Baptismal Preparation Classes: The Gateway To Life In The Spirit

As Catholics, we believe that Baptism frees us from original sin. Through Baptism, we also become official members of the Church. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (1213).

As such, at St. Peter’s, parents are required to attend a onehour Baptism course before the Baptism of their first child. A refresher course is offered if it has been several years between children.

“Through Baptism, God enables us to participate in His life in Jesus Christ and makes us His children,” says Director of Religious Education Gina Bergman. “Being baptized in the Catholic faith means becoming a child of God and part of the Body of Christ.”

For parents expecting a child, it may have been many years since they have participated in faith formation. This class serves as a great reminder of the many symbols of Baptism. Gina says the class also reminds parents of the important commitment they are making in having their child baptized in the Catholic Church.

As part of the Sacrament of Baptism, parents choose Godparents for their child. Godparents are not required to attend this class, but they are taking on a very important and special role in the life of the child.

“Godparents are also examples to that child to show them the importance of Mass and living a life like Jesus,” Gina says. “They are also there to support the parents in raising their child in the Catholic faith.”

To prepare for Baptism, Gina recommends parents and godparents work on enriching and strengthening their faith lives. She recommends using the parish subscription to FORMED.org, through which they can access more than 4,000 resources. Everything from books and videos to podcasts can help parents learn more about the Catholic Church. In particular, Reborn: You, Your Child and the Heart of Baptism is a six-episode series on FORMED.org that discusses the Church’s teaching on Baptism and covers the different parts of the Rite of Baptism.

Please contact the parish office at 217-222-3155 to begin the process of preparing for Baptism for your child.

Morgan, Brandon and baby Margot Miles.

Margot was baptized last fall at St. Peter’s.