How to baptize an infant in the Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church recommends that infants be baptized soon after birth. The sacrament of Baptism "seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ," according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Baptism washes away the original sin inherited from Adam and Eve and brings the baptized into the family of God.
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Instructions
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Parents who wish to baptize their child should have a desire to raise that child in the Roman Catholic faith. Usually this means at least one parent is Catholic. If you are a single parent or married by civil law, but not by the Church, you are still able and encouraged to baptize your child in the Catholic Church.
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Choose the godparents. These should be individuals who you expect will take an active role in the faith formation of your child. You may choose one or two godparents; at least one must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic at least 16 years of age or older to be an official godparent. Baptized non-Catholic Christians and those not baptized Christian can be witnesses, but not official godparents. If the godparents are married, the marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church.
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Contact your local parish to register for baptism preparation classes. You must be a member of a parish to baptize there. If you are not already, call the church office to register as a parishioner. All parents and godparents are required to take the preparation classes to understand the Sacrament of Baptism and what it means for the life of the child.
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Call your parish to schedule a date for the baptism. Baptisms typically take place during Mass on Sunday, or you can schedule a private ceremony that takes place in the church but outside of Mass. There is usually a suggested offering that is paid to the church. A thanksgiving offering may also be given to the priest at the time of the baptism. Family and friends are welcome to attend the baptism ceremony.
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Purchase a white baptismal gown for your child, which can be simple or elaborate. You can also dress your child in a nice white outfit that is not a traditional baptismal gown. The white garment represents that the baptized person "has put on Christ" and, therefore, has risen with Christ, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The godparents can purchase the outfit as a gift to the infant and can also give a rosary or prayer book as a memento of the baptism.
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You will receive a Baptismal Certificate a few days after the baptism. There will be a permanent record at the parish if your child needs a copy later in life, for example when he gets married.
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You can plan a lunch or gathering for after the baptism ceremony. It is a very special event in the life of your child, since it marks the beginning of his spiritual journey. This is not a requirement, but is a nice way to celebrate your child becoming a member of God's family.
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Tips & Warnings
In most cases, the godparents may take baptism preparation classes at their home parish.
You may take the baptism preparation classes while you are pregnant so that everything is in place for when your child is born.
References
- Photo Credit mother with baby in church image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I think this is such a ridiculous process to adhere to just to Baptise a child. To me a Godparent should be the one who is responsible enough to take care of the child and teach the child principals of life, and practice God ten commandmandments & principals. It does not matter which denomination they are in, the Church has one foundation and that is Jesus Christ our Lord. My grand daughter will be baptise through another denomination the Catholic Church is too prejudice, they want everything to be catholic and God did not make this world a Catholic World. God said to Love they neighbour as thy self.
