Instruction for Sacraments Infant Baptism

Instruction for Sacraments Infant Baptism

Copyright ? 2012 Catholic Diocese of Richmond

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Letter from Bishop DiLorenzo

1 January 2013

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

Dear Friends,

"May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call..."

Ephesians 1: 18 (2nd Reading; Solemnity of Mary)

I am pleased to share with you the diocesan Instruction for Sacraments ? Infant Baptism. This Instruction includes three elements: a brief Introduction to the theology of Baptism, Pastoral Directives Regarding the Baptism of Infants, and Frequently Asked Questions. The latter two sections explain how the body of instruction that introduces the Rite of Baptism for Children and other Church law pertaining to Baptism are to be implemented within our diocese.

The task of creating the diocesan Instruction for Sacraments was undertaken by the Office of Catholic Education in collaboration with the Christian Formation Commission, Office of Hispanic Ministry, and the Office of Persons with Disabilities, in an effort to update policies presented in the 1997 Called to Faith sacramental guidelines. I am grateful for their dedication and commitment to this project.

Our Catechism states, "...the family home is rightly called `the domestic church,' a community of grace and prayer, a school of human virtues and of Christian charity" (CCC 1666). With this principle in mind, the Instruction directs our parish efforts to the "first teachers" of children in the ways of faith, the parents or guardians (Rite of Baptism for Children, no. 70). Recognizing the positive influence of the parish community, the Instruction

encourages parishes to welcome families seeking Baptism and strengthen their ability to pass on the faith to their

children by means of catechesis and ongoing support of Catholic home life. Through genuine hospitality toward all who come seeking Baptism, parishes spread the Good News of God's unconditional love for all of his children.

To assist with the implementation of this Instruction, the Office of Catholic Education will provide catechetical models and samples and recommend published resources, making this help available as an online companion to this Instruction.

Full implementation of this diocesan Instruction for Sacraments ? Infant Baptism will enrich parish communities, sacrament formation teams, and families who request Baptism for their children. Therefore, I ask you to begin now implementing this Instruction through study of the document, review of the associated online offerings, and thoughtful examination and renewal of existing parish practices.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Francis X. DiLorenzo Bishop of Richmond

Infant Baptism

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Infant Baptism

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Getting Started............................................................................................................................ 4 Resources for Implementation .................................................................................................. 6

Resources on the Website..............................................................................................................................................................................6 Resources in Spanish........................................................................................................................................................................................7 Resources for Celebrating Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities ...............................................................................................7 Diocesan Assistance .........................................................................................................................................................................................7 Introduction: Understanding Infant Baptism ........................................................................... 8 Key Documents for Further Reading ...........................................................................................................................................................9 Pastoral Directives Regarding the Baptism of Infants .......................................................... 10 Role of Parents, Guardians..........................................................................................................................................................................10 Role of Godparents........................................................................................................................................................................................11 Role of the Community (Parish and Catholic School) ..........................................................................................................................12 Role of Pastor, Deacons, and Lay Catechists .........................................................................................................................................13 Eligibility and Readiness for Baptism........................................................................................................................................................13 Catechesis Prior to Baptism ........................................................................................................................................................................14 Celebration of the Baptism of Infants......................................................................................................................................................16 Catechesis after Baptism .............................................................................................................................................................................17 FAQ: Sacrament of Baptism of Infants .................................................................................. 19 FAQ: Bautismo de Ni?os .......................................................................................................... 25 Pastoral Notes for Persons with Disabilities ......................................................................... 31 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................... 33 References .................................................................................................................................. 34

Infant Baptism

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