Additional Directions


Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the
Day of Pentecost, on All Saints' Day or the Sunday after All Saints'
Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday
after the Epiphany). It is recommended that, as far as possible,
Baptisms be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is
present.

If on any one of the above-named days the ministry of a bishop or
priest cannot be obtained, the bishop may specially authorize a
deacon to preside. In that case, the deacon omits the prayer over
the candidates, page 308, and the formula and action which follow.

These omitted portions of the rite may be administered on some
subsequent occasion of public baptism at which a bishop or priest
presides.

If on the four days listed above there are no candidates for Baptism,
the Renewal of Baptismal vows, page 292, may take the place of the
Nicene Creed at the Eucharist.

If desired, the hymn Gloria in excelsis may be sung immediately after
the opening versicles and before the salutation "The Lord be with you."

When a bishop is present, or on other occasions for sufficient reason,
the Collect (page 203 or 254) and one or more of the Lessons provided
for use at Baptism (page 928) may be substituted for the Proper of the
Day.

Lay persons may act as readers, and it is appropriate for sponsors to be
assigned this function. The petitions (page 305) may also be led by one of
the sponsors.

The Nicene Creed is not used at this service.

If the Presentation of the Candidates does not take place at the font, then
before or during the petitions (page 305), the ministers, candidates, and
sponsors go to the font for the Thanksgiving over the Water.

If the movement to the font is a formal procession, a suitable psalm, such
as Psalm 42, or a hymn or anthem, may be sung.



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Where practicable, the font is to be filled with clean water immediately
before the Thanksgiving over the Water.

At the Thanksgiving over the Water, and at the administration of
Baptism, the celebrant, whenever possible, should face the people across
the font, and the sponsors should be so grouped that the people may have
a clear view of the action.

After the Baptism, a candle (which may be lighted from the Paschal
Candle) may be given to each of the newly baptized or to a godparent.

It may be found desirable to return to the front of the church for the
prayer, "Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit,"
and the ceremonies that follow it. A suitable psalm, such as Psalm 23, or a
hymn or anthem, may be sung during the procession.

The oblations of bread and wine at the baptismal Eucharist may be
presented by the newly baptized or their godparents.


Conditional Baptism

If there is reasonable doubt that a person has been baptized with water,
"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"
(which are the essential parts of Baptism), the person is baptized in the
usual manner, but this form of words is used

If you are not already baptized, N., I baptize you in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.


Emergency Baptism

In case of emergency, any baptized person may administer Baptism
according to the following form.

Using the given name of the one to be baptized (if known), pour water on
him or her, saying

I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit.



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The Lord's Prayer is then said.

Other prayers, such as the following, may be added

Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy
Spirit you have bestowed on upon this your servant the
forgiveness of sin and have raised him to the new life of
grace. Strengthen him, O Lord, with your presence, enfold
him in the arms of your mercy, and keep him safe forever.

The person who administers emergency Baptism should inform the priest
of the appropriate parish, so that the fact can be properly recorded.

If the baptized person recovers, the Baptism should be recognized
at a public celebration of the Sacrament with a bishop or priest
presiding, and the person baptized under emergency conditions,
together with the sponsors or godparents, taking part in everything
except the administration of the water.



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