A white baptismal robe for each candidate.
Cotton balls.
Baptismal candle to be held for the baby by a godparent or godparent
substitute and given to parents to take home following the serv-
ice.
Cruet or baptismal bowl used to pour water on the head.
Baptismal font (place font and table where the chaplain wants to
conduct the service).
Baptismal water (either in the font bowl or the cruet).
Finger towel (for drying head and hands).
Baptismal prayer books for all participants.
NOTE: If the candidates for baptism are required to wear baptismal
robes, a place should be made available to them to change clothing. The
chaplain’s vestments are a matter of denominational or personal preference.
CARE OF BAPTISMAL FONTS.—Baptismal fonts or pools must be
clean at all times. There is a wide variety of baptismal fonts used throughout
the Navy (see figures 3-61 and 3-62). The cleaning of these fonts is usually
reduced to two separate tasks: cleaning the outer casting and the inner bowl.
Castings are usually constructed of three different materials and are cleaned
by the following methods:
Wood.–Wipe with a soft cloth, dampened with liquid furniture polish.
Metal.-Polish with nonabrasive metal polish. Care must be taken to
protect soft metal surfaces; i.e., gold or silver, from damage.
Marble.—Use mild ammonia solution with warm water and a soft cloth.
The inner bowl, which inserts into the stand and holds the water, must be
cleaned frequently. When not in use, the bowl should never have water left in
it. The bowl should be dried completely after each use. To clean bowls made
of precious metals, use a mild detergent and soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and
dry completely. If the bowl is made of brass or a similar metal, a nonabrasive
metal polish may be used. Ensure that the bowl is rinsed and dried
thoroughly.
BAPTISM BY IMMERSION.—Baptism by immersion (see figure 3-63)
may be performed in any chapel that has a baptistry or baptismal pool.
Preparations for this type of service are normally carried out in the following
manner:
1. Ensure that the baptistry or pool is cleaned with a disinfectant.
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