Liturgy of Baptism

The priest goes with the ministers to the baptismal font, if this can be seen by the congregation. Otherwise a vessel of water is placed in the sanctuary.

If there are candidates to be baptized, they are called forward and presented by their godparents. If there are children, the parents and godparents bring them forward in front of the congregation.

Then the priest speaks to the People in these or similar words:

• If there are candidates to be baptized:

  Dear friends in Christ, as our brothers and sisters approach the waters of rebirth, let us help them by our prayers, and ask God, our almighty Father, to support then with his mercy and love.

• If the font is to be blessed, but there are none to be baptized:

  Dear friends in Christ, let us ask God, the almighty Father, to bless this font, that those reborn in it may be made one with his adopted children in Christ.

The litany is sung by two cantors. All present stand (as is customary during the Easter season) and answer.

If there is to be a procession of some length to the baptistery, the litany is sung in procession. In this case those who are to be baptized are first called forward. Then the procession begins: the Easter candle is carried first, followed by the candidates with their godparents, and the priest with the ministers. The above instruction is given before the blessing of the water.

If there is no one to be baptized and the font is not to be blessed, the litany is omitted, and the blessing of water takes place at once.

In the litany some names of saints may be added, especially the titular of the church, the local patrons, or the saints of those to be baptized.