Baptismal Preparation Program
By Mike Lambrecht
In an effort to improve our baptismal preparation at St. Therese Parish, we will soon be implementing a new pilot program developed by the Diocese of La Crosse. This program is very thorough and does an excellent job of preparing parents for the great responsibility which they are undertaking in raising their child in the faith.
The Church tells us that “Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children.”1 In light of this, “the Christian community must give very special attention to parents. By means of personal contact, meetings, courses and also adult catechesis directed toward parents, the Christian community must help them assume their responsibility.”2 By offering this new course on baptism, we can ensure that parents properly understand the sacrament and are adequately prepared to hand on the truths of the Catholic faith to their children.
The process begins by contacting the Religious Education Office and registering for our baptismal preparation program. The courses will start at 9:00 AM and go until approximately Noon on four consecutive Sundays. The program will be offered three times per year. As such, it is very important for parents to contact the parish as soon as possible after they find out that they are expecting a child. If godparents live in the area, they are also asked to attend with the parents.
Session one will focus on the reception of the child, the Liturgy of the Word, the intercessions, the litany of the Saints, family, the importance of education in the faith, and relying on God. Session two will focus on the prayer of exorcism, the anointing with oil, the celebration of the sacrament, the renunciation of sin, the profession of faith, types of parents, impact of the family, and how to set your course. Session three will focus on Baptism, anointing after Baptism, clothing with the white garment, lighting the baptismal candle, balancing our lives, and practical advice on creating and maintaining a loving home. Session four will focus on the prayers over the ears and mouth, the Lord’s Prayer, the blessing of the parents, marriage as the foundation of the family, and keeping your relationship strong.
As you can see, those who complete the program will have an in depth understanding of the teaching of the Church on Baptism. They will be better prepared to hand on the faith to their children or godchildren. Parents and Godparents who complete the program will be given a certificate of completion. Once the program is completed by an individual, they will not need to go through it again. Our first offerings of the new program are scheduled to begin April 18th. Please call the religious education office at 359-9006 to sign up or for more information.
1 Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 2225.
2 General Directory For Catechesis paragraph 227.