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A Brief Guide to Holy Baptism

Trinity Cathedral
The Rev. Dr. Grant S. Carey
Canon Residentiary

The order for Holy Baptism in the Book of Common Prayer is intended to be infused with that of Holy Communion rather than used as a separate service.  There are times, however, when it is not possible to celebrate the Eucharist, in which case, Baptism may stand alone as a separate and unique service.

The opening sentences remind us that there is One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism. In other words, baptism in the name of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is not to be repeated. When one is baptized with water and in the name of the Holy Trinity, that sacrament is indelible and cannot be repeated.

The Baptismal service begins on page 299 as the opening of the Eucharist and includes the lessons and prayers assigned for the occasion - - Holy Day or Season. Following the homily, the candidates are presented by their sponsors or in the case of children, their Godparents who, along with the child’s parents, express their will that the child presented be brought up in the Christian Faith and Life

There follows a series of questions asked of the parents and godparents on behalf of the child, or directly to the candidates if they are able understand and take these promises for themselves.  They affirm that (1) they will stand against what is evil in this world, (2) seek to believe what is true and good, accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, and (3) follow Christ in trust and obedience.

At this point, any who are being confirmed are invited to affirm these promises as well.

Reciting the words of the Apostles Creed allows all who are present express the historic faith of the Church and affirm our willingness to continue in that faith, persevere in resisting evil, proclaim the Good News, serve others and strive for justice and peace, respecting the dignity of every human being. 

The Prayers for the Candidates ask God to deliver and uphold those being baptized “as their days increase”, and to send them into the world as witness to God’s love, bringing them to the fullness of joy and peace.

The priest then blesses the water, setting it apart for a special purpose, baptizing the candidates in the Name of the Holy Trinity, and finally tracing the sign of the cross on their forehead in recognition that they are “marked as “Christ’s own forever.”

Baptism with water in the name of the Holy Trinity is not to be repeated.

At Trinity Cathedral, the newly baptized are presented with a white baptismal stole indicating their inclusion into “the priesthood of all believers, and a lighted baptismal candle signifying that they are to shine forth like a light in the darkness.

Additional Directions (pages 312-314) provide for Conditional Baptism when it is unclear whether one has or has not been previously baptized with water and in the Name of the Trinity...

In an emergency, any baptized person may administer the rite by simply pouring water over the head and praying the words “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”