Until recently,
there where few options for new parents who wished to have their
children baptized outside of a church. Today, there are several
different options for those interested in creating a ceremony that
welcomes their new baby into the world and into their family.
Baptism - A baptism can be done in a family's
home, in a garden setting or on the beach. It can be as religious as
one would like with the inclusion of Bible readings, prayers and the
use of water.
Baby Naming Ceremony - This is an option for
a family that would prefer a ceremony a little less religious than a
baptism. This type of ceremony would include more contemporary
readings. It would include the parents and God parents. The use of
water is optional. This ceremony has two basic purposes to officially
name the baby and to appoint the Godparents.
Welcoming Ceremony - This is the most
inclusive of all the ceremonies. If parents would like, they can
include any or all of the components from the first two ceremonies as
well as include others. The welcoming ceremony is not only a baptism
but also a way of the family's dedicating themselves to the child's
upbringing and spiritual development. The welcoming ceremony
acknowledges the parents, Godparents, grandparents and any siblings.
It is a time when family members commit themselves to the love, care
and support of the child throughout the child's life. It can include
readings, sharing, music, and prayer. Another wonderful component,
which is optional, is the use of a "memory box". The memory box is
either constructed or purchased by the parents for the child. Family
members and close friends can either purchase a small symbolic gift
for the box or are invited to write something for the child in
response to their entrance into the world. The box and its items are
saved until the child grows old enough to appreciate the items in the
box. In time the cards and letters contained within will become even
more precious as family members pass away. What a wonderful gift for
the child to have as he or she grows older -- to have a card or letter
written by a beloved family member in response to their entrance into
the world. |
