| Baptism within a | ||||
| Celebration of Holy Communion | ||||
| The service for Holy Baptism provides for baptism in the context of the celebration of Holy Communion. The following notes aim to highlight the implication of this for baptism at a parish's regular Sunday celebration of Holy Communion. | ||||
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1
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The opening of the service should include an appropriate introduction and may include a prayer of thanksgiving for the child. | |||
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2
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The Prayers of Penitence and the Nicene Creed are omitted. | |||
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3
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The Presentation of the Candidates for Baptism takes place after the sermon. Alternatively it may form part of the opening section of the service; before the Gloria or Kyries (where these are used). If the presentation is used in this earlier position, it must precede the Collect. | |||
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4
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Baptism takes place after the sermon. | |||
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5
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An interrogatory version of the Apostles' Creed is provided in the text, to be said by the whole congregation. The Apostles' Creed is the normal baptismal creed in the Western tradition. A shorter Profession of Faith can be found here. | |||
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6
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The first form of the Commission is to be used at the baptism of children. The second form is to be used at the baptism of those able to answer for themselves. | |||
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7
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A brief form of the Prayers of Intercession is provided. Longer and seasonal forms are to be found here. The Prayers may be placed before or after the Welcome. If the prayers precede the Welcome and Peace, the Liturgy of the Eucharist then continues in the usual way with the Preparation of the Table and the Taking of the Bread and Wine. | |||
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8
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A lighted candle is presented to the newly baptized as part of the conclusion of the service. It may be appropriate to invite the parents and godparents to the front at this point. The candle is lit from the Paschal candle (or other large candle) previously lit at the Decision. | |||
| The following table indicates how the service for Holy Baptism is to be used with the services indicated. | ||||
| Order of Baptism | Order One | Order Two / BCP | ||
| [Thanksgiving] Introduction |
After the Greeting [omit Prayers of Penitence] |
After the Sermon | ||
| Omit Nicene Creed | Omit Nicene Creed | |||
| Presentation | After the Greeting or Sermon |
After the Introduction | ||
| Baptism | After the Sermon | After the Presentation | ||
| Prayers of Intercession |
At the Intercessions [omit Prayers of Penitence] |
Use Prayers of Intercession from Holy Baptism in place of Prayer for Church Militant |
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| Welcome and Peace | At the Peace | Use the Welcome after the Commission |
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| Prayer after Communion |
After the Giving of Bread and Wine |
Do not use | ||
| Giving of a Lighted Candle |
Between the Blessing and Dismissal |
After the Blessing | ||