Editing Infant baptism (section)

== Ceremony ==
The exact details of the baptismal ceremony vary among [[Christian denomination|Christian denominations]]. Many follow a prepared ceremony, called a [[Rite (Christianity)|rite]] or [[Christian liturgy|liturgy]].

=== Reception ===
All traditions begin with the reception or presentation of candidates. In the [https://saintgerards.org.uk/St-Gerards-Files/Baptism-several-children.pdf Roman Catholic Rite of Baptism for Several Children], this includes the Reception of the Children and a Liturgy of the Word with Scripture readings, homily, and intercessions. Similarly, Episcopal and Lutheran rites open with the Presentation and Examination of Candidates, including questions to parents, sponsors, or godparents. This phase highlights communal recognition and prepares candidates (and their families) for baptism.<ref name=":2">Johnson, M. E. (2007). ''The rites of Christian initiation: Their evolution and interpretation'' (2nd rev. & expanded ed., pp. 402–448). Liturgical Press.</ref> In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the rite opens with the "reception of the catechumens," where the celebrant prays for the candidate to become “a reason-endowed sheep in the holy flock of your Christ, an honorable member of your Church, a child of the light, and an heir of your Kingdom.”<ref name=":3">Cuneo, T. (2014). ''Transforming the self: on the baptismal rite. Religious Studies'', ''50''(3), 279–296. <nowiki>http://www.jstor.org/stable/43658441</nowiki></ref>

=== Prayer & anointment ===
Prayers and symbolic anointings mark spiritual preparation. The Roman Catholic rite includes a ''[https://www.bedfordcatholic.org/documents/2015/5/RiteOfBaptism.pdf Prayer of Exorcism and Anointing before Baptism]'', emphasizing purification. Episcopal and Lutheran traditions incorporate ''[http://www.rcdhn.org.uk/formation/pdfdocs2018/Prayer%20for%20Candidates.pdf Prayers for the Candidates]'' and, in Lutheranism, a ''[https://www.bethlehemadelaide.org.au/assets/Uploads/Prayer-of-the-Church-Augsburg-Confession.pdf Prayer of the Church]'' invoking the [[Holy Spirit in Christianity|Holy Spirit]]. While explicit anointing is more prominent in Catholicism (e.g., post-baptismal chrismation), all rites emphasize prayer as a means of spiritual strengthening.<ref name=":2" /> In the Eastern Orthodox rite, multiple exorcisms are performed, and prayers are made for the water to be “the water of redemption, the water of sanctification, the purification of flesh and spirit, the loosing of bonds, the remission of sins, the illumination of the soul, the laver of regeneration, the renewal of the spirit, the gift of adoption to sonship, the garment of incorruption, the fountain of life.”<ref name=":3" />

=== Blessing of water & baptism ===
The blessing of water and baptism proper are central to all rites. Roman Catholics perform a Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water, while Episcopalians and Lutherans include a Thanksgiving over the Water. Baptism itself is administered using the [[Trinitarian formula]]: Catholics, Episcopalians, and Lutherans all employ [[Immersion baptism|immersion]] or pouring “in the name of the [[God in Christianity|Father]], and of the [[Jesus|Son]], and of the [[Holy Spirit]].”<ref name=":2" /> In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the celebrant prays for the water to be sanctified with “the power (energeia) of the Holy Spirit,” and the baptism is performed by triple immersion, immediately followed by Chrismation (anointing with holy oil).<ref name=":3" />

=== Explanatory rites & seal of the spirit ===
Post-baptismal rituals symbolize the candidate’s new identity. Roman Catholics include ''[[Roman Rite|Explanatory Rites]]'': [[Chrismation|anointing with chrism]] (''Seal of the Spirit''), clothing in a white garment, presentation of a lighted candle, and the ''Ephphetha'' prayer. Episcopalians offer a ''Prayer for the Sevenfold Gift of the Holy Spirit'', while Lutherans [[Seal of the Confessional (Lutheran Church)|seal the candidate]] with a ''[https://chapelofthecrosslutheran.org/pdfs/bu/bulletin.pdf?5ba67727' Prayer of the Church]'' and present a baptismal candle.<ref name=":2" /> Eastern Orthodox Christians, after baptism, immediately chrismate the newly baptized, praying that the newly illumined will “please you in every deed and word, and may be a child and heir of your heavenly kingdom,” affirming a twofold transformation: normative membership in the Church and acquisition of the “regenerate states” (purification, sanctification, illumination, regeneration).<ref name=":3" /> These rites signify the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and the community’s welcome.

=== Conclusion ===
While baptism itself does not always include Eucharist, its communal context often ties to Eucharistic worship. For example: Roman Catholics conclude with the [[Lord's Prayer|Lord’s Prayer]] and a blessing, linking baptism to the broader liturgical life of the Church. Lutherans use a Baptismal Welcome, where the congregation affirms the newly baptized, often within a Eucharistic service. Episcopalians integrate baptism into the Baptismal Covenant, aligning it with congregational vows that precede shared Eucharist.<ref name=":2" /> In the Eastern Orthodox Church, baptism, chrismation, and first communion are typically administered together, even to infants, as baptism is seen as full incorporation into the Church’s life, granting immediate access to the sacraments.<ref name=":3" /> Though not explicitly part of the baptismal rubric in all traditions, baptism is understood as initiation into a Eucharistic community.<ref name=":2" />