How does baptism differ from child dedication?
• Dedication usually applies only to infants and small children. Dedicating your child expresses your desire for God to bless your child as you literally ‘dedicate’ your baby or child to God. No implied meaning of eternal salvation or sacrament or future beliefs of the child exist. Anointing oil may be used as a symbol of God’s Spirit to be present with your child. Parents also dedicate themselves to God in this ceremony to express their desire to raise the child in a godly home where, in time, the child will come to understand what it means to have faith in God. Parents also ask for God’s help to be loving, caring, wise, and godly parents.
