Baptism question/s (Catholic)

[Jac]

Hoping someone can assist me with a couple of questions about my DS's upcoming baptism.

Firstly, with regards to the stole - is this worn right from the start or placed on child as a part of the ceremony?

Secondly, we have decided to have minimal guests (ie godparents and grandparents only) as we prefer a private celebration and are not in a position to host a 'party' afterwoods. Would this be a problem/embarrassing? His baptism is taking place at the same time as at least one other child (not during mass).

Lastly, the priest has suggested we say a prayer during the baptism - any suggestions of a nice appropriate (brief) prayer to say?

TIA!!

[Willow]

With our DDs baptism, the stole was placed on her as part of the ceremony.

I don't see any problem with only having a few guests. I don't see how it would be embarrassing, no one will know if they're not invited and I'm sure other families who may be at the same service won't think anything of it.

No suggestions for the prayer, sorry! Are you able to write one yourself?

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Hi Jac -
As Willow said - i'm also quite positive it is placed on as part of the ceremony.
In the later sacraments it is worn for the whole thing, but i think that is as you are already a member of the church so to speak. Alexander's baptism is this Saturday - i'll pop back in and let you know if you like.

I think just having minimal guests is ideal - it's not exactly something that needs to be celebrated by everyone, just you as his parents and the godparents and all of you celebrating the journey that you will take with your son. IYKWIM.

No idea on the prayer either - the baptism on Saturday is apparently quite large - so i can have a listen and see if i can hear anything appropriate? Though i might be a bit too busy :P

[mum3girls]

Here's the prayer that we had printed on all of our daughters' candles which were used in the ceremony -

Dearest Father In Heaven
Bless this child and bless this day
of new beginnings.
Smile upon this child
And surround this child, Lord,
With the soft mantle of your love.
Teach this child to follow in your footsteps
And to live life in ways of
Love, faith, hope and charity.

HTH - or google for other prayers - there's lots of suggestions out there Or ask your priest if they have a booklet with suggested prayers in it, most churches do.

ETA - here's one that's for a boy -
A Baptismal Prayer for a Special Boy Lord,
surround this child with goodness,
lead him in Your light each day;
Let him walk the path You've chosen,
guide his steps along the way .
Teach him to trust your wisdom and obey Your loving plan;
Keep him from all harm,
and protect him as he grows to be a man .
-B.J. Hoff