Guide to Christenings
The Special Moment Guide to Christenings is an informative resource for parents and godparents who are planning a christening ceremony.
The guide covers all the important aspects of a christening, including the meaning and significance of the ceremony, the role of the godparents, and the responsibilities of the parents.
It also answers common questions about christenings, such as whether adults can be baptised and what happens during the ceremony. This guide is a useful tool for anyone who is looking to understand more about the traditions and customs surrounding christenings in different Christian denominations.
In this guide
Common general questions
What is a christening?
A christening is a ceremony in which a person is baptised, especially a child. The word "christening" is often used to refer specifically to the naming ceremony that is part of the baptismal rite in some Christian denominations. In these denominations, the child is given a Christian name and is baptised as part of the same ceremony.
In some cases, the term "christening" may be used to refer to any naming ceremony, whether or not it includes a baptism. For example, in some non-Christian religions, a naming ceremony may be held to give a child a name and to welcome the child into the community, but it may not involve a baptism or any other religious rite.
It's important to note that the term "christening" is most commonly used in the context of Christian denominations, and it may not be used in the same way in other religions.
Why do people have their children baptised or christened?
People have their children baptised or christened for a variety of reasons. In many Christian denominations, baptism is considered to be a rite of initiation into the Christian faith, and it is seen as a way of cleansing the child of original sin and incorporating the child into the church community. Some people believe that baptism is necessary for the child to be saved and to have a place in heaven.
In other cases, people may choose to have their child baptised or christened as a way of marking their child's entry into the world and into the family, and as a way of publicly expressing their commitment to raise the child in a particular faith tradition.
At what age should a child be christened?
In the Catholic Church, it is traditional for infants to be baptised as soon as possible after their birth.
In the Anglican Church, it is also common for infants to be christened shortly after their birth, although it is possible for children of any age to be christened.
Some churches may have specific guidelines or requirements regarding the age at which a child can be christened.
For example, some churches may require that a child be at least a certain age (such as 6 or 8 years old) before they can be eligible for the ceremony.
It is a good idea to check with the church or the parents of the child being christened to find out if there are any specific age requirements or guidelines for the ceremony.
Can adults be baptised?
Yes, adults can be baptised. In many Christian denominations, baptism is seen as a rite of initiation into the Christian faith, and it is not limited to infants or children.
Many adults choose to be baptised as a way of publicly expressing their commitment to the Christian faith and as a way of becoming an active member of the church community.
What is the difference between baptism and christening?
Baptism and christening are both religious ceremonies that involve the ritual cleansing of a person with water.
In the case of baptism, the ceremony is typically performed on individuals who have reached the age of understanding and are being initiated into the Christian faith as believers.
Christening, on the other hand, is a ceremony that is performed on infants or young children and is intended to welcome the child into the Christian community.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some differences in the specifics of the ceremonies and their significance within different Christian denominations. For example, in the Catholic Church, baptism is considered to be the first of the seven sacraments and is necessary for salvation. In contrast, in the Anglican Church, the term "baptism" is often used to refer to both infant christenings and the baptism of adult believers.
In general, however, the main difference between the two ceremonies is the age of the person being baptised or christened and the purpose of the ritual.
On the big day
How long does a christening usually last, and what does it include?
In general, a christening ceremony typically lasts between 30 minutes and one hour. The ceremony may include the following elements:
- A welcome and introduction by the clergy
- A reading from the Bible
- A sermon or homily by the clergy
- The administration of the sacrament of baptism, which includes the pouring of water over the head of the person being baptised and the recitation of specific prayers and vows
- The presentation of the baptised person to the congregation
- A closing prayer and benediction
The exact length and format of a christening ceremony can vary widely, and may be modified to suit the needs and preferences of the individual and the family.
What do you wear to a christening?
A christening is a religious ceremony, so it's important to dress modestly and appropriately. For men, this generally means wearing a suit, or trousers and a collared shirt, and dress shoes. For women, a nice dress or skirt and blouse, or a trouser suit would be appropriate.
It's also a good idea to check with the church or the parents of the child being christened to see if there is a dress code or any specific guidelines for attire.
What colour does a godmother wear?
There is no specific dress code for godparents or other attendees at a christening, so a godmother can wear any colour that is appropriate and modest.
However, it is important to consider the formality of the occasion and to dress appropriately.
What do godparents give for baptism?
