The Universal Life Church Monastery s GUIDE TO BAPTISMS CONTENTS An Introduction to Baptisms 1 Planning a Baptism 2 Holy Water - 4 Baptismal Rites Example 5 Scripture for Baptisms 7 1 A FREE DOWNLOAD FROM ULC.ORG
An Introduction to Baptisms History of baptism The term baptism is derived from the Latin word baptismos, or the act of ritual washing and purification. Generally speaking, baptisms are performed within a Christian context. It is a symbolic act of purification and has its roots in the ancient Jewish practice of bathing in a mikvah. A mikvah was a large bath where Jews went to restore a state of ritual purity lost through various acts. These acts included coming into contact with a corpse or the completion of a woman's menstrual cycle, the latter being one of the most common uses of the mikvah. Biblical origins Baptism appears in the New Testament when Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the River of Jordan. This scene marks the beginning of the Christian tradition of baptism. In the twelfth century, the Catholic Church deemed the ritual of baptism to be a sacrament and one of the seven holy rites. The term "baptism" is also used for initiations in various kinds of other spiritual traditions. For example, the Native American "vision quest" journeys that young men and women participated in is a form of initiatory practice that some consider to be similar to baptism (although this practice doesn t involve water). Who can be baptized, and who can perform the baptismal ceremony? People of all ages can be baptized, although it is common practice amongst Christian denominations for baptisms to occur within a few months of birth. In this way, certain devout Christians believe that the soul of their child is wiped clean of original sin and will go directly to heaven in the event of an untimely and premature death. People also get baptized when they convert to Christianity at any age, even as adults. A wide range of officials are able to perform baptismal ceremonies. The Catholic Church, for example, allows its bishops, priests, deacons and parish priests to perform baptisms. People who become legally ordained online through online ministries like the Universal Life Church Monastery are also able to perform baptisms. In the event of a lifethreatening situation, any individual with the right intention, regardless of faith, may perform the rite of baptism. 2 1
Planning a Baptism Officiating baptismal or christening ceremonies is one of the four primary services Universal Life Church Monastery ministers provide to their communities, and is one that every ULC minister should feel free to embrace. A baptismal ceremony is one of the most notable points in every Christian's journey, and an officiant should treat every ceremony he or she performs with reverence. Our ministers can use the following comprehensive guide to plan a baptismal ceremony once they have been contacted by the proud parents of a newly-born child. Step 1: Choosing godparents Godparent selection is an important decision made by all parents who decide to have their children baptized. While our ministers do not have an official say in the matter, parents will sometimes ask the officiant (especially if they are a friend or relative) to give advice or share their opinion. A ULC minister who is asked to help select godparents is put in a unique position where they can help foster development - spiritual and otherwise - by selecting the right individuals. ULC Monastery ministers should treat this responsibility very, very seriously as the wrong choice could have disastrous consequences for the young child. Step 2: Scheduling Most churches have days set aside for baptismal and christening ceremonies, so it is necessary for the baptism officiant to contact the church where the baptism will take place early in the planning process to reserve a date. Officiants can plan less far in advance if the baptism is to be a non-denominational or interfaith event as the ceremony's location can thus be more flexible; community centers or even someone s home can be used in place of the church. Make sure to consider a day that will accommodate everyone's schedule. While this can be daunting, ULC ministers find that people generally enough flexibility to find a day that works with all parties. Step 3: Inquire about baptismal customs As many ULC ministers have discovered from officiating wedding ceremonies, people have greatly different ideas as to how a baptism should be performed. Officiants should go over their plans for the baptism with the baby's parents to make sure they have similar customs in mind. Step 4: Preparation Ministers should take the time to prepare their words and actions during the ceremony well before it takes place. Researching and rehearsing appropriate scripture readings may also be a good idea. As with so many other things in life, the best 3 2
baptismal officiant is the one that is best prepared! The ULC Monastery's online store has a popular book series that will help you prepare to perform baptisms. Step 5: Spread the word Baptisms are meaningful regardless of whether or not others are there, but it is likely that the baby's parents will want to invite a whole host of relatives and friends, so mailed invitations are a good idea if they have a "the more the merrier" mentality. Also, make sure to let to the parents know ahead of time if you are not comfortable speaking in front of crowds. They will want to make sure you enjoy the ceremony as well! Step 6: Ministerial garb Check with the parents to see if they want you to wear ministerial garb. If they do, the ULC Monastery s online store offers the proper attire for low prices. Step 7: Refreshments and other accouterments Work with the parents to determine what refreshments and decorations they want for before and/or after the ceremony. Raising young children can be hectic so they are sure to appreciate the help. Step 8: Perform the ceremony Planning the baptismal ceremony is the hard part; performing it should be fun! If you are nervous, take heart knowing that people will still appreciate you even if you make mistakes during your ceremonies. When you are finished, please share your experience with the Universal Life Church and your co-ministers online - we would love to hear your story! 4 3
