The baptism ceremony
Preparing for the baptism service
Preparations for baptism are made together with the local parish. Therefore, contact the parish office first and tell them about your wish to be baptised or have your child baptised. The parish office will help you choose a time and place for the event. They will also assign a pastor to perform the baptism. If you prefer a specific pastor, for example, your family pastor, wedding pastor, or confirmation pastor, you should contact them directly and ask whether they are available. Remember to inform the parish office if you have requested a pastor from elsewhere.
The pastor will make an appointment with you a few weeks before the baptism date to discuss the meaning of baptism, the choice of godparents, and the details of the ceremony. Where appropriate, you will also discuss the names to be given at baptism. Having this discussion in your home is natural, especially if you want the baptism ceremony there. But of course, you can also meet at the parish office or the church or chapel where the baptism will take place.
Baptism gown or alb
Small children usually wear a long white gown, whereas youth and adults wear an alb at baptism. The colour white symbolises purity and holiness. Many families own a gown passed on within the family from generation to generation and may even have the names of the baptised children embroidered in it. You may want to make or buy a new gown for your child. But you can also borrow one from your parish. Remember to check availability and reserve one well in time. The parish provides albs for youth and adult baptism candidates.
Baptism table
If the ceremony is held at home, you need to prepare a baptism table, which serves as a small altar. It would be good to cover the table with a white linen and adorn it with a candle, a Bible, and fresh flowers. The candle symbolises prayer and the light of Christ, but it also has a practical purpose. The pastor will use it to light the baptism candle during the ceremony. If you have a wedding or confirmation Bible, put it on the table as a reminder of your vows. A glass or crystal bowl can serve as the baptismal font.
The order of service
Whether the baptism is held in church or at home, it seldom starts precisely on time. Often, the last-minute preparations take more time than planned. The order of the service is as follows:
- Hymn
- Blessing and words of introduction
- (Psalm)
- Questions or exhortation
- Sign of the cross
- Prayer
- Bible reading
- Gospel reading
- Sermon or speech
- Reading the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20)
- Confession of faith using the Apostles' Creed.
- Baptism
- Lighting the baptism candle
- Prayers of intercession
- The Lord's Prayer
- Benediction
- (Closing hymn)
After the ceremony, the pastor will hand out the baptism and godparent certificates.
Hymns and songs
Since the baptism ceremony is a form of Christian worship, hymns or spiritual songs are vital to the celebration. In the Finnish Hymnal [linkki → virsikirja.fi], there is a section of baptism hymns (hymns 214–219). Some of these hymns are only appropriate for infant baptism. The section 'Children' (hymns 490–503) and hymn 971 are also popular choices for the baptism of little children. For young people, you will find some well-known hymns from the sections 'Confirmation' (hymns 233–237) and 'Youth' (hymns 504–517). Many hymns are also available in English. Since no cantor is present at many baptisms, we advise you to discuss your music wishes with the pastor.
Bible readings
The baptism service will always include reading the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20). The Children's Gospel (Mark 10:13–16) is also read when a child is baptised. In addition, you may agree with the pastor to include other meaningful Bible readings. The pastor, parents, godparents, or anyone present can do the readings.
