JANUARY 2020
faithful (310). Tis has been the sequence since the 1970 Rite of Baptism for Children, but many parishes have not realized it or preferred to put the petitions after the baptism, as happens with other sacramental celebrations such as marriage.
However, the Order of Baptism of Children puts the petitions just ahead of the litany of the saints, whom the community implores prior to baptism. Baptism still retains some exorcistic features since the child is leaving the hungry grasp of Satan and receiving divine grace. We invoke the saints to guide the way toward the font, and the petitions for the child and other members of the community precede. Te parish may include its own petitions in the list. Tese logically come first, and then the specific prayers for the one to be baptized conclude the prayer.
For the first time, the ritual book explicitly states that the full litany of the saints may replace the shorter one. Te previous English translation put the full litany in the appendix, but it never indicated when to use it. Now it is listed as an option. Tis was another concession that the Vatican granted the USCCB with the 2020 publication. At a Sunday Mass, the full litany may prove too long, but musicians should know that they have this option.
Te blessing of water is the same that appears in the missal’s baptismal celebration for the Easter Vigil (317). However, the presider still has the choice of two other formulas (223-224). Musicians should be aware of these because they each include acclamations that are most often recited but could be sung. Tese latter two options provide a good opportunity for the full, conscious, active participation of the people by punctuating the priest’s blessing with their own voices in praise of God.
For the renunciation of sin and profession of faith, the priest explicitly invites the entire community to join with the parents and godparents (319). Tis replaces their common recitation of the Creed.
Te formula for baptism remains unchanged (323). All Catholics should know this formula in case of emergency. And no minister should alter these words. Tey are essential for the validity of the sacrament.
13
INSIDE OR OUT? Where do parish baptisms take place?
Te Order of Baptism of Children provides options for the sacrament to be celebrated either within Mass or in a dedicated ceremony separate from Mass. But where do most baptisms actually take place? We polled NPM members on Facebook and the answer was . . . both.
In the poll that ran Nov. 20 through the end of the month, more than 400 votes were cast: 56% indicated baptisms were celebrated outside of liturgy; 44% celebrated parish baptisms inside liturgy. Nearly 50 people also commented, most often to note that the answer was often both. Private baptisms were often, but not always, at the family’s request.
“Too many people complain when they are during Mass,” noted Judy Layton Jones of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
For others, the decision is influenced by logistical feasibility. “We like to do them during weekend liturgies but our priest has two parishes that he travels between and does not have the extra time,” posted Whitney Crooks.
Te mother of three opted for an addtional Saturday Mass in which to baptize her newborn. It took place in late November—and she invited the entire parish to the celebration!
To join in other NPM polls, or engage in conversation and sharing best practices, look for the NPM National page on Facebook.
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