baptism with a delayed reception

[momoffamily]

I want to know if it is possible to have something ceremonial when a baby is baptized after birth and the reception is later. My grandchild will be born in a foreign country and they will not be home for months. Preferably the child should be baptized there. I wonder if there is a nice "blessing' that could be done before the reception for the baby for continued health and growing in the faith and a blessing on the godparents who would not be able to attend the baptism.

[1ke]

What do you mean by reception? A party for the family? Of course you can have a party at any time after the baptism.

I am not sure what you mean by blessing either.

[triumphguy]

Originally Posted by momoffamily

I want to know if it is possible to have something ceremonial when a baby is baptized after birth and the reception is later. My grandchild will be born in a foreign country and they will not be home for months. Preferably the child should be baptized there. I wonder if there is a nice "blessing' that could be done before the reception for the baby for continued health and growing in the faith and a blessing on the godparents who would not be able to attend the baptism.

You can have the reception whenever you want.

I'm sure there could be a blessing for the baby and godparents before the reception.

Ask your parish for help with that.

[bmullins]

By reception do you mean the dinner after the baptism? Or 'reception' into the church? As in is this a baptism that would not be done in a Catholic church and later you'd be having some sort of blessing ceremony?

[triumphguy]

It sounds like the Catholic baptism is in a different country where the parents-to-be live right now, and grandma-to-be wants to have a reception (party) when they come home, and would like a blessing for the newly baptized child and for the Godparents who could not be there for the Baptism.

It's a very nice gesture, and I'm sure the parish would be glad to help.

[Phemie]

Originally Posted by triumphguy

It sounds like the Catholic baptism is in a different country where the parents-to-be live right now, and grandma-to-be wants to have a reception (party) when they come home, and would like a blessing for the newly baptized child and for the Godparents who could not be there for the Baptism.

It's a very nice gesture, and I'm sure the parish would be glad to help.

In Canada, the book "Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family" contains a beautiful blessing and ritual for the welcoming of a baby. I use the prayer when I do baptismal preparation but the entire ritual contains a greeting, a reading, a prayer, etc.

I'll post it when I get home.

[Phemie]

Originally Posted by Phemie

In Canada, the book "Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family" contains a beautiful blessing and ritual for the welcoming of a baby. I use the prayer when I do baptismal preparation but the entire ritual contains a greeting, a reading, a prayer, etc.

I'll post it when I get home.

This is the ritual for "Birth or Adoption of a Child". It would fit well when the child is welcomed to the family home for the first time.

One person leads the Prayer.

Starts with the Sign of the Cross

Scripture Reading

• Matthew 18:1-4 or 19:13-15, or
• Mark 10:13-16 or 9:33-37, or
• Luke 9: 46-48 or 18:15-17

Litany of the Saints/Baptismal Litany of the Saints


Prayer of Praise

Blessed are you, Lord God,
maker of the universe and Father of all;
you have made us your children,
brothers and sisters of Jesus,
and temples of your Holy Spirit.
You invite us to call you Father
in the community of your holy people.
Hear the prayers we make this day
as we rejoice in your love
and welcome N. into our family.

Fill our home with your peace
and lead us always in your love.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, for ever and ever. AMEN

or

Loving God,
you have chosen each one of us
and called us by name
to be your sons and/or daughters
and to live in your kingdom.

By the power of the Holy Spirit,
move us to use our gifts
for the building up of your Church.

Inspire each of us to thank you every day
for the gift of life you share with us.
Teach us to accept our own limitations,
and to develop all the abilities we have.
Help us to be patient with ourselves and others,
and to work together to make this
a better world for all people.

Give your special blessing to N.
our son/daughter/grandchild,
and help him/her to grow in your love
and to serve you each day.

We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ,
in the love of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

Conclusion


Leader invites all to say the Lord's Prayer and then all may exchange a sign of peace.

[momoffamily]

Thank you for your suggestions. The party/reception will be several months after the baptism so a blessing there before we eat would be nice.