In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the most essential introductions to the sacrament of Baptism focus, not on words or structure, but on signs and gestures. Such presentations begin in Level I and continue throughout the years. Over time and with repetition, children learn to "read the signs," to understand their deeper truth.

What do we mean by signs? These are the physical articles that are used to awaken and appeal to our senses. Each sign represents or conveys a spiritual truth or a spiritual action which God is performing in the sacrament.

Gestures are movements which convey a meaning, such as holding an index finger to ones lips to indicate a request for silence. Like the signs, the gestures of Baptism convey a spiritual truth or spiritual action.

Why in Level III would we take time to reflect on signs and gestures, rather than jumping straight to the words (prayers) that are said alongside? Wouldn't words be more precise and direct? There are many ways to answer this.

One answer became clearer to me at 9AM mass last Sunday during Fr. Ben's homily. He recounted the story of Helen Keller, who at an early age, became very ill and, as a result, lost her sight and hearing. After the illness, her life started back up, but this time in total darkness and silence, in deep isolation from the world. She remained in this isolation until her teacher, Anne Sullivan, finally broke through using water. Somehow the combination of feeling the water and feeling the letters being spelled in her palm broke the chains of darkness and isolation and truly gave back to Helen her sight and her hearing. It wasn't sight and hearing like most of us experience. But in a very real way, Helen's world was light again, and her life was enlightened. It's not a stretch to say that she was reborn through that encounter with water.

So it is in Baptism. The gifts that God gives us in Baptism are so deep that they are nearly impossible to grasp, partly perhaps because God is so great that God is nearly impossible for us to fully grasp. Like the words of 1 Corinthians 13:12:

At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face.

At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.

And yet, God's strongest desire is to be in full and deep relationship with us ... right now. So, when God seeks to be in relationship with us, God's best tool is to appeal to our senses. We experience the world and everything and everyone in it through our senses. Each of the sacraments, but none more so than Baptism, awaken and appeal to our senses. And it is through this initial sensing that we are reborn to the greater life that God intends for us.

There are various gifts of Baptism, sacramental signs and gestures, which are presented over time in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

• The Light: The most important gift of Baptism is the Light of Christ. The presentation of the Light helps the child to begin to understand that, through Baptism, we each share in the Risen Body of Christ.
• The White Garment:  An outward sign of Christ's bright light within us.
• The Word:  Through the words of the Bible, we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.
• The Water:  A gift that represents birth, is essential to life, represents cleansing.
• The Oil of Catechumens:  This oil, which is put on the chest, represents the strength and protection of Jesus.
• The Oil of Chrism:  This oil, anointed on the head, has a beautiful smell.  It represents the sweet joy of Jesus.
• The Imposition of Hands:  This gesture helps the child focus on the work of the Holy Spirit in Baptism.
• The Sign of the Cross:  The celebrant marks the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one being baptized and says the words, "The Christian community welcomes you with great joy.  In its name, I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross."
• The Cross over the Congregation:  The gesture of a large, sweeping cross over all those present at the Baptism underscores that we are baptized into a community and that the whole community is united, strengthened and blessed by the sign of the cross.

Remember to talk to your child about their Baptism.  This is one of those events where they likely won't have a memory unless you "provide" them the memory.  What wonderful aspects do you remember of the day?

Although the time is still far away, it is worth noting that Level III will conduct an in-depth study of Moses and the Exodus during sessions 14-18 (spanning February 24th through April 14th). As with any series, the fullness is best received through consistent attendance. Children are always welcome to attend a day other than their normal day when conflicts arise, although this can require some careful parental management. In February, the newsletter will provide a date and presentation schedule to better support parents through this series.