How long do christenings go for

In more conservative Catholic churches, godparents are always practicing Catholics who honor the sacraments and fulfill a list of qualifications.

However, in more liberal environments, any person whom the child's parents choose may be granted this role. Parents who are not active in the Catholic community may have to shop around for a priest who is willing to accommodate their infant's baptism within his church.

Parents who are active church and mass attendees will almost always choose to have their infant baptized by a priest in their current church. So, essentially, the simplest way to organize and lodge your child's Catholic baptism is to already be a practicing and active member of the Catholic Church.

If you've been invited to attend a Catholic baptism or are planning one for your own child, understanding the ceremony and the meaning behind the baptism symbols can help make the entire ceremony more meaningful and enjoyable. You'll be glad you learned a little more about this special day. Understanding the full details of the baptism ceremony can be helpful, but the following is a basic order of events to help you get a sense for what happens: Reception of the child - The priest greets the parents and child, hears the name of the child, and makes the sign of the cross on the child's head.

Celebration of God's word - The priest offers readings and prayers for the child and his or her parents and anoints the child with oil. Celebration of the Sacrament - The priest blesses the water, asks the parents to renounce sin, and baptizes the child with water.

Explanatory rites - The priest anoints the child with oil from his crown, the child is dressed in a christening gown or other white garment, and a family member or godparent lights a candle to symbolize enlightenment. Conclusion of the rite - The priest says the Lord's Prayer and blesses the child.

What to Expect at Any Baptism If you've been invited to a baptism, it's helpful to understand some of the basic etiquette and what to expect during the event. The format is very informal and you can choose your own readings or music as long as they have no religious references. Naming Day ceremonies last on average minutes, which is about the same as a Christening.

Instead of a Godparent, parents usually choose a mentor who will support the child throughout life. Updated Feb Back To Articles. Contact us Address : Born Gifted Ltd. 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. In many cases, the Church will require parents and also sometimes, godparents to receive some instructions before the ceremony. You might be required to have a personal session with the priest or pastor or perhaps to attend one or several organised classes.

As to the age of your baby — that really depends on the parents and, to some extent, the requirements of your church. Fifty years ago it was very common to hold a christening just a couple of weeks after a baby was born. However there is a lot more variety in the age of children being christened these days.

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.

The main purpose is to celebrate the child's special day. If you cannot attend the baptism or christening for any reason, offer your regrets as early as possible. It is still good form to send a gift to honor this special occasion. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content.

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