Creator of All, Spirit that unites all, we thank you for this new life you have brought into our loving care.
We know that this child is born full of your radiant Light and Love!
We, know, too, oh, God, that this child has been given as our teacher; and has a powerful purpose,
one that will help bring about good in our world.
We ask now in gratitude and with thanksgiving, that this child’s pure,
gentle and loving spirit be ever nurtured by all of his/her spiritual helpers;
that they may hold his/her safety and his/her well-being in truth
so that Divine Light and Love is always Present and flowing through this child;
and that his/her loving purpose may be fulfilled.
And so it is, AMEN.
Baptism's, Christening's and Baby Blessing's
are rituals that ease transitions and offer a warm welcome for your child into the world. Share this warm and joyous time together with family and friends to pledge your love, commitment, joy and hope for your child's future.
What is Christening?
The word "christen" comes from English culture and isn't properly defined in the modern day. It obviously derives from the word "Christ", and means "to bring to Christ". It is usually used about infants rather than adults.
What Christening services are there? There are basically three sorts of Christening services:
• Blessing - based on what Jesus did when children were brought to him: "he took the children in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them" (Mark 10:13-16). These are about receiving God's unconditional love.
• Baptism - the ceremony or sacrament of admitting a person into Christianity
• Christening - the act or ceremony of baptizing and giving a name to an infant.
To some extent the different emphases above overlap in some cases, and an atmosphere of thanksgiving to the child's birth and life is common to all three.
The ceremony has five main qualities:
1. Naming your newborn, toddler or child
2. Welcoming your child
3. Expressing solidarity with the parents
4. Marking a commitment by the parents and others
5. Offering an expression of the sense of wonder for the miracle of birth.
Every detail can be altered or adapted in anyway.
• You can include a poem or music.
• Dedicate a tree to mark the birth of your child.
• Godparents can be named or not.
• Instead of Godparents you can have; Mentors, Spiritual Guides or Supportive Friends.
Ceremony Checklist
Whether your religious traditions include a Christening, Baptism, Blessing, Bris or Naming, a little advance planning can eliminate a lot of stress and make your baby's special day one to cherish. Please feel free to print this checklist.
1. Ceremony Location____________________________________________
2. Date ____________________ Time _____________________________
3. Contact officiator _____________________________________________
4. Select Godparents and/or guardian.
Update your will or trust to include provisions for your child. Discuss your expectations of them.
5. Reserve facilities for celebration.
Allow plenty of time for ceremony and transportation.
Facility _______________________ Time _____________
# Guests ________
Guest List Invitations Menu Decorations Favors
6. Photographs
Do yourself a favor. Ask several friends or family members to take a variety of picture types. This way you are sure to get some good candid shots. You will be so busy getting yourself and the baby ready that day, you'll probably forget the camera (or the film) anyway and you can always do a more formal portrait if desired on a less hectic day.
Persons assisting with photographs:
Digital_________________ Prints________________ Video ________________
7. Make arrangements necessary for any out of town guests.