What do parents do at a Baptism?
List of requirements, speaking parts and promises made by parents at a Baptism
Parents play an important role at a baptism. Collectively they state the child's name, their ask of God's church the understanding to bring the child up in Christs commandments. They also renew the vows of their own baptism.
What are the speaking parts for parents at a baptism?
Parents play an active role in the sacrament of Baptism. First the celebrant questions the parents:
Celebrant: What name do you give your child? (or: have you given?)
Parents: (say name)
Celebrant: What do you ask of God’s Church for N.?
Parents: Baptism. (the parents may use other words, such as, “faith,” or “the grace of Christ,” or “entrance into the Church,” or “eternal life.”)
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The celebrant speaks to the parents in these or similar words:
You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him (her) in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?
Parents: We do.
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Later on in the ceremony, the celebrant will ask the parents (and Godparents) to renew now the vows of your own baptism. Reject sin; profess your faith in Christ Jesus.
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Celebrant: Do you reject Satan?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant: And all his works?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant: And all his empty promises?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant: Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God’s children?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant: Do you reject the glamor of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Celebrant: Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
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Finally the celebrant asks the parents and the Godparents: "Is it your will that (name here) should be baptized in the faith of the Church, which we have all professed with you?
Parents and Godparents: It is.
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What should parents wear to a baptism?
There is no set dress code for parents attending a baptism, but typically, people will dress in semi-formal or formal attire, such as a suit and tie for men and a dress or skirt and blouse for women. Some families may choose to wear traditional clothing or special outfits that have cultural or personal significance.
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In Western and European cultures, the parents of the baby being baptized typically wear formal attire and the godparents also dress formally. But in other cultures, it might have a different perspective and different dress codes, for example; In some Latino cultures, it's common for the parents and godparents to wear traditional clothing such as "traje de gala" (a type of formal dress) or "guayabera" (a traditional button-up shirt). In many Eastern Orthodox Christian cultures, it's customary for the parents and godparents to wear clothing that is appropriate for the Orthodox Church, such as a headscarf for women, and a suit and tie for men.
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It's important to respect and follow the customs and traditions of the culture and faith in which the baptism is taking place. If in doubt, it is best to ask the church or the person conducting the baptism for guidance on what to wear.