Tristan Jordan's Blessing Ceremony
This beautiful ceremony included the participation of all the guests in blessing Tristan. It also had an ancestral blessing by his Grandparents and ended with a "family" circle
Greeting
Officiant:
Today is a very special day for all of us. It is a day in which we celebrate the birth of this child Tristan. A day in which his parents introduce him to his extended family, friends, as well as the community that he will live and grow up in.
Today is truly a celebration of love, and of life! Tristan is a gift. His smile, his laughter, and his presence enrich the lives of all who know her. This child is our future and represents the light of the world. Today we simply give thanks and celebrate all the many wonderful blessings Tristan brings and do our best to remember, and be thankful for, the very special role that we all have in his life.
Your presence at this celebration today is greatly appreciated, as your presences in Tristan’s life in the future will greatly be appreciated. All of you are the most important, and have been the most influential people in Christopher and Diana’s lives. For all of you are amongst the greatest gifts that life has given them. All of you are those that they can call family and friends.
There is one thing that we are certain of: the more love this child receives; the more he will be able to give love to other. The more people that make up his world, the richer his world will be. Each of you have unique gifts and offerings we hope that you will share with this child. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. Look around you. You are looking at Tristan’s village.
Moment of Remembrance
Officiant:
This event is shared, if in a different way, by those who have passed beyond this life. Their roles in the lives of Diana and Christopher are gratefully remembered. They acknowledge and honor the bloodlines, the history and the people who have all gone into the creation of Tristan. They remember what it felt to be with these loved ones, and that through shared memories Tristan may come to know his ancestors and the lineage that is his birthright.
We especially remember Tristan’s Grandfather Thurman R. Dance and Great Grandparents Bernard H. Wilkerson, Graciela Conception and Segundo Rodriquez. We are certain they are here with us in spirit as we celebrate this joyous occasion.
Officiant:
Today is a very special day for all of us. It is a day in which we celebrate the birth of this child Tristan. A day in which his parents introduce him to his extended family, friends, as well as the community that he will live and grow up in.
Today is truly a celebration of love, and of life! Tristan is a gift. His smile, his laughter, and his presence enrich the lives of all who know her. This child is our future and represents the light of the world. Today we simply give thanks and celebrate all the many wonderful blessings Tristan brings and do our best to remember, and be thankful for, the very special role that we all have in his life.
Your presence at this celebration today is greatly appreciated, as your presences in Tristan’s life in the future will greatly be appreciated. All of you are the most important, and have been the most influential people in Christopher and Diana’s lives. For all of you are amongst the greatest gifts that life has given them. All of you are those that they can call family and friends.
There is one thing that we are certain of: the more love this child receives; the more he will be able to give love to other. The more people that make up his world, the richer his world will be. Each of you have unique gifts and offerings we hope that you will share with this child. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. Look around you. You are looking at Tristan’s village.
Moment of Remembrance
Officiant:
This event is shared, if in a different way, by those who have passed beyond this life. Their roles in the lives of Diana and Christopher are gratefully remembered. They acknowledge and honor the bloodlines, the history and the people who have all gone into the creation of Tristan. They remember what it felt to be with these loved ones, and that through shared memories Tristan may come to know his ancestors and the lineage that is his birthright.
We especially remember Tristan’s Grandfather Thurman R. Dance and Great Grandparents Bernard H. Wilkerson, Graciela Conception and Segundo Rodriquez. We are certain they are here with us in spirit as we celebrate this joyous occasion.
Invocation (This is the beginning prayer to “invoke” or ask God to be present and bless this service that is about to begin.
Officiant:
I would like to share a reading with you titled A Family Is (Author Unknown)
A Family is a Place
To cry
To laugh
To vent frustration
To ask for help
And tease
And yell
To be kissed and hugged
and smiled at.
A Family is People
Who care when you are sad
Who love you no matter what
Who share your triumphs
Who don't expect you to be perfect
Just grow with honesty
In your own direction.
