Near the end of a Catholic baptism, the priest says “Receive the light of Christ,” and the baptism candle is lit from the big Easter candle, usually by the father or the godfather. If your baby's baptism is coming up, call your parish to ask what they already have ready. Most families bring a white baptism candle and a white garment. Below you'll find who lights the candle, what it means, a full checklist, the role of godparents, and the Mexican customs of the day.
The baptism candle in the rite: who lights it and what it means
After the water and the anointing comes one of the most moving moments of the day. A candle is lit from the paschal candle, the big Easter candle, while the priest or deacon says, “Receive the light of Christ.”
Someone from the family, most often the father or the godfather, steps forward and lights the child's candle from that Easter flame. Then the priest or deacon says to the parents and godparents: “This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He or she is to walk always as a child of the light.”
So the candle is more than a decoration. It is a responsibility handed to your family. The light of Christ, first lit at Easter, now passes to your child, and you are asked to help keep it burning for a lifetime of faith.
Christening versus baptism: is there a difference?
Many families ask this, and the short answer is no: they are the same sacrament. Baptism is the name the Church uses. Christening is the everyday word for the same day, and it often points to the child receiving their Christian name.
So if you are invited to a christening, or you are planning one, you are planning a baptism. The candle, the white garment, and the godparents are all part of the same ceremony.
What do you need for a Catholic baptism? A complete checklist
Some things are part of the ceremony, and the parish has them ready. Others are family customs and keepsakes that you bring. Here is the list.
Part of the ceremony (the parish has these ready):
- Water, poured over your child or used for immersion, while the words of baptism are said. This is what makes the sacrament.
- Holy oil, called chrism, used to anoint your child.
- The paschal candle, the big Easter candle, used to light your child's baptism candle.
What the family brings (customs and keepsakes):
- The baptism candle. You keep it as a lasting keepsake of the day.
- The white garment or gown. As your child is dressed in white, the priest says: “you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity.” White stands for purity and the new life your child has just received.
- A shell. Many families use a small shell to pour the water. It is a traditional symbol of baptism, but it is a custom, not a requirement.
- A bonnet or towel for the anointing, in some parishes.
- A rosary, a Bible, or a medal as a keepsake gift, often from the godparents.
- Recuerdos, the small favors many Hispanic families give guests so they remember the day.
Every parish does things a little differently, so check with yours before the day. Some ask you to bring the white garment and the candle, and others have simple ones ready.
The role of godparents: what the Church asks
Godparents, the padrinos, are chosen to help your child grow in faith. The Church asks a few clear things so they can really do that. A baptism godparent should be:
- At least 16 years old.
- A confirmed Catholic who has made their First Communion and lives the faith.
- Not the child's own father or mother.
- Willing and able to help the child live as a Christian.
You can have one godparent, a godfather or a godmother, or one of each. At least one of them must be a Catholic who meets these conditions. A baptized Christian who is not Catholic can take part as a Christian witness, but only next to a Catholic godparent.
When you choose your padrinos, think of people who pray, who live their faith, and who will still be close to your child many years from now.
If someone asks you to be a godparent, it is a real honor and a real responsibility. You are promising to pray for the child, to set a good example, and to support the parents as they raise the child in the faith. Staying close to your ahijado or ahijada through the years is the best gift you can give.
Preparing for the baptism: practical steps
A little planning makes the day peaceful. Most parishes ask for a few things ahead of time, so call the parish office early. Have these ready: your child's birth certificate, the parents' full names, and the godparents' full names.
- Sign up for the parish baptism preparation class or meeting and attend it. It is often required for parents and sometimes for godparents.
- Make sure the godparents qualify. If they belong to another parish, ask about a sponsor certificate.
- Know what you will say. At the start, the priest asks the parents what name they have given the child and what they ask of God's Church. You answer with the name and a short answer such as “Baptism.” He also asks the godparents if they are ready to help the parents, and they answer “I am” or “We are.” Later, parents and godparents answer “I do” to the promises of faith.
- Choose the white garment and candle ahead of time, and ask if the parish wants you to bring them.
- Pack the baby's essentials, a change of clothes, and something to keep little ones calm.
- Plan the celebration, from recuerdos to the family meal.
When everyone knows their part, the family can relax and simply pray, which is what the day is really for.
Keeping the candle afterward
Because the baptism candle means so much, many families keep it and bring it out again for big moments. A few simple traditions:
- Light it for a few minutes on your child's baptism anniversary each year.
- Bring it to your child's First Communion, linking the light of baptism to the day your child receives Communion for the first time.
- Save it with the white garment as a set of family keepsakes.
Some families keep the candle in a prayer corner or next to the child's bed, and light it during evening prayers or on the feast day of the child's patron saint. If you light it in your child's room, stay close and blow it out before bedtime. However you use it, the candle keeps the memory of baptism close and reminds the whole family of the promise made that day.
