What are the liturgical actions and symbols of baptism?

Answer 1

1. Apart from apart from cases of danger of death, a child is not admitted to baptism without the parent's consent and a serious assurance that after baptism the child will be given a Catholic upbringing. In the absence of reasonable hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith, the priest not only may, but should, postpone the baptism until such time as there is some evidence of living faith. If there is a disagreement with the parents about the postponement of baptism, recourse may be made to the bishop. Canon 868 -- For the licit baptism of an infant it is necessary that: 1. the parents or at least one of them or the person who lawfully takes their placegives consent; 2. there be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion; if such a hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be put off according to the particular law and the parents are to informed of the reason.2. It is the serious duty, as well as great pastoral opportunity, of priests, deacons, and pastoral teams to prepare parents and sponsors with appropriate instruction and guidance before the baptism of infants. The suggested norm for the diocese in an extended program of preparation with parents and sponsors for a minimum of three (3) two-hour sessions. The preparation of these adults is to help them understand their essential contribution to the development of their child's growth in faith. Canon 851 -- It is necessary that the celebration of baptism be properly prepared. Thus: the parents of an infant who is to be baptized and likewise those who are to undertake the office of sponsor are to be properly instructed in the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations which are attached to it; personally or through others the pastor is to see to it that the parents are properly formed in pastoral directions and by common prayer, gathering several families together and where possible visiting them. The Rite of Infant Baptism is used for all children not yet seven (7) year or older presented for baptism, the proper ritual is: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, not The Rite of Infant Baptism. Pastors and catechists should be familiar with the section of the RCIA entitled "An Initiation of Children Who Have Reached Catechetical Age" long before the need for the ritual because of the preparation of the parents and child that is required. In accordance with the RCIA these children are confirmed at their baptism. Canon 852 -- 1. What is prescribed in the canons on the baptism of an adult is applicable to all who are no longer infants but have attained the use of reason. 2. One who is not of sound mind (non sui compos) is equated with an infant so far as baptism is concerned.Canons 851 -- It is necessary that the celebration of baptism be properly prepared. Thus: 1. an adult who intends to receive baptism is to be admitted to the catechumenate and, to the extent possible, be led through the several stages of sacramental initiation, in accord with the order of initiation adapted by the conference of bishops and the special norms published by it. Canon 865 -- 1. To be baptized, it is required that an adult have manifested the will to be receive baptism, be sufficiently instructed in the truths of faith and in Christian obligations and be tested in the Christian life by means of the catechumenate; the adult is also to be exhorted to have sorrow for personal sins. 2. An adult in danger of death may be baptized if, having some knowledge of the principal truths of faith, the person has in any way manifested an intention of receiving baptism and promises to observe the commandments of the Christian religion. Canon 866-- Unless a grave reason prevents it, an adult who is baptized is to be confirmed immediately afterbaptism and participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, also receiving communion. 4. The active participation by the Christian people, which has already come into use in the case of adults, is also required for the baptism of infants and children, in which the "people of God," that is the church made present in the local community, has an important part to play. In addition, the community itself will draw great spiritual and apostolic benefit from the baptism ceremony. Canon 837 -- 1. Liturgical actions are not private actions but celebrations of the Church itself, which is "the sacrament of unity," namely, a holy people assembled and ordered under the bishops; therefore liturgical actions pertain to the whole body of the Church and manifest and affect it, but they affect the individual members of the Church in different ways according to the diversity of orders, functions and actual participation. 2 2. Liturgical actions, to the extent that by their proper nature they involve a common celebration, are to be celebrated where possible with the presence and active participation of the Christian faithful. 5. Baptisms at Sunday liturgy are highly encouraged and it is recommended to make the baptism of infants during Sunday liturgy the normal policy for the parish. Sunday afternoon baptisms are entirely out of keeping with the intent of the reformed rite both as to preparation of parents and proper liturgical celebration. If, for pastoral reasons, baptisms during the Sunday liturgy is not possible, baptism should be celebrated at a time when at least a portion of the community can be present. Canon 856 -- Although baptism may be celebrated on any day, it is recommended that ordinarily it be celebrated on a Sunday or if possible at the Easter Vigil. 6. It is recommended that baptisms not be celebrated during the season of Lent but if possible be postponed until Easter. 7. It is recommended to celebrate two or more baptisms at one time. The right of baptism of several children is given as a normal form of celebration. 