Baptism of a baby is a unique service that is a significant event in a child’s and his/her family’s key developmental cycle in the church. It is a religious rite performed by different churches affirming the infant positions within the Christian fraternity. It is important to plan for the baptism of a baby and know the people to invite to this happy occasion Below is the guideline for preparing for the baby’s baptism.
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Planning a Baby’s Baptism
- Choose the Date
Choosing the date for the baptism of your baby is the first thing that is to be done. It is therefore important that you liaise with your church regarding their availability to schedule from their calendar. Some churches have a set time for baptism, it might be once a week, or once a month, whereas others may be more flexible on the date of baptism.
- Select Godparents
The spiritual guide that godparents provide is extremely important in the early years of a child’s life. Select friends that have the good character you would like to pass on to your child in terms of faith. I suggest that parents should sit down and talk to prospective godparents about their expectations in advance so that they would not raise their expectations as high as they cannot meet.
- Meet with the Church
In the baptism service plan, it is recommended if one should consult the priest or the pastor on when you want the baptism to be conducted. You will be informed of any other procedures, for instance, a baptism class if there is any.
- Plan the Ceremony
Resolve on all the issues about the ceremony such as scripture reading, prayers, and hymns to be used. There are different choices available to a family in selecting the type of funeral service to be conducted in the church; the churches provide the settings in which choices can be made to suit their family’s preferences.
- Send Invitations
Once the date is set and other details that can be organized have been sorted out, invitations should be sent. You can go for the common printed paper-based invites, which are available in various designs and patterns, or opt for the novel electronic-based invites. It is recommended that you submit them well in advance so that your guests can make the necessary arrangements.
- Organize the Reception
After a baptism ceremony, many parents take their child back home to celebrate with other members of the family through a reception or a get-together party. This can be in the form of a house party, a formal party, a party ordered for by a caterer among others.
- Prepare the Baby’s Outfit
Cherish your baby and dress it up in a special outfit which is traditionally white. You can borrow a dress from your elder family member or choose a family heirloom dress or you can even buy a new dress. Make sure it is comfortable for the baby to wear throughout the ceremony and the/functions that may follow immediately after the wedding.
- Capture the Moment
It is advisable to employ a professional photographer or assign some of the family members to do the photo-shooting to have good memories of this day. It is recommended that people should take pictures during the ceremony and when people are getting down to dance in the reception hall.
Whom to Invite
Immediate Family
Grandparents, siblings, and close cousins, all belong to the immediate family and thus must be the first to be included in the invite list. These are the people who will equally have the largest stake in the kind of people your child will grow to become and the kind of spiritual values he/she will be raised with.
Godparents
The actual participants of this sacrament are godparents. These places are not merely necessary but symbolic of the organizations’ interest in your child’s spiritual well-being.
Close Friends
People who should be invited include friends who have been important in one’s life and those expected to be important in the future of the child. These are the persons who stand by you and are most probably going to take part in your child’s upbringing.
Extended Family
Other special relations that could be invited include grandparents, great-grandparents, other relatives such as nephews, nieces, and any other relative with a close bond with your family. People will deem it an honor to be part of this hallmark event.
Others to Consider
- Special Mentors: People who have been your and/or your families’ spiritual role models.
- Family Friends: People who you and your family have known for a long time, especially on joyful occasions in your family life.
Conclusion
Baptism is a sacrament that is held with joy and kids particularly babies to make a conversation of faith and to make them new members of the congregation. Through proper planning and unique invitations, one can make the occasion as memorable and as joyful as possible while at the same time celebrating the family’s culture and values.
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