The first of the sacraments
The Archdiocese of Brisbane calls baptism “the first of the Church’s sacraments”. It welcomes a person into a Christian community and incorporates them into the Church, and through it, the archdiocese says, we are “‘reborn’ as daughters and sons of God”.
As set out by Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, Baptism
The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne lists the seven sacraments in three groups, placing Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist together as the “Sacraments of Initiation”. The Code of Canon Law, the law of the Latin Catholic Church, calls baptism “the gateway to the sacraments”, and says it is validly given only by washing with true water and the proper form of words.
Brisbane’s page speaks to families bringing a baby or child for baptism and to people who want to be baptised themselves, and says it wants everyone to know they are loved by God and welcome.
The four key symbols
The Archdiocese of Brisbane names “four key symbols of Baptism”. Here is what it says each one means, in this guide’s words:
Water
The central symbol. Because water is essential to all life, the archdiocese says, the water of baptism symbolises “the life-giving grace” that sustains all who have become children of God.
Oil
Oil is used twice. First, ahead of the baptism itself, the “Oil of Catechumens” is smeared on the child’s chest, a sign of healing and strengthening. Afterwards the crown of the head is anointed with perfumed “chrism”, a symbol of joy and thanksgiving.
The white garment
The newly baptised is clothed in a white garment, which symbolises new life in Christ. The archdiocese calls it “the outward sign of Christian dignity”.
The candle
Lit from the “paschal candle beside the font”, a baptismal candle is given to the newly baptised as a sign of the light of Christ.
The water and the words
In the Archdiocese of Brisbane’s description, water is poured on the child, or the adult, while the priest baptises them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The Code of Canon Law allows baptism “either by immersion or by pouring”, following the rules of the conference of bishops. Apart from a case of necessity, it says, the water must be blessed as the liturgical books prescribe.
What parents take on
Parents who ask for their child’s baptism, the Archdiocese of Brisbane says, accept the responsibility of raising the child to practise the faith and to keep God’s commandments.
As set out by Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, Baptism
The Code of Canon Law obliges parents to see that infants are baptised “in the first few weeks”, going to the pastor soon after the birth, or even before it, to ask for the sacrament and to be prepared for it. Parents and future sponsors are to be properly instructed in the meaning of the sacrament and its obligations, and the Code says the pastor may do this by bringing several families together and, where possible, visiting them.
Godparents have their own requirements, set out on the page on godparents and sponsors.
When and where
Because baptism is about becoming part of the community of faith, the Archdiocese of Brisbane says, baptisms are normally held on a Sunday in the parish church: at Mass, or at another Sunday time with several other families.
Two more notes from the same page. Some parishes do not hold baptisms during Lent, “a time of penance and preparation for the sacraments”. And when parents ask about a school chapel or another place with personal meaning, the archdiocese says the more appropriate place for baptism is the local parish community that will welcome the child.
In the Code of Canon Law: baptism “can be celebrated on any day”, though Sunday, or if possible the Easter Vigil, is recommended (canon 856). As a rule an infant is baptised in the parents’ parish church unless a just cause suggests otherwise (canon 857).
Baptism as an adult
An adult who intends to be baptised, the Code of Canon Law says, is to be admitted to “the catechumenate” and led through its stages to sacramental initiation. Unless there is a grave reason against it, an adult is confirmed straight after baptism and takes part in the Eucharist by receiving communion.
For children and adults alike, Brisbane’s page says your local parish is the best place to start organising the celebration, and can tell you how baptism is celebrated in that community.
See also arranging a baptism and infant baptism in the Anglican Church. Back to all six pages or the words each church uses.