The naming and blessing of a child in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an ordinance usually performed during sacrament meeting soon after a child's birth in fulfillment of the commandment in the Doctrine and Covenants: "Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name." The purpose of the ordinance is twofold: to give a baby an official name and to provide an opportunity to give a blessing for the child's spiritual and physical welfare. This ordinance is usually only performed for infants, though older children may also receive the ordinance, and older converts to the Church do not need a comparable ordinance.
To administer the ordinance, worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders, often including priesthood leaders, family members and close friends, gather in a circle and hold the child in their arms or place their hands on the child's head if he/she is a little older. One of them, often the baby's father, performs the ordinance and then gives the blessing. Typically, this consists of the following:
- The giving of a name (by which the child will be known on the records of the Church)
- A blessing as directed by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The ordinance is performed under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ.
After the meeting is concluded, a certificate is provided that details the date of the ordinance and who officiated; it is signed by the presiding officer of the ward or branch. A membership record is created for children who receive this ordinance and they are counted as members of the Church. Such "children of record" remain on the Church rolls unless they reach adulthood without being baptized or a request for name removal is processed. They become confirmed members of the Church when they receive the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, normally soon after their eighth birthday.
Cultural aspects
It is common for this ordinance to be an occasion for family members to gather, with some relatives traveling occasionally significant distances. In some families, it is also traditional for the baby or older child to be dressed in white clothing similar to a christening gown, however this is not required. The person giving the blessing typically addresses the child directly during the second portion of this ordinance.
See also
- Patriarchal blessing
- Compare with christening in other Christian traditions
Notes and references
Notes
- ^ D&C 20:70
References
- "Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings,"
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