Rev. Fr. David Okolie
When I completed my theological studies in the seminary, I was sent to one revered Monsignor Kevin Ikpah for the final preparatory stage towards my ordination. Here, we call the above the ‘Internship stage’.
Msgr. Kevin Ikpah instructed me, among other things, to always catechize/instruct those who register for the baptism of their INFANTS. This catechesis/instruction is meant for the parents and the godparents/sponsors of the infants.
Having received this instruction from Msgr. Kevin Ikpah, honestly, I couldn’t understand it because I had not seen such arrangement before. However, since I have come to learn at the feet of this revered master, I took up the task. It was after I completed my stay with him that I discovered that what he asked me to be doing is actually the position of the Church which is enshrined in Can. 851. The program usually lasted for a week or less. I have also continued such practice even after I have become a priest.
Indeed, my experiences all the time I have carried out the above program have always been the same. After the catechetical instruction of the parents and godparents on the meaning of the sacrament and their responsibilities towards the infant, etc., they have always expressed unimaginable sense of gratitude and joy. They have often shown that they never knew a lot (if not all) of the things they have been instructed on before.
The above further distinguishes the Church as a Responsible Mother and Teacher. Thus, the Church encourages her Ministers to always ensure that there is Pre-Sacramental Catechesis/instruction. Hence, the Ministers who administer any of the sacraments without proper Catechesis are doing the Church and the candidates a GREAT HARM. Pope St. John Paul II affirms the above thus:
“… In other words, Sacramental life is IMPOVERISHED and very soon turns into HOLLOW RITUALISM if it is not based on SERIOUS KNOWLEDGE of the meaning of the Sacraments, and Catechesis becomes intellectualized if it fails to come alive in the Sacramental practice” (cf. Catechesi Tradendae, n. 23).
Therefore, it is not out of place that the Church insists on the following about the INFANT BAPTISM:
“…the PARENTS of a child who is to be baptized, and those who are to undertake the office of SPONSORS (i.e godparents), are to be suitably instructed on the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations attaching to it” (Cf. Can. 851).
Once again, we humbly plead that Ministers should not administer this sacrament and the other ones without proper CATECHESIS.
Remain blessed🙏🏼
