Family Life Education at 1342 Lancaster Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210 US - Baptism Manual
| Baptism Manual |
A Holistic Approach to Infant Baptism... A Holistic Approach to Infant Baptism is a comprehensive manual prepared by the Family Life Education Office of the Diocese of Syracuse. It is an easy to use guide that will give you and your parish team simple, fresh ideas to energize parish life through the Sacrament of Baptism. The manual contains practical resource materials, suggestions for homily starters, along with review of five pre-planned programs. It provides a wealth of information on the four critical components of baptism: First Encounters Preparation Process The Rite of Baptism Keeping the Faith Journey Going Some of the topics include:
An Innovative Guide for Today's
Catholic Parish
How to develop a network of people in the parish to welcome parents and offer them what they need from their church
Examines the key components of great baptismal preparation with an emphasis on parents passing on the faith
An in depth review of the celebration of the sacrament with answers to frequently asked questions
Provides a guide to activities after baptism to support new parents and help them renew or strengthen their ties to the parish, plus a CD with a wealth of ready-to-use handouts
HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR BABY'S FIRST YEAR
THE FIRST THREE MONTHS ----In the beginning, life will be crazy! So many changes, so little sleep. So much to learn and so little time. Here are some things that can help you get through it:
* Be patient with yourself, your spouse and your new baby. You are all learning.
* Make a special effort to be kind and courteous to your spouse. Stress and lack of sleep can make us a little grumpy at first but try to keep it to a minimum.
* Because your baby is so new and exciting and needs you so much, most of your waking moments will probably be focused on baby. This means your spouse may feel left out or 'replaced'. Try to find at least ten minutes each day to give each other your individual attention. Talk about how you feel. Listen. Share your day.
* Since the doctor may discourage early intercourse, be sure to compliment your spouse's appearance, express fondness and give loving touch every day. You can also ask for a hug or a small thoughtfulness from your spouse if you need it.
THREE MONTHS TO SIX MONTHS---By three months you will probably find yourself getting into a routine. Now is the time to look at that routine and see who is doing what and if it is what you both want. Here are some things to consider:
* If baby has been sleeping in the same room with you, now is a good time to discuss how you feel about it. Is it affecting love-making?
* Consider creating a marriage-centered family. A child-centered family is one where the child always comes first. A marriage-centered family is where you still love and care for your child but your spouse is still important. the first tends to make children 'spoiled' and to hurt the marriage. The second tends to keep your married love strong and create happy, secure children.
* Talk about the new tasks you now have. How can each of you help? Sharing childcare will probably make each of you feel closer to your baby and closer to each other - like a team.
SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR---Baby will soon be crawling, walking and even talking! Now is a good time to discuss rules and limits.
* Schedule a reasonable bedtime for baby so you have couple time every day.
* Talk about how each of you were raised. What were the rules, limits, types of discipline? What do you like about each family's approach? What might you want to change? See if you can come to an agreement.
* There are many helpful approaches to raising children. Read about the latest ones and discuss trying some.
* Often one parent is a little more of the disciplinarian and the other more of the nurturer. See if you can identify which of you serves each role and talk about how each of you has an important role.
* If you haven't already - find a good babysitter and have a date night - ideally once a week. (If money is an issue, have family or friends baby-sit and design free dates.)
SOME GENERAL HINTS
* Forget Super Mom or Super Dad. You'll be exhausted and crazy. No one's perfect. Just enjoy your baby!
* To decrease the added financial burden buy (or borrow) necessary equipment and avoid fancy toys.
* Mom: Baby is wonderful! And work hours are long. But remember to make time for that special someone you married and encourage him to be involved with baby.
* Dad: Yes, there are new expenses and work pressures. But remember to make time for the special someone you married, and baby, too.
* Talk, listen and compromise.
* Trust your instincts. Read, but you are your baby's best expert.
* Feeling overwhelmed or exhausted are normal and temporary. Do what you can and let go of the rest.