Christening & Celebration for Our Baby Boy

This past Sunday was a very special day for our family, we asked the church to baptize Jack. To clarify, “christening” has the same meaning as baptism only it’s reserved for infant baptisms. In our Catholic faith, baptism is the first of the seven sacraments we celebrate throughout our lives here on Earth. We, along with the godparents, make the commitments for Jack. We make the commitment to raise him in the church and teach him all about our faith, Jesus and God the Father.

Our wonderful Priest stated it so simply and beautifully, by us asking for Jack to be baptized we are starting his relationship with God.

“Christ Himself ordered His disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations and to baptize those who accept the message of the Gospel. In His encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), Christ made it clear that baptism was necessary for salvation: “Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” For Catholics, the sacrament is not a mere formality; it is the very mark of a Christian, because it brings us into new life in Christ.”

“While the Church has an extended rite of Baptism which is normally celebrated, which includes roles for both parents and godparents, the essentials of that rite are two: the pouring of water over the head of the person to be baptized; and the words ‘I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.‘”

“Godparents play a very important role in your child’s spiritual life. They serve as role models of the faith. The child should be able to look to their godparent as an example of how the church teaches us to live our Catholic faith. They support not only the child but the parents as well. Additionally, in their role as godparent, they represent the larger Church community.”

After the ceremony, everyone gathered at my parents’ home to celebrate Jack’s special day. I ordered these invitations from Tiny Prints.

My mom displayed my christening gown, bib and shoes along with a few photos from my baptism. It was very sweet. Especially since my godfather traveled from Florida to be with us but sadly my godmother passed away almost eight years ago. We miss her dearly. I know she was with us in spirit but she bought this gown for me and with the pictures it was just a little something extra to honor her and our special bond as godparents and godchild.

Sweet Birdie’s Nest made the adorable banner and other party details for us. I was so happy with how it all turned out!  They not only create beautiful products, they are just as sweet as can be! I’m ready to start planning another party so I can work with them again.

The pictures with all the food out didn’t turn out as well so you’ll have to imagine there are no empty spots on the table.

We were surrounded by friends and family and Jack was an angel! I don’t think he cried once the entire day. But between mass, baptism following and then 60 people for lunch, we did not get one picture of Jack by himself in his gown or precious bubble and knee socks he wore to the party. I’m planning to redress him in it today for a mini photo shoot. His gown and bubble were both from Best Dressed Child.