On Saturday May 6, all the ministers involved in the Ministry of Baptism met together for a day of renewal, reflection and exchange. The encounter took place at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.

Organized by the Diocesan Office for Faith Education and grateful for the support of four Permanent Deacons, this day was an excellent opportunity to tackle the challenges and perspectives for a renewed approach to pastoral care for baptism of young children.

Participants first experienced a moment of Visio Divina, a contemplative-type prayer, based on an artwork by artist Laura James: The Baptism of Jesus.

Then, they found themselves in two different rooms depending on their language preference. Helped by the permanent deacons, they exchanged on the reception and preparation of the meeting with the parents who request baptism for their children.

Later, they revisited the Diocesan orientations and discussed their practices concerning the pastoral care for baptism. Participants bored a single desire into their hearts: To do everything possible so that pastoral care for baptism would become a place where the faith in adults is awakened, deepened and enriched as well as carried out through a community-based approach.

The highlight of the day was the interactive exchanges that Bishop Alain Faubert had with the participants. He addressed several questions: “What is really at stake in baptism? What is to be gained or lost in baptism? What do parents want for their children? What they don’t? How does our knowledge of baptism have an effect on our way of welcoming parents and preparing them for the baptism of their children? These questions were intended to help participants take the missionary turn in the ministry of baptism of younger children.

Ultimately, one should note that the question of freedom is at the heart of baptism. Baptism sets us free. It gives us to choose God, to be for him and to have faith. Through this sacrament, God reveals to us that life has value in his sight; it interests him because our child is his son. For this, God deploys his liberating and saving love so that his child may be saved (Jn 3:16).

Conscious that Jesus came to save the whole human being, ministers must go out to meet people in what they live, as members of a Church that goes forth. They are invited to go beyond the rite, to take into account all aspects of the life of the people who knock on their doors, to awaken and accompany them in their journey of faith. This will help parents realize that to be baptized is the beginning of a new start, to have our sight fixed on life, life in fullness.

The day ended with a final prayer inspired by the prayer of blessing the baptismal water during the Easter Vigil.

After regaining their enthusiasm thanks to this meeting, the participants returned at their mission. They will meet again on October 28.