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Baptism Prep Ministry: Preparing for the Beginning of a Faith-Filled Life
Just as the feast day of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 9, 2022, is a significant event in the Catholic liturgical year, so is the Baptism of children at Our Lady of the Assumption. At Jesus’ Baptism, He was called “Beloved Son” by God. Those who are baptized are also considered adopted children of God and seen as beloved in His eyes.
Baptism is not just another item to check off the list in preparations for having a child, say Deacon Paul Friedrich and his wife, Sharon. It is one of the most important days of the child’s life.
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Deacon Michael Tateishi and his wife, Mary Jo, previously coordinated this ministry — Deacon Paul and Sharon took over as coordinators in November. The couple is well-suited for this work as they coordinated all sacramental preparations at their previous parish, Our Lady of Lourdes.
“We find so much fulfillment in working with the Baptism Prep team and the parents,” Sharon says.
As Baptism is such an important sacrament, all parents wishing to have their infant or young child baptized at Our Lady of the Assumption are required to attend a Baptism Prep class, offered monthly in the evening. The godparents of the child should also plan to attend. A team of seven teachers, both English and Spanish-speaking, present more than an hour of material to teach parents and godparents about the sacrament. There is also a video that shows a Baptism, which serves as another way to help prepare. The teacher also answers any questions that parents and godparents may have.
“A Baptism is a one-time-only event, whether it’s a child or an adult,” Deacon Paul says. “We certainly want it to be special and memorable. Baptism is the beginning. We hope it leads to a faith-filled life.”
Deacon Paul and Sharon feel very blessed to have a great team handling the Baptism Prep classes. The six members are committed to this work.
As part of preparing for Baptism, Deacon Paul and Sharon want to emphasize the importance of selecting godparents. A godparent is not a “ceremonial” title, says Deacon Paul. Rather, they should be chosen based on their faith and commitment to supporting the child for the rest of their life.
“You want to make sure this is a faith-filled person who can and will make time for the child,” Deacon Paul says.
“The person should be available to answer questions about the faith and be a good role model or guide.” “The person is really making a lifetime commitment to support that child through their personal Catholic journey,” Sharon says. “We encourage the godparents to check in with the child and take a proactive approach to guiding the child in the faith. They should also find ways to celebrate the child’s Baptism date each year.”
Baptism is the first of seven possible sacraments. We want to make sure all parents and godparents are well prepared for this important day.
