Got invited to a baptism

[syee]

A very good friend invited me to their son's baptism. Since I'm not Catholic, I have no idea what reallly goes on in these events and what the "tradition" is.

I know there's a ceremony, and I told them I would attend.

Now, what's the tradition for what I should do? Do I need to bring a gift for the kiddo or is it just a show up and say hi, and such.

Before you guys say "ask the kids parents", I did. However, them being Asian (like I am), they usually want me to just "show up" and not spend any money. However, I just want to somewhat follow tradition, and don't want to show up empty handed if everyone is going to show up bearing gifts.

So...any ideas on what the tradition is for these types of events?

 

[Engraver]

Bring a towel, or if they are fairly religious, get him a leather-bound bible. Other than that, I don't think you usually give gifts at baptisms.

 

[blackdogdeek]

go to ceremony
go to reception type event afterwards
give card with a check in it

i think this is typical. this is what most people did at each of our christenings (2 daughters).

EDIT: i think some people might have also given regular gifts for the kid like clothes, etc. i can't really remember.

 

[Modeps]

blackdog is correct. you goto a church, see the kid get blessed with water and oil, then you go have a party with food and you give the baby a check.

 

[uhohs]

you give money at catholic baptisms? lolcake.

 

[OdiN]

No clue. I grew up Baptist. We just had a service during regular church hours once a month where they would baptize whoever wanted to be. No special ceremony, no party, no gift giving. :shrug;

 

[Fritzo]

Go to a Christian book store- they'll have a whole section of good Baptism gifts. $20-$50 in an envelope is also a great idea. Parents will put this in a savings account for the kid that they can keep adding to through their school years.

 

[HN]

don't drink the water

 

[Tiamat]

go, eat free food, give card w/ check. Thats pretty much how most religious ceremonies go.

 

[Unmoosical]

Tradition? Sit and watch.

 

[DnetMHZ]

It will go something like this;

"blah blah god.. blah blah jesus"

stand...

blah blah

sit.

blah blah

kneel

blah blah holy spirit.

blah blah water..

etc.etc.etc.

12 years of catholic school, i should know!

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Bring a gay man with you as your date. You don't actually have to be gay to pull this off, but it sure is fun to watch the Catholics stiffen up when they're introduced.

 

[xochi]

I'm Catholic. I didn?t accept gifts at my children?s baptism, but tradition varies. you might have fun after the ceremony. I had BBQ and beer for all. If you're single it will be an opportunity to meet his hopefully hot relatives.

 

[Farang]

Why would you give a baby a check?

 

[Farang]

But OP, it might be a bit awkward for you. I remember the Catholic baptisms I've been to, we all raise our hands and say how we renounce Satan and such and such. You're either going to have to be respectfully silent or lie to yourself.

 

[syee]

Originally posted by: Farang
But OP, it might be a bit awkward for you. I remember the Catholic baptisms I've been to, we all raise our hands and say how we renounce Satan and such and such. You're either going to have to be respectfully silent or lie to yourself.

I did ask about that. They said the baptism is after the service and suggested I just come afte the service and before the baptism because they knew us non-Catholics probably wouldn't feel comfortable being there.

Sounds like most people just give a card and money, so that's what I'll do. Makes it easier since I don't have to go shop for a gift then.

 

[bobert]

make sure you put the monies in a red envelope such as these.

 

[dudeman007]

Originally posted by: bobert
make sure you put the monies in a red envelope such as these.

gung hay fat choi much?

 

[IronWing]

Stand respectfully behind the parents. Just as the priest is hitting his stride, race up and put your hand on the baby's head and scream "I claim this child for Satan!" then quietly look up at the priest and whisper "Dibs, you lose."

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: syee

Originally posted by: Farang
But OP, it might be a bit awkward for you. I remember the Catholic baptisms I've been to, we all raise our hands and say how we renounce Satan and such and such. You're either going to have to be respectfully silent or lie to yourself.

I did ask about that. They said the baptism is after the service and suggested I just come afte the service and before the baptism because they knew us non-Catholics probably wouldn't feel comfortable being there.

Sounds like most people just give a card and money, so that's what I'll do. Makes it easier since I don't have to go shop for a gift then.

I've been to mass several times.. you'd probably be amazed. They like to get in, get it over with, and get out. Most of the time the entire service is < 40 minutes with a sermon of about 5 minutes.