 Baptism
In those Christian communities that practice infant baptism, this is the first rite of life.
During this ritual the minister sprinkles water onto the baby's head and says "I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Since the baby is too young to understand what is happening, vows are made on the child's behalf by the Godparents.
The baby is also given its Christian names during this ceremony, which is also called christening.
Adult Baptism
Some churches, such as the Baptists, think it is wrong to baptise a person until the person is able to come to a full understanding and believe in the Christian faith.
These churches only baptise adults in what is called a believer's baptism. Such churches baptise by totally immersing the person in water, as a symbol of them dying and being born again into the Christian faith.
Such churches will often have a small but deep pool at the front of the church especially for this ceremony. The pool is concealed by a false floor during normal services. This service enables those who were baptised as babies to become full adult members of their church.
Before a person can be confirmed they have to undergo a period of study and preparation with their church minister.
The act of confirmation is performed by a bishop.
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