Catholic Christenings

Catholic Christenings

January 2011

A Catholic Christening ceremony is a child's initiation into a religious faith. The Catholic Church defines baptism as "the sacrament which makes one a member of the Church". The ceremony is usually held in a parish church during the main Sunday service, but you can ask for a private service. During the service the parents of the child make their declarations and the baby is baptised with holy water which signifies the washing away of sin and being reborn to a new life in Christ. A candle is lit to represent Jesus as the light of the world which is given to the parents and Godparents. Some priests allow parents to choose readings of hymns and the services lasts for about 30 minutes.

Godparents are considered an important and responsible role with the obligation to instruct the child regarding faith and morals. One Godparent is required but you can have two as long as one is male and the other female. Godparents need to have been baptised and obviously cannot be the parents. Non-catholic Christians can be "witnesses" but not actual Godparents.

A catholic Christening is free but there may just be a small charge for the baptismal certificate or an administration fee.