Naming Ceremony for Babies
There are many different cultures and religions as well as families who may be interested in conducting non-religious ceremonies to celebrate the birth of a child. Some families are religious however they may not be affiliated with a particular house of worship. Regardless, the birth of a baby is a cause for celebration and many families decide to have a naming ceremony for their child instead of or in addition to the more traditional baptism.
This type of baptismal like ceremony is growing in popularity and is often held at the home of the new parents. Some parents may choose to conduct the ceremony somewhere else including a park or any other venue that can accommodate their guests. During the ceremony the parents will typically make promises to support their child and to take interest in their child’s future. God parents and other close family members or friends will also make promises to the child as well. These promises are often made as statements led by an officiant who conducts the ceremony. This ceremony is either held instead of a baby christening ceremony or in addition to a more formal ceremony of that nature.
Many families will include readings in the naming ceremony that are often a mixture of religious and non-religious readings. Many read favorite poems, self-written poems or promises, as well as popular hymns or songs. Some choose to read passages from the bible or from literary sources. This part is really open and completely up to the parents and family of the child.
Many choose to invite only family and close friends while others opt to invite everyone they know. It really depends on the type of event. The most important people that you can invite however are those who will take part in the ceremony and who will play an integral part in your child’s life. Additionally many families will provide a guest book for their guests when they arrive. Guests are asked to write a message or words of advice for the child to read once he or she is older. This is a great way to commemorate you and your child’s special day.
Please contact us at 713-208-2025 for a complimentary phone consultation and let’s discuss your requirements and the type of ceremony you wish to have. You can also read more about who we are in the about us section of this site. Please allow Minister Services to create a naming ceremony that you and your family will cherish forever. Please also continue to view other articles in our Minster Services blog for more information.
There is so much to think about when you are preparing for your child’s baptism that it can be a bit overwhelming. Below we provide a baby christening ceremony checklist to help make it easier for you and to keep you organized.
Baby Christening Ceremony Checklist
- Ceremony Location
- Date and Time
- Officiant & Contact Information
- God parents and/or Guardians
- Reception Location (if different from ceremony location)
- Guest List, Invitations, Menu, Decorations, Favors
- Photographer & Photo Requests (professional or family friend)
- Baby’s clothing
- Options can include a dress, gown, or another outfit. (Keep in mind that the baby’s outfit should be comfortable so that they baby is more likely to cooperate during the christening ceremony)
- Baby’s hat or bonnet
- Options can include a white headband or a soft liner cap to be worn under the bonnet to protect from oil, water and perspiration.
- Baby’s change of clothing for after the ceremony
- This is important in order to preserve the baptismal gown and bonnet from additional soiling. (This also allows your baby to be more comfortable so that you enjoy the celebration more)
- Baby Christening Accessories
- Shoes – matching shoes
- Socks – these are often plain or decorated with lace to match the gown.
- Bib – this is a very important accessory as it will protect the bodice from soiling which tends to stain yellow over time.
- Blanket – keep in mind the temperature and time of year. Many have a light weight blanket available just in case.
- Scripture – some families keep a bible or set of scripture as a keepsake.
- Candle
- Towel – for use to wipe the baby’s head after the ceremony.
- Memory Book – a place to put pictures of the special day and any details of the day as well.
- Certificate – this can serve as a wonderful commemorative and can be framed as a keepsake.
- Picture Frame – special personalized picture frame with the date and name of child who is being baptized. (This can also be a nice gift for godparents)
This baby christening checklist covers the major items that most parents provide during this very special day. Please contact us for a complimentary phone consultation and let’s discuss your requirements and the type of ceremony you wish to have.
Please allow Minister Services to create a baby christening ceremony that you and your family will cherish forever. Please also continue to view other articles in our Minster Services blog for more information.
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Baptismal Gift Ideas
There are wonderful gift ideas for those who have either been invited to a baptism or for those who may be hosting a baby blessing ceremony or christening for their own child. Gifts serve as a great keepsake for the baby as well as for the parents. They provide a great way for the baby to always remember the day when he or she officially became a member of God’s family.
Since the ceremony is truly such a special event you may want to consider buying a gift that is personalized. You can spend hours upon hours searching the internet for potential gifts so below I provide a list of gifts that are truly special and unique.