That thread from baptism to First Communion is a beautiful one to follow. Our guide for parents on planning First Communion shows how the same light comes back years later.
Mexican and Hispanic customs: bolo, recuerdos, and the celebration
A Mexican baptism is a warm, joyful family event, and several customs go along with the sacrament.
- El bolo. After the baptism, the padrinos often toss coins for the children to pick up, while everyone shouts “bolo, bolo.” It shows the padrinos' generosity, and the little ones love it.
- Los recuerdos. Families give guests small keepsakes, often a candle, a medal, a small rosary, or a card with the child's name, baptism date, and a short prayer.
- El capillo and the white garment. The capillo is the baby's little white cap or cloth. The white gown, sometimes a family heirloom, is treasured and passed down.
- La fiesta. A meal and a party bring godparents, grandparents, and the whole family together to welcome the newest Christian.
These customs are not part of the sacrament itself, but they wrap it in the love of family and community, and that is exactly how faith gets passed on.
Choosing a quality carved candle or complete kit
A baptism candle is meant to be kept, so it is worth choosing one made with care. At Nuestra Fe, our baptism candles and kits are made in Mexico, with the kind of detail that makes a keepsake worth passing down.
When you compare options, look for:
- Clean, careful carving or details that hold up to handling and storage.
- An even, steady wick for that special moment when the candle is lit from the Easter flame.
- A complete kit if you want everything in one place: candle, garment or shell, and keepsakes in a gift box.
- A design that fits your devotion, like an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a favorite for many Mexican families.
You can explore our original carved baptism candle, the baptism set with the Virgen de Guadalupe, and the white 5 piece baptism kit. Or browse the full baptism kit collection to find what suits your celebration.
Welcome the newest Christian in your family
A baptism is a day the whole family remembers, and a well made candle helps keep its light alive for years. When you're ready, browse our baptism kits and candles, made in our own factory for the day your child receives the light of Christ.
Baptism candles and kits for the big day
A candle to keep for life, or a complete kit with candle, rosary, shell and towel in one box.
Arrives in 2 to 4 days. Free shipping on orders over $35.
Frequently asked questions about baptism candles
Who lights the baptism candle?
After the priest says “Receive the light of Christ,” someone from the family, most often the father or the godfather, lights the child's candle from the paschal candle, the big Easter candle in the church. The parents and godparents are then asked to keep that flame of faith burning brightly, as a sign that the child will always walk as a child of the light.
What does the baptism candle symbolize?
The baptism candle stands for Christ, the light of the world, now shining in your child. It is lit from the paschal candle, the Easter candle that represents the risen Christ, so the light of Easter passes to your child. Keeping the candle reminds the family to care for the faith that began on baptism day.
What do you need for a Catholic baptism?
The parish has what the ceremony uses: water, holy oil (chrism), and the paschal candle. Families usually bring a baptism candle, a white garment, and sometimes a shell for pouring the water, plus keepsakes like a rosary or a medal. Many Hispanic families also prepare recuerdos for guests. Check the details with your parish, since every parish does things a little differently.
Who can be a godparent for a Catholic baptism?
A godparent should be at least 16, a confirmed Catholic who has made their First Communion and lives the faith, and not the child's parent. You can have one godparent or one of each, but at least one must be a practicing Catholic. A baptized Christian who is not Catholic can be a Christian witness, but only next to a Catholic godparent.
Is a christening the same as a baptism?
Yes. Christening and baptism are the same sacrament. Baptism is the name the Church uses, and christening is the everyday word, often pointing to the child receiving their Christian name. If you are invited to a christening, you are going to a baptism, with the same candle, white garment, and godparents.
What candle should you use for baptism?
Use a baptism candle, usually white, that can be lit from the parish's paschal candle during the ceremony. Many families choose a carved or decorated candle, sometimes with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and keep it as a keepsake for life. Look for a clean, even wick, since it is lit at a special moment in front of the parents and godparents.
What is the baptismal candle called?
It is simply called the baptismal candle, or the baptism candle. Since a christening is the same sacrament as a baptism, you may also hear it called a christening candle. Whatever the name, it is the candle lit from the paschal candle during the ceremony, when the priest says, “Receive the light of Christ.”
Is a candle needed for baptism?
Not strictly. The baptism itself only needs the water and the words of baptism. The holy oil and the paschal candle are part of the ceremony, and the parish has them ready. Your family's own baptism candle, lit from the Easter flame, is a beloved custom and keepsake rather than a strict requirement. Still, many parishes invite families to bring one, so check with yours.
What is the tradition of the baptism candle?
During the ceremony, the father or godfather lights the child's candle from the paschal candle, and the priest says the child is to walk always as a child of the light. Families keep the candle and light it again for big moments, like each baptism anniversary and the child's First Communion, linking those days back to baptism.
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