Grant Project
Baptized: Opening The Gift
Our mission is to equip parish leaders to offer a robust baptism preparation that is relational, spiritually meaningful, and an open invitation to lifelong discipleship.
Baptism is more than a moment, it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey with God
Each child’s baptism is an opening, a sacred invitation into community, grace and wonder. Through prayerful preparation and ongoing support, we help families open the gift of baptism and walk with their children as they grow in faith.
A growing community of formation,
from the font to lifelong faith
We know that many churches and families are longing for something more when it comes to baptism. That’s why we created Baptized: Opening the Gift—a four-session course designed to root baptism preparation in joy, reflection and community. Written and led by Rev. Joyce Scherer-Hoock, the course draws from Scripture, meaningful presentations on baptism for young and old, and years of practical parish experience.
Since launching the course, we’ve reached clergy and formation leaders from Catholic, Episcopal, Anglican, and Evangelical churches. The course has inspired new small group programs and baptismal ministries across at least five congregations—each with a unique flavor, but grounded in the same desire: to welcome families more deeply into the life of the Church.
Real transformation, real families, real hope
Past participants say that Baptized: Opening the Gift has shifted how they approach baptism—deepening their understanding of God’s goodness, strengthening their welcome to new families, and bringing new life into parish ministries.
“I am beginning my second group of Baptism prep now with three boys ranging from 2–7. It is so much fun! Thanks for sharing your curriculum and experience with me.”
— Course Participant
Project Leader: The Rev. Joyce Scherer-Hoock
The Rev. Joyce Scherer-Hoock is an Episcopal priest with a heart for children and a lifelong devotion to Christian formation. In the 1990s, she was part of the team that first introduced Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) to the Diocese of Massachusetts. Since then, she has built five atria, completed formation in all three levels of CGS, and gone on to become a certified Formation Leader for Levels I, II, and III.
Joyce especially treasures the opportunity to build bridges between Roman Catholic and Protestant communities through her formation courses, creating spaces of shared faith and mutual respect. Before her ordination, she taught high-potential adolescents with learning disabilities at Landmark School—a role that shaped her deep sensitivity to the needs of each unique learner.
Though she grew up in sunny Florida, Joyce now prefers the changing of the four seasons in New England. She and her husband Bob live in Massachusetts in a lively home with Shetland Sheepdogs, a goat and a miniature horse. She has two grown daughters and continues to joyfully walk alongside young people in their journey with the Good Shepherd as the Children and Family Minister at her local Episcopal parish.
Values
Baptism as Turning from Darkness to Light
Beyond the water of baptism, there are other signs and symbols that can illuminate our understanding of baptism. The Paschal candle invites us to see baptism as a light that shines in the darkness—marking a turning point toward new life in Christ.
Baptism as a Commitment
to Follow Jesus
Baptism is not a one-time ritual but a lifelong invitation to walk in the Way of Love that lights up all of life’s journey.
Baptism as Gift
Grace is freely given, but never shallow. Baptism is a sacred gift we receive, one that shapes our lives in profound and lasting ways. We hold space to pause, receive, and wonder at the immensity of God’s love poured out for us.
What We’re Learning
Raising expectations
Renewing relationships
Re-imagining preparation
Clergy and formation leaders are stretched thin. We know it can feel like an uphill climb to add a baptismal program, especially in a time of decline. But time and again, we’ve seen that small groups can make all the difference. When families are invited into community—not just to prepare for a ritual, but to grow in faith—they show up.
Research confirms it: consistent, welcoming groups build stronger churches. And more importantly, they help families discover the life-changing grace of belonging.
Small group gatherings have built meaningful connections among parents and invited deeper conversations about faith and parenting. These groups may only meet once or twice a year, but the impact lasts much longer.