8. Baptism should occur in the parish church. The Sacrament of Baptism is not to be conferred in a private house except in danger of death. Canon 857 -- 1. Outside a case of necessity, the proper place for baptism is a church or an oratory. 2. As a rule adults are to be baptized in their own parish church and infants in the parish church proper to the parents, unless a just cause suggests otherwise. Canon 860 -- 1. Outside the case of necessity, baptism is not to be conferred in private homes, unless the local ordinary has permitted this for a grave cause. 2. Baptism is not to be celebrated in hospitals unless the diocesan bishop has decreed otherwise, except in case of necessity or some other compelling pastoral reason. 9. Except when there is danger of death, priests are not permitted to baptize persons who are outside of their own local community unless they have the permission of the family's pastor indicating that the family has been prepared and there is a serious assurance of a Catholic upbringing. Canon 862 -- 3 Outside the case of necessity, it is not lawful for anyone without the required permission, to confer baptism in the territory of another, not even upon his own subjects. Canon 878 -- It baptism was administered neither by the pastor nor in his presence, the minister of baptism, whoever it is, must inform the pastor of the parish in which the baptism was administered, so that they may record it in accord with canon 877, P.1 Canon 857-- P.2. As a rule adults are to be baptized in their own parish church and infants in the parish church proper to their parents, unless a just cause suggests otherwise. 10. One Catholic sponsor is required. Two may be used, in which case they must be of opposite sex. A baptized non-Catholic may act as a witness together with a Catholic sponsor. Canon 874-- P.2. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may not be admitted except as a witness to baptism and together with a Catholic sponsor. 11. To be a sponsor for Baptism, one must fulfill the following conditions: a. Have the qualifications and intention of performing the role; b. Have completed the sixteenth year; c. Have received Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, and live a life of harmony with the Catholic faith; d. Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared. Canon 874 --P.1. To be admitted to the role of sponsor, a person must:1. be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who takes their place, or in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the qualifications and intention of performing this role; 2. have completed the sixteenth year, unless a different age has been established by the diocesan bishop or it seems to the pastor or minister that an exception is to be made for just cause; 3. be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken; 4. not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared; 4 5. not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized. 12. Record of the baptism is to be entered carefully and without delay in the Baptismal Register by the pastor or his delegate. Canon 877 --P.1. The pastor of the place where the baptism is celebrated must carefully and without delay record in the baptismal book the names of those baptized making mention of the minister, parents, sponsors, witnesses if any and the place and date of the conferred baptism together with an indication of the date and place of birth. B. INITIATION OF ADULTS 1. Age -- All candidates above the age of seven (7) are initiated into the Catholic faith according to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It will be necessary to make adaptation of the RCIA for children and adolescents. Canon 851 -- It is necessary that the celebration of baptism be properly prepared. Thus: 1. an adult who intends to receive baptism is to be admitted to the catechumenate and, to the extent possible, be led through the several stages of sacramental initiation, in accord with the order of initiation adapted by the conference of bishops and the special norms published by it. Canon 865 -- P.1. To be baptized, it is required that an adult have manifested the will to receive baptism, be sufficiently instructed in the truths of faith and in Christian obligations and be tested in the Christian life by means of the catechumenate; the adult is also to be exhorted to have sorrow for personal sins. P.2. An adult in danger of death may be baptized if, having some knowledge of the principal truths of faith, the person has in any way manifested an intention of receiving baptism and promises to observe the commandments of the Christian religion. Canon 852 -- P.1. What is prescribed in the canons on the baptism of an adult is applicable to all who are no longer infants but have attained the use of reason. 2. One who is not of sound mind (non sui compos) is equated with an infant so far as baptism is concerned. 2. Regulations under the Baptism of Infants and Children govern the initiation of adults.
Baptism is a greek word that means to dip and to immerse... The significance of the action is cleansing. In spiritual practices, cleansing is a prerequisite, it symbolizes new life and new beginning and so christians does baptism, hinu does their kumba mela festival on the ganges river to cleanse their spirits, pagans use water to cleanse evil spirits, etc...

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The cros, the colour white and holy water
The symbol used for baptism is the "Dove" when John the Baptist baptized Jesus the Holy Spirit came in the form of a dove and God said " This is my son in whom i am well pleased."
holy water, white clothing, lighted candle, paschal candle, chrism, baptismal fount.
the cross, the water that purifies us, and the white attire.
washing with water

Answer 2

The priest pours blessed water over the persons head.