Playgroup Activity and Baptism Briefing

Today at playgroup, we talked about our church building, the sanctuary where Christ resides in the Eucharist, and the many ways in which we learn about, and honor, God in church.  The Catholic Church has a rich history of using many multi-sensory avenues to teach the Gospel message.  Jesus himself taught through words, but also through actions of compassion, working of miracles, and on occasion, using members of his flock as symbols or examples (think of Jesus pulling a child out of the crowd to stand as a symbol of what we are spiritually called to be).

Our Church still continues in Jesus' multi-faceted example, to reach people in the many different ways that they may experience God.  In church, we might imagine deeply as we stare at a stained-glass window or statue, we smell sweet incense offered to the Lord, we sing and hear songs, we embrace one another at the kiss of peace, we practice different spiritual postures, and we taste the Lord in the Eucharist.  Our Catholic sacraments also richly involve the world of symbolism and the senses.

This week, try doing a hands-on activity with your child, such as making a chalice out of playdough, painting a picture, or using popsicle sticks to build a "church."  You can also click and print the image below.  Enjoy working on the Bible Verse and coloring page with your children this week.  Hope to see you next Tuesday!

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Have you had a new baby? We wish you many heartfelt congratulations!

Don't forget that baptisms for babies at Saint Agnes are held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 2:00 pm. You must attend Baptismal Briefings prior to having your child baptized.

Baptism briefings happen once a month, and you can go to one tonight! The briefing session begins at 7:00 pm in the Saint Agnes Parish Center at 51 Medford St., Arlington. The meeting usually lasts under an hour.

If you would like to learn a little more about Christian baptism and why the Catholic Church encourages infants to be baptized, you can read about it here.

Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop. The catechumen or the Godparent is asked: “What do you ask of God’s Church?” The response is: “Faith!” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1253)

Parenting is certainly not an easy task: it is filled with difficult decisions, personal setbacks and growth, expanding relationships, disagreements, love, AND forgiveness. We offer you our support and encouragement along this journey, and we invite you warmly into our parish and Christian life!