Preparing for your Baby’s Baptism: 5 Tips to Consider

I just had my second child baptized last month. Honestly, I think we packed too many events in one day. We started early that afternoon by blessing our new house. Then it was time to run off to have my daughter baptized. And after that, came the reception, which also doubled as my husband’s 40th birthday party. Take it from me, you’ll want to plan your child’s baptism way in advance. Below, you’ll find some christening tips to consider.

In my case, I did plan in advance. However, I ended up packing too many activities together, thus, there were details I overlooked. For example, I planned that the candles I prepared for the house blessing would be the same ones we’d use for the baptism. Oh that was so wrong! Because after the house blessing, most of the candles were used up and the cups I had attached to keep the wax from dripping were burnt with holes. I was so embarrassed as I distributed them to the godparents.

But suffice it to say that the baptism pushed through even as my daughter drowned the priest’s voice with her unabated wailing.

Oh well, my baby is a Christian now and that’s what matters.

So if you’re planning your child’s baptism soon, learn from me and don’t lump it with your other big-time events. Aside from that, here are other practical tips to help you prepare for your event:

1. Choose godparents who practice the faith. Remember, a christening initiates your child to your religion and godparents commit to raise your child in the faith. If you’re a Catholic, don’t get your best friend who is an agnostic, your boss who’s a Buddhist or your sister who converted to a born-again church. As much as possible, godparents should have received the sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, Penance and the Eucharist. Even better, chose those who will be good examples to your child.

2. Schedule your baby’s baptism ahead with your church or parish. There’s normally a fee and they usually require a down payment when you reserve a day and time. They’ll also ask for a copy of your child’s birth certificate. In some churches, a seminar for godparents is even required. So, make sure to check in advance.

Click here to see more tips on how to prepare for your baby's christening.

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Here are more tips on how to prepare for your baby's christening.

3. Prepare the things you need for the christening in advance.

- Candles – Prepare as many as the godparents you’ve chosen plus a few more for you and others who might want to hold them.

1. • - Christening gown – dress your baby in a nice outfit, white preferably. The christening gown will be used during the ceremony and will be put on top of her clothing during the baptism proper. This will be worn briefly so you might want to borrow what your parents or siblings used for their babies so you can save on costs.

4. Prepare a little salu-salo after the ceremony. For others, this can be a lavish reception at a hotel. But keep in mind that the main thing is that your child is being welcomed into God’s kingdom so your celebration can be as simple as hot chocolate and ensaymada with your loved ones at home.

5. Keep your candles and light them up on your child’s birthday to remind him of the meaning of his baptism.

 

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