I definitely need some advise and a probably a referral.
I was baptized as a Christian however I am definitely more spiritual than religious. This doesn't mean that I don't believe in God...just that I'm not sure what I believe but I do believe in a higher power. My husband on the other hand is not religious at all and doesn't think he believes in anything. He was baptized as well.
My dilema is that I have a 3yr old daughter and a 1.5yr old son and I feel I should get them baptized, but without all the religious stuff. Is that possible? Would that even be considered a baptism? Does anyone know of any non-denominational baptism services in the southwest suburbs?
Thanks in advance.
I received so many thoughtful suggestions, recommendations, advice, and opinions. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, we have not done anything about this yet, although I have a better idea of what I'd like to do. It was nice to know that I wasn't alone in my feelings and beliefs of a higher being without locking into God or a specific religion or denomination.
Thank you all for your responses. I truly respect everyones religious choices and appreciate all the insight I received. As this is still an ongoing issue in our household, feel free to send more advice or share your personal experiences. Thanks!
You can always call somewhere where they marry non-donominational. There is a place in Palos Heights up on a hill. I can't rememeber the name right now but, they may do something like that. I have also heard of people getting Hol;y water and baptizing the child them selves.
I had the same dilemna with my wedding (did not want a catholitc ceremony)as well as the baptism of my daughter (did not want to promise to raise her catholic). My husband and I chose to be married in Palos Park at the Wayside Chapel at the Center which is non-denominational. We were so thrilled to find that they also do baptisms!!!! They do the baptism at the chapel and if you have never been there, it is absolutely beautiful, it is up on a hill top surrounded by trees!
Hi J.,
I don't have much advice for you, but I felt compelled to write you because you sound a lot like me in terms of what you feel and believe...I've said the same thing that I believe in a higher power, but yet I'm not sure what I believe. My husband and I both are Catholic, although his family practiced it and ours did not. I have never felt comfortable in the church but have tried to force myself in recent times for the sake of the kids and my husband. With my 3rd baby now (and being more mature) I am finally starting to admit all this. My 3rd is getting baptized soon but I left it up to my husband this time. I feel our church has some strict rules and it is complicated. I have neighbors who are Christian and I know their baptisms are much simpler. I guess the reason I say all this is because I'm wondering if you are just feeling the guilt of NOT having your child baptised...because of uncertainty or others' expectations. I guess if I was in your shoes, I might just call around to some different churches and ask about it. I'm sure they would be willing to talk...although they would probably try to persuade you into their church too so be ready for that if you're not willing to give it a try.
Good luck!!
S.
Hi J., we have a similiar situation. Some churches will do a dedication which he did for our oldest who is 3. Our youngest 1 1/2 yaer old has not been dedicated or baptized. Typically, christian churches will do a dedication. It just means that you will raise your child to know God. Community Christain church has a lot of campuses and I know they are going to be offering it to anyone who is interested in the fall. It will be one large group. I am sure they have a Plainfield campus. I am thinking about doing that for my little one. Hope this helps! L.
Century Memorial Chapel in Naperville is non-denominational. It's on the grounds at Naper Settlement and beautiful. They can recommend officiants that will suit your needs as well.
Hi J.,
I am a 41 year old mother of 8 (yes EIGHT,his/hers and ours) kids and at your age was not overly religious either. Most churches won't baptise your children like take-out, they want you involved and they want you serious about your children's religious up-bringing, usually within THEIR church. My husband and I are Quaker and Episcopalian so there are big differences in our beliefs. Our children have been baptised Episcopalian. What I would suggest is that you sit down with the children's father (if he is in the picture) and discuss which faith they should be raised in and find a church that you all enjoy going to. If he doesn't care, then you go and find somewhere that feels like "home" to you. We have been going to Episcopal churches for years and it has been wonderful having a place to go AS A FAMILY. Discovering what you believe is important too. I have made some great friends, strengthened my own beliefs and solidified my marriage with my husband through my experience. I hope you will experience the same!
H. D. ____@____.com
Hello- My husband and I are also not religious but also believe in a higher power. When we got married and our childern baptised it was at The Wayside Chapel in Palos Park. It is a very non-religiuos ceremony and very nice. I am almost sure it is nondenominational. I highly reconmmend The Wayside Chapel. Good luck
In my personnal opition you might just want to have both children Blessed and thats it take them to your choice and have them Blessed by the person of your choice. My best friend has a child and I consider her my god-child I am catholic and a strong believer, but my best friend doesn't have a religion or strong belife. and she asked me the same thing. I gave her the same advice, we did the same thing. If you would like to talk more email me at ____@____.com or ____@____.com
The whole reason behind baptism is because you believe in God and want to raise your child as a christian (whatever denomination). Baptism is not a "magical bath or splash" that saves you from going to hell. It is more of a symbol than anything. I think that if it is that much of a dilema in your house you should wait and let your children decide what they want to believe and it is your job to teach them to be the best people they can be no matter what religion you raise them.
J.,
My mom is an ordained minister. She can perform a baptistism at your home or other location for a small fee. Her name is Linda Manion and you can reach her at ###-###-####.
J. Kowalkowski
i think any Christian church would baptize your kids without a lot of questions or rules forced on you. Christian churches are much more accepting than Catholics. a Lutheran church may do it also. you can call and talk to a pastor about it.
