Almost every Episcopalian has had the opportunity to witness and share in the baptism of a child or adult during a Sunday morning worship service. Since Holy Baptism is most appropriate in the content of our Sunday morning Eucharistic celebration [See: New Baptismal Theology? Adult Baptism] one aspect of the Rite of Holy Baptism that is often overlooked, or is at least not emphasized, is the role of the congregation in this sacramental celebration.After the candidate for Holy Baptism is either immersed or has water poured upon his or her head, four separate actions follow: the Naming of the person with the words, “N., I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”; the Baptismal Prayer is said over the candidate; the candidate is then sealed with the oil of Chrism by the Bishop or Priest making the sign of the cross on the forehead of the candidate; and finally the newly baptized is welcomed into the household of God.
The first three are probably the most familiar to Episcopalians. However, at least for the congregation, the fourth action is instrumental for both the newly baptized, the congregation and the Church at large. Most parishes have the custom of the Celebrant walking or carrying the newly baptized through the congregation immediately after the welcoming words: “We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.” Giving the members of the congregation an opportunity to see the newly baptized, especially if he or she is an infant, is a delightful experience for the worshipers and a way to emphasize the ‘welcoming’ aspect.
But, what are we really saying in our actions. Through the years I have added some additional customs [See: Holy Baptism: The Salt of Baptism]. One is that I invite all children to come and gather around the baptismal font so that they can get a better view of what will be taking place at that spot. Another custom I have incorporated into the rite is, immediately following the ‘welcoming,’ having a representative from the congregation, most often the Senior Warden, take the infant, child and/or adult and walk the newly baptized throughout the congregation.
Why the Senior Warden or another representative you may ask? What is being signified during this action is not only our words of ‘welcoming’ but also the congregation’s responsibility for the upbringing and nurturing of the newly baptized. Yes, the priest is charged with the responsibility of “ensur[ing] that persons be prepared for Baptism” as well as “ensur[ing] that, before baptizing infants or children, that sponsors be prepared by instructing both the parents and the Godparents concerning the significance of Holy Baptism, the responsibilities of parents and Godparents for the Christian training of the baptized child, and how these obligations may properly be discharged.” (Constitution and Canons, III.9.5(3)) However, the reality is that by the time the newly baptized is ready for Confirmation, the priest who performed his or her baptism will have moved to another parish. So then, who’s responsibility is it to see to it that the child is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
I believe it is the responsibility of the congregation and not solely the parents, Godparents and sponsors! When a person is baptized into God’s family, he or she is being baptized into a particular parish family. And, as a family, every member of the congregation is responsible for the upbringing, education, nurturing and support of the newly baptized. In addition every member of the congregation carries the responsibility in and through their prayers and witness to help the newly baptized to grow into the full stature of Christ. These responsibilities are affirmed when, as witnesses of the baptismal vows, each congregant promises to “do all in your power to support [the newly baptized] in [his or her] life in Christ.” And as an outward symbolic sign of the congregation’s responsibility, the Senior Warden receives the newly baptized and presents his or her to the congregation so that it may truly “welcome the newly baptized.”
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