Q. I've never witnessed an infant baptism so do not know exactly what to expect. I haven't talked to the priest yet, but I'm curious. Can anyone give me a step-by-step, basic explanation? Also, do I bring her in the white gown or is that part of the ceremony? I know it seems odd that I don't know any of this, but I haven't even started RCIA yet so I'm totally clueless about the sacraments, prayers, ceremonies...
Answer
Ok, let me see if I remember how it went when our baby was baptized... it's been a while so I might forget something but your answers so far are pretty lame.
First of all let me say that the whole ceremony was very easy to follow along with and the priest was pretty clear about telling us which readings to turn to, etc. I am not Catholic (my husband is) and had never attended (that I can remember) a christening, but I didn't find myself too lost or confused over what was happening.
There was a lot of standing and sitting and such, as is usual in church. There were some readings and some praying. My husband and I, with our baby, and the Godparents stood up front and we did some various repeating after the priest about how we promised to uphold the Catholic faith and raise our daughter as a good Catholic.
There was a white cloth, a bib in this instance, that was placed on the baby's chest, as the priest explained the significance of having the baby wear white, and then there was the actual baptism where he poured a little water over her forehead while my husband held her over the basin.
I can't remember if it was before or after the water, some scented oil stuff was placed on the baby's head, as well as mine and my husband's, and don't remember the exact purpose (symbolism) of it, but again, the priest explained it as he was doing it.
The whole thing lasted less than an hour and was quite pleasant.
As for what your baby wears, this is entirely up to you. Most people choose to go the traditional route of dressing them in a white christening gown, which can be found at any place that sells baby clothes. If you have someone in your family that sews, you might ask them to make one. Our baby wore a lovely, but simple, white satin and lace gown that my great grandmother sewed for her. Some people have the gown made from the train of their wedding gown, for added sentimental value. Or, if you do not wish to, or can't really afford it, you can dress your baby in any outfit you want, perhaps there is something else that is significant to you. Whatever you choose to dress your child in, this is where the white cloth (bib) comes in, as the priest will explain during the ceremony; it is to ensure that the baby is wearing something white, regardless of their actual clothing.
As for everyone talking down on infant baptism... the Bible doesn't even say one has to be baptized at all to be saved and to receive salvation, so I'm not sure why anyone cares if and when one is baptized. The Catholic church, as well as others, choose to baptize their infants (or whenever one is brought into the faith). It doesn't hurt the baby, most babies could care less about the whole thing. The ceremony, similar to "dedication" ceremonies done in some Protestant churches, is really for the parents and family and friends and the church, who are dedicating the child to God/Christ and promising to do their best to raise the child in the faith so that the child will grow up to be a faithful follower and in turn choose to accept the gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The Catholic church (nor any other church that practices infant baptism) does not teach that once a baby is baptized, they are on easy sailing autopilot for the rest of their life and guaranteed a spot in Heaven. I'm not Catholic and even I know that.
IN short, the ceremony is lovely and one that should be enjoyed by you and your family and friends, Catholic or not. If you have a chance before you own baby's baptism, attend one so you can get a better idea of what happens. If not, don't worry, as I said, it's all pretty straight forward and easy to follow.
Ok, let me see if I remember how it went when our baby was baptized... it's been a while so I might forget something but your answers so far are pretty lame.
First of all let me say that the whole ceremony was very easy to follow along with and the priest was pretty clear about telling us which readings to turn to, etc. I am not Catholic (my husband is) and had never attended (that I can remember) a christening, but I didn't find myself too lost or confused over what was happening.
There was a lot of standing and sitting and such, as is usual in church. There were some readings and some praying. My husband and I, with our baby, and the Godparents stood up front and we did some various repeating after the priest about how we promised to uphold the Catholic faith and raise our daughter as a good Catholic.
There was a white cloth, a bib in this instance, that was placed on the baby's chest, as the priest explained the significance of having the baby wear white, and then there was the actual baptism where he poured a little water over her forehead while my husband held her over the basin.
I can't remember if it was before or after the water, some scented oil stuff was placed on the baby's head, as well as mine and my husband's, and don't remember the exact purpose (symbolism) of it, but again, the priest explained it as he was doing it.
The whole thing lasted less than an hour and was quite pleasant.
As for what your baby wears, this is entirely up to you. Most people choose to go the traditional route of dressing them in a white christening gown, which can be found at any place that sells baby clothes. If you have someone in your family that sews, you might ask them to make one. Our baby wore a lovely, but simple, white satin and lace gown that my great grandmother sewed for her. Some people have the gown made from the train of their wedding gown, for added sentimental value. Or, if you do not wish to, or can't really afford it, you can dress your baby in any outfit you want, perhaps there is something else that is significant to you. Whatever you choose to dress your child in, this is where the white cloth (bib) comes in, as the priest will explain during the ceremony; it is to ensure that the baby is wearing something white, regardless of their actual clothing.
As for everyone talking down on infant baptism... the Bible doesn't even say one has to be baptized at all to be saved and to receive salvation, so I'm not sure why anyone cares if and when one is baptized. The Catholic church, as well as others, choose to baptize their infants (or whenever one is brought into the faith). It doesn't hurt the baby, most babies could care less about the whole thing. The ceremony, similar to "dedication" ceremonies done in some Protestant churches, is really for the parents and family and friends and the church, who are dedicating the child to God/Christ and promising to do their best to raise the child in the faith so that the child will grow up to be a faithful follower and in turn choose to accept the gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The Catholic church (nor any other church that practices infant baptism) does not teach that once a baby is baptized, they are on easy sailing autopilot for the rest of their life and guaranteed a spot in Heaven. I'm not Catholic and even I know that.
IN short, the ceremony is lovely and one that should be enjoyed by you and your family and friends, Catholic or not. If you have a chance before you own baby's baptism, attend one so you can get a better idea of what happens. If not, don't worry, as I said, it's all pretty straight forward and easy to follow.
Gift Ideas for Baby Baptism?
Daywood
I'm attending a 1 year old's Catholic baptism this weekend and hearing different versions of what gift to bring. Is a card with a gift card inside tacky? Do you have any creative ideas to help me out please....thanks!
Answer
Money is always good...or here is a site you might get some ideas from. Also Christian stores have good selections too.
http://www.findgift.com/Occasions/Baptism/
Money is always good...or here is a site you might get some ideas from. Also Christian stores have good selections too.
http://www.findgift.com/Occasions/Baptism/
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