Name-giving
A name-giving or welcoming ceremony is a happy, joyful occasion as friends and family gather to celebrate the safe arrival of a healthy and happy child (or children).
It is also an occasion for parents to publicly involve those whom they may have asked to play the role of mentors in their child’s life – I do not use the word god-parent as this has religious connotations. The word mentor implies guidance and leadership and usually the choice of mentors reflects a close personal relationship with the parents, and hopefully a close and growing one with the child whose birth is being celebrated on this special day!
Example ceremony
John and Susan have invited us here today to share in a simple, but meaningful ceremony. It is one which is of great significance for them both, and of course, for Kate.
It is the occasion when John and Susan wish to express their thankfulness for Kate’s safe arrival, and their hope that those of you here today will share the joy of watching Kate grow to full adulthood.
To conceive and bear a child in love is perhaps the greatest gift of all. But, in accepting that gift, a couple should realise that parenthood is a serious responsibility. It is a commitment, like marriage, which should not be entered into lightly, but in the realisation that in the creation and up-bringing of a child, there is pleasure AND pain, happiness AND hardship, health AND ill health, sorrow AND joy.
The home should provide a child with love and warmth, food and shelter, without the thought of reward or recompense. For the very existence of a child is reward in itself.
As a child grows, the home should also provide an awareness of what part each individual plays in society: as child, teenager and adult: his rights and responsibilities as a citizen, his hopes and his fears as a human being. John and Susan believe that with friends and family such as those of you here today, awareness, and in an environment of loving concern.
Kate WILL grow and develop with this awareness, and in an environment of loving concern.
(To the mentors) James, Sally: Do you agree to assume responsibility for Kate’s upbringing and well being, should he be left alone in life or otherwise call on you?
Mentors: We do
May happiness and health go with you, Kate.
We welcome you into the Smith and Jones families, and, on this day in particular, share the joy of having you with us!