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Sacraments
of Initiation for Children
Sacramental Team News, Volume 5 No.1 April 2009
In 2002 the
Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Pastoral Council carried out a review
of the 1996 Diocesan Sacraments of Initiation for Children Policy
(click
here to view the policy)
to
gauge its pastoral impact during the six years since its implementation.
According
to Sr Maureen Salmon RSJ, Diocesan Sacraments of Initiation Policy
Co-ordinator, "Belonging to the Body of Christ is
a response to the many requests from the diocesan community for
a comprehensive document containing our diocesan policy and background
reading to promote a greater understanding of the policy.
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HOW CAN WE FOSTER A CHILD'S FAITH?
- Sign
your infant child with the Sign of the Cross on the forehead
each night.
- As
your child grows, pray with him/her before bed each night.
Pray in your own words.
- Take
time to enjoy the beauty of nature with your child.
- Help
your child set up a prayer space at home. Remember to
include some Christian symbols - the cross, candles, the
Bible...
- Make
Sunday a special day.
- Pray
Grace before the evening meal at least sometimes in the
week.
- Join
the parish community for Mass on Sunday.
- Take
time to explain the customs we have as Catholics e.g.
blessing ourselves with holy water on entering the church.
- Light
your child's baptismal candle on his/her birthday.
- Encourage
your child to speak about the day's happenings.
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"The
handbook outlines the reasons for the adoption of a family-centred
and parish-based process of initiation that is supported by our
Catholic schools and catechists."
Sr Maureen
said, "The commentary is a revision of the original document
published in 1996. It is important to acknowledge the amount of
work done by the initial Diocesan Support Team for the Implementation
of the Sacraments of Initiation in writing this original document.
It is also important to recognise all those who contributed to
the writing of the revision through the sharing of their experiences."
A brochure
explaining Christian initiation has also been produced for distribution
in parishes and schools.
Cost of the
handbook is $3.00. Brochures are free of charge when ordering
a handbook. Download a
copy of the order form and fax back to (02) 4979 1159.
For more information
about the handbook and brochure contact the Diocesan Pastoral
Support Unit on Ph: (02) 4979 1150, email
us or contact your parish.
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