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Barbara C.
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| Posted: July 05 2008 at 9:45am | IP Logged
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For reasons I don't really want to get into right now, my oldest daughter is way behind on her religious education. And she hasn't been baptized yet; I'm hoping next May. Her attitude about God isn't the greatest (long story). Plus she is the sort that questions everything anyway, and sometimes gets freaked out about little things.
So...how would you explain to an almost six-year-old in one to two sentences each: what baptism means and what will happen when she is baptized.
And is an older child that is getting baptized required to wear white or is any nice outfit allowed despite the color?
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Barbara
Mom to "spirited" dd(9), "spunky" dd (6), "sincere" dd (3), "sweet" dd (2), and baby girl #5 born 8/1/12!!
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isjalu0826
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| Posted: July 07 2008 at 11:59am | IP Logged
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I noticed from your signature line that you have two other children. My first thought was, wouldn't it be lovely to have them all baptized together? (I'm assuming if your 5 yr old hasn't been baptized yet, that the other two aren't---maybe I'm wrong!!!)
I'm sorry that your little one doesn't have a great attitude about God... troubling... I think right now would be the time to turn that around as quickly as possible! Start sharing some stories with her about God, Jesus, Mary, her guardian angel, etc... Get that stuff in first! Even just pointing out the beauty in the world, her new little sister, the wonder of her own self and how many things she can do! All of that comes from God.
The rest of the lovely ladies on this forum will probably have wonderful ways to explain what baptism is and what will happen, on her level. But my fear is that with a questionable attitude about God in general, you need to help her there before any info about what baptism is will matter.
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Barbara C.
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| Posted: July 07 2008 at 1:29pm | IP Logged
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Yes, none of the three are baptized and will be baptized together when the time comes.
We're going to try to get a good Bible story book for her age group (I've been perusing the old threads), and her daddy is going to make reading it part of their bedtime routine. She might take it better from him initially than me.
I'm hoping to sit down and have a family meeting of sorts to inform her about a few things that will be changing around here. And her getting baptized next spring is one of those things. I'm expecting some eye-rolling, some dramatic concern over the ceremony itself, and possibly some whining. I'm hoping for the best and planning for the worst.
So I just wanted some simple answers as a starting point. And then hopefully by the time next spring arrives she'll have more understanding and a better attitude.
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Barbara
Mom to "spirited" dd(9), "spunky" dd (6), "sincere" dd (3), "sweet" dd (2), and baby girl #5 born 8/1/12!!
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JennGM
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| Posted: July 07 2008 at 2:02pm | IP Logged
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Some good questions, Barbara. It's an exciting time for your family. I keep thinking of the images in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd presentations and how they would be so perfect for her. At this age the abstract isn't easily grasped, and tangible explanations make more sense.
Barbara C. wrote:
| what baptism means and what will happen when she is baptized. |
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I'm thinking of imagery. Her soul is dark now from original sin, and after baptism it will be filled with The Light, Who is Jesus Christ. Her soul will be all aglow, whiter and brighter than anything she can imagine.
The paschal Candle (Jesus the light), the white garment, the water, the holy oils, all give tangible (outward signs) of the sacrament, but are great helps in understanding what it going on inside.
If I come up with more, I'll post. I just have this snatch of time, sorry. I'll be praying for you that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your words.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
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donnalynn
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My children have been baptized as either a toddler or young children. (that's my long story  )
When my son was six years-old he wasn't too into this idea of getting baptized - but he did like baths - so I explained that just as we take care of our bodies we need to take care of our souls - Baptism is like a beautiful bath for the soul.
I would ignore eye rolling, protesting, whining, and emphasize how much God loves the child and wants that child to be a part of His family in a special way.
If you feel you have been in error in waiting so long I would form some kind of appropriate apology. I don't remember exactly what I said but I tried to let my children know that this was Mommy's mistake not to have done this earlier - that God has been waiting for this.
Or you could say something along the lines that Mommy didn't understand before how important and special this is.
I did have some "Well I don't want to be in God's family". I also got "I don't love God - I can't see him". My first answer would always be "That's ok but God loves you." And then I set about showing all the little ways and big ways God makes his presence known.
I have recently begun to pray to Our Lady under her title "Untier" or "Undoer of Knots". She has helped me in many ways to unite my thinking and will to that of the Church - from there all sorts of wonders have come. (and boy have I had my fair share of knots to untangle - one more big knot to go!)
Above all things be patient with your daughter - be her example in your *love* of God, the Church, and the sacraments - it will come.
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donnalynn
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K&Rs Mom
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I'd talk to your pastor about what will happen (and about dress code) - it can vary greatly between parishes. At my sister's church, anybody old enough to walk changes into a white robe and steps into a large pool, then water is poured over their head. I can see a 6yo freaking out about that. Our parish, OTOH, doesn't have that kind of facility; I think anyone tall enough just bends their head over the font and (a little) water is poured over. Once you know the procedure, it should be easier to prepare your dc, but that can probably wait until it gets closer. You might even be able to do a "rehearsal" a week or so before, which might help them deal with it better.
As for the spiritual side, mine know the standard answer about baptism is when we come into God's family, and that seems to be acceptable to them. I really like what Donna said about a bath for the soul. If you get some resistance on the "washing away sin" part, here's a conversation with my 5yo:
K: questioning why baptism was necessary, basic doctrine of original sin
Me: "We all make mistakes sometimes, don't we? Have you ever made any wrong choices?"
K: "yes" (sadly)
Me: "Isn't it good to know that those can be taken away from you, and that God loves you anyway?"
(result: happier 5yo)
I'd play up the aspect of joining God's family and getting a good start on a new life. I remember in elementary school thinking it was so cool to have Jesus as a brother in a way.
HTH!
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Aubrey
Mom to K (7.5yo) & R (5yo)
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Explaining Baptism
