Example Naming Ceremony
Welcoming Celebration For
Katrina Mary Edwards
Celebrant:
Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, the ceremony is about to begin but before it does could you please take a moment to ensure you mobile phone is either switched off or on silent. Thank you.
Introduction
Kathryn:
Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. Katrina’s parent’s Jennifer and Richard have asked me to give you all a very warm welcome and to thank you for coming to this important Ceremony.
Today we welcome Katrina Mary Edwards into her family and her community. We have come here to recognise the special responsibilities of parents to their child/ren; to appoint Godparent’s (or Guideparent’s ), to acknowledge the role that Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and all of the extended family, and of course not forgetting the friends of the family, who will play an important role in teaching and guiding Katrina on her journey through life. But most of all, we have come to share our joy in welcoming a new child, and to celebrate the precious gift of Katrina Mary.
Katrina’s parents Richard and Jennifer have asked me to express how each of you has played an essential part in their lives and their ability to reach this day to honour their daughter. You are here not to merely witness this ceremony, but to celebrate it with them. Jennifer and Richard would like to acknowledge that without your love and support throughout their lives they would not be standing here today in front of you with their beautiful child. They are truly thankful for all you have given them, and acknowledge that your continued love and support to their family in the future is essential.
Kathryn:
This celebration also is an occasion when Jennifer and Richard want to make themselves aware of their proper role as parents. This they feel is expressed well in these words written by Pam Brown in 1928 .
Jennifer will read it out on their behalf.
Hush Baby!
I will keep you safe.
Though the winds of the world
Buffet at the door.
I will keep you safe till you are grown
and strong enough to stand alone.
And even then I will always be here
As comfort, refuge, breathing space,
when you need me as long as you need me.
With love, a listening ear…
Always.
Kathryn:
That is a beautiful reminder that our children are a gift we ought to cherish, rather than being something you own, and need to mould in your own image. Instead we are their rock and their safety net if they ever need it. A comforting ear, a house that is a home, filled with comfort and love. Richard and Jennifer will now make their promises as parents, accepting their responsibilities to Katrina, and expressing their love for her and their hopes for her future
Vows made by Parents
Richard
- I promise that I will always love and support my child to the best of my ability
- I promise to work hard to create a loving, cheerful and comfortable home in which to raise our child
- I promise that I will always ready to listen to Katrina so that he will bring to me both his joys and his concerns
Jennifer:
- I will teach her honesty, generosity of spirit and tolerance
- I will do my best to teach my child about responsibility, not only to each other, but to the world in which we live
- I promise to try always to be realistic in my hopes for Katrina’s future, and to accept the choices she makes as she matures
Naming of Katrina
Kathryn:
Richard and Jennifer you have accepted your responsibilities as parents, you have spoken of your love for your child and your hopes for his future. I now ask you, what first name do you give this child?
Jennifer:
We give you this first name, Katrina, From the Greek Aikaterine of uncertain origin, but associated with the Greek ‘katharos’ (pure). The name Katherine has been popular since the Dark Ages, and was used by many European royal families over the century.
People with this name tend to be idealistic, highly imaginative, intuitive, and spiritual. They seek after spiritual truth and often find it. They tend to be visionary and may inspire others. If they fail to develop their potential, they may become dreamers, or misuse power. People with this name have a deep inner desire to inspire others in a higher cause, and to share their own strongly held views on spiritual matters.
Kathryn:
Which middle name do you give this child?
Richard: We give her the name Mary, which is Jennifer’s mother’s middle name. The meaning for Mary is; wished-for child; rebellion; bitter. People with this name tend to be creative and excellent at expressing themselves. They are drawn to the arts, and often enjoy life immensely. They are often the center of attention, and enjoy careers that put them in the limelight. They tend to become involved in many different activities, and are sometimes reckless with both their energies and with money.
Richard and Jennifer will give Katrina a bracelet they have bought to mark this occasion.
