Dedication (Baptist ceremony)

The blessing of the children is an act of blessing the Church especially in children, usually at special biographical intersections ( eg after birth, at enrollment ). In churches that do not practice infant baptism, a church practice is referred to with the term, which is performed on newly born children instead of infant baptism. These churches here rely on a report of the New Testament, after Jesus has blessed children.

In some churches the act of blessing for children is also an offering pursuant to the offering of Jesus in the Jerusalem temple 40 days after his birth (Luke 2:21-24 EU).

Practice of Blessing of Children

Churches that perform only believers' baptism, usually bless newborn children at a home party or in the worship of the congregation.

For example, Evangelical Free Church congregations and Adventist congregations make worship children blessings mostly in the following way:

• In Scripture reading a Bible text is quoted, which deals with child-blessing.
• The pastor or community elders explained the meaning of the blessing and makes it clear why taufgesinnte communities do not practice infant baptism.
• The parents introduce their child to the community.
• The pastor (or community elders ) speaks laying on of hands (mostly free-form ) prayer of blessing.
• A blessing song of the congregation or the choir completes the act of blessing.

While the Eastern Churches practice consistently infant baptism, but since this happens with full immersion, so about six weeks is usually maintained after birth until the infant is not sensitive enough. Therefore, here is also a blessing of the children shortly after birth usual, in which the infant is carried by the priests in the chancel of the church.

The Roman Catholic liturgy knows ( Roman rituals, De Benedictionibus Editio typica Vatican City 1984, No. 156-169. . ) Has its own blessing service for children not yet baptized in the following way:

• After the meeting and greeting of the celebrants a brief introduction will take place in the sense of celebration, where in particular the importance of the cross and the sign of the cross to be explained.
• A relevant Bible reading is presented, eg Mk 10:13-16 EU ( Jesus blessing the children). An interpretation of Schriftperikope can join. Then you sing the responsorial psalm or an appropriate song and speaks prayers.
• This is followed by the blessing of the child through prayer and signs. Following the blessing prayer service leaders and parents stand in silence the cross on the forehead of the child.

The Benediktionale sees a blessing for children on or around Memorial Day of the Holy Innocents, celebrated on 28 December, before.

Children blessings must not remain a unique event. In many parishes children are asked more frequently under the blessing of God. Events are for example being the entry of the child to kindergarten or to school, children's church or special events Sunday school and Sunday school, the child's illness or dismissal from the church teaching.