A Family is a Circle
Where we learn to like ourselves
Where we learn to make good decisions
Where we learn to think before we do
Where we learn integrity and respect for others
Where we are special
Where we share ideas
Where we listen and are listened to
Where we learn the rules of life
To prepare ourselves for the world.
The world is a Place
where anything can happen.
If we grow in a Loving Family
we are ready for the world.
Dedication of Name
Officiant:
In every birth, blessed is the wonder.
In every creation, blessed is the new beginning.
In every child, blessed is life.
In every hope, blessed is the potential.
In every transition, blessed is the beginning.
In every existence, blessed are the possibilities.
In every love, blessed are the tears.
In every life, blessed is the love.
There are three names by which a person is called:
One which his father and mother call him,
And one which people call him,
And one which he earns for himself.
The best one of these is the one that he earns for himself.
Names have always been a powerful part of our identity. They can represent the family to which we belong, or the part of the world from which we come and even some part of our personality.
As Tristan grows he will indeed claim his own titles and names, yet Diana and Christopher have given him a name to begin his journey.”
Officiant:
I would like to share a reading with you titled A Family Is (Author Unknown)
A Family is a Place
To cry
To laugh
To vent frustration
To ask for help
And tease
And yell
To be kissed and hugged
and smiled at.
A Family is People
Who care when you are sad
Who love you no matter what
Who share your triumphs
Who don't expect you to be perfect
Just grow with honesty
In your own direction.
A Family is a Circle
Where we learn to like ourselves
Where we learn to make good decisions
Where we learn to think before we do
Where we learn integrity and respect for others
Where we are special
Where we share ideas
Where we listen and are listened to
Where we learn the rules of life
To prepare ourselves for the world.
The world is a Place
where anything can happen.
If we grow in a Loving Family
we are ready for the world.
Dedication of Name
Officiant:
In every birth, blessed is the wonder.
In every creation, blessed is the new beginning.
In every child, blessed is life.
In every hope, blessed is the potential.
In every transition, blessed is the beginning.
In every existence, blessed are the possibilities.
In every love, blessed are the tears.
In every life, blessed is the love.
There are three names by which a person is called:
One which his father and mother call him,
And one which people call him,
And one which he earns for himself.
The best one of these is the one that he earns for himself.
Names have always been a powerful part of our identity. They can represent the family to which we belong, or the part of the world from which we come and even some part of our personality.
As Tristan grows he will indeed claim his own titles and names, yet Diana and Christopher have given him a name to begin his journey.”
Officiant: To parents
What name have you chosen for your child?
Father: “We have chosen the name Tristan (You may want to say meaning of name)
Mother: “We have also chosen the name Jordan (You may want to say meaning of name)
Officiant:
I congratulate you on the birth of your Son Tristan Jordan Dance.
Today we simply give thanks and celebrate all the many wonderful blessings Tristan brings and do our best to remember, and be thankful for, the very special role that we all have in his life.
Charge to Parents
Officiant:
the journey of parenthood is one of amazing beauty.
We gather here because it is our wish that Tristan grows to be a man who truly loves his life. You most of all will be his guide on this journey. It is important to provide not only food and clothing to a child but also time and love and respect. So it is only right that this
ceremony should include your promise to nurture your son in all ways as he grows.
Parental Promise
Officiant:
Christopher and Diana will you promise to love, nurture, and support Tristan, and to create a healthy environment so that he may grow on his specific path? If so, please answer “We will.”
Parents: We will
Do you promise to teach Tristan not who or what, but how to love, to trust, to respect, and to dream so that he may truly participate in the remarkable journey that is life?
Parents: Yes.
To expose him to a variety of experiences, showing him the beginnings of many a wondrous journey, instilling in him a sense of wonder and passion, and the knowledge that he alone has the power to complete himself?
Parents: “Yes.”
To teach Tristan right from wrong, to enable him to make his place in society as a kind and caring person?
Parents: Yes.
Officiant:
To teach Tristan to celebrate diversity, never ever being aware of prejudice. Knowing no boundaries, to be loving of all that surrounds him in his life, and celebrate the similarities and differences in our world?
Parents: Yes.
To hold him close in your hearts always, yet still encourage him to stand on his own when the time comes so that he may discover his own true self?
Parents: “Yes.”
Charge to Godparents
Officiant:
It is often mistakenly thought that the Godparents are the ones who shall raise a child in the event that the parents cannot. But this is not so. Godparents are those who promise they will be there to help the child grow spiritually. Theirs is a place in Tristan’s life almost like a guardian angel. The promise is one of a physical presence in his life as someone who he knows will always be standing quietly behind her, encouraging his to make good choices, and sharing with him the lessons they themselves have learned along the way.
Today Yahaira, Jamal and Quashon have agreed to become involved in Tristan‘s life by promising to be there for him should he need support, wisdom, comfort and guidance.
They have been chosen by Christopher and Diana because of their connection with them, and the family. The fact that they have been chosen by Christopher and Diana is an indicator of their position of trust, and respect within this family.
What name have you chosen for your child?
Father: “We have chosen the name Tristan (You may want to say meaning of name)
Mother: “We have also chosen the name Jordan (You may want to say meaning of name)
Officiant:
I congratulate you on the birth of your Son Tristan Jordan Dance.
Today we simply give thanks and celebrate all the many wonderful blessings Tristan brings and do our best to remember, and be thankful for, the very special role that we all have in his life.
Charge to Parents
Officiant:
the journey of parenthood is one of amazing beauty.
We gather here because it is our wish that Tristan grows to be a man who truly loves his life. You most of all will be his guide on this journey. It is important to provide not only food and clothing to a child but also time and love and respect. So it is only right that this
ceremony should include your promise to nurture your son in all ways as he grows.
Parental Promise
Officiant:
Christopher and Diana will you promise to love, nurture, and support Tristan, and to create a healthy environment so that he may grow on his specific path? If so, please answer “We will.”
Parents: We will
Do you promise to teach Tristan not who or what, but how to love, to trust, to respect, and to dream so that he may truly participate in the remarkable journey that is life?
Parents: Yes.
To expose him to a variety of experiences, showing him the beginnings of many a wondrous journey, instilling in him a sense of wonder and passion, and the knowledge that he alone has the power to complete himself?
Parents: “Yes.”
To teach Tristan right from wrong, to enable him to make his place in society as a kind and caring person?
Parents: Yes.
Officiant:
To teach Tristan to celebrate diversity, never ever being aware of prejudice. Knowing no boundaries, to be loving of all that surrounds him in his life, and celebrate the similarities and differences in our world?
Parents: Yes.
To hold him close in your hearts always, yet still encourage him to stand on his own when the time comes so that he may discover his own true self?
Parents: “Yes.”
Charge to Godparents
Officiant:
It is often mistakenly thought that the Godparents are the ones who shall raise a child in the event that the parents cannot. But this is not so. Godparents are those who promise they will be there to help the child grow spiritually. Theirs is a place in Tristan’s life almost like a guardian angel. The promise is one of a physical presence in his life as someone who he knows will always be standing quietly behind her, encouraging his to make good choices, and sharing with him the lessons they themselves have learned along the way.
Today Yahaira, Jamal and Quashon have agreed to become involved in Tristan‘s life by promising to be there for him should he need support, wisdom, comfort and guidance.
They have been chosen by Christopher and Diana because of their connection with them, and the family. The fact that they have been chosen by Christopher and Diana is an indicator of their position of trust, and respect within this family.
Officiant to Godparents:
While you are not Tristan’s parents the place that you have all taken in his life is an
important one. Christopher and Diana trust your motivations and your judgment completely and they take comfort in knowing that although there will be times when Tristan cannot come to them, that he will always be able to come to you for guidance and support. By accepting the role of Godparent you say to Tristan and the world. I promise, I will be there for you as you grow into manhood. With this in mind I now ask you...
