Growing Numbers are Seeking Baptism - Are they Yearning for How the Catholic Church Cares for its Members from the Womb till Eternity?

 


Growing Numbers are Seeking Baptism - How the Catholic Church Cares for its Members from the Womb till Eternity - Post-birth.
In the Bible Jesus said "let the little children come to me." Mk 10:14.
While many denominations strongly kick against infant baptism. The Roman Catholic Church places great emphasis on providing a positive experience for its members, especially through practices like infant baptism, reflecting the belief that anyone, regardless of age, should be spiritually prepared due to life's uncertainties. Baptism marks the beginning of one's journey into the church, considered essential for salvation.
For catechumens (those preparing to receive the sacrament of baptism) who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance of their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament. CCC 1259.
The church is global (global and local) i.e., particular and universal.
The greatest globalization strategy of the Holy Mother Church is Inculturation. -- Cosmos Ateli.
The Church is concerned with fostering a sense of belonging, providing spiritual guidance, and ensuring positive experiences for its customers (members). The church always looks at and works with the signs of times of her members.
The Church tries to give a sense of belonging to its members; an act very similar to how businesses focus on acquiring, retaining and growing a loyal customer base through positive interactions, experiences and shared values.
The clergy (deacons, priests and bishops), religious men & women, and some others act as customer support officers; offering guidance, counseling, and support to parishioners (and non-Catholics) when necessary.
Just as businesses strive to deliver quality products and services, the Church aims to provide meaningful and personalized religious experiences, well-organized liturgies, spiritual and human formation. Major decisions are taken with her members in mind.
The Church uses multiple communication channels (homilies, newsletters, seminars, conferences, internet, encyclicals, bulletin, synods, councils, and etc) to interact with its members, the same way businesses use multiple channels to interact with their customers.
Businesses understand that the importance of customer feedback can never be over-emphasized; the Church has same understanding, she uses some of the aforementioned communication channels to get feedback from parishioners in order to improve its services and address other needs. She encourages dialogue and opens itself to the contributions of others.
Just as businesses educate their customers on products and services, so also the church educates her members about the love of God and neighbor via sacred scripture, sacred tradition, the lives of saints, Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), documents of various councils, Canon Law, various publications, and some of the communication channels earlier mentioned.
Indeed, the church is a mother and teacher, she never jokes about the relationship she has with her members. That is why she identifies with them in their ups and down moments of life. 
Her maternal love can be felt in any part of the world because she's everywhere.
Just like customers of various businesses have freedom of patronage in buying from any seller, the Church doesn't force people to become Catholic. It was clearly stated in one of the documents of the Second Vatican Council (Declaration on RELIGIOUS FREEDOM) "the freedom of persons requires that no one ever be forced to join the church."
While the church values religious freedom, there are exceptions in critical situations, such as the salvific necessity of baptism, the church may adjust its laws to prioritize salvation.
Canon 868:2 An infant of Catholic parents or even non-Catholic parents is baptized licitly in danger of death even against the will of the parents.
Just like companies sometimes make compromises through product features, policy & price adjustments, the church also relaxes some of her laws when the salvation of soul is involved.
The final words of the 1983 code of canon law (1752) is sometimes referred to as the Supreme Law of the Church. It says "The salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one's eyes.”
This underscores the church's unwavering commitment to her fundamental mission (the salvation of souls).
This is part 2 of a 3-part reflection by Catholic News World's Cosmos Ateli
SEE Part 1 : 
How the Catholic Church is the Most Customer-Centric Entity in the World - Insight
by our New Writer for Catholic News World: Cosmos Ateli, B.Sc. - Email Atelicosmos1@gmail.com
Cosmos Ateli,  is a lover of Customer Experience and a writer for Catholic News World. He has a B.Sc degree in Marketing from Delta State University, Nigeria. He is an aspiring Canon Lawyer.

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