How to Understand Baptism

There are different ways to be baptized. In the Catholic faith, baptism is done by sprinkling water. In other faiths, baptism is done by being completely immersed in water. Baptism is the rebirth of your life in the church of your faith. Many are baptized as babies because the parents want their child to have a foundation in the church. Read on to learn how to understand baptism.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Plan the baptism of your child. In the Catholic faith, parents usually have the children baptized as infants. They have this done because if the child was to die before they were able to be baptized they would not be a Catholic. Baptism is the way into the family of the Catholic church.
2. Study the doctrines of baptism. If you are older when you are baptized you would want to study the meaning of baptism. Bible stories will give you the background of baptism and help you understand that baptism is a symbol. Christ was baptized when it was common practice for the person being baptized to be completely immersed in water.
3. Choose the sacrament of baptism. The whole idea of being baptized is to accept the church that you are being baptized into. Many children and adults must understand and choose to be baptized. Some churches do not baptize infants, because they do not understand and accept the church they are being baptized into.
4. Have sponsors or godparents who will be a good influence on your child. When an infant is baptized, it is the responsibility of not only the parents but the godparents to ensure that the child is raised a Catholic. They pledge for the child the vows that an older child or adult would make. The Catholic Church has another sacrament called "Confirmation" which is a renewal of the baptism vows. Teenagers and adults would take this sacrament to renew the baptism vows that were made for them.
5. Select godparents or sponsors who can guide you in the ways of the church. As an older child or adult being baptized you would choose your own godparents or sponsors. The godparents would sponsor the child or adult to enter the church and provide guidance as needed to the child or adult.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a lot to learn about baptism, be sure you understand the whole thing before you decide to do it.
• If you were baptized as an infant, you get to choose whether you want to be confirmed.