The Order for Baptism of Infants

Children, one or both of whose Parents are members of the Church, are entitled to Baptism. Sponsors may be permitted in Baptism, but the Parents themselves must be present and answer to the questions in the Service. A person shall not be Sponsor who is not in full communion with the Church. Members of the Church, who are Guardians of orphan children, may present them for Baptism, assuming the proper vows.

When Baptism takes place during the Service of the Church, it shall be administered after the GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.

The Minister shall say,

Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Amen.

Dearly Beloved; Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has commanded us, saying, Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Moreover, he has taught us that no one can enter into the kingdom of God except he be born of water and of the Spirit; and also said, Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Inasmuch as the promise of the Gospel is not only to us but also to our children, let us call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous mercy he may grant unto this child Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit, receive him into Christ's holy Church, and make him a living member of the same.

Here the Congregation shall stand.

Let us pray.

Almighty and Everlasting God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; we call upon thee in behalf of this child, and beseech thee to bestow upon him thy grace through holy baptism. Receive him, O Lord, into the fellowship of thy church, and grant unto him life everlasting through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Minister, addressing the Parents and Sponsors, shall say,

Dearly Beloved;

You have brought this child here to be baptized and we have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive him, would purify and sanctify him through the Holy Spirit and the washing of water, and would grant unto him life everlasting. I therefore ask you:

Do you renounce the vain pomp and glory of the world, the lust of the flesh, and all evil works and ways?

I do.

Confess now the Faith into which this child is to be baptized.

I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection of the body: And the Life everlasting. Amen.

Do you sincerely desire that this child be baptized into this Faith?

I do.

Do you promise to instruct this child in the Word of God, and by precept and example to bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

I do.

Do you promise to bring this child to the House of God, and to see to it that in due time he be instructed and prepared for Confirmation and the Holy Communion?

I do.

Then the Minister shall say,

Name this child.

Thereupon the Minister shall pronounce the Christian name, and baptize the child, applying the water three times, and saying,

N_________, I baptize thee in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath begotten thee again of water and the Holy Spirit, bless and sanctify thee unto life everlasting.

Let us pray.

We give thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it has pleased thee to grant unto this child the gift of Holy Baptism and to receive him into thy Church. Make him a living and faithful member of the Body of Christ. Bless, we beseech thee, the home of this child, and grant wisdom and understanding to all who have the care of him that he may grow up in thy constant fear and love and ever walk in the paths of righteousness for thy Name's sake. Grant that he may know thee to be his heavenly Father, through thy Holy Spirit working in his heart, that he may be bold to confess the faith of Christ crucified; and that he may continue thy faithful servant all the days of his life, and finally enter into thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Minister shall say,

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen.