How to Plan a Baptism

A new baby is cause for celebration. A baptism (also called a christening) is when a family and the church officially welcome the infant into the Christian religious life. Until the fourth century, adult baptism was the norm. Today, the initiation is performed most often on infants, but also on older children and adults. A naming ceremony celebrates the birth of a child without religious overtones.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide if you will have a religious baptism or a nonsecular naming ceremony.
2. Choose the location. Either occasion can take place in a church, a home or even a garden.
3. Call your church if you have chosen to baptize your child. Make contact well before birth or in the later stages of an adoption and inquire about the church's guidelines. Register your child and also yourselves if you aren't already registered.
4. Ask the following questions:
5. Choose the child's godparents. Godparents should be faithful individuals who are ready to embrace the responsibility of being a part of that child's life for the rest of his or her life. Pick one man and one woman who will be good role models. Consider relatives-- even grandparents--who have a blood relationship with the child and have kept their faith over the years. Close friends are also appropriate choices.
6. Meet the priest, minister or clergy who will be conducting the ceremony to prepare for the baptism. Discuss what will happen --he or she will likely require that you attend a class.
7. Plan a simple party to take place immediately following the baptism or naming. You can hold the party anywhere (a restaurant, home, church hall), as long as it isn't a boisterous spot.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the priest's or minister's approval to use a video camera.
• Some churches allow parents to take the baptism class before the child is born; ask your church.
• Adults are generally immersed fully in the water (clothed), while children and infants usually have water sprinkled on their heads.
• Ask your parents or grandparents if they have a christening gown in the family that you can use and pass down. Traditionally, both sexes wear infant christening gowns, although suit- or romper-style christening outfits for boys are becoming more popular.

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