Form

The form, or form of words, used in administering Holy Baptism, was given to the Apostles by Jesus before his Ascension.  “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit …” (NRSV, Matthew 28:19).

Inward grace

Now we come to the inward grace given by God in Baptism.  This is the union of ourselves with Jesus himself who cleanses and strengthens our souls with his own life and power just as water washes and refreshes our bodies.  When grown-ups are baptised, they also receive forgiveness of sins if they are repentant, that is, if they are sorry for their sins.  So on the first Pentecost St Peter told the crowd in the street in Jerusalem, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (NRSV, Acts 2:38).

The minister

The minister of Holy Baptism, that is, the person who administers the Sacrament, is usually a priest or a deacon.  But anyone may baptise in an emergency; as, for example, when a baby is in danger of death.  You should all know, therefore, exactly what to do if you were asked to baptise in such a case.  You pour water on the child’s forehead three times, saying, “John” or “Mary” (or whatever the child’s name is) “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen”.  You pour the water as you say the words “Father…Son…Holy Spirit”.  It is most important that the water should flow on the skin.