Baptism |
Welcome to Preparation for Baptism
Preparing |
Celebrating
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Growing
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Introduction
Your Faith where do you need to grow how can we accompnay you Your own baptism Baptism Checklist The Rite of Baptism (LA) Post Baptism Faith Practices 0-12 Faith Practices 13-24 Faith Practices 25-36 |
An Introduction to Baptism
Why, exactly, do Catholics have the practice of baptizing infants? What is the purpose of baptism and who can celebrate the sacrament of Baptism? Do the godparents of our child need to be married to each other? These are questions and more are answered in this edition of “Sacraments 101,” a web video series geared for those who’d like an introduction or refresher course on these important, tangible Catholic experiences of God. Baptism is the beginning of the sacramental life of the Church. So, let’s begin…
Infant Baptism Course of Parents
Welcome to this e-learning course on the sacred rite of baptism. We would like to begin by congratulating you on your new baby. The purpose of this course is to guide parents and godparents to make a personal connection to the process and purpose of baptizing their child, and to prepare them to fulfill the responsibility of their role. "The practice of infant baptism is an immemorial tradition of the church" (CCC 1252) celebrated with children shortly after birth.
Pope Francis reminds us that baptism is a symbol of "our Christian hope: the light of Jesus, the salvation that Jesus brings us with His light, which saves us from the darkness." (The Holy Father’s Catechesis: “Baptism: Door of Hope” General Audience, August 2, 2017)
We hope that by the end of this course, you will be more knowledgeable about the process of baptism, and more ready to prayerfully engage in your important role in the celebration of the sacrament.
We assume that at this point you have already chosen your child’s godparents. If you have not or if you want more information about how to make that choice, click this link for more information.
Introduction
Quiz 1
Liturgy of the Word
Quiz 2
Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism
Quiz 3
Sending Forth
Pope Francis reminds us that baptism is a symbol of "our Christian hope: the light of Jesus, the salvation that Jesus brings us with His light, which saves us from the darkness." (The Holy Father’s Catechesis: “Baptism: Door of Hope” General Audience, August 2, 2017)
We hope that by the end of this course, you will be more knowledgeable about the process of baptism, and more ready to prayerfully engage in your important role in the celebration of the sacrament.
We assume that at this point you have already chosen your child’s godparents. If you have not or if you want more information about how to make that choice, click this link for more information.
Introduction
Quiz 1
Liturgy of the Word
Quiz 2
Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism
Quiz 3
Sending Forth
ully aligned to the USCCB’s most recent changes to the rite of Baptism*, the Springs of Faith process links traditional baptismal prep with the lessons learned from the best RCIA processes, ensuring a generational impact at the exact moment young parents need the most support. This support continues until their child enrolls in the parish faith formation process or Catholic school.
The process encompasses three phases--Discover, Encounter, and Share—which provide an array of opportunities for participants to connect with one another as they grow in their own faith and prepare for the journey of raising their children to live out the baptismal call to be lifelong followers of Christ.
In the Discover phase, individuals and couples from across the faith spectrum, including seekers and those who may be contemplating a return to their Catholic roots, are invited to explore and discuss their own faith while also being introduced to some of the core values and beliefs of the Catholic Church. The Discover phase is all about meeting people “where they are,” and offering them meaningful reasons to consider journeying farther down the path of faith.
In the Encounter phase, parents prepare for the baptism of their child as they carefully and prayerfully consider each element in the rite of Baptism.
In the Share phase, families with recently baptized children come together in a fun, relaxed atmosphere to learn ways in which they can grow the nascent faith of their little ones, create and sustain an environment of faith in the home, and stay engaged in the life of the parish.
The Share phase of Springs of Faith helps parishes lay the foundation for a meaningful lifelong practice of the baptismal call. After parents have celebrated their child’s baptism, Share equips them to foster family faith in their own home and helps parishes create an atmosphere of community-building that not only draws young families in but gives them a reason to keep coming back.
This third phase of Springs of Faith takes on two forms: 1) post-baptismal Family Gatherings, and 2) Baby and Me sessions. Although Baby and Me is part of the Share phase, it utilizes a separate leader resource, whereas the Family Gatherings are located within the Encounter/Share Leader Guide.
Format for Family GatheringsFour 60-minute optional Family Gatherings can be offered to families that have completed the Encounter sessions, or to any families interested in exploring new ways to make faith a more integral part of family life. Each of the four gatherings focuses on a specific theme that encourages parents to put faith at the center of home and family life—and to do it comfortably and confidently:
Home as a Sacred Space: The first gathering focuses on the messaging and symbolism present in a Catholic home.
Family Rituals: The second gathering presents family rituals through which we encounter mystery.
Prayer in the Home: The third gathering looks at types of prayers and ways to pray at home.
Families in Mission: The fourth gathering explores ways in which families can take the love of Christ and share it with the community and world.