Children’s Bible – These include bible stories and illustrations suited to appeal to children and to teach children important lessons about faith and morals. They can often be personalized on the front cover to include the child’s name and work as a great keepsake.
Picture Frame – This frame can be engraved and can include a photo of the baby on the day of their dedication in their christening gown or it can include a special baby blessing prayer.
Christening Plates – You can find plates on line that are hand painted and personalized to include your baby’s name and age at the time of their baptism, or their birthday. It can serve as a keepsake or as a decorative piece to your baby’s room.
Jewelry – Another great baptismal gift is jewelry which can include earrings, a ring, a necklace, and can include a rosary. It can be a baby’s first cross necklace to compliment the christening gown, or a personalized bracelet that can include the baby’s name. Some jewelry items can come with a keepsake jewelry box to make it even more special.
Cross Plaque – Some include this to hang on the child’s wall to serve as a reminder of God and they can come in varieties of wood and porcelain. Some will display a prayer with the child’s name as well, but there are many varieties available.
Baptism Candles – These can be personalized as well and are found online. They typically include the baby’s name, date and location of the ceremony and they come in a variety of different colors.
Photo Album – This is a very popular baptismal gift that can be personalized and is a great way to showcase treasured photos from this special occasion.
Porcelain Baby Shoes – These delicate porcelain shoes can be personalized for a boy or a girl and typically include their name, birth date, or date of the christening and the baby’s weight at birth. You can find special hand-painted baby shoes online as well that are a great keepsake.
Embroidered Afghans – These throws are a very popular christening gift idea that can be personalized to commemorate the baby’s special day.
Prayer Teddy Bear – These teddy bears are very special and can be found online. They are unique stuffed animals in which the child can learn the prayer that it recites.
The above list only a handful of many special gifts that will work regardless if it is for a baby’s baptism, christening, baby blessing ceremony or naming ceremony. These gifts are great no matter the ceremony, and are gifts that can be cherished always by the child as the child grows spiritually.
For those in need of an officiant to conduct and to create the perfect ceremony please call us at 713-208-2025 or contact us online. Minister Services can create a service that you and your family will cherish forever and we provide a complimentary phone consultation to discuss your needs and requirements. Please also continue to view other articles in our Minster Services blog for more information.
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When planning this type of ceremony each religious denomination may vary slightly, however the essentials needed during the ceremony are typically very similar. Also known as a baptism, the child typically needs a gown or some sort of outfit for the ceremony, along with shoes and socks. The color of the gown and matching accessories is typically white or a light shade of ivory. Some parents choose to have a symbolic cross embroidered on the undershirt of the child. There is a bib and a blanket that can later be kept as a keepsake and other items such as a satin covered bible that the Officiant can bless along with a satin boutonniere or bracelet. Not all of these items are necessary and are of course up to the discretion of the parents and family.
There are typically four types of services available to families.
Baptism – The baptism is a ceremony or sacrament that admits a person into Christianity.
Christening – This is the actual act of baptizing and giving a name to an infant.
Baby Blessing Ceremony – This type of ceremony is more fitting for more non-traditional religious blessings. It is an opportunity to give thanks for the miracle of life and parents can acknowledge their child’s birth through a less formal gathering.
Naming Ceremony – This ceremony celebrates the birth of a child and the parents publicly name their baby. Parents vow to care and protect their child.
These services at times called on for the child to believe in Jesus and to repent the child’s sins. These days however an increasing number of clergy and parents question how an infant can possibly understand this. Now as an alternative, parents, families, and ministers have more discretion and can perform a variety of traditional to non-traditional ceremonies. It is also a reason why more and more parents wait for their children to become adults when they can consciously decide to accept Christ into their life in a way that is meaningful to them.
Traditionally, godparents are selected for the child. Their role has traditionally been a role in which they are expected to provide guidance to the growing child and its faith. These days, godparents are typically chosen more so because they are close friends to the parents and family members.
After the christening many parents and families will invite attendees and the minister to a reception where punch, tea, and cake are served. Others will host larger more formal meals for those who may have traveled to attend. That is completely up to the parents and the family.
Please contact us for a complimentary phone consultation and let’s discuss your requirements and the type of ceremony you wish to have. Please allow Minister Services to create a service that you and your family will cherish forever. Please also continue to view other articles in our Minster Services blog for more information.
