INTRODUCTION
1.
Background Information on Baptisms.
The sacrament or ordinance of baptism is administered in accordance with the faith group's tenets of
faith. Preparations for a baptismal service may change according to specific local guidelines and
chaplain preferences.
Baptisms are normally conducted during the worship service or in a communal celebration in the
presence of the congregation or at least relatives, friends, and neighbors who all take an active part in the
baptismal rite.
The meaning and the degree of importance of baptism will vary among Christians. The age of the
person to be baptized will also differ, depending on the respective faith group's viewpoint of baptism. In
the Catholic, Orthodox, and most liturgical Protestant faith groups, the candidate for baptism is often an
infant. The majority of non-liturgical Protestant faith groups will baptize only older children (at an age
of accountability) and adults. Usually the act of dedicating infants or young children is practiced
separately from baptism by some non-liturgical Protestant faith groups and should not be confused with
the rite of baptism.
The element of water is used by all faith groups. A baptismal font or bowl or the baptismal pool are the
most commonly used vessels for containing the water. It should be noted that after the baptism, some
liturgical chaplains require that the water used during the baptism be poured into the sacrarium or
directly into the ground, instead of pouring it down a regular drain. The sacrarium, also named a
piscina, is a basin with a drain near the altar of a church or chapel used for disposing of liquids
remaining after liturgical services.
PART A -IDENTIFY THE TYPES OF PROTESTANT AND CATHOLIC BAPTISMS
1.
Pouring Method.
In this method, water is poured over the head of the person being baptized. A baptismal shell or the
chaplain's hand can be used to pour the water. The water should be room temperature and is placed in
the baptismal font or bowl from which the chaplain will take the water used to pour on the candidate's
head. This method is commonly used by Catholics and most liturgical Protestant faith groups.
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