Christening

Christening questions and answers

Find more information on Christening @ The Adherents Religion Website.

Q: Christening?
Just wondering if anyone could tell me what the protocol is for arranging a christening. Do i ring the vicar go and see him or what? frodette why bother answer if you are going to be arsy this really does my head in! Why be so judgemental, maybe i want my son being brought up as a church goer! At the end of the day my situation is none of your buisness. If its people like you with that sort of attitude that do go to church then its no wonder the youth of today and people like myself stop attending church.

A: Yes, call up and tell them that you have to have your baby Christened and they will help you schedule it. If you are a memeber of the church you are having the baby Christened at, you wont have to make a donation to the church (I've never even heard of such a thing for Christenings). You said ring the Vicar, I am going to assume you are Episcopal, so you will need to have god parents for the baby and we do it during Church service on Sunday mornings, I've never seen a private Christening in our religion(you are welcoming the baby into the body of christ, which is the church, so its done in front of the congregation so the baby can be welcomed by everyone), but I have seen them in the Catholic religion. Give a call or better, as you walk past the greeting line on Sunday morning, just menion that you have to have your baby Christened, you will probably be told to wait a few minutes to go back to the church office to schedule your sunday, but it takes no time and they wont hassle you about it, even if you dont attend church regularly. Good luck!

Q: What should an 18 mo wear to his christening?
My son is being christening in September and I really don't want to spend $50 on a christening outfit he'll only wear once. Can he just wear white pants and a white oxford top? Any other suggestions?

A: I would think that would be fine and it is ridiculous to spend a lot on an outfit but then again if you are planning on having more children you can always pass it on in the family and it would be nice for a keep sake - after all it is silly to spend a lot of money on a wedding dress as well since we are only going to be wearing it once (hopefully) but we still do :)

Q: What would you plan for a dinner after the christening of twins?
My twins are being Christened the 7th of September and I will have a house full of people over to dinner following the christening ( about 40). I'm planning to serve buffet style, regardless of what the menu turns out to be. Help for the menu would be GREAT!

A: Entree Selections: Round of Beef Ham, Sliced on Platters Crab Cakes Roasted Turkey Breast Assorted Quiches Steamed Shrimp Lasagna (Meat or Meatless) Oven Fried Chicken Curried Chicken/Rice Herbed Chicken Breast Cheese Stuffed Shells Shrimp Sides Selection: White/Wild Rice Pilaf Green Garden Salad Honey Mustard Carrots Scalloped Potatoes Green Beans Amandine Squash Medley Mashed Potatoes Pasta Primavera Roasted Vegetable Mix Herbed Roasted Potatoes Macaroni & CheeseFrench Peas Snow Peas with Caramelized Onions Steamed Corn Medley CouscousRice Vegetable Medley Dessert Selection: Carrot Cake Fresh Baked Cookies Cheese Cake Chocolate Cake, Frosted Fruit Pies or tarts Fudgy Brownies

Q: How to repair a vintage silk christening robe?
I have a vitage silk christening robe, it's about 80 years old and is a family heirloom. I took it out recently because I'm about to become a grandmother and there are a few tiny holes near the neck line. Is there anyway to repair them without it being too noticeable?

A: The best way to repair something as valuable as your christening robe is by invisible mending. The results are exactly as the term suggests - you won't be able to find the original hole when it's repaired, I can assure you! It's harder to find these craftsmen and women than it used to be (the easiest way is via an upmarket dry cleaner), but you'll find one at: http://www.invisible-mending.co.uk/index.asp. Otherwise, you could ask someone at a costume museum - they're bound to have an occasional need for invisible mending. You'll find a list at; http://www.fashion-era.com/museums.htm. Good luck!

Q: What's the best way to store a white Christening dress to keep it white?
We have an 80-year-old Christening dress and a 30-year-old Christening dress. The old one turned brown. What is the best way to store the newer one to prevent it from turning color?

A: I would take it to the dry cleaners and have them to clean it and put them in a keepsake box (specially made for special clothings like wedding dresses, christening dresses, etc) or get them cleaned and framed (if your not using it again). I have done this with my wedding dress, so it could be like new if my daughter gets married and wants to wear the dress.

Q: What food to serve at christening?
It is my daughters christening in Febuary and that is summer here in Australia. I just wanted to do a light lunch, there is 20 people coming. These are the foods I have thought of: cold ham, cold chicken, salad, bread rolls. christening cake, cup cakes. What other food do you suggest?