Each gathering includes a short video and discussion, an engaging family activity, suggestions for ongoing faith practice in the home, and optional witness talks (where Catholic couples with baptized children come and speak as witnesses to the practices discussed in the gatherings). At the end of each session, leaders recommend resources so participants can delve deeper into the theme at home.
The Discover phase of Springs of Faith gives parishes the tools to provide a simple yet thorough transformative process that meets young people in their search for faith and belonging and guides them toward a life of connectedness and faith-based purpose within the parish and broader Catholic community. The engaging, no-pressure atmosphere of Discover makes it easy for participants to be honest and open about their own spiritual beliefs as they socialize with others who are interested in discussing faith concepts and learning about Catholic beliefs and practices.
FormatEach of the four 90-minute Discover sessions is organized around a specific theme: Faith, Belonging, Family, and Discipleship. Every session consists of a welcome and mingling, prayer, video, discussion, activity, and closing—in steps called Engage, Explore, Reflect, Respond.
The discussion in each Explore section centers on a video in which Catholics from various walks of life briefly respond to a question about the session theme. All videos are easily accessible through the LP Digital Library.
Leading the Discover phase is easy, even for individuals with no catechetical background. For this phase, leaders have the option of doing one session each week over a four-week period or covering all four sessions during a weekend retreat.
The Discover phase can be implemented in a stand-alone fashion or in conjunction with the rest of the Springs of Faith program.
he Encounter phase of Springs of Faith fully prepares parents for the sanctity and celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism for their infant children by focusing on the mystery and experience of the rite of Baptism*. The environment of the Encounter sessions is welcoming and engaging, designed to build community and create bonds between parents, thus strengthening the parish community.
FormatThrough two 3-hour sessions, parents explore the rite of Baptism, including the Scripture and Tradition behind each step of the rite and their own personal responses to each step. Each of the sessions is divided into four steps: Engage, Explore, Reflect, Respond.The Explore step in each session features five segments (see below), with each segment covering one key part of the baptismal rite.
Through prayer, activities, videos, and interaction with other parents, participants’ hearts and minds are nurtured as they prepare for their child’s baptism. Unique to this program is the full video of an actual baptism broken down into ten separate clips, five per session, with each clip portraying and explaining a specific element of the rite. The videos bring to life the sacrament, making each step relatable to participants.
Session 1 Segments:Baptism: The Visible Sign of Our Call to Christ
What Name Do You Give Your Child?
What Do You Ask of God’s Church?
Do You Clearly Understand What You Are Undertaking?
The Readings, Prayers, and Anointing Before Baptism
Session 2 Segments:Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water
The Baptism: Renunciation of Sin, Profession of Faith, and Pouring or Immersion in Water
Anointing After Baptism and Clothing in the White Garment
Light and Opening: The Lighted Candle and Ephphetha Rite
Baptismal Acclamation, the Lord’s Prayer, and Concluding Rite
The process encompasses three phases--Discover, Encounter, and Share—which provide an array of opportunities for participants to connect with one another as they grow in their own faith and prepare for the journey of raising their children to live out the baptismal call to be lifelong followers of Christ.
In the Discover phase, individuals and couples from across the faith spectrum, including seekers and those who may be contemplating a return to their Catholic roots, are invited to explore and discuss their own faith while also being introduced to some of the core values and beliefs of the Catholic Church. The Discover phase is all about meeting people “where they are,” and offering them meaningful reasons to consider journeying farther down the path of faith.
In the Encounter phase, parents prepare for the baptism of their child as they carefully and prayerfully consider each element in the rite of Baptism.
In the Share phase, families with recently baptized children come together in a fun, relaxed atmosphere to learn ways in which they can grow the nascent faith of their little ones, create and sustain an environment of faith in the home, and stay engaged in the life of the parish.
The Share phase of Springs of Faith helps parishes lay the foundation for a meaningful lifelong practice of the baptismal call. After parents have celebrated their child’s baptism, Share equips them to foster family faith in their own home and helps parishes create an atmosphere of community-building that not only draws young families in but gives them a reason to keep coming back.
This third phase of Springs of Faith takes on two forms: 1) post-baptismal Family Gatherings, and 2) Baby and Me sessions. Although Baby and Me is part of the Share phase, it utilizes a separate leader resource, whereas the Family Gatherings are located within the Encounter/Share Leader Guide.
Format for Family GatheringsFour 60-minute optional Family Gatherings can be offered to families that have completed the Encounter sessions, or to any families interested in exploring new ways to make faith a more integral part of family life. Each of the four gatherings focuses on a specific theme that encourages parents to put faith at the center of home and family life—and to do it comfortably and confidently:
Home as a Sacred Space: The first gathering focuses on the messaging and symbolism present in a Catholic home.
Family Rituals: The second gathering presents family rituals through which we encounter mystery.
Prayer in the Home: The third gathering looks at types of prayers and ways to pray at home.
Families in Mission: The fourth gathering explores ways in which families can take the love of Christ and share it with the community and world.