Some common gifts for a baptism include:
- A religious item, such as a Bible, a rosary, or a cross
- A personalised gift, such as a piece of jewellery or a picture frame
- A practical item, such as a diaper bag or a children's book
- A financial contribution towards the child's education or future needs
There is no set rule for what godparents are expected to give for a baptism, the most important thing is for the godparents to show their love and support for the child.
Questions related to Godparents
What is the role of a godparent?
In a christening, godparents play an important role in the spiritual upbringing of the child.
The godparents, also known as sponsors, are usually chosen by the parents and are usually expected to be baptised members of the same faith as the child.
They are expected to assist the parents in the child's spiritual development, to offer guidance and support, and to serve as role models. In some denominations, the godparents make vows during the christening ceremony in which they promise to help the child grow in the faith and to support the child in their spiritual journey.
Can a person be a godparent if they are not a member of the same faith as the child?
It is generally expected that a godparent will be a baptised member of the same faith as the child, but in some cases, it may be possible for a person who is not a member of the same faith to serve as a godparent.
This may depend on the specific beliefs and practices of the denomination and on the attitudes of the clergyperson performing the christening or baptism.
How old do godparents need to be in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, there is no legal age requirement for godparents. However, in most Christian denominations, a godparent is expected to be at least 16 years old.
Are there any other requirements for being a godparent?
Some denominations may have specific requirements or guidelines for godparents, such as requiring they be in good standing with the church.
In some cases, a godparent may be required to provide a letter of recommendation from their pastor or other church leader.
How many godparents can a child have?
In the Catholic Church, it is traditional for a child to have at least one godmother and one godfather, and it is common for children to have two or more godparents of each gender.
In the Anglican Church, it is also common for a child to have two or more godparents of each gender, but it is not uncommon for a child to have only one godparent or for the godparents to all be of the same gender.
In general, it is up to the parents of the child to decide how many godparents they would like their child to have.
Some parents choose to have a large number of godparents to honour many important people in their lives, while others prefer to have just a few very close friends or family members serve as godparents.
Can siblings be godparents to the same child?
Yes, siblings can be godparents to the same child. In fact, it is common for siblings to serve as godparents for their younger brothers or sisters.
However, it is important to keep in mind that being a godparent is a significant responsibility, and it is important to choose godparents who will be supportive of the child's spiritual upbringing and who will be able to fulfil their duties as a godparent.
It is also a good idea to consider whether the siblings are old enough to understand the commitments and responsibilities that come with being a godparent.
Questions parents might have
What should parents consider when choosing a godparent for their child?
When choosing a godparent for their child, parents should consider several factors:
- The godparent's faith and spiritual commitment: It is generally expected that a godparent will be a baptised member of the same faith as the child, and it is important to choose someone who takes their faith seriously and who is committed to supporting the child in their spiritual upbringing.
- The godparent's relationship with the child: It is important to choose a godparent who has a strong and positive relationship with the child and who is interested in being involved in the child's life.
- The godparent's availability and willingness to fulfil their responsibilities: Godparents are expected to support the child in their spiritual upbringing, and it is important to choose someone who is willing and able to fulfil this role.
- The godparent's compatibility with the parents: It is important to choose a godparent who shares the same values and beliefs as the parents and who is able to support the parents in their role as the child's primary spiritual nurturers.
- The number of godparents: Some denominations have guidelines for the number of godparents a child can have, and it is important to consider this when making a decision.
Can a child of unmarried parents be christened?
Yes, a child of unmarried parents can be christened, the fact that a child's parents are unmarried does not typically affect their eligibility to be baptised.
Do both parents have to be christened to christen a baby?
No, it is not typically a requirement that both parents be baptised in order for a child to be baptised.
In many Christian denominations, the decision to baptise a child is seen as the responsibility of the parents, and the parents are expected to make a commitment to raise the child in the Christian faith.
Can a priest refuse to baptise a baby?
In general, a priest has the discretion to refuse to baptise a baby if they believe it is not in the best interest of the child or if the parents are not prepared to fulfil their responsibilities as Christian parents.
The Catholic Church, for example, requires that parents who wish to have their child baptised must be practicing Catholics who are able to provide a Catholic education for their child and who are committed to raising the child in the Catholic faith.
If the priest has concerns about the parents' ability to fulfil these responsibilities, they may refuse to baptise the child.
It is also possible for a priest to refuse to baptise a child if the child has a serious medical condition or disability that would make the baptismal rite difficult to perform.
In these cases, the priest may suggest alternative options, such as a baptism by desire or a conditional baptism.
If you have concerns about whether your child will be eligible for baptism, it is a good idea to discuss them with the priest or pastor who will be performing the ceremony.