Documentation

Presentations

Celebrate the Presentation of the Lord with families in your parish.

Overview

The Presentations module helps you manage the beautiful tradition of presenting children in the temple, following the example of Mary and Joseph presenting the infant Jesus. This sacramental celebration is especially important in Latino Catholic communities and is often called "Presentación del Niño" or simply "Presentation."

What is a Presentation?

The Presentation of a child is a blessing ceremony where parents present their child to God in the Church, asking for God's protection and blessing. This tradition is based on:

  • Luke 2:22-40 - Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the temple
  • Cultural tradition - Particularly valued in Latino Catholic culture
  • Parental blessing - Parents dedicating their child to God

Important Note: A Presentation is not a substitute for Baptism. Ideally, the child should already be baptized, though Presentations can sometimes be combined with Baptism preparation.

Creating a Presentation

Step 1: Basic Information

1. Navigate to Presentations in the sidebar

2. Click Create Presentation

3. Enter the following information:

- Status - Planning, Active, Completed, Cancelled

- Notes - Internal notes for staff

- Template - Choose ceremony template (English or Spanish)

Step 2: The Child

Add information about the child being presented:

  • Child - Select from parish directory or create new person
  • Is Baptized - Check this box if the child is already baptized

- If checked: Presentation is purely a blessing

- If unchecked: May need to arrange baptism

Step 3: Parents

Record information about the child's parents:

  • Mother - Select or create person record
  • Father - Select or create person record

Both parents are optional but at least one parent typically presents the child.

Step 4: Coordinator

Assign a presentation coordinator:

  • Coordinator - Parish staff member organizing the presentation
  • Typically a catechist, pastoral associate, or presentation ministry coordinator
  • Responsible for working with families and presider

Step 5: Presentation Event

Create or link the presentation ceremony event:

  • Presentation Event - The actual ceremony date, time, and location
  • Click Select Event to:

- Link to existing event

- Create new event with date, time, and location

- Specify expected attendees

Presentation Templates

Outward Sign includes templates for different language preferences:

  • Presentation Ceremony (English) - Complete blessing ceremony in English
  • Presentation Ceremony (Spanish) - Ceremony in Spanish ("Presentación del Niño")

Templates include:

  • Welcome and introduction
  • Scripture readings (typically Luke 2:22-40)
  • Blessing prayers
  • Presentation at the altar
  • Final blessing and dismissal

Liturgy Planning

Readings

Common scripture readings for Presentations:

1. Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 - Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (most traditional)

2. Alternative readings may include:

- Mark 10:13-16 - Jesus blessing the children

- Matthew 18:1-5 - Becoming like children

- 1 Samuel 1:21-28 - Hannah presenting Samuel to the Lord

Prayers and Blessings

The ceremony includes:

  • Opening Prayer - Invoking God's presence
  • Prayer over the Child - Blessing the child specifically
  • Prayer over the Parents - Asking God to help parents in their role
  • Final Blessing - Sending forth with God's protection

Ministers

Assign those serving in the ceremony:

  • Presider - Priest, deacon, or authorized lay minister
  • Coordinator - Person organizing and guiding the ceremony
  • Musicians - Cantor or musicians (optional)
  • Lectors - Readers for scripture passages (optional)

Printing Presentation Documents

Ceremony Script

1. Open the presentation detail page

2. Click Print View or Download PDF

3. Review the generated script

4. Print for the presider

The script includes:

  • Order of ceremony
  • Scripture readings
  • Blessing prayers
  • Names of child and parents
  • Notes for the presider

Presentation Workflow

Initial Contact

1. Family requests presentation

2. Create presentation record in Outward Sign

3. Verify baptismal status

4. Assign coordinator to work with family

Preparation Phase

1. Schedule presentation date and time

2. Meet with parents to explain ceremony

3. Select readings (if options available)

4. Confirm presider availability

5. Prepare ceremony space

Before the Presentation

1. Print ceremony script

2. Confirm family attendance

3. Prepare blessing oil or holy water (if used)

4. Brief presider on family situation

5. Review logistics (where family sits, when they approach altar)

Celebration Day

1. Welcome family warmly

2. Follow ceremony script

3. Present child at altar for blessing

4. May include:

- Anointing with oil

- Tracing cross on forehead

- Presentation of certificate or medal

5. Take photos (if parish policy allows)

After the Presentation

1. Update status to "Completed"

2. Provide family with certificate or memorial

3. Encourage family to continue faith formation

4. If child is not baptized, schedule baptism preparation

5. Archive ceremony documentation

Presentation vs. Baptism

It's important to understand the difference:

Presentation

  • Blessing ceremony, not a sacrament
  • Based on cultural tradition
  • Parents present child to God
  • Can be performed by priest, deacon, or lay minister
  • Not required by Church law
  • Does not remove original sin
  • Beautiful tradition but not essential for salvation

Baptism

  • Sacrament of initiation
  • Required by Church teaching
  • Removes original sin
  • Incorporates person into Church
  • Must be performed by ordained minister (except emergency)
  • Essential for salvation (ordinary means)
  • Confers grace

Both are important but different. Ideally, a child is baptized first, then presented later as a blessing and dedication by parents.

Common Scenarios

Already Baptized Child

Most common scenario:

1. Child was baptized as infant

2. Parents want additional blessing and dedication

3. Presentation ceremony celebrates parental commitment

4. Beautiful way to involve community in child's spiritual growth

Not Yet Baptized

If child is not baptized:

1. Explain importance of baptism as sacrament

2. Schedule baptism preparation class

3. May celebrate presentation now as cultural tradition

4. Schedule baptism separately (do not delay)

5. Presentation is not substitute for baptism

Group Presentations

Multiple families celebrating together:

1. Schedule one ceremony for several families

2. Create separate presentation record for each child

3. Coordinate all families

4. Ceremony may be longer

5. Beautiful community celebration

Presentation During Mass

Celebrating presentation within Mass:

1. Coordinate with scheduled Mass

2. Presentation happens after homily (typically)

3. Or during concluding rites

4. Brief ceremony (5-10 minutes)

5. Announce in parish bulletin

Cultural Significance

Presentations hold special meaning in Latino Catholic communities:

Traditional Elements

  • Family gathering - Extended family often attends
  • Special clothing - Child often dressed in white or special outfit
  • Godparents present - May include baptismal godparents
  • Reception afterward - Family celebration
  • Thanksgiving - Parents expressing gratitude to God

Parish Response

As a parish, we honor this tradition by:

  • Offering presentations regularly
  • Providing bilingual ceremonies
  • Welcoming extended families
  • Respecting cultural customs
  • Creating warm, family-friendly environment

Presentation Planning Checklist

2-3 Weeks Before

  • [ ] Create presentation record
  • [ ] Verify child's baptismal status
  • [ ] Assign coordinator
  • [ ] Schedule date, time, and location
  • [ ] Confirm presider availability

1 Week Before

  • [ ] Meet with parents
  • [ ] Finalize ceremony details
  • [ ] Print ceremony script
  • [ ] Prepare blessing materials
  • [ ] Confirm family attendance

Day Before

  • [ ] Review script with presider
  • [ ] Prepare ceremony space
  • [ ] Confirm all participants
  • [ ] Prepare certificate or memorial

Day Of

  • [ ] Welcome family
  • [ ] Celebrate ceremony
  • [ ] Present certificate
  • [ ] Take photos
  • [ ] Invite family to reception (if applicable)

Within One Week After

  • [ ] Update status to "Completed"
  • [ ] Archive documentation
  • [ ] Follow up with family
  • [ ] If needed, schedule baptism preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a Presentation required by the Church?

A: No, Presentation is a traditional blessing, not a requirement. Baptism is the required sacrament.

Q: Can we have a Presentation if our child is not baptized?

A: Yes, but the Church strongly encourages baptism. Use this as an opportunity to schedule baptism preparation.

Q: Who can perform a Presentation?

A: Typically a priest or deacon, but in some cases an authorized lay minister may lead the blessing ceremony.

Q: Is there an age limit for Presentations?

A: Presentations are typically for infants and young children, but there's no strict age limit. Consult your pastor.

Q: Can we have a Presentation during Sunday Mass?

A: Yes, speak with your pastor. The ceremony can be incorporated into the Mass after the homily.

Q: Do we need godparents for a Presentation?

A: Godparents are not required for Presentations (they are for Baptism). However, families often invite baptismal godparents to attend.

Q: Is there a fee for a Presentation?

A: This varies by parish. Some parishes don't charge, others may request a donation. Check with your parish office.

Q: How long is a Presentation ceremony?

A: Typically 15-30 minutes if celebrated separately, or 5-10 minutes if during Mass.

Related Features

Need Help?

Contact your parish administrator or visit outwardsign.church for support.