Each gathering includes a short video and discussion, an engaging family activity, suggestions for ongoing faith practice in the home, and optional witness talks (where Catholic couples with baptized children come and speak as witnesses to the practices discussed in the gatherings). At the end of each session, leaders recommend resources so participants can delve deeper into the theme at home.
The Discover phase of Springs of Faith gives parishes the tools to provide a simple yet thorough transformative process that meets young people in their search for faith and belonging and guides them toward a life of connectedness and faith-based purpose within the parish and broader Catholic community. The engaging, no-pressure atmosphere of Discover makes it easy for participants to be honest and open about their own spiritual beliefs as they socialize with others who are interested in discussing faith concepts and learning about Catholic beliefs and practices.
FormatEach of the four 90-minute Discover sessions is organized around a specific theme: Faith, Belonging, Family, and Discipleship. Every session consists of a welcome and mingling, prayer, video, discussion, activity, and closing—in steps called Engage, Explore, Reflect, Respond.
The discussion in each Explore section centers on a video in which Catholics from various walks of life briefly respond to a question about the session theme. All videos are easily accessible through the LP Digital Library.
Leading the Discover phase is easy, even for individuals with no catechetical background. For this phase, leaders have the option of doing one session each week over a four-week period or covering all four sessions during a weekend retreat.
The Discover phase can be implemented in a stand-alone fashion or in conjunction with the rest of the Springs of Faith program.
he Encounter phase of Springs of Faith fully prepares parents for the sanctity and celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism for their infant children by focusing on the mystery and experience of the rite of Baptism*. The environment of the Encounter sessions is welcoming and engaging, designed to build community and create bonds between parents, thus strengthening the parish community.
FormatThrough two 3-hour sessions, parents explore the rite of Baptism, including the Scripture and Tradition behind each step of the rite and their own personal responses to each step. Each of the sessions is divided into four steps: Engage, Explore, Reflect, Respond.The Explore step in each session features five segments (see below), with each segment covering one key part of the baptismal rite.
Through prayer, activities, videos, and interaction with other parents, participants’ hearts and minds are nurtured as they prepare for their child’s baptism. Unique to this program is the full video of an actual baptism broken down into ten separate clips, five per session, with each clip portraying and explaining a specific element of the rite. The videos bring to life the sacrament, making each step relatable to participants.
Session 1 Segments:Baptism: The Visible Sign of Our Call to Christ
What Name Do You Give Your Child?
What Do You Ask of God’s Church?
Do You Clearly Understand What You Are Undertaking?
The Readings, Prayers, and Anointing Before Baptism
Session 2 Segments:Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water
The Baptism: Renunciation of Sin, Profession of Faith, and Pouring or Immersion in Water
Anointing After Baptism and Clothing in the White Garment
Light and Opening: The Lighted Candle and Ephphetha Rite
Baptismal Acclamation, the Lord’s Prayer, and Concluding Rite
•Mentors/Coaches
•Parent preparation
•Family gathering
•Ritual
•Intergenerational connection
•Celebration of Baptism
•Reunion
Baptismal anniversaries
•Caring conversations and storytelling
•Celebrating rituals
•Learning
•Praying
•Reading the Bible
•Serving
•Worshipping together
•Parent preparation
•Family gathering
•Ritual
•Intergenerational connection
•Celebration of Baptism
•Reunion
Baptismal anniversaries
•Caring conversations and storytelling
•Celebrating rituals
•Learning
•Praying
•Reading the Bible
•Serving
•Worshipping together
aptism
What does it mean to be “born again in the spirit”? Kai and Libby look at the first sacrament, which is common to all Christians (Jesus was also baptized). Even outside of Christianity — and often in movies and TV — entering into, and emerging from, water is a universal symbol of renewed life, a way of being born again “of water and the spirit.” (7:27)
Diving Deeper
- What traditions you have experienced in your life that have given you a sense of belonging?
- Water is an essential element for Baptism, the sacrament of new life, and is an essential element for human life. Why do you think Christians use water for Baptism?
- When was a time that you experienced a transformation? It could be a big or small change. What was your experience? Baptism represents dying to the old self and rising to new life. In Baptism, Christians believe that we are transformed and made new in Christ. What does it mean to be “made new” or “transformed”?
- Being part of a family or any group involves certain privileges and responsibilities. When we are baptized, we join God’s family, take a minute and think about the responsibilities and privileges that come with such a gift.
Go Forth
► Interview your Godparents or family that was at your baptism. Invite them to share any memories they can remember from the ceremony.
Activity for Large Groups (10+)
► Read the story of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). Note that this occurs before Jesus begins his public ministry. The Gospel says “a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus and all those around heard these words of encouragement before Jesus embarks on his public mission. Why are these words so important? Where do you find encouragement and belonging as you go about your life?
Activity for Small Groups (4-9)
► Attend a Baptism at your parish. Take note of the actions, symbols and words that most move you. Discuss how this makes you feel about your own Baptism and sense of belonging to the family of God.
