My husband wants our son baptised, and we don't even go to church. I think it's because he was and that's what his side of the family expects?? I've never attended church and don't believe you need to to have faith in something. What is involved in a baptisim? Do you have to do it in front of a bunch of strangers on a Sunday. We live out of state from our families, so would a church be able to do a private one with a couple family members??? Thanks for any help!!!
2006-10-23 07:16:24 · 16 answers · asked by Melissa t 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I know that the catholic religion baptizes kids when they are young, its like a presentation before the church and family and before God. So the child is baptized as a newborn or infant. I have heard of christian churches doing similar things but not as much. Usually with the christian church you are baptized when you are older and when it is your choice to do it as an obedience to God. Most baptisms do take place at a church so they would be in front of a large group of people. Some churches have some certain days that they do baptizms (ex. first sunday of the month) or on certain holidays or events. I would recommend contacting the church you have in mind. I know that our pastor has made exceptions and done baptisms at private residences for sick and elderly people and other reasons, so you might want to call the church you are thinking about and ask. I am sure there is someone in your area that would be willing to work with you if you explain that you would like it to be a private family matter.
2006-10-23 07:22:37 · answer #1 · answered by JB 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First, Catholics are Christians. They are the first Christian Church, all other denominations are sprung from the Catholic Church.
As to your specific question. It depends on the denomination of your husband how the service would go. I'm Presbyterian. My daughter was baptized as a part of the service. Everyone in the congregation was a part and had to promise to be there for her spiritual upbringing in the church.
Catholic christenings are often done privately after the service with just the family.
I was originally brought up Baptist. My baptism was at 12 infront of the congregation and was dunking baptism in a pool.
I'm sure if you want the baptism to be private, that that can be arranged with the minister.
2006-10-23 07:27:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is a christian activity not only catholic but usually catholics are the only ones that baptize babies, most other christian churches baptize when you are a little bit older , normally to be baptized in a catholic church the procedure varies depending on the actual church you go to, some priest ask that you take some baptism classes, other don't,. Mostly baptisms are made in front of a congregation but i think that if he priest is flexible enough you could arrange a more private ceremony for your family only
2006-10-23 07:26:54 · answer #3 · answered by ingrocher 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your husband was baptized catholic he should be able to help you with these questions otherwise 2 sources for good informations would be a call to any church, or the catechism.. if you are looking for a protastant baptism ( christening) you can call that church. Baptism is a declaration by the parents to brin up the child in the church, meaning attending services and learning about God. It involves water, water to cleanse from the original sin ( born of the flesh, we cant avoid it) you will attend baptism classes if choosing catholic church and can ask questions there. Perhaps you can attend adult catechism classes to learn even more before you decide to baptize your child. THere is no contract and you never have to decide to become catholic yourself, the classes are very interesting and I think you might like them. The classes are called RCIA
2006-10-23 07:24:12 · answer #4 · answered by likes Eeyore 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Catholicism is Christian. There's no either/or when it comes to Catholic Christianity.
Just because you believe you do not have to have faith, doesn't mean you don't. Please exercise prudence and give your husband, his family, and God, the benefit of the doubt. Besides, if one really doesn't have to have faith in anything, what harm will a Baptism do, from your perspective?
The Baptism is the washing away of original sin, a rebirth in a new Spiritual life in Christ Jesus. It's that and much more. It all might sound like a bunch of fluff to someone of no faith. But, to those of faith, Baptism is a very serious, and joyous event.
Private Baptisms can be arranged, to be attended only by invited guests. You will have to talk to the priest that runs the parish in which you would like the Baptism to take place.
2006-10-25 03:42:58 · answer #5 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most churches will work with you on how to do the ceremony. Baptism is a Christian practice, it symbolizes having your sins washed away so you can enter heaven. Even if you and your husband don't go to church, he might have some beliefs that you should consider honoring. Since you don't go to church you might have to do some calling around to find a minister willing to perform the ceremony privately without you joining the church. At the very least you should be able to find a minister willing to do a dedication ceremony. I had a friend with a similar situation a couple of years ago. She ended up with a private dedication ceremony since she and her husband wouldn't join a church, but you might find a more willing minister in your area.
2006-10-23 07:37:32 · answer #6 · answered by S. O. 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Catholics do what they call "christening", which is sprinking water on babies. I guess they do older children too. Most other churches wait until the child is older, and reach "the age of accountability", so they can accept the Lord and be "saved". This usually is associated with joining a church, but you would have to contact some local ministers to ask about a private Baptism. I think most would want to make sure the child was "saved" first.
2006-10-23 07:23:01 · answer #7 · answered by Denise B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When we had our little girl baptised, we stood up in front of the church and the Pastor just asked us questions like Do we promise to love her and take care of her and raise her up in the way she should go. Oh..to answer your first question...Catholics call it Christening Christians call it baptising or dedicating. I think they are the same but I've never been in a Catholic church so I can't say for sure. You may just check around...there may be churches that will do private ceremonies.
2006-10-23 07:23:00 · answer #8 · answered by Amy B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is both a catholic and christian thing. Although if you are having it done at a catholic church it requires that you both are catholic. You may have to take classes before you can baptize. They usually have a group ceremony in both churches. If you want something more private you will have to pay for that. I would suggest thinking it over before going through with it. It is a great thing to do but if its not something you believe in maybe you should not do it. It usually only takes an hour they say a prayer put oild on the childs forehead bless him with water say another prayer and your done. It is beautiful but not really required.
Hope this helps. Good luck and congrats !!!!
2006-10-23 07:23:07 · answer #9 · answered by Jackie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Baptism is in all Christian denominations, including Catholic. Some denominations don't baptize babies, only older people. Yes, I think that most churches would do it privately if that's what you want.
What is involved is water being sprinkled on the baby's head and some words being said; I'm sure the specifics vary by denomination. Ours (Lutheran) involves sponsors (God parents) committing to helping the child learn about God if their parents were to pass away, some prayers/the creed, and then the actual water.
2006-10-23 07:28:53 · answer #10 · answered by Christina 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