Baptism Guidelines - Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

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SESSIONS 1. Objectives A. HOME VISITS - PHASE TWO a. To demonstrate a spirit of acceptance and friendship to the parents on behalf of the parish where the child is being baptized. b. Explain the purpose of baptismal preparation, stressing the need and opportunity for reflection the commitment involved. c. To provide guidance and essential information for choosing godparents. d. To help parents understand the importance of naming their children. 2. Meeting Objectives (The following points are in a suggested order only - as you gain experience, you will adapt the points to your personality and the family you are visiting.) - Introduce yourselves, talk about the baby, their family, your family, etc. to put the family at ease. - Talk about the birth of the baby and the changes it has brought. - Extend a welcome to the newest member (or expected member) of the parish community on behalf of your parish. - Leave reference material with them (information sheet, bible, parish bulletin, baptism pamphlet, prayer book, etc. as your parish allows). - Explain the mechanics of the preparation based on a Christian Initiation format, including family involvement, date/time/place of Baptism etc. - Inform parents about requirements for godparents and the possibility of them being present at baptismal sessions (pg. A-29). - Invite parents to general meeting/s and mention the need to have both parents attend as a family unit; godparents and family are welcome; mention childcare, if available. - Stress the importance of selecting a Christian or family name for the child. (pg. A-37) Pastoral Notes: - These meetings provide an opportunity for the parish to reach out in love and welcome, and to help parent/s see where they are in their relations with Christ and his Church. - A personal visit is essential: introducing parents to a process of baptismal preparation cannot be done by mail or only by one or two public meetings. - The tone of the visit should be informal, friendly, and non-threatening. The parish representative/s are there to EXTEND THE CONGRATULATIONS of the community and help parents begin baptismal preparation. - The team members should take time to explain that choosing to have a child baptized is an important decision. - Be sensitive to single parents, blended families, special needs, or a parent who is not Catholic. - Invite any help that the parish can offer. Some things might be babysitting, introducing them to parishioners in the immediate vicinity, a ride to church . . . December, 1996 A-35
SESSIONS B. PARENT MEETING /S - PHASE TWO 1. Objectives a. To help parents examine their faith life as foundational to the faith of their child. b. To understand Baptism as a sacrament of initiation and a call to holiness. c. To emphasize the importance of the baptismal commitment being made for the child. d. To explore and understand the symbols and rituals of Baptism. 2. Meeting/s Objective/s - Extend a welcome to all present. - Provide an opportunity for parents and families to get to know each other. - Assist parents in reflecting on their hopes, dreams and values for their child. - Explore family traditions and their importance for faith formation and understanding of the sacrament. - Discuss the meaning of Baptism. - Present Baptism as a sacrament of initiation into the Christian community. - Discuss Baptism as a call to holiness as a child of God through the forgiveness of sin. - Present a brief history of Baptism in order to understand and appreciate its importance. - Stress the importance of parental responsibility for faith formation as part of the baptismal commitment being made by the parents. - Explore and discuss the significance of the symbols and ritual actions of Baptism. Pastoral Notes: - The parish is providing hospitality and welcome to parent/s, family members and godparents. - This may be an opportunity to welcome parent/s into fuller church participation. - Babysitting should be provided for small children. - Be sensitive to single parents, blended families, special needs or a parent who is not Catholic. - Invite any help a parish can offer. Other young families and school age children could be involved by sending cards and praying for the baptized. *Material on resource list (pg. A-33) would be helpful in planning these sessions. A-36 December, 1996
Page 1 and 2: Baptism Guidelines January, 1998
Page 4 and 5: GUIDELINES FOR BAPTISM OF INFANTS (
Page 6 and 7: PREPARATION PROCESS FOR THE SACRAME
Page 8 and 9: FIRST PHASE: CALL FROM GOD TIME: Th
Page 10 and 11: RITE OF BLESSING OF EXPECTANT PAREN
Page 12 and 13: SECOND PHASE: FORMATION OF THE INDI
Page 14 and 15: THE RITE OF CHOOSING BAPTISM Explan
Page 16 and 17: THIRD PHASE: PREPARATION AND REFLEC
Page 18 and 19: AN OUTLINE OF THE CELEBRATION OF BA
Page 20 and 21: FOURTH PHASE: CONTINUING GROWTH IN
Page 22 and 23: APPENDIX Baptismal Process Implemen
Page 24 and 25: Preparation and Start-up BAPTISMAL
Page 26 and 27: BULLETIN INSERTS EXPLAINING THE BAP
Page 28 and 29: CANONS CANON 840- The sacraments of
Page 30 and 31: FAITH:FAMILYSTYLE (Phase Four) Fait
Page 32 and 33: GODPARENTS (Phase One or Two) CANON
Page 34 and 35: PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY CANON 867-
Page 36 and 37: Catechism of the Catholic Church, #
Page 40 and 41: SYMBOLS - RITUAL Anointing with Hol

Baptism Guidelines - Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

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