What does the Code of Canon Law teach on formation for baptism?
The celebration of the sacraments in the Catholic Church demand formation in the faith of the sacrament, and baptism as the foundation of all the sacraments is no different. The first words of canon 851 clearly state ‘…the celebration of baptism must be prepared properly.’ It adds that an adult who intends to be baptised must be admitted to the catechumenate and be led to the various stages of sacramental initiation according to the norms laid down by the conference of bishops. In addition, canon 851 exhorts parents and sponsor of an infant to be baptized to be properly instructed on the meaning of the sacrament, primarily by the pastor or through others, for example, catechists.
This article is from The Sower and may be copied for catechetical purposes only. It may not be reprinted in another published work without the permission of Maryvale Institute. Contact [email protected]