Alternatives to dc Christenings/Baptisms

[runnyhabbit]

We have ds (who is nearly 2) and another lo due in 4 wks time.
When ds was born, we decided that we would like him christened Catholic (both myself and dh have been christened Catholic) We had even chose and asked the Godparents for ds.
But as time has gone on, there's been something stopping us from actually arranging it. I think it's down the fact that we both feel hypocritical, when we're not totally sure of our faith. We got married in a non-religious ceremony, so it feels "wrong" to have our dc christened. But by the same token, because we both do believe in God, we want Him to recognise our dc (does that make sense?)
We've looked into naming ceremonies, but that doesn't seem "enough".
We would really appreciate some help
tia

I know exactly where you are coming from. Our dds have both been baptised but since having ds my faith has changed and I would be hypocritical to stand up in church and make promises I can't keep. At the same time though I'm not a secularist - I do still believe in God but not in the church, so civil naming ceremonies don't fit with me either.

None of which helps you particularly, but I will be interested to see what replies you get.

my personal experience is different because i'm an atheist and so we just had big 'welcome to the world' parties for my 3, but my friends chose me as a sponsor in their daughter's church ceremony - i got the impression this was being blessed but leaving the child to make up their own mind later on too. mind you my friend's dad who's a canon coe let me be full on god parent to his grandson despite knowing that i'm an atheist and not christened because he trusts me in terms of being a good influence! couldn't you come up with something of your own design - have friends do religious readings - or is this missing the point because you want it in your church and if so can't you just go for it and trust in what faith you do have?
are their catholic websites you can ask for advice because i've made it obvious i'm totally unqualified!!

worth checking out a 'thanksgiving for a baby' service with a priest

also consider the Unitarians if you have any locally - we found them hugely helpful for organising a spiritual but not specifically Christian wedding service.

Thank you - its reassuring to know we are not alone in this dilemma.

The idea of a blessing is appealing (me and dh have previously discussed having our marriage blessed) It gives me the reassurance that God "knows" about our dc, without having to say things I don't really agree with.

Think I'll take your advice and go and have chat with the Priest and take it from there.(although tbh, nothing is going to get arranged/decided until this lo makes it appearance )

In Baptist churches they/we don't believe in infant baptism. They have a lovely service for babies called "dedication" which is essentially a thanksgiving and commitment service, without actually making any statments on behalf of the baby (the idea being that they can make their own decision when old enough).

My SIL is married to a Catholic and I believe made history by having dedication services for her children in the local Catholic church, after some considerable negotiations. Could get you details if you like.