Couples mentor others to help in Baptism prep

In an effort to help young families better prepare for Baptism, parishioners of St. Luke's Church in Schenectady have instituted a preparation program that includes mentor-couples.

The mentor-companion couples help parents meet others preparing for the Baptisms of their children as well as learn more about the parish in general and how to complete necessary paperwork.

The mentor couples also do follow-up calls and visits after the Baptism.

Outreach

"What we are trying to do is to establish a process of complete evangelization for the parents and children that come to St. Luke's for the Sacrament of Baptism," explained Doreen Wright, coordinator of faith formation.

"We wanted our focus of outreach to be young adults. Since Baptism is the initial sacrament a person receives in the faith community, that's where we decided to begin. We are hoping that by giving people the opportunity to have experienced parents walking through the preparation process with them and later maintaining a connection, the families will consider themselves part of our faith community."

She also said that forming such a ministry seemed like a good way to "reach out in hospitality to the larger community as part of" Called to be Church.

Meetings

The program requires a month of preparation at weekly meetings.

"The first meeting is an opportunity for parents to meet each other and their mentor-companions," Mrs. Wright explained. "They get an overview of parish life and set the date for the Baptism."

The second meeting takes place at a Mass, with the mentors meeting the family at the church door and accompanying them to the liturgy, where "the family is introduced to the faith community and blessed by them."

The final meeting includes a tour of the church "so they feel comfortable with the worship space."

At home

Mrs. Wright noted that "parenting often brings anxiety and stress, especially with newborns. Often, new parents struggle with the concern of doing the 'right thing,' and that includes having their child baptized and raising them in a trusted community of faith.

"Our new program will help to introduce parents to our parish life at St. Luke's and hopefully will allow them to feel at home in our community."

(For more information call 346-3405.)

(01/24/08)