The Baptism Ritual
The Presentation
We've always had a private baptism with
my dad, the Deacon, godparents and immediate family. Once we participated in a beautiful, traditional ceremony we didn't want to miss out on. My dad performed the baptism, but it was so touching to have our church community included. They had music and other traditions I've never witnessed such as having a "special person" holding baby during the readings then presenting him to the parents, or baby entering in street clothes, undressing down to diaper, then gowning up after baptizing in water. We were so excited.
Our special person holds our child at first, then brings him or her in when called in by name. Shortly after it is time to bless the holy water and then the children. What an exciting time for everyone there. All babies are born with original sin, so what a beautiful gift God gave us with Baptism to fill our children with soul-cleansing grace and the gifts of the Holy Spirit!
In the ceremony, The parents and godparents take the newly baptized child to be dressed in their gown (or white outfit or cloth) to symbolize their being clothed in Christ, pure white without original sin.
The child is anointed and blessed. Then the parents are also blessed along with the godparents.
Their candle can be lit on the anniversary of their Baptism, on their birthdays, at future sacraments such as First Communion, and it can be the candle they use with their spouses' to lite their wedding unity candle.
Afterwards, everyone lined up and the people all came along in a line to give their blessing to the baptized and the parents.
Photos
Now, I'm no professional photographer, so you'll have to do research how to get great shots inside a church during the Baptism. But afterwards, it certainly is important to take pictures of your child with EVERYONE who attended. You'll be glad you took the time. I've had a lot of experience with this, and someone can really feel left out if not included in the pictures. Take a group photo if there are time constraints. Include the priest or deacon who baptized your child too!
Consider having a photo booth/background in your reception room. Recently, we used a shower curtain and banner. Everyone took turns standing in front of it to get their picture taken with the baby. I hung it near the window for good lighting.
Deacon Papa and Grandma!
The Reception
So I've done this eight times and while it's cheap to host the reception at home, I highly recommend finding a space at the church to rent! We got a classroom, and it was such a smooth transition to setup before Mass, Baptism after/during Mass, then head over to the room.
I used the doilies to note the room reserved, as well as to make a banner. Banners can also be made out of scrapbook paper or fabric.
Tables can be covered in linens or disposable cloths (nice but thin), but either will make a formal presentation. Centerpieces add a special touch. My favorite is fresh flowers and candles. Here you'll see I added silver platters (Dollar Tree) with bowls of water and glass beads for a vase.
I was looking for white carnations, but settled for all I could find - some white daisies. Each family got to take home a centerpiece. Lindt has these beautiful chocolate coconut truffles in blue wrappers. I also added some mints. I also added place settings which included a prayer card featuring my child's patron saint. We made bowties from the napkins, but the tape I used didn't hold well - so I taped it more which only ripped the napkin when opened. So I don't recommend that unless you have a better way.
Hosting at home I love to add special vases, dishes, candles, streamers, etc. Everyone loves a bowl of snacks while they are waiting for you to get ready.
Food and Dessert
Lamb Cake w buttercream frosting and coconut grass
Mine did not turn out as hoped, but they were pretty and delicious! Christian Cupcake paper cups at CatholicSupply.com are cute to add a special flair.
Everyone enjoyed these Root Beer bottles (or water) with a personal label. Each one said "Blessings for ..." then the nutritional label read "Baptism Facts." You can click on the image for a close-up of the words and create your own labels!
Another time I simply had water bottles with flavor packets for those who wanted them.
When we hosted at home, I enjoyed sharing my tea set for warm drinks.
I love preparing a meal for a group of my favorite people. Choose menu items that can be easily prepared ahead of time. These are a few suggestions I've had success with.
- Cranberry Chicken Salad, lettuce wraps or crossaints
- Fruit Ambrosia Salad
- Veggie Pizza or Veggies and Dip
- Colorful Salads of any kind really
- Layered gelatin
- You could get ambitious and make edible White Doves -
Jordan Almond Birds by TheKitchn.com
Party Favors
The most simple gift we gave was a prayer card of our child's patron saint. I had hoped to have a saint medal on a string for everyone, but this turned out much better.
Mini Prayer Cards (click image to print)
Father in Heaven,
when the Spirit came down upon Jesus
at His Baptism in the Jordan,
You revealed Him as Your own Beloved Son.
Keep me, Your child,
born of water and the Spirit,
faithful to my calling.
May I, who share in Your Life
as Your child through Baptism,
follow in Christ's path of service to people.
Let me become one in His Sacrifice
and hear His Word with faith.
May I live as Your child,
following the example of Jesus. Amen.
- Everyone seemed to like these mini mint tins labeled with a thank you for attending.
- A cleansing theme to go with the waters of Baptism. Hand sanitizers, wrapped in tulle/netting with a small pack of pastel M&Ms. Tied up with
Party City's Blue Ribbon and Cross Favor Ties.
