Baptism etiquette

pushylady

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Just wondering if it's the norm to bring a gift when attending a baptism?
We've been invited to a baptism, and this will the first time either of us has gone to one since our own!!
They're very good friends of ours and we have no problem with bringing a gift, I just don't know if that is expected or not?
 

AbbysMom

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I've always brought a gift when attenidng a baptism.
 

yosemite

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Yes, a baptismal gift is the norm at least for Catholics. Usually it is something religious like a sterling or gold cross, personal bible, etc.

There are stores that specialize in religious gifts. There is one in downtown Kitchener called Gospel Lighthouse. They can help you choose a gift. It is important to tell them what denomination your friends are - some religions (like Baptist I believe) do not have Christ on the cross - just the plain cross. They will also have the cards to go with the gifts as well.
 
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pushylady

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Thank you! I will check out that store next week.
I was assuming a gift was expected, but had no idea of what would be appropriate.

As I said to my husband: if in doubt, just ask TCS!
 

GoldyCat

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Baptisms in my church are always done during Sunday worship. Gifts are given at another time, usually only by close friends who have been invited to a dinner or reception after the baptism.
 
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pushylady

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We've been invited to lunch afterwards, so that's when I thought we'd give the gift. I'll just play it by ear and see what other people do I guess.
 

jennyr

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Gifts are the norm. If you don't want to be religious, a silver spoon is considered a good luck gift, or any small piece of silver or jewellery that hte baby can keep. Or a pretty box to keep the other gifts in.
 

oscarsmommy

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Originally Posted by GoldyCat

Baptisms in my church are always done during Sunday worship. Gifts are given at another time, usually only by close friends who have been invited to a dinner or reception after the baptism.
Same here so I'm not much help either
 

vampcow

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Originally Posted by pushylady

Just wondering if it's the norm to bring a gift when attending a baptism?
We've been invited to a baptism, and this will the first time either of us has gone to one since our own!!
They're very good friends of ours and we have no problem with bringing a gift, I just don't know if that is expected or not?
yup a gift is expected. Hallmark has some really nice and inexpensive gifts. The Favorite I like to give is the stuffed sheep. But I have also given Veggie Tales DVDs.
 

goldenkitty45

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We are evangelical free - and our baptisms are only done as a teen or adult who can speak for themselves. No gift is needed. The babies are "dedicated" to be raised in a Christian home with teachings of God and Jesus.
 

yosemite

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Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

We are evangelical free - and our baptisms are only done as a teen or adult who can speak for themselves. No gift is needed. The babies are "dedicated" to be raised in a Christian home with teachings of God and Jesus.
I believe Pushylady was asking about gifts for a baby baptism which usually involves a gift for most religions.
 

larussa

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Yes I have always brought a gift to a baptism, I usually bring a gift of money. I bring a gift of jewelry as mentioned if I am standing up for the child.
 

goldenkitty45

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Yosimite - I realize that, just pointed out that in our baptisms no gift or party is held. I know other religions have baby baptisms - but in the Bible there was never a baby baptism held.
 

yosemite

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Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

Yosimite - I realize that, just pointed out that in our baptisms no gift or party is held. I know other religions have baby baptisms - but in the Bible there was never a baby baptism held.
Just out of curiosity for myself, what religion are you? I know in the Baptist religion babies are not baptized - that is usually done as an adult. I was never baptized until I married my first husband who was High Anglican (I was raised Baptist). Most other religions feel that if their baby is not baptized and should suddenly die, that baby won't go to heaven and that is why I believe most other religions baptize babies.
 

ut0pia

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In my eastern orthodox culture, we give gifts but it's usually something for the baby like clothes or even toys.
 

fwan

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i would just buy something essential for the child or give it money to go in their piggy bank


I honestly don't know many people who baptise their children anymore, but if they do it doesnt seem like a religious thing, its more like a social event! :S
 

yosemite

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Originally Posted by fwan

I honestly don't know many people who baptise their children anymore, but if they do it doesnt seem like a religious thing, its more like a social event! :S
Really? Catholics make a big deal out of it both religiously and socially.
 

fwan

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Originally Posted by Yosemite

Really? Catholics make a big deal out of it both religiously and socially.
yeah but frankly where i live, catholics don't really exist anymore, not in my generation! But of course if I went back to Italy it would be a complete different thing!

I have noticed that people have all of a sudden decided to become religious when its approaching their wedding or funerals just so they can have it at the church.
 
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