Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

We are not churchgoers. We feel as if we live our lives as good people we don't need any feedback from an organized religion. That said, we would like to welcome our babies and "bless" them in some way. Any suggestions that would not be a religious thing? My husband and I were both baptized Roman Catholic if that makes a difference-but do not practice and have some issues with the church. TIA

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

Not PG yet but TTC and DH and i talk about this all the time. We didnt get married in church either. We dont believe in any organized religion. Our families arent thrilled but... oh well. We want to do whats best for US and OUR child!!

We plan to have the woman who married us do a small blessing ceremony. Grandparents and our siblings only. We dont want the whole extended family there either.

edited for spelling (i type too fast)

Message edited 6/9/2008 4:08:03 PM.

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

we're also catholic and non-practicing... but we're going through with the whole baptism thing.

DH's family is so turbo catholic a nuclear war would break-out if we didn't both get married in the church and have our kids receive all sacraments....

I consider what we're doing to be a bit hypocritical, but frankly, it's the MUCH easier way out... I should add that while we reject some parts of the church, you never know, Crouton may not. we want to afford him the opportunity to grow-up with a religion and make his own decisions about it as an adult.

I think in your case, where you don't want to baptize, the idea of getting the woman who married you to bless your baby is a fantastic idea.... I think the only thing that's important is that you raise your child exactly as you feel best... and it's rather sentimental to have the same clergy member around for these big events

Message edited 6/9/2008 4:50:34 PM.

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

I would only say that if your baptism means anything to you than maybe consider it for your child, otherwise maybe just a nice party/luncheon just to welcome DC. You could also have a Christening and not a baptism with a non-denominational ceremony.

Message edited 6/9/2008 4:52:12 PM.

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

We plan on doing a "baby blessing" ceremony.

I haven't researched it all yet, but for our wedding I wrote our whole ceremony using parts from different religions and would like to do something spiritual but not necessairly a certain denomination for the baby!

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

I go to church as often as I can. DH, well, not so much! We are also Roman Catholic but were not married in a church. We also have ISSUES with the church, like many other young couples I know.

BUT, we do plan on doing the traditional baptism. I really just feel like it's a way of the baby starting off life blessed and 'watched over', if you know what I mean. But if I knew someone who could do a more informal blessing, I def would. I just don't know anyone who wuold qualify... we're a bunch of sinners!!!

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

while DH and I are doing a traditional baptism, we are looking into possibly doing an interfaith blessing in his church. If you do a google search for baby blessing you can find a TON of info. Some ideas:

Baby Blessings

Ideas for unique, nontraditional, or informal baby naming ceremonies:

Bless the parents and siblings, as well as the new baby, for the responsibilities charged to them, in their new family roles

Light a candle to signify the light that will guide and protect your child throughout life's journey.

A tree could be planted, which will grow and blossom with your child.

You may wish to give your child a piece of jewelry, such as a bracelet or pendant to signify your never ending love for them.

The baby could be passed around from guest to guest with each person greeting him or her and perhaps each one making their own small promise.

You may wish to mark the occasion with a guest book in which everyone present can write their own special message for your child to read when they are older. Or ask them to write a letter which will be opened on a special predetermined day (16th birthday, high school graduation, wedding day, when their first child is born, etc.)

When guests are invited, ask each to write a special blessing for the baby to put in their baby book.

Ask everyone to bring a meaningful book for a gift to start the baby's own personal library. Ask them to inscribe a personal wish or blessing in the book, and include a photo of themselves if they have one.

Sing “Blessed Be” sung by Alison Krauss and take the baby around the circle as all members bless the baby.

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

I have the same issue. I am having the baby at St. Catherines so I will have her blessed before we go home but I haven't come up with anything to do for her. We may just forgo it altogether. I wanted to look into Native American things because I am 1/2 NA but I didn't come up with anything.

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

We aren't doing anything religious at all. My family is very Catholic and DH family is Hindu/Muslim. It is not going over to well with my family but neither one of us are religious at all. I cant see alomost faking it for our families sake. I will let the child make the choice when he/she is ready and or wants to. We will however be having a "welcoming" party.

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

Re: Anyone else not baptizing in the traditional sense?

glad to help! there is so much more out there too!