Extracts from A Prayer Book for Australia
Holy Baptism Confirmation in Holy Communion
TOGETHER WITH PROVISION FOR REAFFIRMATION OF BAPTISMAL VOWS AND RECEPTION
When this service includes confirmation the presiding minister is the bishop.
1 A hymn, psalm or anthem may be sung.
2 The Greeting. The priest greets the people in these or other suitable words.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
And also with you.
or
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
or
From Easter Day to Pentecost
Christ is risen. [Alleluia.]
He is risen indeed. [Alleluia.]
3 A Sentence of Scripture appropriate to the day or the occasion may be read, or the following dialogue used.
There is one Body and one Spirit;
there is one hope in God’s call to us.
One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism,
one God and Father of all.
4 The minister may continue with these or similar words here or after the sermon.
Baptism is the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When he had risen from the dead, he commanded his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
We have come together today to obey that command.
Baptism with water signifies the cleansing from sin that Jesus’ death makes possible, and the new life that God gives us through the Holy Spirit.
In baptism, the promises of God are visibly signed and sealed for us. We are joined to Christ, and made members of his body, the Church universal.
[When children are to be baptised, the minister says
Children are baptised in response to God’s all-embracing love. Parents and godparents who have responded to that love come now to bring their children for baptism. Before this congregation they must express their own trust and commitment to the promises of God, and their intention to bring up their children in the faith and practice of the Church. In due time these children should make their own response to God, and be prepared for confirmation.]
[When there are candidates for confirmation, the bishop says
In confirmation those who have been previously baptised come to confirm their baptismal promises and join with the other candidates to receive the laying on of the bishop’s hand with prayer. We pray that those who are baptised and confirmed will be empowered by the Holy Spirit for the ministry and service to which God shall call them.]
So we welcome you, name(s), with your sponsors [and families].
We give thanks for you, and pray that you may know God’s love and faithfulness for ever.
5 The minister says
Let us affirm our trust in God’s mercy,
and confess that we need forgiveness.
[Let us pray.]
A pause for reflection
Lord God, you created this world, and made us in your own image. Forgive us when we turn away from you.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord God, through your Son you overcame evil and death. Rescue us from slavery to sin.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord God, by your Spirit, you restore us to fellowship
with you and with one another. Breathe your love and freedom into our lives.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
The priest says
Almighty God have mercy on you,
forgive you your sins,
and keep you in life eternal. Amen.
6 This Hymn of Praise or some other may be said or sung.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One:
you alone are the Lord:
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
7 The priest says
Let us pray.
The community may pray silently.
The priest then says or sings the Collect of the Day.
8 The Reading(s) from the Old Testament and/or the New Testament as appointed.
After each reading the reader may say
Hear the word of the Lord,
thanks be to God.
Silence may follow each reading.
A psalm, hymn or anthem may be sung between the readings.
9 All stand for the Gospel Reading.
The deacon or other reader may say
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The reader says
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to…
[chapter… verse…]
Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ.
After the Gospel, the reader says
This is the Gospel of the Lord,
or [For] the Gospel of the Lord,
praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
10 The Sermon
Silence may follow.
11 The priest invites all candidates and their sponsors to stand in view of the congregation.
12 The priest invites the sponsors of baptismal candidates to present the candidates.
We welcome those who come(s) to be baptised. I invite their sponsors to present them now.
The sponsors answer
We present name(s) to be baptised.
13 The priest says to the sponsors of those unable to answer for themselves
Will you accept the responsibilities placed upon you in bringing name/this child for baptism?
I will.
Are you willing to answer on behalf of name/this child?
I am.
By your own prayers and example, by your friendship and love, will you encourage name/this child in the life and faith of the Christian community?
I will, with God’s help.
14 The bishop invites the sponsors of confirmation candidates to present the candidates.
We welcome those who have come to be confirmed. I invite their sponsors to present them now.
The sponsors answer
We present name(s) who come(s) to be confirmed.
15 The bishop invites the sponsors of reaffirmation candidates to present the candidates.
We welcome those who have been baptised and confirmed, and now come to seek God’s blessing as they reaffirm their faith. I invite their sponsors to present them now.
The sponsors answer
We present name(s) who come(s) to reaffirm their faith.
16 The priest says to the candidates able to answer for themselves, and to the sponsors of other candidates
Before God and this congregation, you must affirm that you turn to Christ and reject all that is evil:
Do you turn to Christ?
I turn to Christ.
