Some of the most delightful moments in the life of the Church happens when parents bring their children to the church for Baptism. Having completed their Baptismal preparation, and accompanied by their families and friends, the parents of the child formally requests that their child be baptized. The Church joyfully accedes to this request. However the Church wants the parents to make a promise that they would bring up this child in the practice of the faith. This promise is so important that the Church wants the godparents also to help the parents in their duty as Christian parents. After all the Church expects everyone to understand that Baptism is the first step in a long journey. The child must be in a position to receive the other Sacraments also in due time. For this to happen education in faith, both by word and example is vital. That is why the Church elicits this promise from both the parents and the godparents and reminds them of their serious responsibility.
Parents and godparents remain true to their promise by having their child enrolled either in the Catechism programme of the parish, or as is more common, by having them in the Catholic School system. By establishing and administering schools and colleges the Church helps the parents fulfill their promise and discharge their duty as Christian parents. The very heart of the Catholic education system is simply this; the Church, the teachers and the family all working together nurture the faith of the young and helping them to grow in age, wisdom and God’s favour.
My heartfelt appreciation to all of you parents, who have kept the promise you made at the time of your childrens’ baptism. Please continue to show your children by word and example how important faith is to you, so that they may be gently guided and led towards Jesus, Our Lord and Saviour!
God Bless!
Fr. Sebastian Puthenpura