Concerning the Service 

*Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into 
Christ's Body the Church.  The bond which God establishes in Baptism 
is indissoluble.* 

*Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the 
chief service on a Sunday or other feast.* 

*The bishop, when present, is the celebrant; and is expected to preach 
the Word and preside at Baptism and the Eucharist.  At Baptism, the 
bishop officiates at the Presentation and Examination of Candidates; 
says the Thanksgiving over the Water; [consecrates the Chrism;] reads 
the prayer, "Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy 
Spirit;" and officiates at what follows.* 

*In the absence of a bishop, a priest is the celebrant and presides at 
the service.  If a priest uses Chrism in signing the newly baptized, it 
must have been previously consecrated by the bishop.* 

*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.* 

*Additional Directions are on page 312.*