Terry
Rundell J.P.
C.M.C. 
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Naming and
Baptism Ceremony This is a combined Naming
and Baptism Ceremony for those who want a naming ceremony but need a Baptism
certificate for potential school enrollment. This is a warm and friendly
ceremony which is simple in it's approach. Please feel free to cut and paste
other material into the ceremony and change it to reflect gender. This is our
most requested ceremony. Welcome Welcome to each one of you.
My name is ___ and on behalf of [Dad] and [Mom], I want to say how
pleased they are that you are here to share in this special celebration with
them. Ceremony
Explained Just before we begin it is
important to note that this [Child] is not being baptized into any
specific Church Denomination, however Churches recognize the Baptism
Certificate. The nice thing about this is that when a [Child] is older
and decides to move closer to a faith community, he will be able to present
herself as a Baptized person. Now to our ceremony. Ceremony We are here today because
[Dad]
and [Mom] want to express their joy in the birth of [Child]. They
want to officially welcome [Child] into their family unit, and to the
wider family of relatives and friends. They would like each of you to share
their joy on this happy occasion, and they also look forward to your continuing
friendship, interest and involvement in the years ahead. A
[Child] brings
it's own unique personality and adds new dimension to the family unit. [Dad]
and [Mom] will always find something new to laugh at or admire. They are
also aware of the great responsibility that is now theirs. A great deal of their
lives will be involved in caring for their [Child] and guiding [Child]
through the many trails of life. Now I would like to read a
lovely poem. May All Your Wishes Come
True May all your wishes come true Naming Names are an important part
of everyone's life. They give each and everyone of us individuality. (Parents to stand) (Speak to child)
[Child],
your name was chosen with great care. It was chosen just for you. We all hope
that you will inherit the best traits of both your parents. Our wish for you
this day is that you will grow into a caring person who is healthy and happy. We
wish you wisdom to help guide you through life. Questions
for Parents Now, some questions for the
parents. (Question) Will you comfort
[Child] when she/he is distressed and laugh with her/him when she's/he's
happy? (Question) Will you as
parents try in every way possible to raise [Child] in such a way that
she/he will feel loved and secure? Question
for Witnesses Now, a question for the
witnesses. The
Baptism ( Please pick one) 1.
Child] I baptize you in the name of The Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit. or: 2. [Child]
you are baptised with water as a symbol of the common life which is in you and
in the world about you. We welcome you to the community of life on earth and
dedicate you to everything which is beautiful and truthful and good. or: 3. [Child]
you are baptised in the name of the God and in the spirit of Jesus. We welcome
you as a member of Christ's church and of the community of life on earth. May
all be well with you in your journey through life. (Return Child to parents) To your extended family and
friends, may you contribute to making this world a better and happier place for
all of us, and may the Lord bless you and make your life a blessing to the
world. Amen. Closing I want now to present
[Dad]
and [Mom] with this certificate of Baptism. On behalf of [Dad], [Mom]
and [Child], I would like to thank you all for taking part in this
ceremony. Please enjoy the rest of the day.
Naming Ceremony 2 Hello everyone, my name is
[Officiant]
and it's my pleasure to welcome you here today to share with this family a very
special occasion. [DAD] and [MOM] wish to express their joy in the
birth of [CHILD], and they want to officially welcome [CHILD] into
their family unit, and to the wider family of relatives and friends. [DAD]
and [MOM] would like you all to share their joy on this happy occasion,
and they also look forward to your continuing friendship, interest and
involvement in the years ahead. A child brings his/her own
unique personality, and adds new dimension to the family unit. [DAD] and [MOM]
will always find something new to laugh at or admire. [DAD] and [MOM]
are also aware of the great responsibility that is now theirs. A great deal of
their lives will be involved in caring for their child and guiding [CHILD]
through the many trials of life. Now a little poem called As you all know,
[CHILD]
can't talk yet, so I'll say a few words on [CHILD]'s behalf. At first I wasn't quite
prepared for this enormous place,
I've
found it really doesn't take, much difficulty or guile, Naming
Intro Names are an important part
of everyone's life, and names are what give each and every one of us
individuality. (Parents please stand)
[DAD]
and [MOM] what name have you chosen for your child? (Speaking to child)
[CHILD]
your name was chosen with great care, and it was chosen just for you. We all
hope that you will (inherit the best traits of [DAD] and [MOM]
and) grow into a caring person who is healthy and happy, and with wisdom to help
you all through life. [DAD] and [MOM] will you as parents care for [CHILD]
keep him/her, clothe, shelter and protect Child, for as long as he/she needs
you, as best you can? Will you comfort
[CHILD]
when he/she is distressed, laugh with [CHILD] when he/she is happy? Will you try in every way
possible to raise [CHILD] in such a way that he/she will feel loved and
secure? [Optional] [Optional] All Candle
lighting The
official Naming [CHILD] you are named with water as a symbol of the common
life which is in you and in the world about you. We welcome you to the community
of life on earth and dedicate you to everything which is beautiful and truthful
and good. Ladies and Gentlemen,
(adapt to each situation) [CHILD], today we officially welcome you. We
wish you long life and happiness in a loving and peaceful world may you bring
joy to your parents, (your brothers/sisters) your supporting adults, your family
and friends. May you contribute to making this world a better and happier place. Blessing May All Your Wishes Come
True Optional
Ceremony Elements Appointment
of Supporting Adults (God Parents) The bond between parents
and their children is very strong, but the support and encouragement of others
is vital for the development of this child. An important tradition in our
culture on this occasion is the responsibility accepted by the Supporting
adults. [DAD] and [MOM] have chosen Supporting Adults
(god parents) for their child for whom they have the highest regard. Supporting
adults should be willing to take a special and lifelong interest in the moral
and ethical development of their Godchild. As you accept the role of
Godparent, you are agreeing to be an adult friend to [CHILD], to whom
he/she can turn for loving support and guidance as he/she grows. Will you accept this
commitment and responsibility? Will you be kind to Child
help look after he/she and surround he/she with love and affection? [Supporting adults please
say these words to Child] Supporting adults,
[NAME]
and [NAME] please light your candles from [CHILD]'s candle, and
repeat after me; "As i light this candle, I confirm that I am part of [CHILD]'S
personal family. [CHILD] may always turn to me for guidance, comfort and
love." [Optional] [Optional] [Optional] Conclusion This ceremony today, will
in no way prevent [CHILD] from seeking the truth during his/her life on
any future religious commitments or beliefs. Dad an Mom have given [CHILD]
the freedom to choose his/her own religion. We all hope that
[CHILD]
will have a happy, exciting and fulfilling life. I have pleasure in
presenting to you: [CHILD] Presentation
of Naming Certificate On behalf of
[DAD]
and [MOM] I would like to thank you all for taking part in this ceremony.
Please enjoy the rest of the day.
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