For the Juniors: Celebrating a baby's baptism

Posted 25 May 2022Wed 25 May 2022 at 5:14am

A group of four adults and one baby stand in a church at a baptism — For the Juniors: Celebrating a baby's baptism

People walk into a church

NARRATOR

These people are gathering inside a church. They're about to take part in a very special ceremony for a new baby. It's called a baptism or christening.

PRIEST

Welcome to you all on this special occasion where we're going to receive into the church a new little Christian who is going to be baptised today. And so I turn to his parents, Peter and Christina, and I ask you now both, what name have you given your son?

PETER AND CHRISTINA

Vincent.

NARRATOR

Vincent's parents are Christians. They belong to the Catholic religion. They want Vincent to be baptised so he starts his life as a Christian too. He's wearing the same christening gown that his big sister wore when she was baptised.

PRIEST

Almighty and ever-living God…

Lady holds Vincent as the priest lifts his hand above Vincent's head

NARRATOR

The lady holding Vincent is his godmother and the man standing next to her is his godfather. They will be like another set of parents to guide and care for Vincent as he grows up.

ALL

Lord, hear our prayer.

PRIEST

And this day I claim you for Christ Our Saviour by the sign of the Cross.

NARRATOR

Everyone rubs a special oil on Vincent's forehead and they pray that he will be strong and healthy.

PRIEST

You've called your son Vincent to this cleansing water and new birth.

NARRATOR

Water is needed for a very important part of the baptism ceremony.

PRIEST

Bless this water in which he will be baptised.

NARRATOR

First the priest blesses the water.

PRIEST

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen. Vincent, I baptise you…

NARRATOR

Then the priest pours the blessed water over Vincent's head as a sign that Vincent is starting his life as a clean and good person.

Congregation applauds

Vincent cries as his godmother dries his head with a towel

NARRATOR

Vincent's glad that part's over. Vincent is now baptised. A special white garment is put on him to show that he is now one of God's children.

PRIEST

You have become a new creation and have clothed yourself in Christ.

NARRATOR

Vincent's godfather lights a baptism candle as a sign that the Catholic religion is now part of Vincent's life.

PRIEST

This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. Vincent's father and godfather agree to help Vincent be a good Catholic as he grows up.

PRIEST

I'd you to put your hands together and welcome our new little Christian, Vincent.

NARRATOR

The celebration isn't over yet. After the church service, it's time to eat. There's lots of delicious food. There's also a christening cake.

PETER

I wish him all the best for his life, and, obviously, baptism is the start of his Christian life, and we've chosen as parents to bring him down this path. He's a cute little boy, isn't he? Looks like me. No? So while you're there, can you please all charge your glasses in a big toast to Vincent and the godparents.

Guests lift their glasses in a toast

SUBJECTS: History

YEARS: F–2

Meet Vincent and his family and friends as they celebrate his baptism.

Find out what happens when a baby is baptised in the Catholic church.

Come along to Vincent's party afterwards for some fun, good food and an amazing christening cake.

Things to think about

1.Do you have photos of special celebrations in your life? What special events does your family celebrate? Which events do you celebrate every year? Which celebrations only happen once in a person's life?
2.Where is this ceremony taking place? Who is there? What is special about what Vincent is wearing? Why is water poured on Vincent's head? What does the white garment show? Why does the godfather light a candle? What happens at the christening party?
3.Find out about special celebrations and ceremonies in your family. What happens? Why are these events celebrated? When are they celebrated? Who is there? Ask an older person in your family about past celebrations. Find out which parts of these celebrations have changed over time and which parts have stayed the same.
4.This video shows a Christian celebration. People of different religions have different celebrations. Ask an adult to help you find a person from a different religion to your own. Ask them about their religious celebrations and ceremonies. First make a list of questions you can ask. Try to use 'What?', 'When?', 'Who?', 'How?' and 'Why?' questions.

Date of broadcast: 23 Oct 2000

Copyright

^{Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Education Services Australia Ltd 2012 (except where otherwise indicated).}^{Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated).}^{Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners.}^{Text © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Education Services Australia is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0).}

Posted 25 May 2022Wed 25 May 2022 at 5:14am

History Education

For the Juniors: Celebrating a baby's baptism

Meet Vincent and his family and friends as they celebrate his baptism.

Things to think about

Copyright

Related

For the Juniors: Celebrating achievements

For the Juniors: Celebrating a new baby

For the Juniors: Celebrating a first birthday

Footer

Transcript

Meet Vincent and his family and friends as they celebrate his baptism.

Things to think about

Copyright

For the Juniors: Celebrating achievements

For the Juniors: Celebrating a new baby

For the Juniors: Celebrating a first birthday

Footer