GodStart Post-Baptismal Program
The GodStart Program is available to assist parishes in their efforts to keep in touch with families in the early years before their child enters school. The program enables parishes to take an active role in helping parents teach their child about the love of God.
Parishes can use the GodStart Kit, which includes a series of beautifully illustrated cards and a prayer book.
Parents and their young families are welcomed - supporting them in enriching their faith and developing the faith of their children.
The program aims at convincing them that they are important members of the parish community, that they really belong to it and that they can find support and companionship within it.
GodStart -
- Encourages faith development, bridging the gap between baptism and formal schooling
- Encourages families to participate in Parish life
- Strengthens the ties between the Parish and families
- Allows parishes to show support for young families
- Encourages parents and children to explore together the reality and wonder of themselves and the world of God
- Enhances connection with parents and the parish
GodStart Support and Resources
GodStart is very much a parish initiated program and can be altered or varied to suit the needs of each parish community. CatholicCare's GodStart Support and Resource Office can offer advice and assistance to tailor the program to your parish's individual needs, including those parishes in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
As well as the GodStart Card Kit, other additional GodStart Support and Resources have been developed for parishes, such as:
- GodStart Gathers Newsletters
- Faith Play Sheets including readings
- Family Parish supports, such as small hand size GodStart Prayer Cards and GodStart Posters
- Also, as a support to Playgroups, an ongoing GodStart Playgroup Connection is available for Parishes to support and facilitate playgroups with our resources
- GodStart Gatherings and Workshops
Introduction Kit
A GodStart Introduction Kit can be sent with a sample kit and information at no cost.
GodStart Workshops
The GodStart Project Resource Coordinator is available to facilitate Workshops and Gatherings with families and Parish personnel to develop and strengthen the implementation of GodStart in Parishes.
Further information
For more information on the program, workshops, gatherings and resources, please contact GodStart Project Resource Coordinator Mellisa Keast on (03) 9926 5591 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
