| 5. When readiness for the sacraments has been determined,
each child is enrolled in the parish program for sacramental
preparation.
Prior to enrolment, the readiness of each child should be
determined. Parents will take the initiative, responding
to the parish invitation to enrol their child. For some families
who are active in the life of the parish and are known to
the priest, this will suffice to indicate readiness. Other
families may require more attention.
The Christian initiation of a child provides an important
opportunity for pastoral contact with the family. It is highly
desirable for the pastor (or some other member of the pastoral
team) to arrange an interview with the parents to ensure
that they are clear in their understanding of what is involved
in this further initiation of their children, and willing
to participate in preparing the child for the sacraments.
The problem of irregular Mass attendance or the absence of
regular catechesis for the child - usually symptomatic of
family faith in need of development - can be addressed in
this interview.
Pastoral concern for the child and family will characterise
this interview. Consideration will be taken of such factors
as the practical faith of the extended family, and the child's
own urgings. A decision to defer enrolment may sometimes
result, but it will always be accompanied
by an offer to assist the family towards a fuller faith and
practice so that, at a later date, the child may be meaningfully
incorporated into the community's sacramental life. Practical
ways of doing this need to be developed in each parish. Any
appearance of personal rejection or outright refusal of sacraments
should be avoided.
A ritual at Sunday Mass (or on another suitable occasion)
provides an appropriate beginning to the program. Through it children
and parents commit themselves to the period of preparation,
and the community offers its support of prayer and instruction. |
