Child Dedications
Child Dedication Ceremonies
Many Unitarian Universalist congregations have child dedication ceremonies for infants and children. Depending on the congregation, these can be custom-made for individual children or conducted for groups of children. Learn More.
Coming of Age Ceremonies
Unitarian Universalist congregations may hold a special Coming of Age ceremony after their youth complete a year-long period of learning and exploration. The most common ages for Coming of Age programs are 13-15. These ceremonies can include the following elements:
- Youth reading statements of their personal values and beliefs
- A time for reflections from parents, youth advisors, mentors, ministers, or religious educators
- The presentation of small gifts to the youth, acknowledging their passage from childhood to middle adolescence.
Bridging Ceremonies
Congregations that have high school-aged youth, seniors or 17-18 year-olds, may conduct a bridging ceremony to mark their transition to adulthood. These ceremonies can include the following elements:
- Workshops or meetings for youth to prepare them for bridging
- Gifts given in the ceremony to the bridging youth
- A time for reflections from the youth, their family, youth advisors, ministers, or religious educators