Godparents Vows:
Officiant:
Will you as best as you can, help take care of Tristan?
To protect him at all times from harm?
To encourage, guide and support him in all his endeavors,
Help him recognize the beauty within herself and all things,
And to become someday not the woman we wish for him but the realization of his own hopes, dreams and the fulfillment of his soul?”
Godparents: “We will.”
Officiant:
May you always know how special you are to Christopher and Diana that they would ask you to tend to the most precious thing that they have in this world.
Reading:
Officiant:
I would like to invite Tristan’s Godparents to share a reading with him : Forever Young by Bob Dylan
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
Acknowledgement of Grandparents:
Officiant:
In today's world there is no greater gift than the continuation through the generations of family, so we will begin with an Ancestral Blessing. Will Tristan Grandparents please come forward?
Grandparents step forward
You have been wonderful parents to Christopher and Diana. You have always been there for them encouraging and supporting them through all of their trials and triumphs, imparting your wisdom gently and giving your love unconditionally. Will you now hold your grandson?
Grandparents hold Tristan (One can hold while others gather around and they can all lay a hand of their grandchild)
I invite you to all lay a hand on Tristan.
Call to your mind now, all of the wonderful people who have shaped your lives. Many of those people are no longer with this world. Your parents, your grandparents, your great grandparents… as far back as the stories you have heard and beyond. Remember what it felt like to be with these loved ones so that you may share these memories with Tristan. In today's world we cannot know who we are unless we know where we come from. Your words and memories will be as much of a gift to Tristan as his presence is a joy to the soul of this family.
Take a moment to say a silent blessing on Tristan give him a kiss, pass him to their parents
Christopher and Diana, will you please hold your son and reflect on the gratitude and joy in your heart, remembering to be thankful for all that has come to pass, and all that has made it possible for Tristan to come to be."
(Officiant will thank Grandparents and invite them to be seated)
While you are not Tristan’s parents the place that you have all taken in his life is an
important one. Christopher and Diana trust your motivations and your judgment completely and they take comfort in knowing that although there will be times when Tristan cannot come to them, that he will always be able to come to you for guidance and support. By accepting the role of Godparent you say to Tristan and the world. I promise, I will be there for you as you grow into manhood. With this in mind I now ask you...
Godparents Vows:
Officiant:
Will you as best as you can, help take care of Tristan?
To protect him at all times from harm?
To encourage, guide and support him in all his endeavors,
Help him recognize the beauty within herself and all things,
And to become someday not the woman we wish for him but the realization of his own hopes, dreams and the fulfillment of his soul?”
Godparents: “We will.”
Officiant:
May you always know how special you are to Christopher and Diana that they would ask you to tend to the most precious thing that they have in this world.
Reading:
Officiant:
I would like to invite Tristan’s Godparents to share a reading with him : Forever Young by Bob Dylan
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
Acknowledgement of Grandparents:
Officiant:
In today's world there is no greater gift than the continuation through the generations of family, so we will begin with an Ancestral Blessing. Will Tristan Grandparents please come forward?
Grandparents step forward
You have been wonderful parents to Christopher and Diana. You have always been there for them encouraging and supporting them through all of their trials and triumphs, imparting your wisdom gently and giving your love unconditionally. Will you now hold your grandson?
Grandparents hold Tristan (One can hold while others gather around and they can all lay a hand of their grandchild)
I invite you to all lay a hand on Tristan.
Call to your mind now, all of the wonderful people who have shaped your lives. Many of those people are no longer with this world. Your parents, your grandparents, your great grandparents… as far back as the stories you have heard and beyond. Remember what it felt like to be with these loved ones so that you may share these memories with Tristan. In today's world we cannot know who we are unless we know where we come from. Your words and memories will be as much of a gift to Tristan as his presence is a joy to the soul of this family.
