The gifts and signs of Baptism are introduced to children from the earliest time in Level I and continue to be presented throughout all three levels. The gifts and signs are actually presented over a series of presentations, depending on the age, attention, and needs of the individual children. For parents' learning, we summarize all the information in this article, although any given child may only receive a portion of this.

The Gift of Light

The first and fundamental presentation related to Baptism is of the gift of Christ's light. When presenting the gift of Christ's light, the catechist begins by lighting a model of a paschal candle. Long ago people were waiting for Jesus. When he was born, a light was kindled in the world. As we know, Jesus died on a cross [the catechist snuffs out the paschal candle]. On the third day, Jesus rose. [Catechist relights the candle] The light came back. And this light is so strong. This light is stronger than death. Jesus wants to share this light with all people everywhere. [Catechist lights an individual baptismal candle from the paschal candle.] When each of us was baptized, we each received the light of Christ. And so, Jesus' light has spread to so many people across time and across the whole Earth.

If it is appropriate for the given group of children, each may receive a votive candle. As the catechist lights the individual votive from the paschal candle, the catechist says these words looking directly at the child, "[Name], when you were baptized, you received the light of Christ." After each child receives their light, the whole group can reflect on how beautiful the light is because it has spread and grown.

This Baptism presentation helps the child to begin to understand that through Baptism we each share in the Risen Body of Christ. The most important gift of Baptism is the light.

In Baptism I, the catechist may also present the gift of the white garment, an outward sign of Christ's bright light that is within us. As the child matures into Level II, they may remember the white garment of Baptism and associate it with the cleansing gift of the sacrament of Reconciliation. They might connect it with wearing white for their First Communion because we want to be that bright when we come to Jesus' feast.

The Other Gifts

There are various other gifts of Baptism, sacramental signs and gestures, which will be presented to the children over time. The gifts are presented in a simple way. The catechist asks some questions to help the child understand the gift but at the same time, does not explain too much.

• The Word: Through the words of the Bible, we hear the Good Shepherd's voice.
• The Water: A gift that is cleansing, refreshing, essential to life. The catechist will say the words used in Baptism, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Children are invited to feel the water poured on their hand; to listen to its bell-like pouring.
• The Oil of Catechumens: This oil, which is put on the chest, represents the strength and protection of Jesus.
• The Oil of Chrism: This oil, anointed on the head, represents the sweet joy of Jesus. The children are invited to smell its beautiful fragrance.
• The Imposition of Hands: This gesture helps the child focus on the work of the Holy Spirit in Baptism. This is a hand movement that starts high and moves, palm-down, to just above the water of the font. It is similar in movement to the gesture of Epiclesis, which invokes the Holy Spirit to convert the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.
• The Sign of the Cross: The celebrant marks the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one being baptized and says the words, "The Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name, I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross." What truly beautiful and meaningful words! The celebrant also may use this gesture to apply the two oils.
• The Cross over the Congregation: The gesture of a large, sweeping cross over all those present at the Baptism underscores that we are baptized into a community and that the whole community is strengthened and blessed by the sign of the cross.

The Rite of Baptism

Level II children, after considering the gifts of Baptism in the simple, beautiful style of the Catechesis, may also work with cards which help them learn the significant steps of the actual Rite of Baptism.