Baptism is the way out of the kingdom of death into life, the gateway to the Church, and the beginning of a lasting communion with God. It is the foundation sacrament and is required for all other sacraments as it unites us with Jesus Christ and frees us from original sin.
Form is the words and actions that go along with the rite of the sacrament. They are given to us by Christ and do not change. The minister of the sacrament of baptism must say the form "Name, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Matter is the physical elements that are required for the sacrament. These are tangible signs that indicate the presence and reality of the sacrament. The matter of baptism is water. It is poured three times over the head of the candidate while the form is being said. Water symbolizes cleaning and a new life. It is a sign of conversion, repentance and a new life in Christ. The ceremony also includes the signs of anointing, the white garment and the baptismal candle.
A minister is someone who performs the rite or ceremony of the Sacrament. The minister for baptism is normally a bishop, priest or deacon. The rite begins with the celebrant greets all present, and especially the parents and godparents, reminding them briefly of the joy with which the parents welcomed the child as a gift from God, the source of life, who now wishes to bestow life on this little one. First, is the Liturgy of the Word which includes; the First Reading, Responsorial psalm, second reading, gospel, homily and prayer of the faithful. Then it goes into the Liturgy of the Saints. Next is the prayer of exorcism and anointing before baptism. Then is the anointing with oil of catechumen and then following is the blessing and invocation of God over baptismal water. Then the parents and godparents answer the questions during the Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith for the child. Then there is the baptism as well as the anointing with chrism, clothed with the white garment and light the candle. If the priest is the celebrant the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Communion stays the same. Lastly, is the concluding rite which ends every mass, letting us go in peace.
I was baptized by Father John F. Wymes in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Malverne on April 8, 2001.