Take a moment to say a silent blessing on Tristan give him a kiss, pass him to their parents
Christopher and Diana, will you please hold your son and reflect on the gratitude and joy in your heart, remembering to be thankful for all that has come to pass, and all that has made it possible for Tristan to come to be."
(Officiant will thank Grandparents and invite them to be seated)
The Blessing of the Child
Officiant:
Water has long been considered by many as the source of life…. Water is in and around all of us, and is also a symbol of the human spirit--- always in motion, never ceasing, only taking new forms…..Every element needs water to grow and thrive, to even survive. The trees and flowers, the fish and the birds, and all of us…….. Water nourishes us, cleanses us, comforts us, and renews us.
This ceremony is to celebrate Tristan’s life, and to signify our intentions to nourish his heart, his mind, his body, and his spirit…. to allow his life to flow in the direction he chooses each day, with the love and guidance of family and friends to help him find his way.
Tristan Our wish for you is that the love that surrounds you today will wash over you like rain every day of your life, just as this water rains on you now…
Officiant rubs the blessed water on the top of his head and say:
You are connected, protected, loved, and blessed.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on his forehead and say:
All your senses are blessed, protected, and awakened.
Officiant rubs the blessed water over his heart and say:
Your heart is blessed so that you may feel compassion for yourself and others.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on both his hands and say:
Your hands are blessed so that you may reach out to the world.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on both his feet and say:
Your feet are blessed so that you may connect with the earth, be grounded, and stand your ground in this world. Know that your spirit is strong and it will guide you through this life.Know that you are deeply loved and that your presence brings overwhelming joy.
Candle Lighting
Officiant:
I ask that the parents and godparents each take one of the candles and light it.
I would like to invite Teresa, Jerome, Magda and Mille to come forward and light a candle.
These candles symbolize hope and new life in the world.
Then, together, light the center candle for Tristan, as the light of his life.
Tristan, may the blessing of light be with you always,
Light without and light within.
May the sun shine upon you and warm your heart
Until it grows like a great fire,
So that others may feel the warmth of it.
And may the light of your eyes shine like two candle lights
In a window at night bidding the wanderer
To come in out of the dark and cold.
And may the blessings of God be upon you.
Be fearless and pure; give freely, be peaceful, sincere, truthful, loving and live life with an open heart.
Be compassionate and gentle, show good will to all.
I ask that at the conclusion of this service, each of you keep your candle for this reason:
Should there be a time in Tristan’s future for which he/she faces difficult times of trial, or be called upon to make grave decisions – of hardship or joy, or become lost in spirit – you should, as the duty and obligation you have assumed today – find a quiet place alone to yourself. Light this candle or another and through pray ask for the safekeeping of Tristan in both body and soul from our Heavenly Father, and the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Closing Words:
Officiant to Parents:
I congratulate Christopher and Diana on the birth of their son, and the Godparents on their willingness to share with them the care and concern for the welfare of Tristan.
May his life be filled with the good things of life, and in particular with the love and laughter of those who make up his world.
Officiant to child:
Dear Tristan, with all our hopes and dreams for your future, we celebrate your being.
It is with abiding confidence and affection we send you forth on your journey of life.
May you always feel the love that surrounds you.
May your days be filled with wonder and your nights be gentle.
May your years on this earth be blessed with strength, health and wisdom.
May the love you are be the power forever guiding your light on this earth.
Officiant to guests:
I would like to invite everyone to come forward and close this ceremony with a family circle (grandparents, siblings aunts, uncles etc…and if it’s a small gathering lets include the guests).
Please join hands and with your hands and your hearts. I would like to share a passage from “All My Relations” (by Mark Self)
Within my hand I hold my brother, father, grandfather, sister mother and grandmother
Within my hand I hold the true spirit of giving
Within my hand I hold knowledge of past and future
Within my hand I hold the selflessness of sacrifice
Within my hand I hold the hopes and prayers of life
Within my hand I hold all my relations.
