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The Order for Celebration of Holy Communion with Baptism and Confirmation together with Affirmation of Baptismal Faith and Reception into the Communion of the Church of England

Versions of this service are shown in outline form below and in detail here.

The service if there are no candidates for baptism

In the PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES
OMIT The bishop asks those who are candidates for baptism

Do you wish to be baptized?
I do.


In the DECISION
USE The bishop says

May God, who has given you the desire to follow Christ, give you also strength to continue in the Way. Amen.


OMIT
SIGNING WITH THE CROSS

OMIT PRAYER OVER THE WATER

OMIT
BAPTISM

OMIT
WELCOME

The service if there are no candidates for confirmation

OMIT CONFIRMATION

The service if there are no persons affirming their baptismal faith

OMIT DECLARATION FOR AFFIRMATION

OMIT AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISMAL FAITH after Confirmation


The service if there are no persons to be received into the communion of the Church of England

OMIT DECLARATION FOR RECEPTION

OMIT RECEPTION INTO THE COMMUNION OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND after Confirmation


The service if the Liturgy of the Sacrament does not follow immediately

One or more of the following prayers may be used at the Prayers of Intercession

(by the bishop)

Heavenly Father, we pray for these your servants
upon whom we have now laid our hands after the example of the apostles.
Assure them by this sign of your favour towards them;
may your fatherly hand ever be over them
your Holy Spirit ever be with them;
strengthen them continually with the Body and Blood of your Son,
and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your word,
that they may ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God,
whose Holy Spirit equips the Church with a rich variety of gifts,
grant that we may use them to bear witness to Christ
by lives built on faith and love.
Make us ready to live his Gospel and eager to do his will,
that we may share with all your Church in the joys of eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, let there be pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
for your mercy and for your truth's sake. Amen.


Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits that you have won for us,
for all the pains and insults you have borne for us.
Most merciful redeemer,
friend and brother,
may we know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly,
day by day. Amen.


Eternal God,
you have declared in Christ
the completion of your purpose of love.
May we live by faith, walk in hope,
and be renewed in love,
until the world reflects your glory,
and you are all in all.
Even so; come, Lord Jesus. Amen.


Then all say the Lord's Prayer.


The service concludes with the Sending Out.

© The Archbishops' Council of the Church of England, 2000-2004
All of the official Common Worship publications are being published by Church House Publishing.