Analyzing Traditional Baptismal Service and Its Key Symbols

Analyzing Traditional Baptismal Service and Its Key Symbols

Jesus replied (to Nicodemus); "I solemnly assure you, no one can enter

into God's kingdom without being begotten of water and the Spirit."

John 3:5

As Christians we see baptism as the most important sacrament, it is

this sacrament that inaugurates us as members of the church. In the

Catholic Church's current insight regarding Baptism, it is seen as the

Sacrament of Initiation into the (local) parish community, the world

wide Catholic Church, the family of God and royal priesthood of

Christ, as well as the sacramental removal of original sin

The baptismal service that I have chosen to describe is the catholic

service.

The Catholic service starts off at the door. This symbolises that the

child is being welcomed into the church, as a new member. The key

theme at this point is entry, this is emphasised by the naming of the

child, and a new name is symbolic of a new role. The whole family

starts at the door then the priest calls them up to the altar, again

showing that the priest is welcoming this new child into the church.

The child takes on a new Christian role and inseparable from this

theme are the parents and God. They need to ensure the development of

the new faith: this is made clear by the words spoken by the priest,

along with the symbol of the cross, which suggests protection.

"For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are

far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him" John (2:39)

The next place that the child goes is to the "book", where the priest

asks the parents what name they wish the child to be called. The

priest prays for the child and the family. He lights the baptismal

candle. This light is a symbolism of a "new light" being brought into

the world and into the church. It also expresses the key theme, the

duty of the parents to keep the light of Christ alive in the heart of