The revised Order of Baptism for Children presents Baptism as the sacrament that frees from sin, incorporates the baptized into the Church, and unites them with Christ’s death and resurrection. Approved by Paul VI and issued as a second typical edition after the 1969 rite, it clarifies the responsibilities of parents, godparents, ministers, and the wider Christian community. Parents request the sacrament and undertake to raise the child in the faith, while godparents assist them; bishops, priests, and deacons ordinarily preside, though any person may baptize in danger of death.

The rites include reception of the child, the Liturgy of the Word, intercessions and exorcism, blessing of the water, renunciation of evil, profession of faith, baptism by immersion or infusion with the Trinitarian formula, anointing with chrism, the white garment, the candle from the Paschal candle, and the optional Effetha rite. Separate orders accommodate Sunday and weekday Masses, the Easter Vigil, large groups, catechist-led celebrations, and emergency baptisms. Episcopal conferences may adapt texts and certain gestures with Apostolic See approval. The book also supplies Scripture readings, acclamations, hymns, blessings, and guidance on baptismal records, places, pastoral preparation, and local circumstances.