This book considers the deacon’s relationship to Baptism, his relationship to the ritual, and his relationship to the families of the children whom he baptizes. The resource will help the deacon better understand how Baptism calls its recipients to discipleship, the symbols and the gestures of the ritual, and ways to stimulate faith among families who bring their children to be baptized. This resource also will address practical issues, such as suggestions for the homily, a checklist to prepare for Baptisms, when a deacon may baptize, and how to navigate through the ritual when many children are being baptized.

Celebrating Baptism well has the potential to evangelize and transform a parish community so that their faith will be stirred, deepened, and renewed. This second edition provides pastoral guidance for preparing joyful and communal celebrations of infant Baptism within or outside Mass according to the newly translated Order of Baptism of Children. It provides guidance for selecting Scripture readings, prayer texts, and music; arranging the environment; scheduling ministers; and preparing liturgies that engage and evangelize.

The celebration of infant Baptism stirs joy within a community and reminds those who have gathered that God has called each of us to be missionary disciples. Celebrating Baptism well has the potential to evangelize and transform a parish community so that their faith will be stirred, deepened, and renewed. This resource provides pastoral guidance for preparing joyful and communal celebrations of infant Baptism within or outside Mass. It provides guidance for selecting Scripture readings, prayer texts, and music; arranging the environment; scheduling ministers; and preparing liturgies that engage and evangelize.