History of Godfathers

The first step to understanding your duties as a godfather is to become familiar with the history of the position. The origin of godparents is distinctly religious. As infant baptism took hold in early Christianity, there was a need for someone to step in as a sponsor and provide the required confession of faith before baptism. In the beginning, biological parents often took on this role, but the Council of Munich in 813 required natural parents to pick other people to be godparents. In addition to sponsoring the child’s christening, the godfather was charged with the duty of overseeing the child’s spiritual instruction.

As with many Christian traditions, the role of godfathers went through some upheaval during the Reformation. Many Protestant sects continued with the practice but loosened up a bit on the pre-Reformation requirements.  The Roman Catholic Church has pretty much maintained the status quo on godfathers up until the present day. In order to be godfather in Catholicism, a man must be a confirmed Catholic in good standing and not be the natural parent of the child.

The concept of godfatherhood isn’t exclusively Christian. In Judaism, parents often pick a man to be the sandek at their child’s bris. The sandek holds the baby boy on a pillow while he is circumcised by the mohel. According to Jewish custom, the role of sandek is given to a single Jewish male, usually a close family member or some other man who is a good example of the faith. Also tradition dictates that a man can not serve as a sandek more than once. Like the Christian godfather, sandeks also have a responsibility to help guide the child’s spiritual upbringing.

Godfathers Today

For many people today, the spiritual aspect of being a godfather is still very important. But as Western society has become more secular, many families have held on to the tradition of naming godparents for their children, but have expanded the responsibilities beyond taking part in religious ceremonies or in the child’s spiritual development. For example, some parents ask that the godfather be a special mentor for their child or to foster their kids if they die. Most parents pick a sibling or close cousin to be the godfather. But it’s now not uncommon for a good friend to be selected.

Whether your role as a godfather is the traditional religious one or a more secular one, being asked to be a godfather is a big honor. By asking you to be a godfather, the parents are showing that you’re a man they can trust to help raise their child. Let’s take a look at a few tips on how to be the kind of godfather a kid will feel lucky to have.

www.christeningessentials.com
christening gowns, christening outfits

Christening Gifts From Godparents

If you are standing for the child as a godparent, your gift needs to be something special and unique to commemorate the beginning of a new, special relationship between the two of you. Consider giving your new godchild a piece of jewelry, a baptism keepsake box, a hope chest, or a framed picture of the two of your together. Whatever you choose, get the gift engraved or personalized in some way so the baby knows in the years to come that they have always been a special person in their life.

In addition to a more solemn token that will be more appreciated by your godchild later in life, it’s a nice touch for godparents to give a more fun, childlike gift as well, that the little one can appreciate now.

www.christeningessentials.com
christening gowns, christening outfits

Essential Tips for Choosing And Writing A Baptism Thank You Card

Choosing and writing a Baptism Thank You card has never been more difficult. The days of the plain baptism thank you card are numbered. They've been overtaken by an array of colorful, and personalized cards that help us show appreciation for the kindness shared on our baby's special day.

Now you can, if you choose have your own photograph of baby immortalized on individual Baptism Thank You cards. Various companies allow you to add Baptism details along with a choice of other embellishments.

Personalized cards though aren't everyone's choice. Some of us still resort to the old-fashioned' pen and paper letter writing route. Whilst this of course is still a great option, you may like to choose some special textured paper on which to share your gratitude for gifts received. It's a joy to write on special paper, especially as it is paper selected especially for this one occasion.

Don't forget to buy sufficient paper and matching envelopes for your needs. Some of us write 'large' so you may find yourself using two sheets. That's even more likely if you chose small sized paper.

If you've a creative streak you may prefer to make your own special handmade thank you cards. This would really give you a chance to be inventive. If you've got the time, this is a great idea. You could personalize some bought cards with your own touch of ribbon or bow etc.

Thank you cards for baby's Baptism or Naming Day may be one time when you want to 'push the boat out'. What kind of special card could you choose or create that would help you celebrate the day?

The event is certainly a notable one in yours, your baby's, and the larger family group's memory. Marking the occasion with some well-chosen cards will be something that you can all look back on in the years to come.

