What do you have to consider when planning the baptism?

Baptism is a big event and represents your child’s entry into the church community. And even if you have already been a guest at a few baptisms and know roughly how the ceremony works or which souvenirs are good gifts , there is one a lot of things that you may not have considered when planning your baptism. You can get an overview here so that everything runs smoothly at the baptism ceremony and you can experience a nice party.

Planning the baptism: First things first

In order for the baptism to take place at all, you should definitely think of two things:

• Determine godparents: Above all else, you should consider who should be your child’s godparent at baptism, because the appointment of godparents is a prerequisite for a Christian baptism.
• Register for baptism: As soon as you have decided when your child should be baptized, it is necessary that you inform the responsible parish of your plans. You should do this as early as possible so that the church is still free on your desired date, your desired priest or pastor has no other commitments and another baptism is not already taking place in the church of your community. When registering, you should bring your family register, if you have one, but in any case bring the child’s birth certificate and your identity cards with you .

Plan the content of the baptism ceremony

There are a number of fixed procedures during the baptism ceremony , but you can actively help shape the service with your own ideas so that your child’s baptism is an unforgettable celebration.

• Baptismal statement: Every baptism includes a baptismal statement that you give your child to take with them. If you choose it very early on, the saying can serve as a motto for the entire planning of the baptism and also the baptism ceremony itself. For example, you can choose a saying from the Bible or a quote from literature , depending on what you want to express with the baptismal verse and what you like best.
• Text selection: During the baptismal service there are usually readings at different times. These are often texts from the Bible, read by the clergyman, that describe the relationship between God and man. Often, however, there is also the possibility of incorporating a non-biblical text or a poem into the service, which you think is appropriate in some way and which you or the godparents can recite. Such readings can brighten up the service and sometimes serve to express your personal thoughts and feelings about baptism even more clearly.
• Intercessions: The intercessions are intended to ask God’s mercy for people who are particularly close to your heart. They can be freely formulated to express your personal wishes and hopes. With a prayer of intercession, the baptismal service can be given a very personal touch and the connection between the person being baptized and their family can be emphasized. In addition, sharing the prayers is a wonderful way to involve other family members and friends in the baptismal process.
• Songs: Music always plays an important role in church services and you can also have a great influence on the design of the baptism ceremony by selecting the songs. In addition to church hymns, you can also select other songs that fit the occasion and that you particularly like. Maybe you know someone who plays an instrument and can contribute to the festive occasion in a very special way.

You can address all of these points relating to the formalities, organization and course of the baptismal service during the baptismal conversation, which the parents usually have with the responsible priest or pastor some time before the celebration, so that you can optimally prepare for the baptismal service are prepared for your child’s big day.

Invitation and baptism booklet

Of course you want to celebrate the day of the baptism together with the people who are important to you and who you would like to participate in the life of your child. So that everyone can actively participate in what is happening, we have two tips:

• Invitation: With the invitation, you should make sure that you send it out early so that the guests can prepare for the appointment early enough and postpone other commitments if necessary. A beautifully designed card with a suitable invitation text is also a nice reminder of this special day. You can also use the invitation not only to tell the guests the date of the baptism, but also to send song lyrics or intercessions in one go and ask them , but also to take on a small or larger role during the service. In this way, the whole party can be actively involved and the baptism can be made very lively and personal.
• Baptism booklet: The baptism booklet should serve as a kind of program overview so that the guests can get an overview of the exact course of the ceremony. The lyrics to the song are often included in the baptismal booklet, so that those present can sing along, creating a beautiful, festive atmosphere in the church. If you design the baptism booklet nicely, it can be taken home as a souvenir of the celebration, similar to the invitation.

What else do you need to do before baptism?

In addition to organizing the content and planning the course of the baptism, you should also consider a few very practical things that should not be missing from a baptism.

• Baptismal candle: The baptismal candle is the symbol for the light of God, which should accompany the baptized from the day of baptism. In some communities, the candle can be purchased at the respective church. Often, however, the parents themselves or the godparents procure this important prop.
• Christening Gown : The christening gown is traditionally a white robe that is put on or over the person being baptized after or during the actual baptism. It is intended to symbolize the Christian faith into which the baptized enters through baptism. In some families, the christening robe is passed on from generation to generation, which then symbolizes belonging to a community.
• Flower decorations: The flower decorations in the church contribute significantly to a beautiful atmosphere. Therefore, you should definitely discuss in advance with the responsible clergyman whether this is provided by the church or whether you have to take care of it yourself. It is also a nice idea to have each guest bring a single flower, which is then collected shortly before the service begins and tied into a colorful bouquet of good wishes for the child.

end of the celebration

In almost all baptisms, the celebration does not end after the service. The celebration ends with coffee and cake or a visit to a restaurant. Therefore, you should also think about renting a suitable room before the day of the baptism. If the celebration is to take place at your home, ask friends and acquaintances if they can help you with the preparations to relieve you as the parents of the child to be baptized.

For people who have traveled from further away, you should reserve a hotel room if necessary, so that they too can celebrate with you and end the day without any worries.

There is a lot to consider when planning a baptism. However, if you start planning early enough and get help from friends and acquaintances, your child’s baptism will certainly be a wonderful experience.