Naming Ceremonies are now a popular way of welcoming children into the world; into their family; and into their wider community.
Traditionally, a religious ceremony such as a christening was the norm, as a way of celebrating the birth of a child. However, for many parents in today’s society, a purely religious ceremony does not fit with their values; instead, they want a ceremony that is bespoke to them. A naming ceremony (or whatever you choose to call it) provides an ideal way for parents to formally welcome their child and make promises to them, supported by their closest family and friends.
Although naming ceremonies are commonly held for babies, this does not necessarily have to be the case. You may have never gotten around to organising something for your child when they were younger, or perhaps you’ve had a second or third baby and want to hold one ceremony for all your children. There are lots of ways for older children to get involved and feel a real part of the occasion. Likewise, they are also a popular choice for adopted children of any age, as a way of welcoming them into their new family.
Edward will work with you to develop a ceremony that fits both you and your family. He is ready to provide assistance with a ceremony that may be non-religious or a hybrid of religious and non-religious. In most modern ceremonies, the officiant takes more of a Master of Ceremonies role and much of the speaking is performed by members of the family and close friends.
NOTE: A naming / christening ceremony has no basis in law. Therefore, Edward is able to provide services at a naming / christening ceremony at any location in, or outside of, the Province of Ontario.
DISCLAIMER: It is the responsibility of the parents to register both the birth and the child’s name with their respective provincial authority.
For example, when a child is born in Ontario, their birth needs to be registered within 30 days with the Government of Ontario.
Registering a birth in Ontario usually is a two-step process:
a. A Statement of Live Birth Form is completed by parents of newborns and the parents submit this completed form to ServiceOntario;
b. A Notice of Live Birth Form is completed by qualified medical staff and these staff submit the form to ServiceOntario.