It's worth spending a bit of time looking around at what's available so as not to limit your options. Don't be tempted to rush for the bog standard' off-the-shelf pre-package, unless that of course suits your budget, and your emotions. Think about the part the thank you card plays in rounding off' the special event in your lives.

Whilst it is you the parent writing the cards, you do so on behalf of your little one. As such, you're building his/her relationship with those who have given gifts. Baptism Thank You Card wording is equally important.

As you're building his/her standing within your family community, your choice of the right Baptism - or Christening Thank You Card (as it's also known) is worth a longer look.

Once you've got your card, choosing the appropriate Baptism Thank You Card wording can often prove a challenge. This is especially so for first time parents keen to do things right'.

Religious etiquette suggests that baptism thank you cards should be sent no more than two weeks after the ceremony or service. As it's customary to give gifts on these important occasions you may have a number of thank you cards to write.

If you haven't already done so, it's a good idea to make a list of who has given you what. That way you can be specific and personal in thanking people for their kind thoughts and presents.

Mention the gift itself, how you and your baby are enjoying it and using it, or how they will use it in the future (if it is a gift for a later stage in life). You may mention how lovely it was to see them at the baptism itself if they were able to attend.

Those who haven't chosen personalized photo card often attach a photo to their card or letter.

If you have some idea how much you might write before hand then this could affect the size of card you choose. Your handwriting may be exuberant and large, requiring more space than someone who writes small. Thinking about this early on is always a good idea.

Finally, when you sign off, add all your names, you, your partner's and of course baby's. Everyone loves to see baby's name on the card, and as proud parents, it gives you another chance to write baby's name!

It's also wise to order your Baptism Thank You cards or Christening Thank you Cards along with the Birth Announcement and Baptism Cards to ensure a continuity of design style.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

www.christeningessentials.com
christening gowns, christening outfits

Christening Party

A christening or baptism party should be a very special day for parents, child and family. The christening or baptism of a baby or child is a universal initiation rite of the Christian religion involving the sprinkling of water on the child's forehead or immersion in water, symbolizing the washing away of sins. At these ceremonies parents and godparents pledge their intentions to teach the child the basic principles and values based on religious teachings in the presence of family and close friends. Today this ceremony is also associated with the taking of a name to symbolize new life. There is no particular recommendation on a specific age when a child should be christened or baptized. In many instances people who have found religion late in life are baptized as adults.

Christening and naming ceremonies are a time when families and close friends get together to celebrate the occasion. A christening or baptism starts with a religious service at which the child is introduced into the Church. And, because this ceremony is often part of a Church service, the celebration party that follows is in the afternoon or evening. Non-religious parents, on the other hand, welcome their child into the world and publicly voice their intentions for the benefit of the family.

The planning of a christening or baptism should take place well in advance of the ceremony. The date of the celebration will depend on the date that the church service will take place. Parents should contact the Church to make arrangements.

In many Churches the godparents play an important role in the ceremony, so make sure that the godparents are well informed of the different events of the day. The next step is to send invitations. Invite friends and family for whom you have a high regard and who might play a strong positive role in the life of your child. Include information of the sequence of events of the day: venues, dress code and directions. If you intend going to a restaurant, book early.

The child should wear a nice white outfit. Make the outfit yourself or have the child’s outfit made. If a baby is being christened, take into account that babies grow fast and might outgrow the outfit before the ceremony.

When planning the party, keep it simple. The location of your party will depend on the number of guests and the type of party you intend having. A simple, small and casual get-together is often the best way to go and can be fun and memorable. A party in a local park, weather permitting, could turn out to be a fun way to celebrate.

Plan games and food well in advance. If there will be a number of children, arranging specific entertainment for them is a good idea: for instance a clown, magician or jumping castle. For the younger children, an area where they will find toys, coloring books and games is a nice touch. Older kids might enjoy a DVD.

Remember to arrange the photography. Today disposable cameras are cheap and readily available. Buy a few and hand them to a few of your guests and instruct them to take photos. Now wait for the surprise snap shots.

www.christeningessentials.com
christening gowns, christening outfits