Infant Baptism: Beginning and Becoming A Parent Preparation Process
Loading...
Author
Pfeiffer, Regina
Date
1998
Degree
Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology
Abstract
The pastoral problem, therefore, was two-fold, consisting of the lack of
adequate preparation for the parents of infants and young children who were to be
baptized, and the lack of involvement by the gathered assembly in the rite. As a
result of this two-fold problem and because of its dual nature, the needs emerged
at two levels, that of the parents and that of the community. Some of the parents’
needs that the team identified were to be supported and understood as they faced
the difficulties of their role as parents in today's society, to feel a sense of
belonging to the parish community, and to feel comfortable at the parish's
liturgical celebrations. The community's needs were various as well, among which
was its need to serve as witnesses of faith to the parents of these infants and
children. Also identified was the need to perpetuate the mission of Jesus through
the tradition of the Church by ongoing faith and communal formation of future
generations such as the children who are to be baptized. Another need of the
community was parents who understand more fully the significance of their role as
the primary faith models of their children in order to nurture the faith.