Baptism and christening invitations: godparents, timing, and what to write
A baptism is the ceremony in which a child is received into the church, and in most Indian Christian families it is also where the name is formally given, which makes it the equivalent of a naming ceremony as well as a sacrament.
It usually happens within the first few weeks or months. The main planning variables are the parish, the godparents, and how much of a function you want afterwards.
Godparents, and what is actually being asked
Choosing godparents is treated by a lot of families as an honour to hand out, and by the church as a responsibility to fill. Both readings are real and it is worth knowing the second one before you ask anybody.
A godparent is undertaking to help raise the child in the faith. In Catholic practice at least one godparent must be a confirmed Catholic in good standing, and parishes do check. A non Catholic Christian can usually stand as a Christian witness rather than a godparent.
Ask the parish what they require before you invite anyone, because having to withdraw the request afterwards is genuinely awkward.
What happens at the ceremony
- Welcome at the doorThe priest greets the family and asks what name has been chosen for the child.
- Readings and prayersScripture, and prayers of exorcism and blessing.
- Blessing of the waterAt the font.
- Profession of faithThe parents and godparents renounce sin and profess the faith on the child's behalf.
- The baptismWater is poured over the child's head three times, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
- Anointing, white garment and candleChrism oil, a white garment representing purity, and a candle lit from the paschal candle.
- The registerThe baptism is recorded, which is the document that matters later for confirmation and marriage.
What to put on the invitation
- The church, the time, and whether it is during a Sunday Mass. If it is, the ceremony sits inside a longer service and guests should know.
- The godparents' names, which is a customary honour on the invitation.
- Where the reception is and when, since it is usually elsewhere.
- Whether guests should dress formally. For a church ceremony most will, but say it if it matters.
- Gift guidance. Many families ask for prayers only, or suggest something for the child's education fund.
Baptism invitation wording you can copy
Copy any of these and change the names, dates and places. They are written to be read out loud, so they sound right on a phone screen too.
"Let the little children come to me."
Mark 10:14
[Parents' names]
joyfully invite you to the baptism of their [son / daughter]
[Name]
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Church name and address]
Godparents: [Names]
Reception to follow at [Venue].
Our little one is being baptised, and we would love you there.
[Name]
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Church]
Lunch afterwards at [Venue].
No gifts please, your prayers are more than enough.
[Name] will be baptised during the [Time] Mass on [Day, Date] at [Church].
Do join us for the Mass, and for lunch afterwards at [Venue] from [Time].
Godparents: [Names]
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
[Parents' names]
invite you to the baptism of their [son / daughter]
[Name]
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Church]
Sadya to follow at [Venue].
Want these words on a real invitation website? See the designs
Baptism Invitation invitation designs
6 designs you can personalise, from ₹2499. Tap any one to open it full size with a live demo.
Questions people actually ask
When should a baby be baptised?
Usually within the first few weeks or months. Parishes differ on how soon they expect it, so ask yours early, particularly if relatives are travelling.
Who can be a godparent?
In Catholic practice at least one godparent must be a confirmed Catholic in good standing, and parishes do check. A non Catholic Christian can usually stand as a Christian witness instead. Ask the parish before inviting anyone.
Is the name given at the baptism?
In most Indian Christian families yes. The priest asks what name has been chosen at the start of the ceremony, which makes the baptism a naming ceremony as well as a sacrament.
What happens at a baptism ceremony?
Water is poured over the child's head three times in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, followed by anointing with chrism, a white garment and a candle. In Orthodox and Jacobite traditions the child is fully immersed.
Should the godparents be named on the invitation?
It is customary and it is a nice honour. Confirm with the parish that your chosen godparents qualify before you print anything.