Diocese of Adelaide

South Australia

What happens in the service?

During the service the priest asks the person being baptised or the sponsors (if they are not old enough to answer for themselves) to affirm that they turn to Christ, repent of their sins, reject selfish, false and unjust living and reject all that is evil. They are also asked to make an affirmation of faith in Christ using the words of the Creed.

Following the affirmation three symbols are used to convey special meaning.

Firstly, water symbolises life, new birth and refreshment.

Secondly, the sign of the cross is made on the forehead of the person being baptized to show that they are marked as Christ’s own forever.

Thirdly, a candle will be lit. This will be presented to those being baptized or to their parents or godparents. The candle symbolise being brought out of darkness into God’s light. The candidate is asked to shine as a light in the world.

The congregation also promise to support and encourage the person baptised in Christian faith and practice.