Different religious traditions approach rites of passage with children in different ways. It’s too complicated to talk about here, and most people wouldn’t be interested anyway! Fortunately, though, we’re well past the point where one group persecutes the another because they can’t agree who should be baptized, or how, or when – or if, for example. My approach with young children is to “dedicate” the child to God, and the parents (and usually the godparents) to raising the child as God’s gift to them. Parenting, like marriage, is an important and daunting assignment. We parents need all the help we can get – and we want to know that God is on our side. (Spoiler Alert: God is!) A typical ceremony is fairly brief, and usually includes a reading (often from the Bible), prayers or blessings for the child, the parents and the godparents, and me and an anointing of the child. Often the parents present the child with a small but symbolic gift as well. I would work on the contents of the ceremony with you, the same as I do for a wedding, a funeral, or for any ceremony. That way you know exactly what to expect, and we’re all on the same page. Many people do this in their home, and even more, do it in their backyard. A backyard wedding is a lot of work, but for a baby dedication, it’s perfect. And if you don’t have a place at home, that’s no problem either. We can always find a nice gazebo in a park when the weather is nice. Something like this is a milestone and a good thing to do on many levels. If I can help with your desires along this line, please contact me. I’ve done it many times, and it’s always a joyous event. … and congratulations on your growing family! |