Do you repent of your sins?
I repent of my sins.
Do you reject selfish living, and all that is false and unjust?
I reject them all.
Do you renounce Satan and all evil?
I renounce all that is evil.
Almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, and lead you in the light of Christ to his everlasting kingdom. Amen.
17 The priest says to the candidates and sponsors
Will you each, by God’s grace, strive to live as a disciple of Christ, loving God with your whole heart, and your neighbour as yourself, until your life’s end?
I will, with God’s help.
18 The priest says to the congregation
You have heard these our brothers and sisters respond to Christ. Will you support them in this calling?
The congregation answers
We will.
19 The minister says
Let us pray.
Grant, merciful God, that these persons may be so buried with Christ in baptism that the new nature may be raised up in them. May the fruit of your Spirit grow and flourish in them. Amen.
Give to their sponsors [and their families] the desire to share with them what you have revealed in your holy gospel. Amen.
[Give to those who come to affirm their baptism, strength and grace that they may faithfully serve you all their lives. Amen.]
May they know Christ’s forgiving love and continue in the fellowship and service of his Church. May they proclaim, by word and example, the good news of God in Christ. Amen.
We thank you for the ministry we have in your world and to each other in the household of faith. Hasten that day when the whole creation shall be made perfect in Christ. Amen.
20 A hymn may be sung.
21 The priest comes to the place where the water for baptism is, and begins the thanksgiving.
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
The priest or other minister continues
We give you thanks that at the beginning of creation your Holy Spirit moved upon the waters to bring forth light and life. With water you cleanse and replenish the earth; you nourish and sustain all living things.
Thanks be to God.
We give you thanks that through the waters of the Red Sea you led your people out of slavery into freedom, and brought them through the river Jordan to new life in the land of promise.
Thanks be to God.
We give you thanks for your Son Jesus Christ: for his baptism by John, for his anointing with the Holy Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
We give you thanks that through the deep waters of death Jesus delivered us from our sins and was raised to new life in triumph.
Thanks be to God.
We give you thanks for the grace of the Holy Spirit who forms us in the likeness of Christ and leads us to proclaim your kingdom.
Thanks be to God.
The priest continues
And now we give you thanks that you have called name/these your servants to new birth in your Church through the waters
of baptism.
Pour out your Holy Spirit in blessing and sanctify this water so that those who are baptised in it may be made one with Christ in his death and resurrection. May they die to sin, rise to newness of life, and continue for ever in Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we give you praise and honour in the unity of the Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
22 The priest says to the candidates able to answer for themselves, and to the sponsors of other candidates
I now ask you to affirm as yours the faith of the Church.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in God the Son?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
from there he will come to judge
the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The priest says to the congregation
This is the faith of the Church.
The congregation responds
This is our faith:
We believe in one God:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
23 Each candidate is brought to the water.
The minister baptises by dipping the candidates in the water, or pouring water over them, saying
Name, I baptise you in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
And each one of them answers with their sponsors and the congregation
Amen.
24 When all have been baptised, the priest makes a cross on the forehead of each person, saying
Name, I sign you with the sign of the cross to show that you are marked as Christ’s own for ever.
The priest addresses all the newly baptised
Live as a disciple of Christ:
fight the good fight,
finish the race,
keep the faith.
and the congregation responds, saying
Confess Christ crucified,
proclaim his resurrection,
look for his coming in glory.
25 The minister says
God has brought you out of darkness
into his marvellous light.
The congregation joins the minister saying
Shine as a light in the world
to the glory of God the Father.
26 The minister continues
God has called you into his Church.
The congregation joins the minister in saying
We therefore receive and welcome you
as a member with us of the body of Christ,
as a child of the one heavenly Father,
and as an inheritor of the kingdom of God.
Where there is no confirmation, the service continues with the Greeting of Peace (¶ 33).
27 A hymn may be sung.
28 The bishop says
Our help is in the name of the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
now, and for ever. Amen.
The bishop continues
Almighty and everliving God,
you have given your servants
new birth by water and the Spirit,
and have forgiven them their sins.
Strengthen them, we pray, with the Holy Spirit
that they may grow in grace.
Increase in them the spirit of wisdom
and understanding,
the spirit of discernment and inner strength,
the spirit of knowledge and true godliness,
and fill them with wonder and awe at your presence,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
29 Those who are to be confirmed kneel before the bishop, who lays a hand upon each of them saying
Strengthen, Lord, your servant, name with your Holy Spirit.