A: All of those choices sound great. The only thing I would add to that is to do a seasonal cold fruit tray. I'm sure your guests would appreciate something cool if it's going to be very warm. Also, stay away, of course, from any mayonnaise based salads, since they spoil VERY fast in warm weather.

Q: Is it possible to clean a 30 year old christening gown that is yellowed and stained. How?
I had a gown from my daughters christening stored in a box and took it out and found it's all yellowed and stained. Would really like to be able to clean it so that her daughter could use it.

A: I would find a cleaner that specializes in restoration of heirloom clothing to see what they can do. Try starting here: http://www.weddinggownspecialists.com/

Q: What does a mother look for in a christening gown?
I'm constructing one from 100% cotton and battenberg lace. What do all moms who have their babies christened look for in a christening gown? I also intend to embroider on the gown. Serious question acquired almost 500 yds of battenberg lace and am trying to use it up.

A: If I could have afforded one I would have wanted one that was elegant yet simple. Not a lot of embroidery on it, maybe some at the top (chest area). Plain back, maybe button up to give it a nice back. Maybe some lace or something at the bottom to add a nice touch. I'm old fashioned and plain LOL.

Q: What colours are acceptable for guests to wear at a Roman Catholic Christening?
We've been invited to such a christening, and we have heard some conflicting views on what colours are acceptable for men and women to wear. Can women or men wear black or red clothing? What colours are not allowed, and why? Thanks in advance...

A: Thank you for showing respect by asking. I have never heard of acceptable or unacceptable colors being worn at a Baptism. This may be a cultural tradition in your area of the world that is not widely known world wide. I suggest you follow the best local advice that you have been given. With love in Christ.

Q: How can I get yellow spots out of a 27 year old Christening outfit?
The Christening outfit was used by me for my son' Baptism. My son's wife now wants to use it for her son's (my grandson's) Baptism. But it is yellow in spots.

A: When I worked as a dry cleaner, someone brought in a wedding dress that belonged to her grandmother. The dress had turned yellow over the years. Since the dress was so old and the fabric was delicate, I soaked the dress in a large tub with a lot of oxy clean and cold water. I soaked the dress all day and then rinsed it really well and let it air dry. The dress came out beautiful.

Q: What do you think of baptizing a boy in a christening gown?
My husband is opposed to our son wearing a christening gown. He would rather him wear the white short outfit that is offered for boy's christening than have him wear the gown. The gown is an heirloom that every child in my family has worn, including my brother. Does anyone else think it is no big deal to dress an infant boy in a gown for a special occassion for a few hours?

A: That's obviously the whole point of a "christening gown". I say it's the correct thing to do. Yes, I like tradition and continuity with past generations.

Q: What is the difference between Baptism and Christening?
This is a topic that has always been a matter of debate within myself. Baptism vs. Christening? What is the difference? I hear the words used intermittently and I never know what the true context of the words mean. Does anyone know?

A: In my most humble opinion, baptism is representative of burial. When we decide to follow Christ, we are "dead" to the old ways of sin, buried (baptized), then rise like Christ did, and we are told to walk a new life. I believe Christening is practiced by Catholics, and is the sprinkling of holy water on babies. Just my opinion and interpretation again, but I don't believe babies are capable of sin or knowing right from wrong, and if a person "dies" it's preferable to cover them with dirt, not sprinkle it on them.

Q: How long does it usually take for a Catholic church to find your christening certficate?
I'm getting married next year and have sent off a self addressed envelope asking for my christening certificate 3 wks ago is it normal that i haven't yet received it as i'm getting worried?

A: It took mine about 6 weeks to arrive. But I did call and let them know that I had sent for it too.

Q: Can I get a blessing instead of a christening at a Catholic Church?
Do priests do blessings? I'd rather have a blessing than a christening for my baby. Also, I know most churches you have to be an active member to have your child's baptism there, do you need to be a member to have a blessing?

A: Most churches vary in their practices. I would suggest calling the church you at which you would like to have your child blessed and see if it's something they will do. Some churches may require a "donation."

Q: How long can I wait to have a Christening?
My son is 3 months and i would like to wait for the Christening how long is too long?

A: You don't have to have a Christening done at any certain time. You decide when you want to do it. Some people don't get baptised until they are 14 years old. You do it when you want.