Parish of Christ Church, Eastbourne BAPTISM OF CHILDREN WITHIN THE MASS The Baptism takes place after the sermon (at the bottom of page 5 of the booklet) ¶ The Liturgy of Baptism Presentation of the Candidates 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 and uphold them in their new life in Christ? All With the help of God, we will. 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 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 invites parents, godparents or 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. 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. 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 baptise 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. 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 baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All Amen. You have been clothed with Christ. As many as are baptised into Christ have put on Christ. 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. All Amen. The president and those who have been baptised return from the font. Intercessions The Mass continues with the Intercessions on page 7 of the booklet. After the Intercessions, the newly-baptised are welcomed into the family of the Church. The Welcome and Peace The president says There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism: N, by one Spirit we are all baptised into one body. All We welcome you into the fellowship of faith; we are children of the same heavenly Father; we welcome you. The president introduces the Peace 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. He then says Let us offer one another a sign of peace. All may exchange a sign of peace. The Mass continues on page 7 of the booklet. ¶ The Sending Out Giving of a Lighted Candle Each of the newly-baptised is given a lighted candle. When all have received one, 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 Blessing The president says a prayer of blessing over the people, and all respond, saying All Amen. The Dismissal A minister says The Mass is ended. Go in the peace of Christ. All Thanks be to God. A hymn is sung during which the ministers depart. Common Worship is the copyright property of the Archbishops’ Council.