Ladies
and Gentlemen,
Today
Mark and Deidre have invited us to take part in this ceremony to express their
commitment to their baby, while recognizing the challenges ahead of them.
But
while a child is a demanding responsibility that often tests our patience and
our understanding, it is also much more than
that. A child brings joy, wonder and richness to our lives.
What
pleasure there is in the feel of a newborn baby nestling in our arms, the smile
of a toddler responding to our love, the small outstretched arms reaching for a
hug, and a tiny upturned face planting a wet kiss on our cheeks.
Time
will bring toys on floors and balls on lawns, a happy, healthy child playing in
the yard. There will be bruises to kiss, report cards to praise, and drawings
to display on refrigerator doors.
A
child brings pleasure and wonder into the lives of those who bring it into this
world. But it also means great responsibility; for what the child becomes is
largely what you, as parents, bring into her life.
Promises by Parents
Celebrant:
Mark and Deidre, will you be the best, most patient
and most loving parents you can be?
Parents:
We will.
Celebrant:
Will you always love, honour and respect Gigi?
Parents:
We will.
Celebrant:
Will you help her learn to love truth, even when it
goes against her?
Parents:
We will.
Celebrant:
Will you cultivate in her a kind, generous and sympathetic
spirit?
Parents:
We will.
Celebrant:
Will you teacher her that she is stronger than the things
she fears?
Parents:
We will.
Celebrant:
Will you encourage her
natural courage, curiosity, and sense of justice?
Parents:
We will.
Celebrant:
And will you model for her a healthy and loving relationship
that someday she may enjoy the same?
Parents:
We will.
Reading by Deidre, Gigi’s Mother
Recognition of Grand Parents
Celebrant:
It is not always possible for grandparents to involve themselves in the
development of their grandchildren - but when they do it is a great bonus and
blessing.
The important role played by grandparents is the passing on of cultural
values to children.
They assist children to find their identity and their inner security -
and to integrate themselves into society.
The special relationship of trust and mutual enjoyment which develops
between child and grandparent is something very special.
Through this relationship children learn their lineage, their history -
and many values and skills.
This cultural inheritance lays the foundation for the young person to
construct their personality during childhood and adolescence and adds great
meaning to their existence.
For this reason Mark and Deidre wish to recognise and express their
gratification that Gigi’s grandparents are here to join in this celebration.
I would also wish to take
this opportunity to acknowledge those friends and family who could not be here
in person, but who are here in spirit and in our hearts.
Reading
by Paternal Grandfather
Promises by Godparents
Celebrant:
Mark and Deidre have chosen two very special individuals who they hope
will help shape the baby’s life. Children need role models who are not their
parents.
Mark and Deidre recognize that there will be times when they do not have
the answers. Their hope is that their daughter will be able to turn to her
Godparents, Stephanie and David Davis.
A Godparent is a wise and trusted guide, an advisor who has nurtured a
special relationship with a protégé that allows for the free exchange of ideas
and advice; a relationship meaningful and deeply rewarding to both child and
Godparent.
Stephanie and David, will you look upon this child, with affection and
will you give her your guidance, friendship and inspiration?
Godparents:
I will.
Celebrant:
Will you give her your
guidance?
Godparents:
I will.
Celebrant:
Will you give her your
friendship?
Godparents:
I will.
Celebrant:
Will you inspire her to do
her best always?
Godparents:
I will.
Reading by Godparent
Naming Ceremony
Celebrant:
Names are an important part of everyone's life, and names are what give
each and every one of us individuality.
Mark and Deidre, what name have you chosen for your child?
Parents:
Gigi Maree.
Celebrant:
Gigi Maree, your name was chosen with great care, and it was chosen just
for you.
We all hope that you will inherit the best traits of your family, and
grow into a caring person who is healthy and happy, and with wisdom to help you
all through life.
Mark and Deidre, will you as parents care for Gigi Maree, keep her
clothed, sheltered and protected, for as long as she needs you, as best you
can?
Parents:
I will.
Celebrant:
Will you comfort her when she is distressed, laugh with her when she is
happy?
Parents:
I will.
Celebrant:
Will you try in every way possible to raise her in such a way that she
will feel loved and secure?
Parents:
I will.
Celebrant:
Tina, Robert and Timothy , here is your baby sister. Will you try to be
kind to her and help look after her?
Brothers and Sister
I will.
Reading by Baby’s Siblings
Water Dedication
Celebrant:
A small
wave for your form
A small
wave for your voice
A small
wave for your speech
A small
wave for your means
A small
wave for your generosity
A small
wave for your appetite
A small
wave for your wealth
A small
wave for your life
A small
wave for your health
May all
those gathered here today help guide and love this child, be her spiritual as
well as her physical guardians, help her become a person with trust in her
soul, belief in her heart, and faith in her mind.
Reading by Maternal Grandmother
Communal Blessing
Celebrant:
For health and strength and life,
All:
Let us be thankful.
Celebrant:
For friends, homes and families,
All:
Let us be thankful.
Celebrant:
For the beautiful sun,
All:
Let us be thankful.
Celebrant:
For the rain which makes things
grow,
All:
Let us be thankful.
Celebrant:
For the woods and the fields,
All:
Let us be thankful.
Celebrant:
For the sea and the sky,
All:
Let us be thankful.
Celebrant:
For the flowers and the birds,
All:
Let us be thankful.
Celebrant:
And for all the things that makes
up our lives,
All:
Let us be thankful.
I commend Gigi
Maree to your loving care. Watch over her and cherish her, see she is happy and
honest and true.
On behalf of all who shall
know her, with the hope that she finds among us all the love and support she
needs, I welcome her to this community.
Before we conclude this
ceremony Rachel and Dennise a friend of the family, will sing a song.
Song sang by Rachel and Dennise
Certificate handed to the
baby, the Godparents, the Grandparents, the Thee Siblings
Finally, to mark the day I
would now like to ask if you would help us provide a small memento of today by
writing a dedication to Gigi Maree on the canvas which is on the table. Your
words may be as brief or as lengthy as you wish.
Thank you all.
Find out how to celebrate a Naming Ceremony and many other milestones in