Grandparents
Kathryn:
Grandparents are very important in children’s lives. Jennifer and Richard now want to take the time, to acknowledge their parents, to thank them for all of the love and support, wisdom and advice they have given to them over the years. They now ask their parents, Mr and Mrs ………and Mr and Mrs …………to come forward and make their own promises to their new grandchild, Katrina.
Grandparents: We promise, as grandparents, before you all that we will give to Katrina the same love and support that we gave, have always given to our own children.
We look forward to being part of Katrina’s life and we promise to use our experience of live to enhance her development.
Kathryn: There are other people who are going to be very important in Katrina’s life as she grows up. Jennifer and Richard have requested that some of them come forward to be part of this ceremony. This is the Rose Petal Ceremony.
Rose Petal Ceremony
White Rose Petals: represents innocence would Katrina’s great grandmother’s Dawn and Hilary please come up and shower her with the white rose petals.
Both say – As the petals of the white rose symbolize innocence, may Katrina’s ideals and heart remain untarnished and ever pure, with the wonders of childhood innocence forever hers.
Yellow Rose Petals: represents friendships to come. Would Megan please come forward and shower Katrina with the yellow rose petals.
Megan Says – May the petals of the yellow rose foreshadow the friends and the friendships, steadfast and unwavering, that will bless Katrina in the years ahead.
Pink Rose Petals: represents tender love and compassion. Would Katrina’s Aunt’s Kay and Nancy please come forward and shower her with the pink rose petals.
Both say – The pink rose and its petals speak of the tender love and compassion Katrina’s spirit will know, the love that knows no bounds.
Red Rose Petals: represents to kindle the fire of love for life. Would Natasha, please come forward and shower Katrina with the red rose petals.
Natasha says – And as always, may the passion of the red rose forever kindle the fire in her heart for both life itself and for all the passions she will find there.
Richard says, “Friends and family please welcome our beautiful daughter Katrina Mary.
Godparents
Kathryn:
Godparents are very important people in a child’s life, they promise to be part of her life, to help her learn. To be a shoulder to lean on, a willing ear and heart when times are tough or heart-breaking, and somebody to laugh and play with. Jennifer and Richard have asked two of their very good friends to be the Godparents for Katrina.
Godparents: We are
Judy has chosen a particularly beautiful poem, one that she feels expresses how she feels about Katrina and her role as Godparent. Judy could you please come up and read poem that was written by Sara Wallin.
Poem from a Godparent
You are a precious miracle,
and a dream come true.
It will be my honour,
to grow in faith with you.
I welcome the invitation,
extended with love.
I will be your angel,
Sharing promises from above.
As I gently hold you,
and look at your sweet face.
I say a little prayer,
that you be touched by grace.
So much of life ahead,
I dream of all you’ll be.
Times we’ll spend together-
My Godson and me.
I will hold your hand,
and stand by your side.
I will be your model,
your teacher, and your guide.
I will give you time,
with thoughts of you each day.
I will keep you in my prayers,
as you find your way.
I look forward to the years ahead,
and being a godparent to you
May our treasured bond grow strong,
and in faith our hearts be true.
Thank you very much Judy that is a beautiful poem.
We have come near the end of this ceremony. Today we have recognised important relationships; between grandparents and grandchildren; mother and child; father and daughter. We have appointed Godparents who will serve as mentors and trusted friends to Katrina as she grows up.
We have welcomed a child, into her community of family and friends. Katrina’s parents, Jennifer and Richard have thanked their family and friends for the love and support they have received over the years. They have made promises to Katrina that they will give her the love and support that they have received from everybody present.
The Naming Certificate and the Godparents Certificates are presented.
Katrina
I wish for you so much.
But most of all I wish you to be your own true self.
To take all the gifts that you were born with
and make of them marvels of beauty
and ingenuity and astonishment.
Pam Brown B 1928
I am honoured to present to you Katrina Mary Edwards!
References:
Messenger, Dally, R. “Ceremonies Celebrations Vows, Tributes and Readings” Hachette Australia, 2008, pp 94 – 100
