Religious Christening Ceremonies

A newly born child's christening is both an exciting and scary time. For many birth parents there is the excitement of christening their child, but they must also worry about planning a ceremony and choosing godparents. Luckily, they do not have to worry about christening presents, but there is still plenty to keep their minds occupied.

At a church based christening ceremony, there are many religious symbols and overtones. The young child is baptized in the church's holy water - baptism holds lots of significance in itself, too.

Will the christening ceremony be at a Catholic church? If so, the vicar will probably light a candle to symbolize Jesus, discuss it, and then pass it around. 

Additionally, if the christening is held at a Catholic church it will be done as a private ceremony. Some parents prefer this because it offers a private chance to reflect on the gravity of this act. There will be no singing and the christening lasts around half an hour.

At the COE, christenings are usually during the main service that Sunday. In these cases the child is taken to the front of the church, baptized from the holy font, and both birth parents and godparents make a public declaration to help raise the child as a Christian.

As for special considerations unique to your situation, discuss them with your clergy. You may be asked to attend special church classes to discuss the symbolism and special nature of the baptism, and anything else expected of both you and the godparents.

Christening can be a stressful time, but when it's all over you will recall with find memories the bringing of your child to the church.

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