Christian Baptism: What Happens & What to Bring

01 What happens, by tradition

The five major tradition families baptize differently. Here is what to expect at each.

Catholic

Usually an infant baptism in the first months of life. Parents and godparents present the child; the priest pours water on the head three times, anoints with chrism, and gives a white garment and a lighted candle. About 20 to 30 minutes, often on a Sunday afternoon outside Mass.

Orthodox

Baptism, chrismation, and first Communion happen together in a single rite, around 40 days after birth. The child is fully immersed in the font three times, anointed with holy chrism, and receives Communion. Longer and more elaborate than the Western rites, about 60 to 90 minutes.

Anglican / Episcopal

Normally an infant baptism within the main Sunday Eucharist, with the whole congregation present and renewing their own baptismal vows. Water is poured on the head three times; some parishes also anoint with oil. The rite follows the Book of Common Prayer.

Mainline Protestant

Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Reformed churches usually baptize infants within the Sunday service, by pouring. The gathered congregation affirms its part in the child's Christian formation. The exact form follows each denomination's own worship book.

Evangelical / Non-denominational

Usually a believer's baptism: given to someone old enough to profess faith for themselves, by full immersion in most Baptist and non-denominational churches. Shorter and less liturgical than the older traditions, about 10 to 15 minutes within the Sunday gathering.

02 Your role

As a parent

You schedule the baptism, attend any preparation, and choose godparents who meet the church's requirements. At the rite you answer on the child's behalf and present them for baptism.

As a godparent

You stand with the family and commit to supporting the child's faith. At the rite you stand with the parents, answer the questions alongside them, place a hand on the child during the anointing, and sign the parish register. Catholic and Orthodox churches set real requirements for who may serve: a Catholic godparent must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic, and many parishes ask for a sponsor certificate from your home parish. Anglican and Protestant practice is lighter.

As a guest

Dress church-formal and arrive a few minutes early. Only the parents, godparents, and in some traditions the congregation voice the responses; other guests, including those of another faith or none, are present as witnesses.

03 Gifts, readings, and cards

The name is confirmed at the baptism in Catholic, Anglican, and Mainline practice, and given beforehand at the Orthodox Naming rite. The Christian naming guide covers the choice in depth.

Gifts What to bring Baptism gifts by role and budget, from godparents to extended family, and what to avoid. Readings Baptism readings The passages most often read at a baptism, by tradition. Cards and words Card wording Sample wording for a baptism card across traditions and registers.

04 Common questions

What should I wear to a baptism?

Church-formal: a suit or a dress, skirt, or formal trousers. Do not wear white unless the family asks you to, since the child (or the child's family) is usually the one in white.

What is the difference between a baptism and a christening?

In most US usage the two words mean the same rite. A few Catholic and Anglican families use "christening" for the naming aspect, but both refer to the one sacrament of baptism.

Who can be a godparent?

Catholic practice is the most specific: a godparent must be at least 16, baptized, confirmed, and practicing (CIC c. 874). Orthodox godparents must be Orthodox in good standing. Anglican and Protestant practice is lighter; the local pastor confirms what is asked.

Can a baptism be done again?

Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and most Mainline traditions accept one another's baptisms and do not repeat them. Believer's-baptism traditions normally baptize a person who was baptized as an infant, since they hold that baptism follows a personal profession of faith.

Last updated: August 21, 2026