Baptism meeting with father

fraz_babe

Hi I was wondering if anyone could help me please I have a meeting with the father at my local church on Saturday because my children are getting christened in August.

I was wondering if anyone knew what type of questions he will ask? Just as I'm really nervous.

Thanks x

thorsoak

Are you regular church-goers? Or do you want to get the children "done"?

If the latter, you should be aware that you are promising to take the children to church, and to bring them up as Christians. If you feel that these are rather strong promises to make, maybe you should ask if you can have a blessing/naming ceremony instead of baptism.

Tiddlywinks

Why are you having the children 'done'?

I'm guessing that you're asking here because you don't regularly go to church - otherwise, you'd already know.

Baptism should equal a religious belief rather than an opportunity for some nice photos and a family get together.

mwddrwg

Don't agree with having a baptism until the children are old enough to decide for themselves whether they believe in God or not. We don't so we haven't.

In answer to the OP however, what questions are you anticipating exactly?? Bit confused by the question...

fabforty

thorsoak wrote: »

Are you regular church-goers? Or do you want to get the children "done"?

If the latter, you should be aware that you are promising to take the children to church, and to bring them up as Christians. If you feel that these are rather strong promises to make, maybe you should ask if you can have a blessing/naming ceremony instead of baptism.

Although this is strictly true, some churches seem to accept that some parents want their children to be christened but have no intention of following through on these promises.
As a regular church-goer, I have witnessed many christenings where neither the parents or the children were seen at church before (or perhaps just once) or ever seen at church again. I attend Anglican and Pentecostal churches and although this often happens at the Anglican church it never happens at the Pentecostal - so perhaps it depends on the church.

tea_lover

fabforty wrote: »

Although this is strictly true, some churches seem to accept that some parents want their children to be christened but have no intention of following through on these promises.
As a regular church-goer, I have witnessed many christenings where neither the parents or the children were seen at church before (perhaps just once) or ever seen at church again. I attend Anglican and Pentecostal churches and although this often happens at the Anglican church it never happens at the Pentecostal - so perhaps it depends on the church.

As a regular church-goer I often see this too. However, that is what the parents and godparents are promising, on behalf of the child. If, OP, you are not honestly able to commit to that, please don't have them baptised. It's a serious commitment in the sight of God, not an excuse for a party.

If however you are fully aware of the promises you'll be making that's great - but them I'm confused about your post, sorry!

tea_lover

Also meant to say - I'm not sure what sort of church it is but it may well have things like Alpha courses, messy church, etc. that you could try. These would be a great introduction to the church for you and your children.

Obviously just ignore that if you go already

arbroath_lass

I suppose he'll be asking if you understand what you are doing. Personally, I don't think this is a decision you should be making for your children. (Speaking as a Pagan who was baptised as a baby).

seashore22

Is this a Catholic church? I only ask because I didn't think vicars in the Church of England call themselves father.

Whether it is Anglican or Catholic probably makes a difference to posters responses.

Northern78

I was christened as a baby and I’m not a regular church goer. I got married there and had my DS christened there and we will be having baby 2 christened there. When speaking to the Father I was honest and told him I hadn't been to church in years (since Brownies!) but I'd like to hope that in times of need I could turn to the church and would feel part of it. He told me that people commit their lives to the church and god in different ways but as long as you took your marriage vows seriously which I do and put my children on the right path in life to be a decent human then I was doing all that was expected of me.

When the church has events on, summer fates etc. we always attend and make donations to them. If when my DS grows up he decides he wants to attend church then I'll be more than willing to take him. He currently attends a playgroup at the church although it isn't a religious one, just run by the church helpers.

Our christening meeting was with a group of other parents that were also having christenings around the same time. It was more of an open talk about what being a parent meant, how we can make sure our children group up to be well rounded individuals and letting them make choices in life.

Maybe we just have a very laid back church but they certainly didn’t make me feeling wrong for not attending.

Buzzybee90

I am Christened and consider myself a Christian, I gain great comfort from this, I am however not a regular church goer. I agree that it seems odd when atheists have their children christened but you can have faith without being a regular church goer.

I suppose he will ask why you'd like your child christened and probably if you plan on attending.