Baptisms & Christenings
Welcome Ceremony
A Welcoming Ceremony is a very special way of celebrating the birth of your child and welcoming the new arrival into the family and the wider community. It is also a beautiful way to welcome and celebrate an adoptive child into the family or to embrace stepchildren into a new family.
There are two types of Welcoming Ceremonies. One is called a Christening or Baptism, and the other is called a Naming Ceremony. The Baptism is religious, while the Naming Ceremony is not. I can also design a ceremony that combines both.
Married or unmarried couples, single parents are all welcome! There is no pressure on anyone to explain their own spirituality or lifestyle. You may have your baby “blessed” at the location of your choice… in your home or other suitable venue like a hotel or reception facility. Some families even hold the ceremony at the beach, in a garden, park, or other beautiful outdoor location.
Every ceremony, whether religious or secular, is unique and offers the flexibility to meet the individual needs, traditions and wishes of the family. I would be truly honored to perform your child’s welcoming ceremony and am happy to personalize the ceremony using your own selection of words, poems and readings, or passages and texts from other sources… let me help you create a special memory that you will always cherish!
Traditional Religious Ceremonies
A Baptism is the ceremony or sacrament of admitting a person into a specific religious denomination, while a Christening is defined as the act or ceremony of baptizing and giving a name to an infant. Both involve making promises to raise the child in that particular religion and is the public recognition of the presence of the spark of the Divine within the body and life of every child.
Secular (Non-Religious) Ceremonies
Every community in the world has its own way of marking the birth of a baby. Often, the traditional ceremony of christening or baptism doesn’t suit a family who aren’t churchgoers as they feel a service of initiation into a religious faith is inappropriate. A baby naming ceremony is the perfect way to welcome baby if you are not aligned with any particular religion or faith group.
A Beautiful Christening or Baptism
If you prefer a religious ceremony, I will place a drop of water on your child’s forehead and recite the blessing, while you or the godparents are holding the baby. Your little sweet pea will feel more secure and comfortable with familar people.
I do not “dunk” the baby in a pool of water. It can be upsetting and unnecessarily stressful for little ones. I will then ask each family member if they would like to do the same and bless the child in their own way.
The word baptize is derived from the Greek word baptizo, which actually means “to immerse.” Requirements for Baptism differ according to the denomination. Some require total immersion, while others practice the pouring (affusion) or sprinkling (aspersion) methods for the ceremony.
The Christening ceremony usually starts with a short greeting to welcome the participants and guests, followed by a prayer and/or short reading. The child is then blessed with water by the officiant. After this blessing, the parents recite their vows of commitment to support and care for the child, and the godparent(s) make their vow to do the same. Traditionally, the baptismal candle is then lit while the officiant recites a short benediction and/or prayer to conclude the ceremony.
There are many creative ways to make your ceremony unique and truly memorable. You can include poetry or prose readings and music, decorate the tables and area with flowers, candles or other significant items, or plant a living tree that will grow along with the child. Below are a few more ideas to make the ceremony special:
- Mark the occasion with a book of blank pages in which everyone present can write a special message for the child to read in later years.
- Present symbolic gifts as keepsakes.
- Give your reasons for the name chosen and your hopes for your child’s future.
- Parents can have a section where they make vows to each other or include Memorial section, to remember a deceased family member or friend.
- Include older brothers and sisters, grandparents and other family members in the ceremony. Mention them by name, make a promise, give a gift, etc
The Christening Outfit
The baby’s outfit is almost as big a part of the traditional christening as the bride’s is on her wedding day. Although each religious denomination is different, the essentials of a Christening ceremony are broadly similar. The child generally needs a Christening Gown or Christening outfit, usually white in color and should have accompanying shoes and socks. Undershirts may have a symbolic cross embroidered upon them.
Possible additions to the ceremony are a bib and blanket, a satin or eyelet covered bible, boutonniere or bracelet blessed by the minister which can be kept in the child’s keepsake box.
SENSATIONAL CEREMONIES
Funerals & Memorials
A funeral, a memorial is a Celebration of a Life passed… A declaration of our thanks and gratitude… And a fond farewell.
To begin our process of working together, we set up a meeting with immediate family and/or friends. From there, we work to create and deliver a meaningful funeral service designed to joyfully celebrate and remember the spirit, character, and story of your loved one who has passed away. During our meeting time, we learn the unique stories, songs, pictures and experiences that define your loved one. These memories allow us to co-create with you a “Celebration of Life” – whether at a funeral home, private home, graveside or venue of your choice.
Using a Celebrant to Create a Personalized Funeral Service
The task of creating and organizing a funeral service is often challenging for immediate family and friends. As a Celebrant, I listen to your stories and walk with you in organizing your service. Religious? Non-Religious? Readings? Scripture? Life Stories? Music? DVD Presentation? Candle lighting? Memory Folder? There are these details – and so many more – to consider. In this way, I can create a smooth-flowing, beautiful crafted tribute for your loved one.
In all that I do, you have my personal assurance that I will co-create and deliver a beautiful and memorable end-of-life ceremony with warmth, dignity, reverence and compassion. It is my privilege and honor to work with you to create a personalized funeral service that is a healing and comforting process rather than a disruption to immediate family and friends.
All Faiths & Traditions Honored Here
As a Certified Celebrant, I am familiar with funeral, memorial and life tribute rituals from all faiths and traditions. Whether you are religious, spiritual or secular, I have a strong working knowledge of the world’s traditions and will work with you to create a beautiful and meaningful memorial, life tribute, graveside service or funeral. And I am also familiar with the process of cremation and burial.
Grief is a journey. And a ceremony that celebrates the life of your loved one is a valuable opportunity to begin true healing for grieving family and friends.
Living Funerals
A living funeral is a gathering centered around someone who will soon die; a way to pay tribute to a loved one, and allow them to pass in peace with the knowledge of the feelings and thoughts of others being presented to them in a reception style gathering. Whether at a hotel, banquet facility, or a private residence…allow Sensational Ceremonies to plan a Living Funeral where friends and family can pay tribute before it is too late. Please call for a free estimate.