and godparents, you have the prime responsibility for guiding and helping them in their early years. This is a demanding task for 	which you will need the help and grace of God. Therefore let us now pray for grace in guiding these children in the way of faith.
		Alternate Prayer over the Water

 	 	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.	
 	 	 	
 	 	We thank you, almighty God, for the gift of water	
 	 	to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life.	
 	 	Over water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation.	 	Through water you led the children of Israel	
 	 	from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land.	
 	 	In water your Son Jesus received the baptism of John	
 	 	and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ,	 	to lead us from the death of sin to newness of life.	
 	 	We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism.	
 	 	In it we are buried with Christ in his death.	
 	 	By it we share in his resurrection.	
 	 	Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.	
 	 	Therefore, in joyful obedience to your Son,	
 	 	we baptize into his fellowship those who come to him in faith.	 	Now sanctify this water that, by the power of your Holy Spirit,	 	they may be cleansed from sin and born again.	
 	 	Renewed in your image, may they walk by the light of faith	 	and continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Lord;	 	to whom with you and the Holy Spirit	
 	 	be all honour and glory, now and for ever. 	
All	Amen.