[Empower and sustain him/her for your service.]
And each of them answers with the congregation
Amen.
The congregation joins with the bishop in saying this prayer after all the candidates have received the laying on of hands, or the bishop alone may use this prayer instead of the prayer ‘Strengthen, Lord…’ when laying hands on each candidate.
Defend, O Lord, these your servants
with your heavenly grace,
that they may continue yours for ever,
and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more
until they come to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.
30 Those receiving the laying on of hands for reaffirmation kneel before the bishop, who lays hands upon each saying
Name, may the Holy Spirit
who has begun a good work in you
direct and uphold you
in the service of Christ and his kingdom.
God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
bless, preserve and keep you.
And each one of them answers with the congregation
Amen.
31 Baptised, communicant members of other churches who wish to be received into communicant membership of this church may be presented to the bishop according to the service of Reception into Communicant Membership (see page 95).
32 The bishop prays for those upon whom hands have been laid.
Almighty and everliving God,
watch over these your servants
upon whom we have now laid our hands.
Let your Holy Spirit always be with them
and lead them to know and obey your word,
that they may serve you in this life,
and dwell with you in the life to come:
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
33 All stand. The Greeting of Peace is introduced with these or other suitable words.
In baptism, God has made us one in Christ.
His Spirit is with us.
The priest says
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
All may exchange a sign of peace.
A hymn may be sung.
34 The gifts of the people are brought to the Lord’s Table. They may be presented in silence or a suitable prayer, such as follows, may be used.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have these gifts to share.
Accept and use our offerings for your glory
and for the service of your kingdom.
Blessed be God for ever.
35 The priest takes the bread and wine for the communion, places them on the Lord’s Table, and says the following or another authorised Prayer of Thanksgiving and Consecration.
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere,
mighty Creator, everliving God.
We give you thanks and praise for our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary
and lived as one of us.
By his death on the cross
and rising to new life,
he offered the one true sacrifice for sin
and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.
In baptism you have united us to him
and brought us out of darkness into light.
You pour your Spirit upon us, filling us with your gifts,
and calling us to serve you as a royal priesthood.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we proclaim your great and glorious name,
for ever praising you and saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
[Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.]
Merciful God, we thank you
for these gifts of your creation,
this bread and wine,
and we pray that by your Word and Holy Spirit,
we who eat and drink them
may be partakers of Christ’s body and blood.
On the night he was betrayed Jesus took bread;
and when he had given you thanks
he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,
‘Take, eat. This is my body given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.’
After supper, he took the cup,
and again giving you thanks
he gave it to his disciples, saying,
‘Drink from this, all of you.
This is my blood of the new covenant
shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’
The memorial acclamation is used here or below.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Therefore we do as our Saviour has commanded:
proclaiming his offering of himself
made once for all upon the cross,
his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension,
and looking for his coming again,
we celebrate, with this bread and this cup,
his one perfect and sufficient sacrifice
for the sins of the whole world.
The memorial acclamation may be used here.
Renew us by your Holy Spirit
unite us in the body of your Son,
and bring us with all your people
into the joy of your eternal kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
with whom, and in whom,
in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
we worship you, Father,
in songs of never-ending praise:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
are yours for ever and ever. Amen.
36 The Lord’s Prayer is said here or after the communion. The priest says
As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to pray,
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND COMMUNION
37 The priest breaks the bread. One of the following may be said.
[We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.]
We who are many are one body,
for we all share in the one bread.
or
As this broken bread was once many grains,
which have been gathered together and made one bread:
so may your Church be gathered
from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
38 The priest and other communicants receive the Holy Communion.
The sacrament is given with the following words.
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.
and
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
or
The priest says
[The gifts of God for the people of God.]
Come let us take this holy sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in remembrance that he died for us, and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
The sacrament is given with the following words, after which the communicant responds Amen.
The body of Christ [the bread of heaven] keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The blood of Christ [the cup of salvation] keep you in eternal life. Amen.
During the communion, psalms, hymns and anthems such as those on page 145 may be sung or said.
THE SENDING OUT OF GOD'S PEOPLE
39 The priest says
Let us pray.
Gracious God,
in baptism you make us one family in Christ your Son,
one in the sharing of his body and his blood,
one in the communion of his Spirit.
Help us to grow in love for one another
and come to the full maturity of the body of Christ.
40 All say together
Father,
we offer ourselves to you
as a living sacrifice
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Send us out in the power of your Spirit
to live and work to your praise and glory.
or
Most loving God,
you send us into the world you love.
