Chapter 18

Lesson 3

The Rite

Rites are Ceremonies

• The baptismal liturgy is a rite.

• There are different rites for the Baptism of infants and the Baptism of people above the age of reason (generally considered to be age seven).

• Today we will study the rite used for baptizing infants.

Turn to page 98 and finish reading the section, “The Rite of

Baptism.”

The Different Parts of the Baptismal Rite for Infants.

• The infant is brought to the Church by his parents and godparents as a sign of becoming a member of the Church.

• Godparents help parents to raise the child in the Faith.

• The priest, who represents Jesus, meets the family at the entrance and welcomes the baby into the community of God.

The Liturgy of the Word takes Place.

• God is present in his word, which effects conversion.

• The readings communicate God’s love to his people.

• A homily expounds upon the readings.

The litany of the saints is said or sung.

• Normally a Christian baby is named after a saint.

• This prayer calls upon the saints for their prayers on the child’s behalf.

The exorcism is a prayer casting out the power of satan.

The child is anointed with the oil of catechumens to strengthen him to learn and live the Faith.

Satan is rejected

• Through the parents and godparents, sin and satan are rejected.

• The teachings of Jesus, as stated in the Creed, are accepted for the child.

Then the sacrament itself occurs.

• Water is poured over the child’s head and he is anointed with chrism (which is consecrated by the bishop).

• Chrism reminds us that we share in the threefold ministry of Christ as priest, prophet, and king.

The White Garment

• The child receives a white garment to represent his purity from sin and his duty to avoid sin.

• The child is clothed in Christ and made a new creation.

The Candle

• The candle is given and reminds us that we receive the light of Christ and an indelible seal upon our soul.

Sacred Oils• The oils are prepared at the cathedral by the bishop every Holy

Thursday.• The oils of the catechumens and of the sick are blessed, and the oil

of chrism is consecrated by the bishop.• Chrism is of the greatest importance; it is used in Baptism,

Confirmation, and in Holy Orders. It is also used to consecrate altars.

• It is made of olive oil (olive trees will not die unless diseased or killed) and balsam (a beautiful royal fragrance, which reminds us of incense). It is a sign of the threefold ministry of Christ as priest, prophet, and king.

• In all three sacraments, sacred oils remind us of the indelible mark placed upon the soul in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.