Rites of Passage for Children and Youth RITES OF PASSAGE Through
all time across the earth, people have honored the growth of
children as they pass from one time in life to another. In our
community at the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation we
stand strongly beside our children and youth by honoring these
passages together. Each child that grows up in our community
will know that they are cherished by the whole congregation.
When a child joins a family through adoption or birth, we honor
this time with a Child Blessing. These blessings sometimes occur
as a private ceremony, with extended family and close friends.
Most often they occur as part of a Sunday morning service,
involving the whole congregation in welcoming the child,
honoring their unique given name, listening to what the parents
pledge to the child, and promising our commitment as a
congregation to the spiritual growth of the child and the
support of the parents. Our Minister offers a perspective on the
wonder and promise of each new chil