Baptism 

Just before First Reconciliation I presented Baptism and the Steps to Baptism as I wanted them to know that what they were about to receive was their second Sacrament, and that Baptism was their first.  I had already given a tour of the church and showed them the Baptismal Font which we discussed.  So I showed them the Baptism materials we have in the atrium and how to use them.  I also presented all Seven Sacraments to them. 

For this lesson I named the materials used and talked about how they are used in Baptism:  The White Dress (the symbol of purity), the Baptismal font, the Shell, which is associated with St. James the Greater on his trip to Spain when he baptized the people.  (Thank you, Ryall, for commenting and giving me this important information about the shell.); the Paschal Candle, the Holy Bible, the Chrism oil for goodness and the Oil of Catechumens for courage. These oils the priest uses to anoint the baby or person to be baptized.  There are also the candles given to the parents for their baby and to each of the Godparents.  

In the atrium, the children take turns baptizing each other.  One child uses his/her fist to pretend that's their head as a baby, while the other plays the part of the priest.  They enjoy this activity and take it very seriously and take turns baptizing.

Next we do the Rite of Baptism.   I lay out the fold out cards on the floor and we discuss what is happening in each drawing.

The first three panels show the blessing of the priest, the Bible read over the family and the anointing with the Oil of Catechumens for courage.

The second three panels show the priest bringing down the Holy Spirit over the water, then the Baptism of the baby while the priest also holds his hand over the baby's head calling down the Holy Spirit, as in the Epiclesis in Mass.  Finally, the anointing of the baby's head with Oil of Chrism for goodness.   

 The last three panels show the symbolic gesture of the white garment which is placed over the child.  The second is the lighting of the Paschal Candle which is for the life of Christ and His Church for 2000 years. Finally, the final blessing on the parents and godparents.