Difference Between Baptism and Christening

Christening refers to the naming ceremony (to "christen" means to "give a name to") where as baptism is one of seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. In the sacrament of Baptism the baby's name is used and mentioned, however it is the rite of claiming the child for Christ and his Church that is celebrated.

1. Is christening the same as baptism?
2. Are Catholic babies christened or baptized?
3. What does it mean when a baby is christened?
4. Do Protestants get christened or Baptised?
5. When should a baby be baptized?
6. At what age should a baby be christened?
7. Do unbaptized infants go to heaven?
8. Can you be christened and Baptised?
9. Do both parents need to be Catholic for baptism?
10. What do you wish for a baby christening?
11. Who can baptize a baby?
12. Why is baptism important?

Is christening the same as baptism?

Christening is not its own ceremony or sacrament but rather a reference to the part of the Baptism where the priest asks, “What name have you given your child?” In some denominations (oftentimes Catholic), Christening has been accepted as another name for Baptism.

Are Catholic babies christened or baptized?

The Roman Catholic Church considers baptism, even for an infant, so important that "parents are obliged to see that their infants are baptised within the first few weeks" and, "if the infant is in danger of death, it is to be baptised without any delay." It declares: "The practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial ...

What does it mean when a baby is christened?

A christening is a Christian ceremony in which a baby is made a member of the Christian Church and is officially given his or her name. Compare baptism.

Do Protestants get christened or Baptised?

Protestants do get baptized and they generally agree that baptism is a holy sacrament symbolic of dying to sin and becoming a new creation in Christ. Protestants believe baptism to be an act of obedience to God and a sign of submission and loyalty to him.

When should a baby be baptized?

Families need to consider which church they will baptize their child into, as that will help answer this question. We already knew it would be a Catholic baptism. According to canon law, babies should be baptized within their first few weeks of life.

At what age should a baby be christened?

Traditionally, it was done asap, but really you can have it done whenever you like. But I would tend to go with younger being better, as at 6 months he/she may not like being handed over to a stranger and is likely to kick up a fuss, whereas smaller babies aren't usually so bothered.

Do unbaptized infants go to heaven?

While the Catholic Church has a defined doctrine on original sin, it has none on the eternal fate of unbaptized infants, leaving theologians free to propose different theories, which magisterium is free to accept or reject.

Can you be christened and Baptised?

Baptism or Christening are the same thing. If you are considering baptism for your baby or for yourself, you will find some practical information below, and a fuller explanation of the meaning of baptism and christening later.

Do both parents need to be Catholic for baptism?

Parents Must Be Catholics

While some people suggest that there needs to be only a commitment to raise the child in the way of faith, the Catholic church requires that both parents be Catholics. ... The church therefore has made it clear that parents who are not Catholic should not present their child for baptism.

What do you wish for a baby christening?

Examples

• “Warmest wishes on your baptism…and welcome to our community of faith.”
• “You're getting baptized—and I'm feeling overjoyed for you!”
• “Rejoicing with you as you celebrate your baptism. ...
• “May you always remember this day, and may God's joy, love and peace fill you through all your tomorrows.”

Who can baptize a baby?

"If the ordinary minister is absent or impeded, a catechist or some other person deputed to this office by the local Ordinary, may lawfully confer baptism; indeed, in a case of necessity, any person who has the requisite intention may do so (canon 861 §2), even a non-Catholic or a non-Christian.

Why is baptism important?

Baptism gives the faithful a parallel to Jesus's death for man. ... Jesus so strongly commanded the importance of baptism because his believers will receive His true gift of everlasting Life in the Kingdom of God when Jesus returns (Luke 1:32-33).