How to Perform a Baptism at Home

Depending upon religious beliefs, baptisms are performed either by sprinkling water on one's head or by complete immersion of the body. Some people prefer to perform baptisms at home surrounded by family and friends, followed by a party-like atmosphere with food and fun. According to most Christian religions, baptism can be performed anywhere. However, parishioners of the Catholic Church are required to seek permission from the church in order to perform a baptism at home. Baptism is a covenant of grace and the promise of God's forgiveness, applied personally. A person baptized in the Catholic Church also receives a Christian name.

Find an area in the home that is suitable for the baptism. Most adults are too large to be emerged into a bathroom, and there is not enough room to share the moment with others. A pool or outdoor Jacuzzi may be used for emerging. If being baptized by sprinkling water on the head and receiving a blessing from the priest, any room in the home would be suitable. Make it a large affair, by baptizing several people on the same day.

Choose a person to perform the baptism. In the Catholic Church, only an ordained priest is eligible to perform the sacrament. Some churches state that duly appointed ministers have the authority to perform it. Other churches conclude it does not matter who performs it as long as it is being performed scripturally.

Pick a date and invite family and friends to the event.

Dress appropriately. For submersion baptisms, shorts and a large T-shirt will suffice. Women should not wear a dress that could lift up as they are immersed in water. Catholic baptisms usually require dressing nicely as if you were going to church.

Begin with the person being baptized standing in the water alongside the person performing the baptism. Alternatively, have the person stand in front of the audience if baptism is being performed by sprinkling water on the head.

State intention of being baptized while the priest or minister issues blessings, sacraments and scripture, discussed prior to the baptism. The minister then sprinkles or immerses the person being baptized.