The introduction to the Rite of Baptism for Children explains that infants cannot profess personal faith, so parents, godparents, and the Church profess faith on their behalf. Baptism begins a child’s continuing formation, for which parents have primary responsibility with support from the parish community. The rite should ordinarily be celebrated in the parish church, preferably on Sunday or during the Easter Vigil, and normally within the first weeks of life; private-home celebrations are reserved for danger of death, while hospital baptisms require emergency or serious pastoral reasons. The full rite includes reception, the liturgy of the word, intercessions and exorcism, profession of faith, washing with water in the name of the Trinity, anointing, white garment, candle, the Lord’s Prayer, and blessings. Shorter and emergency forms preserve the essential baptismal act, and episcopal conferences may adapt nonessential elements to local customs.