Many (many) Baptismal Questions

[david_1a]

What is appropriate baptismal clothing for older children? My daughter is six and my son, four and they will both be baptized December 15? Whats appropriate?

Also, I was told that it is the responsibility of the Godparents to purchase the attire; is this true? I have no problem purchasing the clothing for my children, but I dont want to step on any toes either.

Another question is this…is it customary for parents of the baptized children to give gifts to the Godparents? I would like to, but am unsure as to whats appropriate. Any ideas on what a nice gesture might be, would be greatly appreciated.

My children’s mother and I were never married and are now seperated (prayers…please please extend your prayers on our behalf on this matter for a hopeful and speedy reconciliation). She is not Catholic but will be in attendance of the baptism. What will/should her role be? I dont want to make her feel excluded, quite the opposite, i want her to feel as included in the process and ceremony as possible while still feeling comfortable with it all.

Also, my Godparents are now both deceased, but I grew up knowing them as Padrinos. Nino (Godfather) and Nina (Godmother). This is spanish as my family is, but I very very rarely hear this vocabulary used outside of my family. Does anyone else call their Godparents Padrinos? Nino and Nina? Just curious…

One more question…what is the best way for me to help both my children to be a little more comfortable with the entire process/ceremony? We just recently began going to church on a regular basis so they will be familiar with the church itself, but I dont want to frighten them or overwhelm them with the entire process come baptismal day.

I myself have been away from the church for awhile and am beginning classes for confirmation at the same time we are baptizing and at the same time my daughter is starting catechism…so I’m a little unsure of the process (for older children, as mine are) myself.

Thank you all so much!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What is appropriate baptismal clothing for older children? My daughter is six and my son, four and they will both be baptized December 15? Whats appropriate?

Also, I was told that it is the responsibility of the Godparents to purchase the attire; is this true? I have no problem purchasing the clothing for my children, but I dont want to step on any toes either.

Another question is this…is it customary for parents of the baptized children to give gifts to the Godparents? I would like to, but am unsure as to whats appropriate. Any ideas on what a nice gesture might be, would be greatly appreciated.

My children’s mother and I were never married and are now seperated (prayers…please please extend your prayers on our behalf on this matter for a hopeful and speedy reconciliation). She is not Catholic but will be in attendance of the baptism. What will/should her role be? I dont want to make her feel excluded, quite the opposite, i want her to feel as included in the process and ceremony as possible while still feeling comfortable with it all.

Also, my Godparents are now both deceased, but I grew up knowing them as Padrinos. Nino (Godfather) and Nina (Godmother). This is spanish as my family is, but I very very rarely hear this vocabulary used outside of my family. Does anyone else call their Godparents Padrinos? Nino and Nina? Just curious…

One more question…what is the best way for me to help both my children to be a little more comfortable with the entire process/ceremony? We just recently began going to church on a regular basis so they will be familiar with the church itself, but I dont want to frighten them or overwhelm them with the entire process come baptismal day.

I myself have been away from the church for awhile and am beginning classes for confirmation at the same time we are baptizing and at the same time my daughter is starting catechism…so I’m a little unsure of the process (for older children, as mine are) myself.

Thank you all so much!

I can only offer a few comments. First and foremost The Baptism is about the Sacrament and your children. It’s about their first encounter with Christ and becoming members of His Mystical Body the Church. What they get, who gives what, where you eat after, is second.

What they wear. They just should NOT wear White TO the Baptism, but change into something white or bright with some white AFTER the Baptism. Before the additional anointing and Rites. So after they are Baptized they will dry off and can change into brighter newer clothes.

 

[puzzleannie]

find out beforehand if the children will be baptized by immersion (in which case follow Bro’s advice above) or if it will be by pouring. This should be covered in the pre-baptismal parent classes you take,as will the the topics of choosing grandparents, role of parents and godparents in the ceremony, what to wear etc. The children’s mother should at least be invited to attend those classes, even though she is not required to, because she probably has some questions as well. The padrinos will be required to attend classes as well, but they can do this in their own parish if they live far away.

Whether or not the godparents provide the clothing is a cultural custom, not a church one. If you and the padrinos are Hispanic or Italian they will almost certainly want to purchase the outfits, and will be calling to ask about sizes. It is the custom here (SoTex) for padrinos to buy rather elaborate white outfits, and although what Bro says about the symbolism of the sacrament and clothing is correct, these cultural practices are usually respected. In any case, during the ceremony they are given a symbolic white garment, representing their rising to new life in Christ and “putting on Christ” as a Christian.

For preparing the children, take them to a baptism if you have a chance, or ask the person leading your confirmation class if you can borrow a video about infant baptism, and just show them the parts that show the actual ceremony. Since they are being baptized as infants (under age 7) they will then proceed with religious education and reception of first communion and Confirmation at the normal age in your diocese. FYI children over 7 would go through the RCIA process.

Welcome Home! the happiest part of my job is walking with entire families as they are initiated in Christ’s grace through the sacraments.

forgot to talk about choosing godparents, they must be fully initiated Catholics, who are living in accordance with Catholic teaching esp. that on marriage ie. if married, must be married in the Church. You only need one, if you have two it must be one man and one woman (and not the parent of the child). The same couple can stand up for both children, or each child can have their own godparents. Choose someone who will be a support for you since you are alone in raising them in the faith, so someone is is going to be around, who you would choose as a model Christian parent. Give it a lot of thought. If conflicts arise with the family of the children’s mother, PM me to discuss options.

 

[Phemie]

In our parish when an older child is baptized, the child has the option to choose pouring or immersion and regardless of the choice is invited to wear coloured clothing for the celebration and the parents are given the option of buying a white garment or having the child dressed in an alb immediately after the anointing with Chrism.

We’ve only had two such baptisms in recent years – the girl’s parents opted for a white dress, the boy’s parents opted for the alb.