“Baptism speaks with water and light, oil and white garment, song and sometimes even welcoming applause.” (Your Child’s Baptism by Carol Luebering)
“Baptism is the sacrament by which men and women are incorporated into the Church, built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit, into a holy nation and a royal priesthood. It is a sacramental bond of unity linking all who have been signed by it (Rite of Baptism for Children, General Introduction 4).
Parents are asked two questions as they present their child for Baptism: “What name do you give your child?” “What do you ask of God’s church for your child?” The answer to the first question is easy and the second question requires only a short answer: Baptism.
Catechesis in preparation for the celebration of Infant Baptism is directed primarily to adults—the parents and godparents of infants to be Baptized. For many parents, the decision to baptize a child is a turning point in their personal journey of faith.
The Church rejoices in the parents’ decision and carefully designs a Baptismal Preparation Process that facilitates the information and transformation of faith. “Parishes should present baptismal catechesis that:
Teaches that Baptism
- Is the foundation of the Christian life because it is the journey into Christ’s death and Resurrection, which is the foundation of our hope;
- Gives sanctifying grace, that is, God’s life;
- Gives them a new birth in which they become children of God, members of Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit;
- Cleanses people from original sin and from all personal sins;
- Incorporates them into the life, practices, and mission of the Church; and
- Imprints on their souls an indelible character that consecrates them for Christian worship and is necessary for salvation in the case of all those who have heard the Gospel and have been able to ask for this sacrament.
The entire community gathers with the parents, promises assistance as the parents lovingly care for their child and open their lives to the grace of God. Likewise, following the celebration of Baptism, the parish offers ongoing catechesis of parents and affirms and supports the domestic Church.
Looking for Resources?
Follow this link: Infant Baptism Preparation Resources