Look well at one another. You are all interconnected. This circle of family symbolizes the circle of life, and with each new birth the circle becomes stronger
Officiant:
Water has long been considered by many as the source of life…. Water is in and around all of us, and is also a symbol of the human spirit--- always in motion, never ceasing, only taking new forms…..Every element needs water to grow and thrive, to even survive. The trees and flowers, the fish and the birds, and all of us…….. Water nourishes us, cleanses us, comforts us, and renews us.
This ceremony is to celebrate Tristan’s life, and to signify our intentions to nourish his heart, his mind, his body, and his spirit…. to allow his life to flow in the direction he chooses each day, with the love and guidance of family and friends to help him find his way.
Tristan Our wish for you is that the love that surrounds you today will wash over you like rain every day of your life, just as this water rains on you now…
Officiant rubs the blessed water on the top of his head and say:
You are connected, protected, loved, and blessed.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on his forehead and say:
All your senses are blessed, protected, and awakened.
Officiant rubs the blessed water over his heart and say:
Your heart is blessed so that you may feel compassion for yourself and others.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on both his hands and say:
Your hands are blessed so that you may reach out to the world.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on both his feet and say:
Your feet are blessed so that you may connect with the earth, be grounded, and stand your ground in this world. Know that your spirit is strong and it will guide you through this life.Know that you are deeply loved and that your presence brings overwhelming joy.
Candle Lighting
Officiant:
I ask that the parents and godparents each take one of the candles and light it.
I would like to invite Teresa, Jerome, Magda and Mille to come forward and light a candle.
These candles symbolize hope and new life in the world.
Then, together, light the center candle for Tristan, as the light of his life.
Tristan, may the blessing of light be with you always,
Light without and light within.
May the sun shine upon you and warm your heart
Until it grows like a great fire,
So that others may feel the warmth of it.
And may the light of your eyes shine like two candle lights
In a window at night bidding the wanderer
To come in out of the dark and cold.
And may the blessings of God be upon you.
Be fearless and pure; give freely, be peaceful, sincere, truthful, loving and live life with an open heart.
Be compassionate and gentle, show good will to all.
I ask that at the conclusion of this service, each of you keep your candle for this reason:
Should there be a time in Tristan’s future for which he/she faces difficult times of trial, or be called upon to make grave decisions – of hardship or joy, or become lost in spirit – you should, as the duty and obligation you have assumed today – find a quiet place alone to yourself. Light this candle or another and through pray ask for the safekeeping of Tristan in both body and soul from our Heavenly Father, and the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Closing Words:
Officiant to Parents:
I congratulate Christopher and Diana on the birth of their son, and the Godparents on their willingness to share with them the care and concern for the welfare of Tristan.
May his life be filled with the good things of life, and in particular with the love and laughter of those who make up his world.
Officiant to child:
Dear Tristan, with all our hopes and dreams for your future, we celebrate your being.
It is with abiding confidence and affection we send you forth on your journey of life.
May you always feel the love that surrounds you.
May your days be filled with wonder and your nights be gentle.
May your years on this earth be blessed with strength, health and wisdom.
May the love you are be the power forever guiding your light on this earth.
Officiant to guests:
I would like to invite everyone to come forward and close this ceremony with a family circle (grandparents, siblings aunts, uncles etc…and if it’s a small gathering lets include the guests).
Please join hands and with your hands and your hearts. I would like to share a passage from “All My Relations” (by Mark Self)
Within my hand I hold my brother, father, grandfather, sister mother and grandmother
Within my hand I hold the true spirit of giving
Within my hand I hold knowledge of past and future
Within my hand I hold the selflessness of sacrifice
Within my hand I hold the hopes and prayers of life
Within my hand I hold all my relations.
Look well at one another. You are all interconnected. This circle of family symbolizes the circle of life, and with each new birth the circle becomes stronger
