In your search for Baptism invitations, you might have come across invitations that mention Christening or Dedication. Like many parents, you’re probably wondering how Baptism, Christening and Dedication are different from each other. We thought we’d try to answer this question for you as well as give you an example of invitation wording for each.

Webster’s Dictionary states that Baptism is “a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community.” Most denominations of Christianity perform Baptisms on infants and small children where as Baptists and most non-denominational churches wait until the recipient is old enough to consciously accept Christianity.

Baptism Invitation Wording would read something like this:
We’re joyfully bringing our daughter
into the love of God’s family
we invite you to celebrate
the Baptism of our daughter
Abigail Mae
on May 30, 2015
during the 6:oo p.m. service
Christ King’s Lutheran Church
101 4th Street
Mankato, MN

The word “Christening,” in relation to Baptism, means the act of naming or dedicating the child. 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.

Christening Invitation wording would read something like this:
Julie and Brent Vangsness
joyfully invite you to share with them
the Christening of their son
Alan Benjamin
on Saturday, May 30, 2015
at 6:00 p.m.
St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church
1801 6th Street
Mankato, MN

A Dedication is a Christian ceremony that dedicates the infant to God and welcomes the baby into the church. During this ceremony, the parents also dedicate themselves to raising the child as a Christian. This ceremony is performed in Baptist churches, non-denominational churches and Assembly of God churches where it is believed that the individual should not be Baptized until he/she can make the conscious choice to do so.

Dedication Invitation wording would read something like this:
Help us celebrate love and new life
as we dedicate our son Christopher David to God
on Saturday, May 30, 2015
at 6:00 p.m.
Church of Christ
900 Highway 99
Cleveland, MN 56017

Featured Designs: Flower Buds – Petite Baptism Invitation, Calm Waters – Petite Baptism Invitation, Ethereal Crest – Baptism Invitation