 Baptism can be seen as a rite of passage for an individual, marking their spiritual development  Baptism is a purity ritual that helps defines the individual as part of the Christian Catholic community  Baptism is seen as the first step on the path of grace towards salvation achieved through Jesus Christ  In the Roman Catholic church, baptism is primarily performed at an infant age  Infant baptism is seen as the joining of the soul to the community of Jesus

 The rite of exorcism (expulsion of evil spirit) is included in the Roman Catholic ‘Baptism marks the movement of the child/adult to a recognised place within the community of the church’

 Baptism in the Catholic Church usually occurs at a young age  Parents and godparents take the child to the church community, where they make promises on behalf of the candidate before the child is welcomed into the church  Baptism is performed by a priest  Performed in a Catholic church or baptistery  Eucharist may include rite of baptism

 Two readings are shared at a Catholic baptism ritual  Romans 6:3-11 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him…. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God… In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.  Matthew 28:16-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 Baptismal font  Water  Oil  Candle  White cloth

 Priest greets community  Priest questions parents and confirms their wish for baptism  Priest, parents and god parents trace the sign of the cross on child  Liturgy of the Word  Homily  Rite of exorcism and anointing with oil  Baptismal waters blessed  Profession of faith  Baptism with water on forehead  Child clothed in white cloth  Parents and godparents given candle  Prayer of the Faithful  The Lord’s Prayer  Final Blessing