Baptism Preparation: Building a Strong Foundation of Catholic Parenthood

Setting up the nursery, installing the car seat, stocking up on diapers — the to-do list as you prepare for a new baby can be both exciting and exhausting. Sometimes, in the midst of washing tiny clothes, writing shower “thank you” notes and choosing a name, it can be easy to forget the most important thing that you, as a Catholic parent, will do for your child.

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life,” the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us (1213). The Church has always taught the necessity of Baptism for salvation — that is, welcome into heaven. It is the call and duty of Catholic parents to make every effort to aid their children in experiencing a relationship with Christ, here on earth, but also, for eternity in heaven. Baptism is the first step in this journey.

In order to help Catholic parents prepare for this joyous occasion, as well as a life of Christian parenthood, Corpus Christi Catholic Church asks those who would like to have their children baptized to attend our Baptism Preparation Class, along with their child’s godparents. The classes are designed to help parents understand the signs and significance of the Sacrament of Baptism, as well as the importance of the commitment that they are making, to raise their child in the faith.

Our Lady of Carter Lake parishioner Sharon Orton recently went through the class with her granddaughter, who was preparing to have her two daughters, Sharon’s great-granddaughters, baptized.

“It did bring me back to baptizing my own children,” Sharon says. “The Baptism was very exciting, I don’t know how to put it into words. It was a big relief and a big joy.”

For many who go through the class, not only is the class a reminder of the beauty of the sacrament, but also an invitation to return to practicing their faith in an active way.

Sharon encourages other parents to prioritize the sacraments, especially Baptism, and offers a reminder that there’s nothing more important than sharing the faith with your children. Here at Corpus Christi, we hope that, especially if people have been away from the Church, or want to baptize their child who is no longer an infant, that they will feel the welcome and excitement of the parish community.

“It was amazing,” Sharon says. “My hope and prayer is that my great-granddaughters go on and continue to go to church and grow with God and always keep Him first.”

If you would like to have your child baptized, please contact the parish office at 712-323-2916 for more information and to register for an upcoming Baptism class.