Liturgical Customary of the Church of the Advent, Boston

© Julianne E. Turé and William J. Theisen 1999

The Liturgical Customary of the Church of the Advent, Boston
Solemn Mass with Baptism

Preparation:
Before the service, the sexton raises the lid of the font and fills it with water.

The following hardware (set out by Altar Guild) goes to the Baptistry before Mass: silver scallop shell, oil of chrism, a few extra lavabo towels, and sufficient unlit baptismal candles for the number of baptizands.

The Service:
The opening versicles and responses between CEL and congregation (pg. 299, BCP) replace the Collect for Purity, the Summary of the Law, and the Gloria in Excelsis. The Collect of the Day immediately follows the versicles and responses.

After the Sermon, in place of the Nicene Creed, MC and SMs go to Gospel Procession lineup (including CEL) at centre, genuflect, and turn.

MC goes to "stage left".

SD goes to stage left.

D goes to stage right.

CEL goes to centre.

CEL or Officiant (sometimes not the CEL) may invite the baptismal party to come forward to choir steps.

The Presentation and Examination may take place at the choir steps - baptismal party on transept floor, SMs on top step.

The Apostle's Creed is used, as part of the Baptismal Covenant, in place of the Nicene Creed. The Prayers for the Candidate(s) take the place of the Prayers of the People.

The Confession of Sin is omitted.

After the Presentation and Examination of the Candidates, the CEL may invite the congregation to cluster toward the baptistry to witness the baptism.

The party then proceeds to the font, via the main aisle, in the following order:

\/
Baptismal Party
CEL
D
SD
MC
Verger
\/

MC should carry a Prayer Book marked at the Blessing over the Water. SD holds Prayer Book open for CEL as he blesses the water and performs the baptisms.

MC stands ready with extra towels, etc., as needed to dry CEL's fingers. After each baptism, MC lights a small presentation candle from the baptistry altar candles and gives it to CEL to present to baptizand or baptizand's parents.

When the baptisms are concluded, CEL bids the Peace. After a few minutes of joyous disorder the procession reforms in the same order as above and returns to the chancel via the main aisle. ALL line up as at end of Gospel Procession, genuflect, and retire to sedilia.

The Mass continues with the Offertory, beginning with laying on of incense.