difference between christening and baptism

heatherfaith

so we always call it a christening. But Im making the invitation on shutterfly and they all say baptism. Whats the difference?

(Im not catholic but dh is and couldn't explain this) 

sunflowergrl

I'm Catholic, and I believe there is no difference.  )

babygirlcc

in my church christenings are usually just saying a special prayer over the babies life as well as the parents and God parents. a baptism is something the child has to decide to do once he gets older and "understands what it is to give your life to christ"

Jessgran

It is called a Christening in the Catholic Church. Protestant religions call it a Baptism. (I'm Methodist and am planning DS' baptism.)

Headed2Hoboken

Baptism is the actual sacrement in the Catholic faith.  I use them interchangeably, but I think Baptism is correct for an invitation.  (That's how we'll word DD's).

pandagirl15

Jessgran:

It is called a Christening in the Catholic Church. Protestant religions call it a Baptism. (I'm Methodist and am planning DS' baptism.)

We definitely call it Baptism in the Catholic faith, too.  It's one of the 7 Sacraments.

Dr.Loretta

Technically, per hyperdictionary.com:

https://www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?define=christening

https://www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?define=baptism

Most people use them interchangeably. I am Catholic, and I tend to see most Catholics call it baptism and most other Christian faiths call it christening.