There are two types of ceremonies available; religious and non-religious. Irrespective of which type is chosen, the common theme throughout is love and surrounding the child with family and friends in order to celebrate the childs birth and life ahead.
Religious Ceremonies: A Christening is the childs first initiation into the religious faith. At a Catholic Christening, the parents make their declarations, the baby is baptised with holy water, and a lit candle representing Jesus as the light of the world, is given to the parents and Godparents. The priest may ask the parents to attend preparation classes to fully understand the significance of a baptism. Catholic Christenings are often held as a separate service for one or more child, without hymns and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
In a Church of England Christening, the Christening takes place within the main Sunday church service and the baby is taken to the font, sprinkled with holy water, and the Godparents and parents promise God they will bring the child up in the Christian faith.
If you decide to go for a Christening, you need to speak to the vicar at your local church. They will explain the...