New Baptism Preparation Programme

After much thought and prayer and discussion with a couple of parishioners, we decided to institute a four-session preparation programme for parents preparing for Baptism. Full details can be found at the parish website. Two families came along and today we had the final session. My thanks to Rufina Ebenebe and Evelyn Leonard for giving up their Saturday mornings to guide these families in their preparation.

I invited both families to evaluate the programme, and here are the replies of one of them (the other has yet to return the evaluation form):
(answers in quotes, options not selected in brackets)

1. What did you think of the timing:
"Fine". (Inconvenient)
2. Your evaluation of the four sessions.
"Very worthwhile" (Reasonably helpful. Not really necessary)
Comment: Good to hear about God and Baptism and would like to hear more.
3. Presentation style:
"Excellent." (Good, Fair, Poor)
Comment: Very professional.
4. Opportunity for discussion:
"Excellent." (Good, Fair, Poor)
5. Would you be happy to recommend this preparation course to others?
"Yes." (Yes, with reservations. No.)
6. We acknowledge that you have given up four Saturday mornings which are probably precious in this busy world in which we live. Would you say:
"It was worth it." (It's too much to expect of families.)
7. It is not our intention that those who have previously attended this programme and who show that they practise their faith should have to repeat it when they ask that subsequent children be baptised. Would you:
(Say 'What a relief!')
"Like to attend for your own formation."
(Like to attend so as to support other parents who might be doing this for the first time.)
8. Is there anything else you would like to add?
We would like to thank you for the inspiration you have given us. The personal experiences and message of God you have passed on to us has really helped re-unite us with God and the Church and we are sure this has helped put us back on the right parth. The more we hear, the more we long to hear more. Thanks again!

The baptism of Harriet Jean Moore will take place at 10am Mass on Sunday 29th October, and that of Connor Francis Alecks at 10am Mass on Sunday 26th November (feast of Christ the King.) Please pray for them and their families.