It's A Shaw Thing.....: What To Expect At Eliana's Baptism

My youngest will be getting baptised this weekend and I've invited a few of my work buddies (past & present) who are not religious or follow a different faith. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka LDS or Mormons) and here are few things you should or shouldn't expect to see at her baptism

1. DON'T EXPECT her to be a baby. Baptism age for an LDS member is 8 yrs old.

2. The person 'Conducting' is like the MC. The Chorister is the person 'conducting' the music.

3. You may hear someone talk about 'Opening' or 'Closing' Exercises. It's not actual exercise. It's just the hymn, introduction, and prayer.

4. You know the speeches or prayers are going to end when they say "In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen". No need for applause or 'hallelujahs'. The congregation will say amen and move on. Amen means 'so be it' or you agree... So you can say Amen if you want or just look at the ceiling. Up to you.

5. Inside the chapel 'room' and when she is actually getting baptised (or receiving the ordinance) are very sacred. So no photos or video recordings please. However, in the rest of the building, go for your life!

6. Girls usually dress in a knee-length skirt and blouse or a dress. Guys in a shirt and tie. Again, up to you - smart casual is cool too.

7. No smoking or alcohol on chapel grounds at all. You can puff away on the street at the bottom of the drive. There will also be no coffee or tea served with the refreshments. This is because of a health law we live by called The Word of Wisdom. You may wonder why there are lot of Mormon fatties around. It's because we're still trying to get it right. No judging hahaha !

8. Baptism by immersion, means that she will literally be dunked under water. Her Dad holds the priesthood and authority to baptise her. After they get dressed and the programme goes on, she will be confirmed a member of the Church and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This is where men who hold the priesthood will form a circle around her, place their hands on her head and a prayer will be said (again by her Dad).

9. After the closing prayer, everyone is invited to eat. We are sharing some light refreshments. Now 'light' means different things in different cultures, but I expect you should have enough to eat.

10. The missionaries will be there, so no doubt they will say hello. Saying hello to them doesn't mean that we'll be at your baptism next week. If you have any questions - they are not a bad place to start.