Non-Denominational Reverend
Serving All of Connecticut
(203) 481-8773
"Our family had the pleasure of working with Reverend O'Connor for our youngest daughter's blessing. Reverend O'Connor was so kind and accessible, it felt like we had known her for ages. We had a lovely discussion beforehand to discuss ourselves, our daughter and what we were looking to do. Reverend O'Connor offered so many wonderful ideas and really helped us to make the blessing a unique and beautiful event. She is prompt, organized and professional - we knew she would provide a beautiful service. She is also friendly, welcoming and familiar, which helped create the intimate, warm and individualized ceremony that we were looking for. If you are looking to have any type of individualized spiritual ceremony, we highly recommend Reverend O'Connor. It is clear that she takes great pride in what she does - recognizing people for the unique individuals that they are and creating something beautiful and memorable to honor their important day."
Thank you, Reverend O'Connor!
Katie, Henry, Maeve and Isla Browne
"Judith did a baby blessing ceremony for our two sons on June 12, 2016. We can't even begin to say what an incredible job she did! We are not extremely religious so did not feel comfortable doing a baptism in a church, so we searched the internet looking for alternatives. That is where we found Judith. She promptly got back to us and set up a phone meeting with us (very convenient when you have two infants). After the meeting she put together the first draft of the ceremony, and we both went back and forth with drafts till we were 100 percent happy with all the wording. Judith has such a warm inviting personality. The ceremony turned out absolutely beautiful and way better than we could have ever expected. It was way more personalized and intimate than a traditional church service. She will always be part of such an amazing memory in my children's lives. We urge anyone looking for an alternative to a tradition baptism or christening to contact Judith, you will not be disappointed ."
Ryan & Brittany Plavcan (Seymour, Connecticut) June 12, 2016
Fee Schedule
• $500 divided into two payments
• The first $250 deposit to reserve the date
• The balance of $250 at the blessing
Welcoming Your Baby
A Baby Blessing and/or Naming ceremony welcomes the child into the family and community. For families who are not churchgoers, but do want to celebrate the arrival of a new baby, a Baby Blessing and/or Naming ceremony is a wonderful alternative. It is a time to not only welcome your new baby into your world, but to also give gratitude for their safe arrival. The family, friends and relatives vow their nurturing support, love and guidance to the child and can present symbolic gifts as keepsakes. Such ceremonies further serve to deepen our awareness of the special gift and responsibility that children are in our lives.
The ceremony can be held anywhere: in the home or garden of the new baby, in a function room of a hotel, or in a natural setting. Think of what would be comfortable and convenient for the mother and new baby, as well as the family and friends who will attend. Choose a time that fits in with the baby’s daily schedule, ideally between feeds. The ceremony is no longer than 15 or 20 minutes.
The parents may like to speak about their choice of baby name and any special significance or family history attached to it. A ceremony might include an opening statement, parents promising to care for the new child, when applicable honoring siblings, grandparents and/or godparents, remembering those who have passed, candle lighting, when appropriate honoring the baby’s name and its meaning, and a closing prayer or blessing.
In a Naming Ceremony, the choice of the given name is important and the ceremony serves to identify this new baby as someone who exists as a unique individual—with a name that has meaning. Often, the meaning of the name is explained as part of the welcoming ceremony.
In a Blessing Ceremony there are many creative ways to make your ceremony unique and truly memorable. We can include poetry or prose readings and music, decorate the tables and area with flowers, candles or other significant items, or plant a living tree that will grow along with the child.
I would be honored and delighted to meet with you and create an event to honor your child's arrival.
Baby Blessings & Naming Ceremonies
What you receive:
• Ceremony planning meeting (phone)
• Within a week of our phone meeting, you will receive the first draft of your ceremony.
• There will be as many drafts as parents find necessary until the ceremony is perfect.
• Officiating Baby Blessing – I do one event per day; therefore available to start late or stop the ceremony if a feeding and/or diaper change is necessary. I love babies and their needs come first.
• Keepsake Ceremony Booklet of baby blessing and Ceremonial Certificate lovely for framing.