A Deacon’s Guide to Baptizing Children

When deacons reflect on their baptismal call, it opens a conversation about their vocation to the diaconate and helps them break open the meaning of the rite and each of its symbols. As an ordinary minister of the sacrament of baptism—and in many cases, performing most baptisms in a parish—the deacon is central to welcoming a new family and child to into their parish community.

A Deacon’s Guide to Baptizing Children: A Pastoral and Theological Approach provides deacons with a greater understanding on how their own baptism calls them to ministry, along with ways to nurture faith among families who bring their children to be baptized.

It also addresses practical issues, such as when a deacon may baptize, preparation for celebrating the rite, homily preparation, and how to navigate through the ritual with intentionality when many children are being baptized at the same time.