Holy Water Water has been used for thousands of years to bless people in a variety of belief systems. In religious contexts, water is frequently thought of as a substance that can carry the energy of a person, place or even a thought. There have been several recent studies by quantum physicists which have documented water molecules rearranging themselves according to the energy and thoughts of the people and things that surround them; this gives some credence to the borderline supernatural properties some belief systems assign to water. Any water can be turned into holy water. However, out of respect for the sanctity of the holy-water creating process, it is best to use only clean, purified water in a blessing ceremony. Holy water is structurally similar to regular water, but it nonetheless supposedly holds the blessings with which it has been imbued. Certain kinds of individuals are generally designated to bless and sanctify water. In the Catholic Church, priests bless the water used in baptismal ceremonies. While the water itself is blessed by the intention of the priest, the invocation of the grace of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is also an integral part to the blessing. In Hindu traditions, a highlydeveloped spiritual teacher or master holds the honorary place of blessing the water used in religious ceremonies. In such a ceremony, the water is blessed by both the intention of the teacher and their physical touch. Holy water is used to purify an individual, like in a baptism ceremony, or to mark the entrance into a sacred space, like when Catholics pause to make the sign of the cross with holy water when entering a church. Drinking or bathing in holy water can also be used to promote healing and well-being. Sprinkling holy water around the perimeter of a room or building is reputed to prevent evil spirits from entering that space. 5 4
Baptismal Rites Example Feel free to use the following example of baptismal rites for a traditional water baptism if you are called upon to perform a baptism. Remember - this is only a template. The beauty of being a ULC minister is that there is no single set-in-stone, defined method our ministers need to adhere to in order to perform ceremonies like these. The ULC Monastery encourages its ministers to improvise if they'd like to and most importantly have fun and focus on creating a meaningful experience for everyone! (Note: words in bold should be stated by those gathered to witness the baptism) ---- Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power. In baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this Holy Sacrament. At the very dawn of creation your Holy Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all Holiness. With the waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters for baptism, that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness. Through the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Your Son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross. After his resurrection he told his disciples: "Go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." ALL: Lord, hear our prayer. You created man in your likeness. Being re-born through baptism cleanses him from sin in a new birth to innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. [The Celebrant touches the water with his right hand and continues.] We ask you, Father, with your power to send the Holy Spirit upon the water of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in death rise also with him to newness of life. We ask this in your name. 6 5
ALL: Lord, hear our prayer. Praise to you, almighty God, for you have created water to cleanse and to give life. Praise to you, Lord God the Holy Spirit, for you anointed the children with the waters of life, so that all who are baptized in it may be washed clean of all sin, and be born again to live as your divine children. ALL: Hear us, Lord God. Come to us, Lord God, Father of all, and make Holy this water which you have created, so that all who are baptized in it may be washed clean of all Sin, and be born again to live as your Divine Children. ALL: Hear us, Lord God. Father, God of mercy, through these waters of baptism you have filled us with new life as your very own children. From all who are baptized in water and the Holy Spirit, you have formed one people, united in your presence. You have set us free and filled our hearts with the Spirit of your Love, so that we may live in your peace. You call those who have been baptized to announce the Good News of Enlightenment to people everywhere. You have called your child(ren), to this cleansing water and new birth that by be sharing the faith of your Faith they might have eternal life. Bless this water in which they will be baptized. We live in the grace of God. Amen. 7 6
Scripture for Baptisms Universal Life Church Monastery ministers looking for scriptures to read during a baptismal ceremony can use this listing for reference. Baptisms are highly meaningful ceremonies, so pick the passages that seem most appropriate to you and enjoy kickstarting a young Christian's spiritual journey! Old Testament Exodus 17:3-7 Exodus 36:24-28 Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 New Testament Romans 6:3-5 Romans 8:28-32 Corinthians 12:12-13 Galatians 3:26-29 Ephesians 4:1-6 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10 Responsorial Psalms Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6 Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 Alleluia Verse John 3:16, 8:12, 14:6 Ephesians 4:5-6 Gospel Readings Matthew 28:18-30 Mark: 1:9-11 Mark 10:13-16 John 3:1-6 8 7