PREPARING FOR BAPTISM
Since the 1st Christian century, baptism has been administered to children; it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit. Children are baptized not into their own faith as much as into the faith of their families and the Church. Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom. — Catechism of the Catholic Church #1282
We in the Montelores Catholic Community want to welcome all parents to preparation for and celebration of the sacrament of Baptism - whether birth parents, or adoptive parents, whether couples or a single parent, whether their child is an infant or is already exploring their new world, whether as parents their faith is strong or they are just beginning to make it their own, whether they as a family share the same religious background or they come from very different religious traditions.
The Montelores Catholic Community provides one session of catechesis on the sacrament of baptism especially for parents and sponsors so that they might enter more deeply into the experience of baptism and thereby participate more fully and consciously in the baptism of their child(ren). In addition, parents in our parish community receive catechesis on Christian life and spiritual formation through their participation in the Generations of Faith life-long learning program.
PURPOSE OF THE BAPTISM PREPARATION PROGRAM
• To provide an opportunity for parents who have requested baptism for their child, and sponsors, to take time out to reflect on their own journey of faith and their responsibility to share faith with their children.
• To afford parents and sponsors the opportunity to meet and interact with other families in the parish and thereby strengthen their sense of belonging to the community.
• To affirm and assist the parents in their role as "primary educators" of their children. (National Catechetical Directory, #212)
• To offer both prayer and the support of the parish community to the parents and godparents as they approach the same community seeking baptism for their children.
• The threshold of the whole sacramental life is baptism. In this sacrament people are washed from everything that stands between them and perfect union with God; symbolically they die with Christ in order to rise with him to new life, and so they are born into the community of the church.
PREPARATION
The following catechetical considerations are offered for the direction of those involved in the preparation of families for baptism. The National Catechetical Directory, The Code of Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church are recommended as resources.
CATECHESIS OF PARENTS AND GODPARENTS
Catechesis for baptism is directed primarily toward adults – adult candidates for baptism and the parents/godparents of infants who are to be baptized. According to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), catechumens (those unbaptized) proceed through the stages of evangelization, catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, and mystagogia or post-baptismal catechesis. — National Catechetical Directory #117
Before the celebration of the sacrament, it is of great importance that parents, moved by their own faith or with the help of friends or other members of the community, should prepare to take part in the rite with understanding. They should be provided with suitable means such as books, instructions, and catechisms written for families. — Rite of Baptism for Children #5
HISTORY AND THEOLOGY OF BAPTISM
Baptism is the sacrament by which one becomes a Christian. The origin of the word is from the Greek baptizein, to immerse. According to Saint Paul, baptism comprises three elements: it establishes a vital union with Christ in the saving events of His life, His death and His resurrection; it bestows the Holy Spirit; it establishes the Body of Christ, the solemn Christian assembly.
The New Testament does not provide a precise ritual for the celebration of baptism. The only constant element is water (e.g., Acts 8:36-38).
The Christians gradually developed their baptismal rituals. At the end of the first century, baptism was performed in "living water," (i.e. streams or rivers). The preferred manner of baptizing was through immersion, although pouring was also accepted. By the late third and early fourth centuries, the ritual for baptizing was very much established. The great baptisteries of Northern Africa and Southern Europe are testimonies to the importance both of the rite and the sacrament in the life of the Church. The ritual involved immersion in lots of water and anointing with oil.
The sixth and seventh centuries brought decline in the ritual as it gradually became privatized and minimized. The baptism of children became the norm and the amount of water was reduced to a minimum.
The second Vatican Council returned to the great baptismal period of the Church (third-fourth centuries) and reintroduced the traditional ritual of baptism by immersion. In addition, baptism of adults again became the norm after which infant baptism was modeled.
PREPARING FOR BAPTISM
The parents of a child who is to be baptized, and those who are to undertake the office of godparent, are to be suitably instructed on the meaning of the sacrament and the obligations attached to it. The parish priest is to see to it that either he or others duly prepare the parents, by means of pastoral advice and indeed by prayer together. A number of families may be brought together for this purpose. — The Code of Canon Law #851-2
THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY
Baptismal catechesis involves the community of the faithful, who share their faith with those being catechized. Adult catechumens and the parents of children to be baptized alike need the community's prayers, witness and support. Preparation for the baptism of infants is a 'teachable moment' when the parish community can encourage parents to re-examine the meaning of faith in their lives. In offering catechesis to parents and godparents, the Church shows its love for and eagerness to support them as well as their children. — National Catechetical Directory #117
PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS
The MCC asks the following of all who are preparing for baptism of their children:
1. Regular and faithful participation in Sunday Eucharist.
2. Participation in at least one Generations of Faith event (see the schedule elsewhere on the website).
3. Participation of parents and godparents in one class session on the sacrament. Classes are scheduled eight to ten times a year on an “as needed” basis. Contact the parish office at 970-565-7308 for more information.
4. A Home Kit will be offered to parents and godparents for their continued reflection on the meaning of the sacrament and their responsibilities in the light of Christian faith.
CELEBRATIONS
The baptism of infants is celebrated on an “as needed” basis many times throughout the year (except Advent and Lent), both within and outside Eucharist. Contact the parish office at 970.565.7308 to schedule the celebration.
