Baptism opens the door to the Faith and to the Church’s community perhaps the most important event in a Christian’s life. The next ‘key stage’ in developing one’s faith is, of course, First Communion. 

But what happens between these two sacraments? 

In these early years, a baby, growing into infancy, will be learning rules, routines and how to do things for themselves. Part of this complex programme should be learning about and learning to be a follower of Christ. 

So regular attendance at mass and regular explanation of what is happening become a central part of the child’s life. 

It is of equal importance that the child’s learning occurs at home as well. Here are some ways this can be done: 

• Use baptism photos/videos, candle (and gown if used) to talk through what happened on the day and who was there; 
• Create a card with the scripture used at the baptism on it and date. Display the card each anniversary; 
• Explain what their Baptism name means, why it was chosen and the names of the child’s parents and what they mean; 
• Keep the child in touch with their god-parents regularly. If possible invite the god-parents to join you at mass on the baptism’s anniversary; 
• As the child learns to read, use simple books on Christian faith as primers; 
• Learning to pray can also be accompanied by using colouring books. That are readily available in shops and online. 

Baptismal Grace 

Many of us were little babies when we were baptised, and perhaps the significance of this sacrament has not been fully explored. We know, of course that baptism has cleansed us of original sin and that we are now new people - a ‘priesthood’ - in Christ. However it takes time - even a lifetime -to appreciate that baptismal grace has made us temples of God. The Trinity now dwells in us in a real and glorious way that is impossible to express fully in words or pictures. 

Our baptism into Christ incorporates us into the bosom of the Trinity. It makes us participators in the divine life. Every time we make the sign of the Cross, every time we say ‘Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit”, we celebrate their presence within us. To think that we, humble though we are, have been made spiritual temples of God is awesome: to be graced with the Trinity’s presence in us is awesome; to be so loved by God is awesome; to have responsibility for maintaining the temple is awesome. 

May we nourish and safeguard our faith, the light that is our temple’s sanctuary lamp. 

        TC