Last week we focused on the Baptism presentation of the Light and the White Garment and this week we presented

the Baptism and the Water.  The first week we focused on one of the special gifts that we receive at Baptism - the Light

of Christ, our Risen Lord.  This light is symbolized by two material gifts given at Baptism:

For this presentation, we gathered and lit the Atrium's Paschal candle.  As is done during a real Baptism, an individual candle is lit from the Paschal candle for each child and the Catechist and assistant saying- "Name, at your Baptism you received the Light of Christ".   We see how the light of the Risen Christ spreads and grows as we are joined by this light to the Church community.  There are several materials that the children can choose from to help reinforce the work - tracing packets of the Baptismal articles, a candle collage that may be glued with pictures to color in the symbols of Baptism.  The childlren can draw their own cross and the symbols on the Paschal Candle, the Alpha and Omega.  They can have an adult relight the Paschal candle and/or their individual candle for them to reflect on this mystery.  This week, we focused on the Water and gathered around the miniature Baptismal font.  The children learned that the priest uses the water to pour over the person being baptized and uses these words- "I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit".  The children were shown by using their fist to show how someone is baptized.

To continue this work at home, you can ask your child:

In the love of the Good Shepherd,

Ann-Marie Altomare

Catechist