What to Include in a Christening Order of Service

1) What belongs in a Christening Order of Service?

Every church has its own wording and flow, so treat the list below as a friendly starting point. Your vicar or priest will confirm what to include and in what order.

Front cover essentials

• Child’s full name (and any siblings if it’s a joint baptism)
• Date, time and church name/address
• Optional: a small photo, a line from scripture, or a short blessing

Welcome & opening

• Greeting / Welcome – a short line to set the tone (“Welcome to the baptism of…”).
• Opening hymn – title only if space is tight; full lyrics if guests may not know it.
• Introduction of the candidates – child’s name(s), parents and godparents.

Scripture & reflection

• Reading(s) – list the source (e.g., Luke 18:15-17) and reader’s name.
• Short address or homily – you won’t need the full text; a heading is enough.

Baptismal liturgy (wording varies)

• Presentation & promises – parents and godparents make their commitments.
• Sign of the Cross – sometimes explained with a brief line.
• Prayer over the water – often introduced with a heading.
• Profession of faith / Creed – may be said by all; include responses if helpful.
• The Baptism – name(s) and baptismal act; a simple heading works.
• Anointing (if used) – many Catholic services include anointing with chrism.
• White garment and/or candle – a single line noting the symbolism is enough.

Prayers & concluding parts

• Intercessions – short prayers for the child and family; sometimes led by a guest.
• The Lord’s Prayer – include the full text if your congregation is mixed.
• Notices – optional, e.g., “Photos after the service in the side chapel.”
• Final blessing and Closing hymn / recessional music.

Back cover options

• A thank-you message from the family
• A favourite prayer or blessing
• Acknowledgements (musicians, readers, minister)
• A small photo or montage, or a QR code linking to a gallery or livestream

Tip: Keep headings clear and consistent; use page numbers for booklets. If you’re printing full hymn lyrics or bilingual text, allow extra pages.

2) Example running orders you can copy

Below are two tried-and-tested layouts you can adapt. They’re designed for A5 programmes. Utterly Printable offers a simple 4-page folded card or 8, 12 or 16-page saddle-stitched booklets—handy if you’re including full hymn lyrics, multiple readings or photos. Page counts must be divisible by four.

A. Short service (4-page folded card, A5)

Page 1 – Front cover

Child’s name; date/time; church; a small photo or line of scripture.

Page 2 – Inside left

Welcome; Opening hymn (title); Reading (reference & reader); Short address (heading only).

Page 3 – Inside right

Presentation of child and godparents; Promises; Prayer over the water; Profession of faith; The Baptism; The Lord’s Prayer; Final blessing; Closing hymn (title).

Page 4 – Back cover

Thank-you note; acknowledgements; tiny photo; optional QR code to photos/livestream.

When to choose this

• The congregation knows the responses or you’re keeping lyrics to titles only.
• You’re aiming for a concise keepsake that fits comfortably on four pages.

B. Extended service (8/12/16-page stitched booklet)

Page 1 Front cover

Page 2 Welcome & service notes (e.g., “Please remain seated for the readings.”)

Page 3 Opening hymn (full lyrics)

Page 4 First reading (reference & brief introduction)

Page 5 Second hymn or psalm (lyrics)

Page 6 Short address / homily (heading only)

Page 7 Presentation of child & godparents; Promises (responses set in bold/italics)

Page 8 Prayer over the water; Profession of faith (with congregational responses)

Page 9 The Baptism; Anointing; Candle

Page 10 Intercessions; The Lord’s Prayer (full text)

Page 11 Final blessing; Closing hymn (lyrics or chorus)

Page 12 Thanks, photo(s), and a short note about your child

For 16 pages, you might add: a printed Order of Service summary on page 2, extra hymn lyrics, a photo collage, or bilingual versions of key prayers. Multi-page booklets at Utterly Printable have a thicker cover with lighter inner pages for an easy-to-read, professional finish, and you can add, remove or reorder pages in the online designer to match your minister’s running order.

3) Practical tips for wording, layout and printing

Confirm the wording with clergy early.

Service texts—especially the baptismal promises—vary. Share a draft with your vicar or priest and ask which responses should be printed in full. Utterly Printable provides a free, watermarked PDF proof you can download and email for approval before printing; printed samples are available at checkout. (Edits are possible until print begins.)

Decide on lyrics vs titles.

If guests won’t know the music, print the full hymn lyrics. That usually pushes you to an 8, 12 or 16-page booklet. If your congregation is familiar with the songs, listing titles can keep you comfortably within a 4-page folded card.

Make it readable.

Use clear headings, generous line spacing and good contrast. For mixed-age congregations, consider slightly larger body text and avoid dense blocks. Page numbers help people keep their place.

Add a personal touch.

Consider a short paragraph about your child, the meaning behind their name, or a favourite prayer. Many families include one or two photos—perhaps a newborn picture and a recent portrait—or a mini gallery in the back pages. Utterly Printable’s editor supports unlimited photos and even QR codes, so you can link to a livestream or shared album if you wish.

Think ahead to the rest of your stationery.

If you’re coordinating the whole celebration, you can pick invitations and cards to match your booklet. Explore modern and classic christening invitation designs, and line up your post-service notes with christening thank you card designs. If you’re thanking wider family and friends who sent gifts, you might prefer our general baby thank you cards. And if you’re announcing your little one to those who couldn’t make the day, take a look at our photo-led birth announcement card designs.

Choose a format that suits your content.

Utterly Printable prints at A5 finished size. You can opt for a 4-page folded card or upgrade to 8, 12 or 16-page saddle-stitched booklets. Booklets use a thick cover with lighter inner pages for a refined, book-style feel—ideal when you have longer texts, bilingual wording or multiple hymns. FSC-certified stocks and high-definition Canon iX printing keep fine details (like watercolour motifs or small type) crisp.

Plan timing and quantities.

As a guide, print one per adult plus a few spares. Standard production is typically 3–5 working days for 4-page cards and 4–5 working days for booklets, with an express 1–2 working day option (orders placed before 6 pm). If you’re on a tight timeline, design and approve your proof early. You can also choose a high-resolution PDF download if you prefer to arrange local printing.

Ready to start?

Browse our full range of layouts and create your booklet online with Christening order of service designs. You can personalise headings, add or remove pages, and reorder sections to reflect your minister’s plan.

P.S. If you’re still planning the wider day, explore co-ordinated christening invitations and matching thank-you cards so your stationery feels like one thoughtful set.