The Guild of the Christ Child was established to minister to the children of Pohick Church beginning at birth. Guild members visit new mothers of the parish as soon as possible. We invite them to join our group, bring them information about baptism at Pohick, and usually bring them dinner. We hope to help mothers and children and a place in our congregation.

We present all newly baptized children with baptismal candles and a baptism prayer with their name on it. We also send baptism anniversary cards to all of the children of the church under ten years of age.

The Guild of the Christ Child is also a support group for its members. We pray for each other and for the children of the church. Throughout the year we read and discuss books about children and families. We have a yearly day-long retreat for the members, sharing food, thoughts, concerns, welcoming a special guest, and making plans for the following year. We sponsor an All Saints' Day party for Pohick's children beginning with a homily in the church and then food and games in the parish house. Once a year the women and their children join with the women from the Mondloch House Shelter and their children for a service project. The Guild of the Christ Child is open to all women of the church interested in ministering to children.

A PRAYER for the ANNIVERSARY of the
BAPTISM of a CHILD

Heavenly Father, you sent your own Son into this world.
We thank you for the life of this child, N., entrusted to our care.
Help us to remember that we are all your children, and so to love and nurture him (her), that he (she) may attain that full stature intended for him (her) in your eternal kingdom; for the sake of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen