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How Long Does A Baptism Take?
Baptism is one of the most important sacraments and celebrated practices in the Christian religion. Although baptisms may differ slightly in length, depending on the church and religious denomination, the underlying spiritual purpose of the practice remains the same everywhere.
A baptism ceremony typically begins with the church pastor providing a welcome and a brief explanation of the sacrament. Depending on the church, the pastor may give a brief sermon and then invite family and friends to stand around the font. If the baptism is for an infant, the pastor may ask the parents and godparents to renew their own baptismal vows, typically during the Sign of the Cross. After the vows have been taken, the pastor will turn to the parents and Godparents and ask, “What name has this child been given?” followed by the pastor’s pronouncement of the name.
Following this, the pastor will ask the family of the child to come forward for the actual rite of baptism, if it is for an infant, the parents will normally hold the child. The pastor will then recite, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”, while pouring water over the child’s head. The pastor will then anoint the child with oil (known as Chrism) while saying, “you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever”.
The ceremony ends with the pastor giving a blessing to the family and a final prayer, followed by a recessional. Depending on the church, the organist may play a short postlude signifying the end of the service.
Any baptism ceremony is a precious and memorable occasion, and even though they may vary slightly in length, they are equally meaningful. The sacrament of baptism is a beautiful and joyous celebration that truly seals the faith of both the baptized and the members of the church.
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