When do i christen my baby

You may receive an invitation in any number of formats. A formal invitation will often ask for you to RSVP. Even if you are invited by phone, let the host family know whether or not you will be there. They need to know how many people will be sitting with them during the church service or mass. Since churches vary in style and formality, play it safe and dress conservatively.

Suits, knee-length or longer dresses, and nice slacks with blazers are all good options. If the host family states that the church is come-as-you-are, this generally means that it is very informal. You may still dress nicely, but if you want to be more casual , ask the host for more specifics.

Many babies who are baptized or christened wear christening gowns or an heirloom outfit that has been passed down through the generations and means something special to the family. In order to keep it nice, it's a good idea to wait until right before the church service to put it on the baby and then take it off immediately afterward. Older children being baptized or christened should dress in their Sunday best for the occasion.

They will be the center of attention, so give them some etiquette instruction beforehand. When children know what is expected of them in advance, they are more likely to behave. Although many people choose to purchase a gift for the child , it isn't necessary, particularly if you have already given something to the child at a shower or during a visit.

However, if this is something you would like to do, make it something the child can keep for many years. If you want to give a Bible, check with the parents first to make sure the child doesn't already have one.

You can't go wrong with traditional silver items, such as an engraved silver spoon, cup, or photo frame. The host family may choose to give something to the godparents. This doesn't need to be expensive, but it should be special and specific to the relationship.

An embossed or engraved photo album is something that will help maintain memories of the occasion. Although many pastors and priests don't expect a gift, a financial contribution to the church is always appreciated. You can leave it in the collection plate with a note or discreetly give it to the pastor immediately following the ceremony.

After the baptism or christening, most host parents will have a reception, often at their home. This doesn't have to be a sit-down meal. Coffee, juice, fruit, and other finger foods are acceptable. However, many parents now choose to christen their child for other reasons. Pressure from religious family members is often a factor in holding a christening for your baby. Some parents also christen their child to ensure their registration in a local Christian school, such as the Catholic Systemic Schools or an Independent religious school in Australia.

In some families, a traditional christening gown handed down through generations is the impetus for having a christening — and for holding the ceremony when the baby is small enough to fit into the gown. Finally, a christening might be a formal and religious ceremony, but it is also a very legitimate reason to hold a party to celebrate the arrival of your baby. A christening is a Christian blessing which usually involves baptism. And baptism refers to a ritual where a person in this case a baby is initiated into the Church congregation when water is sprinkled or poured over the head of a baby — or, in some cases, when the baby is immersed in water for a second or two.

Baptism usually represents the cleansing of original sin from the baby, and the initiation of the baby into the first of various sacraments of the church in which they are christened. Baptism of adults is a very old ritual that has existed in various forms in such religions as Judaism for many centuries. While it became part of Christian ritual in the very early days of the church, other religious groups in the first and second century that used baptism included Gnostic spiritualists, rabbinic Jews and Essene sectarians.

However the first mention of infant baptism comes from the early Christian writer Tertullian, circa AD, so most scholars believe infant christenings started during the second century AD.

In some churches, a blessing ceremony is held for a new baby but another ceremony similar to a christening occurs when a child is old enough to speak for themselves. In most cases, a male and female godparent is chosen by the parents. Generally that person would be a practising member of the church into which the child is christened. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name. Share this. What Is a Christening? Its Meaning and Significance in Christianity What is a Christening ceremony and what makes it different from baptism?

Discover the meaning and significance of Christening as we look to Christian tradition and the Bible. Baby Christening Christening, although viewed as the same as baptism, in the eyes of the Church of England, has a comparable meaning to a baby dedication. Its Meaning and Significance in Christianity. Today on Christianity. Is Thanksgiving Truly a Christian Holiday?

About Christianity.