Give us grace to go thankfully and with courage
in the power of your Spirit.
41 A hymn may be sung.
42 If there has been confirmation the bishop may say to the congregation
All who have been baptised and confirmed are called to study the Bible, to take part in the life of the Church, to share in the Holy Communion, and to pray faithfully and regularly.
We are called to share with others, by word and example, the love of Christ and his gospel of reconciliation and hope.
We are called to love our neighbours as ourselves, to honour all people and to pray and work for peace and justice.
I invite all of you to commit yourselves anew to this calling.
We will gladly do so,
in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
43 The priest or bishop blesses the congregation with this or another appropriate blessing.
Go forth into the world in peace;
be of good courage;
hold fast that which is good;
render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the faint hearted; support the weak;
help the afflicted;
give honour to all; love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
44 The deacon may say
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord:
In the name of Christ. Amen.
or
Go in the name of Christ:
Thanks be to God.
1 Baptism is a community event, welcoming new members of Christ’s flock, and providing an opportunity for all the baptised to renew their vows. It should therefore take place within the regular pattern of congregational worship.
When adults are baptised, their confirmation and first communion should take place at the same service as their baptism, making one unified rite of Christian initiation.
When both baptism and confirmation are administered, the service should be so arranged that the sacrament of baptism is seen as central.
When only baptism is administered, ¶14–15 and 27–32 are omitted.
¶1–7 may on occasion be replaced by ¶1–11 of Holy Communion (Second Order). If the sermon does not concern the subject of baptism, the exhortation at ¶4 shall be read after the sermon.
2 At the presentation of candidates (¶ 12–15), the priest and bishop may vary the words of invitation as is most suitable to the occasion. Where there is a baptism without confirmation, reaffirmation or reception, the presentation of candidates is optional. At ¶ 12, 14 and 15, candidates may be presented individually or as a group.
3 In the celebration of baptism the symbolism of water should be emphasised. Immersion or the pouring of a significant quantity of water shows this clearly. The pouring of the water both into the font and over each candidate should be done deliberately and with care.
4 When all have been baptised, the ministers, the newly baptised and their sponsors may move to a position in the centre of the congregation.
5 The ‘after baptism’ ceremonies, including the signing with the cross, should be performed after all the baptisms are completed. When there are a number of candidates, the congregational responses may be kept until all the candidates have been signed [and presented with a candle].
6 Oil may be used if desired at the signing of the cross at ¶ 24. The optional use of oil (chrism) restores an ancient baptismal ceremony. It evokes a rich variety of biblical imagery: the anointing of kings (1 Samuel 16), the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2), the seal of the saints (Revelation 7) and is traditionally associated with the Holy Spirit. Its relationship with the name ‘Christ’, the anointed one, reminds us that each baptism is related to the baptism of Jesus.
7 At ¶ 25 a lighted candle may be presented to each candidate.
8 The readings are normally those of the day. The following are also suitable:
Genesis 9.8–17; Exodus 14.19–31; Ezekiel 36.25–28.
Psalm 29; Psalm 46.
Acts 2.37–42; Romans 6.1–11; Galatians 3.23–29.
Matthew 28.18–20; Mark 1.1–11; John 3.1–8.
9 Emergency baptisms. Baptism may be ministered in an emergency in a home, hospital or other similar place. The following procedures should be followed:
Where possible, ¶16, 17 and 18 should be used, with at least one parent responding if the candidate is a child.
Where possible, ¶21 (or at least its last paragraph) and ¶22 should be used. ¶23 must be used.
Where possible, and as soon as practicable, the baptised person should come or be brought to church, there to be welcomed by the congregation using this form:
After an appropriate enquiry, the priest says:
‘I certify that at place on date, N was duly baptised.’
Then would follow so much of this as had not been used at the baptism: ¶16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25 and 26. Where ¶16 is being used, the priest should first say ‘I call upon the sponsors to declare their willingness to fulfil their responsibilities in respect of this child’.
10 On the sign of the cross, see page 822.
11 Sponsors. In this service, the term ‘sponsor’ is used to include godparents and parents in cases where this is appropriate. Parents directly sponsor their children by bringing them for baptism, and should answer the questions even if they are not formally godparents. Adult candidates and candidates for confirmation and reaffirmation should have at least one sponsor.
12 Reaffirmation provides for those who have been baptised and confirmed and who wish to make a public reaffirmation of faith.