SUMMARY

1. The font in near the church door to show that by Baptism (or christening) we enter into membership of the Church, God’s Family.

2. The ‘matter’ of Baptism is water.  Either it is poured three times on the forehead or the person may be dipped in it.  The water must flow on the skin.

3. The ‘form’ of Baptism is, “N, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.  The water is poured at the words “Father…Son…Holy Spirit”.

4. The inward grace of Baptism is the union of the soul with Jesus who cleanses and strengthens it with his own life and power.

5. The minister of Baptism is usually a priest or a deacon, but anyone may baptise when there is danger of death.

References

1. Tyrrell-Green, E. (1928) Baptismal fonts, London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

2. Church of England (1662) The Book of Common Prayer.  The Ministration of Private Baptism of Children in houses.  Available from: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/bcp/texts/private-baptism-of-children.html  (Accessed 23 August 2010) (Internet).

3. Church of England (1662) The Book of Common Prayer.  The Ministration of Private Baptism of Children in houses.  Available from: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/bcp/texts/private-baptism-of-children.html  (Accessed 23 August 2010) (Internet).

4. ©The Archbishops’ Council (2006) Common Worship.  Notes to Holy Baptism.  Available from: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/initiation/presedinit/baptismnotes.html  (Accessed 23 August 2010) (Internet).