Very trivial baptism problem...but still need advice

[Sr_Sally]

I love the idea that you gave your wedding gown for your niece’s baptism. I would use it and keep it as an heirloom. The bows can be removed and the gown made smaller or pulled in with a drawstring. I assume, since you are becoming a Catholic, than any other children that you might have would also be baptized young (before 9m) and so they would fit into a smaller gown also.

 

[stbruno]

In our parish the child is baptized in regular clothes if by pouring, or naked if by immersion (the choice is the parents’ to make). When the family & sponsors approach the font, the godmother carries the baptismal garment (gown or suit) the parents have chosen for their child. When the baby has been baptized, the garment is presented to him/her at the time the words “See in this white garment…” are spoken. The child is then taken aside to be dressed in the garment then brought back for the presentation of the baptismal candle and the Ephpheta rite. If the child is older and the family has opted not to use their own white garment, the child is dressed in an alb at this time.

I don’t understand the need for a bib or anything else if the child is already dressed in a white garment – the rite certainly doesn’t suggest ignoring the white garment the child is wearing.

There is no need if the child is then dressed in a baptismal white garment. In most parishes, the child comes already dressed in their baptismal clothes and another garment is added over their own clothing. Your parish has a wonderful way of celebrating it indeed.

 

[mercygate]

There is no need if the child is then dressed in a baptismal white garment. In most parishes, the child comes already dressed in their baptismal clothes and another garment is added over their own clothing. Your parish has a wonderful way of celebrating it indeed.

Ah, but for many of us, the baptismal gown, like a wedding gown, is not about “need”. Many cherish these family heirlooms and the connection they give us to those who are nearest to us and those who have gone before.

 

[SMHW]

Ah, but for many of us, the baptismal gown, like a wedding gown, is not about “need”. Many cherish these family heirlooms and the connection they give us to those who are nearest to us and those who have gone before.

If I’m wrong I’m sure stbruno will correct me but I think stbruno meant there was no need for the parish to supply one of those little white bibs as a symbol of a white garment since the child already was/was soon to be dressed in a white garment.

Actually I think those little bibs (I I don’t know when they were first used but my son got one when he was baptized in 1987) have become “traditional” keepsakes.

 

[sarahohm]

Thanks everyone for your great (name removed by moderator)ut. Some of your comments created more questions for me. There seems to be quite alot of variation between parished on the baptism ceremony (i,e, dressed, undressed, garment provided by church etc) and so I emailed the secretary…questions all answered.
To satisfy my husband I ordered a darling white longall specifically made for baptism with a little matching beanie cap and white shoes.
We now have an outfit for both a boy or a girl, so our next baby will be all set! Rather than a single heirloom gown, we have an “heirloom set” that hopefully our family will use for years to come.
I do think that I will have the gown sized down to accomodate a newborn as our future children will also be baptized as newborns.
Thanks again!!