baptismBaptism

There are two types of baptisms: affusion and immersion.
Affusion baptism involves sprinkling or gently pouring water on the head of the participant. This version is typically performed on those with limited mobility such as the elderly, babies, or the handicapped (though it can be used for anyone).

Immersion baptisms, as the name suggests, involve full submerging the participant in water. For this type of ceremony, you’ll need a pool, a font, or a natural body of water like a lake or river.

Baptismal Ceremonies in Christianity
Many Christian denominations invoke the Holy Trinity during a baptismal ceremony. This tradition comes from the Biblical account of the baptism of Jesus as told in the Gospels. During the events, God the Father opened the heavens and sent down the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ, the son.

How to Perform a Baptism
A baptism is a relatively simple ceremony in terms of logistics. This ceremony only has a few basic requirements: a minister, a participant, and witnesses that will help the newly baptized believer on his or her journey in the community of faith.

For baptizing babies, typically the family will stand with you in front of the congregation, often times holding the child during the baptism. While there are many variants on the rite, here are the basic steps:

The participant should wear white as white symbolizes purity and a fresh start.
Prayers that are typically said during the ceremony are meant to cleanse infants of original sin and adults of any sins they have committed up to that point.
Members of the community of faith will often surround and offer support to the person being baptized.
Cleanse with water. Here is where the participant is either dunked under water or water is poured or sprinkled on his or her head.
Celebrate. Everyone involved rejoices in the baptism of the participant.