"Good afternoon. My name is Adrian Downey, on behalf of Liam & Narelle I welcome their family and friends
here today to take part, in a simple and happy ceremony for their daughter Jessica."
This occasion is also to express to others the thankfulness they feel as her parents.
You will notice that on the table, there is a pile of papers, and some pencils.
Before you leave, you might like to write down your wishes for this child.
They will be added to her memorabilia, and when she is able to read them for herself, I am sure she will derive
great pleasure from those comments.
This Namegiving Ceremony will in no way commit Jessica to any religious beliefs nor inhibit her from seeking her
own truths in life. Everyone here is invited and encouraged to present to Jessica as she grows up a broad and
balanced view of life, and to embrace the common virtues of integrity, honesty, fairness and concern and respect
towards all people.
Together with the happiness that Liam and Narelle have, there comes with it a certain awe at the responsibility
that is now theirs. This welcome to little Jessica will remind them that from now on a great deal of their life
will be involved in caring for her.
It is certain that the love this child receives during early childhood will
be of great benefit in her growing years ahead. This will be reflected in return in the love this child is able to
pass on to others.
Parenthood is a serious responsibility. It is not to be taken lightly, although the joys and
rewards can never be over estimated. Children learn by example, and the significance of our own
behaviour is reflected in the following words written
by Dorothy Law Nolte:.
Children Learn what is lived.
'If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith.
If children live with acceptance and friendship,
They learn to find love in the world.'
"I would expand on this advice by recommending that in everything you do, do it in consideration of and
with respect for the rights of others. Jessica is too young now to understand these sentiments,
but with love and caring and through example, her parents will explain the difference between right and wrong,
the concept of sharing, and the meaning of love. They will support her as she grows, learning to laugh, look,
listen and love."
"Liam and Narelle are helped in this respect by Jessica's Grandparents, and also the Godparents that they have
selected. Theirs is a special task. They promise to take a lifelong interest in this young child and to be
responsible and important role models."
"We now come to this important part of the proceedings where I address this question to the godparents."
"James ……. and Monica …….., you have been asked to accept the privilege of becoming Godparents to Jessica.
Liam & Narelle ask that you always welcome Jessica if she comes to you for company, advice or help and
that you will listen to her and respect her confidences no matter how great or small. They ask that you
show her understanding and love and let her know that she will always have a special place in your heart."
"James and Monica are you willing to accept this joyful responsibility to be a godparent to Jessica?"
"A special ritual within this ceremony demonstrates and strengthens the bonds between parent and child. Liam,
could you please light the candle for Jessica. (Liam to light the candle.) The light and warmth from this
candle is symbolic of the warmth of your love for Jessica, and the growing bond between you. Each year at
this time or on her birthday, you can relight this same candle, and as the years pass, and the candle becomes shorter,
the love that is expressed in the candlelight about you now will become stronger. May the coming years bless your
family with good health, with happiness, and with an appreciation always of your good fortune in each other."
Addressing Jessica
"We hereby name you Jessica-Lee ……... Jessica means 'rich one' and given the support and love that she has here today,
she is certainly very wealthy. We hope that you will wear your name with pride, happiness and strength."
"Monica, can you please sprinkle your Goddaughter with some magic dust, with these words:"
"With this magic dust, you Jessica are empowered to create your own destiny, with love, fortitude and honour."
[Monica sprinkles magic dust.]
"May life's richest joys and blessings be yours, may you grow in health of body and mind to full adulthood,
and may it be your good fortune to play some worthy part in making life more pleasant for all those with whom you
come in contact."
"I now ask you all raise your glasses a toast to welcome Jessica.
"To Jessica"
On behalf on Liam & Narelle I thank you all for your attendance on this special occasion, and to Jessica's Grandparents,
Len & Julie ….. for hosting this celebration at their home today.
They are especially pleased that Jessica's Nanna, Poppa & Great-Gran are here from Whyalla, and that
Narelle's Godparents Eric & Janet ….. could join us here today from England.
This ceremony today has been held in recognition of the importance of marking the special events in our lives,
to witness the giving of a name, and in honor of the newcomer amongst us. May we all benefit from our involvement
with this child and each other.
We will now conclude the formalities of the day with the signing of the certificate.
* Names have been changed and / or left out