Introducing Springs of Faith: A Catechumenal Approach to Infant Baptism Preparation

Springs of Faith Baptism program

For too long, infant Baptism preparation has been little more than a “hoop” to jump through in order for parents to have their baby baptized. That’s why I am so excited to share the news about a wonderful new program from Loyola Press: Springs of Faith. I’m proud to be associated with this program as I contributed to the writing of a number of its components and did catechetical reviews of most aspects of the program. What I find most exciting about Springs of Faith is that it follows a catechumenal approach, which means that it is focused on building relationships throughout a step-by-step process that engages young families over the course of three phases: Discover, Encounter, and Share. These phases provide an array of opportunities for participants to connect with one another as they grow in their own faith and prepare for the journey of raising their children in the Catholic faith.

In the Discover phase, individuals and couples from across the faith spectrum—including seekers and those who may be contemplating a return to their Catholic roots—are invited to explore and discuss their own faith while also being introduced to some of the core values and beliefs of the Catholic Church. The Discover phase is all about meeting people where they are and offering them meaningful reasons to consider journeying farther down the path of faith (pre-evangelization).

In the Encounter phase, parents prepare for the Baptism of their child as they carefully and prayerfully consider each element in the rite of Baptism.

In the Share phase, families with recently baptized children come together in a fun, relaxed atmosphere to learn ways in which they can grow the nascent faith of their little ones, create and sustain an environment of faith in the home, and stay engaged in the life of the parish.

Springs of Faith, available in English and Spanish, is a multi-faceted program with a singular goal: to help children and adults live out the baptismal call to be lifelong followers of Christ. Fully aligned to the USCCB’s most recent changes to the rite of Baptism, Springs of Faith is designed for young adults and families who long for a community of faith and are considering having their children baptized in the Catholic Church.

Click here for a program overview.

Click here to read Cardinal DiNardo’s endorsement of the Springs of Faith program!

For more information, contact your Loyola Press Educational Consultant.

About Joe Paprocki 2758 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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