Baptism and the Early Years: Bonding Young Families to the Parish Dr. Joseph White

Transcription

1 Baptism and the Early Years: Bonding Young Families to the Parish Dr. Joseph White How did your family influence the development of your faith? What did you learn about God from your family? Why focus on families? As the family goes, so goes society, and so goes the world in which we live. - - Pope John Paul II Our faith is formed in the light of our families, and our families are grown in the light of our faith. - - Amy Welborn Family is Key to the Most Basic Mysteries of Faith Parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of faith of which they are the first heralds for their children (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2225). God and Church are revealed as family. Family is a sign and image of the Trinity (CCC, 2205; Gen. 1:26-27) Christ s relationship with the Church revealed as a marriage (Eph. 5, Rev.) God reveals himself as parent; fellow Christians as brothers and sisters Interactive Discussion: Frustrations of the Family Ministry Leader What are some of the challenges you are currently facing in engaging young families? What is one thing you would like to change about your ministry with families? Challenges to Engaging the Modern Family Hectic schedules/divided attention Need to help families prioritize Secularization of the culture Leads to compartmentalization - - faith as an extra- curricular activity Adults who are poorly formed in their faith Cultural fear of commitment Evangelizing Moments - - Particular Occasions for Connection Between Faith and Family Life Normative/developmental milestones Wedding Birth of a child Stages of life Spiritual/Religious Milestones

2 Matrimony Baptism First Reconciliation First Communion Confirmation Special Circumstances Severe illness Death in the family Divorce Times of financial need Family crises Non- verbals Eye contact Nodding Open posture Lean in (alert) Empathetic facial expressions Verbalizations Subverbalizations Open- ended questions Acknowledgements ( OK, I see, etc.) Reflections Clarifications Questions for goal identification (miracle question, top three, etc.) Do s and Don ts Reflect what you are hearing in your own words Avoid interrupting Avoid defending or rationalizing hurtful actions of the Church members or leaders Active Listening Exercise Scenario: A parent coming back to the Church to seek baptism for his/her child after 10 years of not actively practicing the Faith. Work in groups of three Parent seeking baptism for his her child Ministry leader/listener Observer watches verbals and nonverbals of the ministry leader and provides

3 feedback following the exercise Baptismal Preparation: Making the Most of the Evangelizing Moment Welcome parents with open arms For parents that are practicing their faith regularly, use baptism as an opportunity to invite them into greater communion with the Church and to foster their spiritual growth The mere fact that parents do not regularly practice their faith is not a certain indication that the child will not be brought up in the Catholic Faith. Use preparation for baptism as an opportunity for evangelization. Source: Diocese of Austin Supplementary Norms Baptismal Preparation: Making the Most of the Evangelizing Moment Minimum content for baptismal preparation Theology of Baptism/Sacraments of intitiation Role of parents and godparents in the faith formation of the child Responsibility of the baptized person in living a life of faith Explanation of the Rite of Baptism Source: Diocese of Austin Supplementary Norms Local Hero: Dr. Jim Healy Early Baptismal Follow- Up Stay in communication with families Offer ways for young families to participate in parish activities Moms groups Parenting classes Happiest Baby on the Block Happiest Toddler on the Block Common Sense Parenting for Toddlers and Preschoolers Parenting with Grace Putting it into Practice: Input from a Local Parish Action Steps Have an action plan for WHO welcomes families seeking baptism for their child and HOW they are welcomed Work towards more comprehensive baptismal preparation programs Put concrete plans in place for following up after baptism Intentional communication with individual families Opportunities for families of young children to come together Resources from OSV Lunch Break Part Two - - Beyond Baptism: Keeping Families Connected and Growing in Faith Small Group Discussion:

4 What are some opportunities that currently exist at your parish for young families to come together and be involved with the parish? (e.g., early childhood ministry, mom s groups, parenting classes, events for young families) Recognizing and Meeting the Needs of Young Parents in the Parish Opportunities for formation in the practical points of parenthood Opportunities to enrich their marriages Tools for fostering spirituality in the home Building Catholic Identity at Home Recongizing the everyday spirituality of parenthood The Family Meal More Evangelizing Moments God reveals himself in family life Family Prayer Provide resources for family prayer and ritual experiences provide mealtime prayers, ritual blessings (see Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers from USCCB or Catholic Family Prayer Book from OSV), and prayers for special times of the year Encourage families to have a sacred space in the home, and provide resources on how to do this. See Icons, statues, etc. are especially helpful for younger children The Family Meal Importance of the Family Meal - - Children and teens who have frequent family dinners: are at half the risk for substance abuse compared to teens who dine with their families infrequently are less likely to have friends or classmates who use illicit drugs or abuse prescription drugs have lower levels of tension and stress at home are more likely to say that their parents are proud of them are likelier to say they can confide in their parents are likelier to get better grades in school are more likely to be emotionally content and have positive peer relationships have healthier eating habits are at lower risk for thoughts of suicide are less likely to try marijuana or have friends who use marijuana Helping Young Families Build Catholic Family Identity Provide resources, especially for daily opportunities in family life Meal times

5 Car time e.pdf Morning and evening goodbyes Offer family- friendly adult faith formation Helping Families Plug In to Parish or School Religious Education Events for families Family faith festivals, etc. Helping Families Plug In to Parish Faith Formation Programs Newsletters Meaningful visual symbols of the lesson Websites/e- mail/social networking Family Friendly homilies/question of the Week Ask me questions in Preschool Faith Formation Action Steps: Beyond Baptism Provide take- home resources for developing family spirituality Provide ongoing formation for parents in practical aspects of parenting as well as developing family spirituality Look for opportunities to hold parish gatherings for young families Employ techniques that involve parents in parish- based early childhood faith formation. Group Discussion: Implementing Action Steps What have you heard today, either in the presentation, or in the group discussion, that you can implement in your parish? Which Action Steps can be begun right away? Which steps will take some time to phase in? Closing Thoughts and Sending Forth Prayer for the Family by Pope John Paul II Lord God, from you every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. Father, you are Love and Life. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, born of woman, and through the Holy Spirit, fountain of divine charity, grant that every family on earth may become for each successive generation a true shrine of life and love. Grant that your grace may guide the thoughts and actions of husbands and wives for the good of their families and of all the families in the world. Amen.