baptism

[terbear1225]

what typically goes into the planning of an infants baptism? I know the church handles the religious aspects, but I'm a bit clueless about the social aspects of an event like this. do most people have a party/gathering afterwards? do you send invitations? if so, who do you send to?

 

[PJumper]

what typically goes into the planning of an infants baptism? I know the church handles the religious aspects, but I'm a bit clueless about the social aspects of an event like this. do most people have a party/gathering afterwards? do you send invitations? if so, who do you send to?

It varies from religion to religion. Some catholic priest would want to talk to the prospective Godparents. Some parish requires them to be full-pledge catholics (baptized, confirmed, and church wed) while others may be a little lenient and would accept "practicing catholics" (goes to church regularly, do not openly engaged in sinful acts, or publicly support abortion). The Godparents maybe required to attend some sort of seminar to make them aware of their roles as Godparents. As far as the party afterwards, it's pretty much all up to you. You can invite families and friends only or invite the whole congregation if you elect to do it during mass. I would send invitation if you're holding the party in a place where you need to know how many are coming and they'll be inclined to give presents too with an invitation. Hope this helps.

 

[terbear1225]

thanks, it does help. i think we're planning on doing an " open house" kind of thing. just let people know we'll be home and they can stop by and visit and have some snacks.

 

[watercolor]

Decide whether it is a family affair or if you would like friends to celebrate with you also. I would recommend invitations- or evites. Also- you could have a potluck get together afterwards- or just something simple as cake. That is totally up to you. Or even gather at a restraunt. I have seen it done all ways. And also- if you chose to have godparents for your child- you dont have to be of a certain religion to do so. We are not catholic- and we dont consider ourselves to be one "religion by name" or whatever. We attend a methodist church- and love it there- but we are not "methodist". Anyway- we are going to have a set of godparents for her. Its more of what you have chosen within your family. That open house idea is perfect.. I would go for that!

Also- we are not doing a typical "baptism" for her- we are going to do a dedication ceremony... which is like a baptism, but they are not actually "baptised in the spirit" until she has chosen she would like to be baptised. We will dedicate her, to raise her in a chrisitan household (or whatever you chose for your household religion) and to bring her up in the church, along with the promise that the people in the church will love her and guide her- and help her to find what she wants in life. Then, when the time comes, she can chose to be baptised if she likes.

Lots of options. Just do it the way you feel comfortable.

 

[Four*Leaf*Farm]

My son was just baptized a week and a half ago. We didn't send invites, just called family and close friends. Afterwards we had a get together at the house, just a little buffet and some desserts, a white cake, white tablecloth, and some white wine. It was nice.. I was surprised that a lot of the guests brought gifts. It was nice.

 

[terbear1225]

so, any recommendations on where to find a baptismal gown? (is that even the right term for it?)

 

[DD214]

so, any recommendations on where to find a baptismal gown? (is that even the right term for it?)

Babies R Us in Waldorf had a nice selection the last time I was there, as did Carousel, which is also in Waldorf in the same shopping center.

 

[MDTerps]

so, any recommendations on where to find a baptismal gown? (is that even the right term for it?)

You can find baptismal gowns at JcPenney, Peebles, Belk, even wal-mart, target.

Depends on how much money you would like to spend. I got my sons at JcPenney, don't recall the price. His godmother paid for that and his shoes.
Grandparends, aunts, uncles, and of course the god parents attened. After we had a little gathering at the house.

Congratulations and good luck!