Holy Baptism for All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day
5 November 2023
according to the Book of Common Prayer (p. 299ff.)
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We Gather in God’s Name
Entrance Hymn: I am thine, O Lord, I have heard thy voice (LEVAS 129)
BCP 299
The people stand as able.
Greeting
Officiant:
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People:
And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Officiant:
There is one Body and one Spirit;
People:
There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Officiant:
One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People:
One God and Father of all.
The Collect of the Day
Officiant:
The Lord be with you.
People:
And also with you.
Officiant:
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting.
People:
Amen.
The people are seated.
We Hear God’s Word
The First Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17
Lector:
A reading from John’s Revelation.
I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat;
for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Lector:
The word of the Lord.
People:
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 34:1-10,22
Benedicam Dominum
1 I will bless the LORD at all / times; *
his praise shall ever be in my / mouth.
2 I will glory in the / LORD; *
let the humble hear and re- / joice.
3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the / LORD; *
let us exalt his Name to- / gether.
4 I sought the LORD, and he / answered me *
and delivered me out of all my / terror.
5 Look upon him and be / radiant, *
and let not your faces be a- / shamed.
6 I called in my affliction and the LORD / heard me *
and saved me from all my / troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encompasses those who / fear him, *
and he will de- / liver them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is / good; *
happy are they who trust in / him!
9 Fear the LORD, you that are his / saints, *
for those who fear him lack / nothing.
10 The young lions lack and suffer / hunger, *
but those who seek the LORD lack nothing that is / good.
22 The LORD ransoms the life of his / servants, *
and none will be punished who trust in / him.
The Second Lesson: 1 John 3:1-3
Lector:
A reading from the first epistle of John.
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Lector:
The word of the Lord.
People:
Thanks be to God.
Choir Anthem
The people stand as able.
The Holy Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
Deacon:
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People:
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Deacon:
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Deacon:
The Gospel of the Lord.
People:
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The people are seated.
A brief homily, spiritual conversation, or moment of silence may be placed here.
Silence follows the homily.
We Respond in Faith
BCP 301
The Presentation and Examination of the Candidates
Celebrant:
The Candidate(s) for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Adults and Older Children
The candidates who are able to answer for themselves are presented individually by their Sponsors, as follows
Sponsor
I present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
The Celebrant asks each candidate when presented
Do you desire to be baptized?
Candidate
I do.
Infants and Younger Children
Then the candidates unable to answer for themselves are presented individually by their Parents and Godparents, as follows
Parents and Godparents
I present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
When all have been presented the Celebrant asks the parents and godparents
Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
Parents and Godparents
I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant
Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Parents and Godparents
I will, with God’s help.
Then the Celebrant asks the following questions of the candidates who can speak for themselves, and of the parents and godparents who speak on behalf of the infants and younger children
Question
Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces
of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer
I renounce them.
Question
Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer
I renounce them.
Question
Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Answer
I renounce them.
Question
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Answer
I do.
Question
Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer
I do.
Question
Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Answer
I do.
After all have been presented, the Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People
We will.
The Celebrant then says these or similar words
Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
BCP 304
The Baptismal Covenant
Celebrant:
Do you believe in God the Father?
People:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant:
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People:
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant:
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People:
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Celebrant:
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People:
I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant:
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People:
I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant:
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People:
I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant:
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People:
I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People:
I will, with God’s help.
BCP 305
Prayers for the Candidates
The Celebrant then says to the congregation
Let us now pray for these persons who are to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
A Person appointed leads the following petitions
Leader
Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People
Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader
Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
People
Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader
Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People
Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader
Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy
Church.
People
Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader
Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People
Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader
Send them into the world in witness to your love.
People
Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader
Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People
Lord, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant says
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death
of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his
resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who
lives and reigns now and for ever.
People
Amen.
BCP 306
Thanksgiving over the Water
The Celebrant blesses the water, first saying
The Lord be with you.
People
And also with you.
Celebrant
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.
Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation.
Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage
in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus
received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy
Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death
and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are
buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his
resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his
fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your
Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and
born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus
Christ our Savior.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and
glory, now and for ever. Amen.
BCP 307
The Baptism
Each candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant, or to an assisting priest or deacon, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the candidate, saying
N., I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People
Amen.
When this action has been completed for all candidates, the Bishop or Priest, at a place in full sight of the congregation, prays over them, saying
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy
Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the
forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of
grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them
an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to
persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy
and wonder in all your works.
People
Amen.
Then the Bishop or Priest places a hand on the person’s head, marking on the forehead the sign of the cross [using Chrism if desired] and saying to each one
N., you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever.
People
Amen.
When all have been baptized, the Celebrant says
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
Celebrant and People
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
The Peace
Presider:
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People:
And also with you.
We greet one another in the name of the Lord.
Birthdays and Anniversaries (BCP, 830)
Everyone celebrating a birthday or anniversary this month, or anyone wishing to stand in for someone close to them celebrating such an event, is invited to stand and tell us your name and the event you are celebrating.
A prayer for a birthday:
O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The people are seated.
The Announcements
We Offer Ourselves To God
The altar is prepared
The people stand as able.
Offertory Hymn: We shall overcome (LEVAS 227)
BCP 372
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer D
Celebrant:
The Lord be with you.
People:
And also with you.
Celebrant:
Lift up your hearts.
People:
We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant:
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People:
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
The Celebrant continues:
It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever.
Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance.
Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing,
LEVAS 255
Sanctus
Celebrant and People:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The Celebrant continues:
We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
Celebrant and People:
We praise you, we bless you,
we give thanks to you,
and we pray to you, Lord our God.
The Celebrant continues:
Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
Remember Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael, our Presiding Bishop, Sally, our Bishop, and all who minister in your Church.
Remember all your people and those who seek your truth.
Remember [N. and] all who this night have been united to Christ’s death in baptism, and so united to Christ’s risen life forever.
Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them into the place of eternal joy and light.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, with Blessed Thomas and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.
People:
AMEN.
LEVAS 264
BCP 364
The Lord’s Prayer
Presider:
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Officiant and People:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
LEVAS 269
The Breaking of the Bread
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us your peace.
Presider:
The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
pb
We Receive the Gift of God
“If a person desires to receive the Sacrament, but, by reason of extreme sickness or physical disability, is unable to eat and drink the Bread and Wine, the Celebrant is to assure that person that all the benefits of Communion are received, even though the Sacrament is not received with the mouth.” (BCP, 457)
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people. All are welcome to receive at Christ’s table. If you would prefer to receive a verbal blessing instead of communion, cross your arms over your chest to indicate this.
Communion Hymn: There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place (LEVAS 120)
BCP 366
The Post-communion Prayer
Presider:
Let us pray.
People:
Almighty and everliving God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you
as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Blessing
Processional Hymn: We praise thee, O God (LEVAS 157)
BCP 366
The Dismissal
Deacon:
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People:
Thanks be to God.