Catholic vs Church of England: what actually changes in a christening order of service

1) A typical Catholic baptism: high-level running order (no set text)

In Catholic parishes the Rite of Baptism may be celebrated on its own or within Mass. Your booklet headings will often follow this pattern:

• Reception of the child(ren) – Greeting at the church door or front of church; parents state the child’s name and intention; the priest, parents and godparents trace the Sign of the Cross on the child’s forehead.
• Liturgy of the Word – Short scripture reading(s), brief homily, Prayer of the Faithful, and usually an invocation of the saints.
• Prayers before baptism – A prayer of exorcism/deliverance and anointing with the Oil of Catechumens (some parishes omit this).
• Blessing of water – Priest blesses the baptismal water.
• Renunciations & Profession of Faith – Parents and godparents renew their own baptismal promises on the child’s behalf.
• The Baptism – Water is poured three times (or immersion) with the Trinitarian formula.
• Post-baptismal rites – Anointing with Sacred Chrism, optional white garment, and lighted candle (often taken from the Paschal candle). Some parishes include the optional Ephphetha (“Be opened”) prayer.
• The Lord’s Prayer & blessing – Concluding prayers and blessings over parents and people. If within Mass, the rite is integrated with the Offertory, Eucharistic Prayer and Communion.

For a simple 4-page folded card, list the main headings only; for 8–16 pages you can add hymn lyrics, short notes (“Parents & godparents respond”), and space for a photo.

2) A typical Church of England christening: high-level running order (no set text)

C of E baptisms are usually taken from Common Worship. They might be part of the Sunday Eucharist or a standalone service. Booklet headings often look like this:

• Greeting & Introduction – Short welcome, explanation of baptism’s meaning.
• Presentation of the candidates – Parents and godparents are named.
• The Decision – Parents and godparents make turning-to-Christ responses (renunciations).
• Signing with the Cross – The minister signs the candidate with the cross; in some parishes oil may be used.
• Scripture reading(s) and short talk – One or more readings with a brief address.
• Prayer over the Water – Blessing of the water.
• Profession of Faith – Either a responsive Apostles’ Creed or affirmations.
• The Baptism – Water poured three times with the Trinitarian formula.
• Welcome & Commission – Words of welcome to the church family; in some places a baptism candle is given.
• The Peace, Holy Communion (if used) & Blessing – If within a Eucharist, Communion follows; otherwise, closing prayers and blessing.

C of E churches may also offer Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child (not baptism). If that is your service, your booklet headings will be different—your minister will advise.

3) Planning the booklet: key differences, shared elements, and practical page layouts

Always check with clergy first. Your priest or vicar will confirm what belongs in your booklet and what should be said by the congregation versus the minister. Think of your publication as a friendly guide and keepsake, rather than a script.

What’s broadly different?

• Where the service sits: Catholic baptisms are frequently woven into a Mass; C of E christenings are often part of a main Sunday service but can stand alone.
• Anointings: Catholic rites commonly include two anointings (pre-baptism Oil of Catechumens; post-baptism Sacred Chrism). In the C of E, oil may be used at the Signing of the Cross, but it’s not universal.
• White garment & Ephphetha: The white garment and optional Ephphetha prayer are distinctively Catholic; they’re not standard in C of E liturgy.
• Welcome/Commission: A formal Welcome (sometimes with responses by the congregation) is a hallmark of C of E services.
• Candle: A baptism candle is typical in Catholic parishes and common (but not guaranteed) in the C of E.
• Terminology: You’ll see “Mass,” “Celebrant” and “Chrism” in Catholic booklets; “Common Worship,” “The Decision,” “The Peace” and “Welcome” in C of E booklets.

What’s shared?

• Scripture readings and a short address or homily.
• Renunciations/Promises made by parents and godparents on behalf of the child.
• The Blessing (Prayer) over the water, the Profession of Faith, and the threefold pouring with the Trinitarian formula.
• Music: Many families include one or two hymns or a short song.
• Photos & keepsake wording: A space for the child’s name, date, church and a thank-you message works in both traditions.

How many pages do you actually need?

• 4 pages (folded card): Great for a short standalone christening with one hymn and a single reading.
• 8 pages (saddle-stitched): Room for the full running order, two hymns, the promises headings, and a small photo.
• 12–16 pages: Ideal if your parish includes multiple readings, a detailed Liturgy of the Word, longer music, or bilingual headings—especially common in Catholic baptisms within Mass.

With Utterly Printable you can design an A5 booklet online and choose 4, 8, 12 or 16 pages—all in multiples of four—then add, remove or reorder pages so the flow matches your parish’s plan. You’ll find the templates here: Christening Order of Service. We provide a free downloadable proof, which is perfect for sending to clergy for approval before you print or download a high-resolution PDF.

Sensible headings you can copy into your draft (approve locally)

Below are useful, neutral headings for a booklet. Replace, reorder or remove to fit your church’s authorised rite:

• Welcome & Opening Hymn
• Scripture Reading(s)
• Short Address / Homily
• Prayers (e.g., intercessions)
• Prayer over the Water
• Baptismal Promises / The Decision
• Profession of Faith
• The Baptism
• Post-baptismal Rites (anointing, white garment, candle)
• Welcome / Commission
• The Lord’s Prayer
• Blessing & Dismissal
• Thank you (short note from the family)

If your baptism sits within Mass or Holy Communion, include Offertory, Eucharistic Prayer, Communion Hymn and The Peace at the right points as advised by your minister.

Helpful design ideas for different traditions

• Catholic families often like a short note explaining the anointings and candle, so guests know what to look for.
• C of E families sometimes place the Welcome text opposite a favourite photo for a warm finish.
• For a quiet, timeless look try our botanical and watercolour themes; for contemporary services, clean layouts with strong typography work well.

Explore styles to suit your church setting and family taste: browse our botanical christening order of service designs, our modern typography designs, photo-led order of service templates, soft watercolour booklets and clean white layouts. If you’re matching stationery, you can co-ordinate with our christening invitation designs and even add a QR code in your booklet to your online RSVP website for the celebration afterwards.