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Holy Baptism is full initiation by
water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the church. The bond that God
establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. Holy Baptism is appropriately
administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other
feast.
Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one
or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present
their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and
their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian
life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their
candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf
of their candidates.
It is fitting that parents be included among the
godparents of their own children. Parents and godparents are to be
instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new
Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their
responsibilities as members of his church.
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The Baptismal Covenant
The Celebrant asks the following
questions of the candidates who can speak for themselves, and of the parents
and godparents who speak on behalf of the infants and younger children:
| Q
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Do you renounce Satan and
all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
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A |
I renounce them.
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| Q |
Do you renounce the evil
powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
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A |
I renounce them.
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| Q |
Do you renounce all sinful
desires that draw you from the love of God? |
A |
I renounce them.
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| Q |
Do you turn to Jesus
Christ and accept him as your Savior? |
A |
I do. |
| Q |
Do you put your whole
trust in his grace and love? |
A |
I do. |
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