Why baptize? What does Baptism do?

Baptism is the first of the three “Sacraments of Christian Initiation.” Confirmation and Eucharist are the others. Baptism welcomes the person into the family of God and membership in the Body of Christ. It is a Sacrament we receive only once.

Baptism is the greatest gift a person can receive, whether as an infant, child, or adult. Baptism frees us from sin and starts us on our life-long journey to know and love God. It is through Baptism that we are born again -- regenerated -- of water and Spirit and receive new life. Baptism is not something to “get done” because of family tradition. It is the entry into a Catholic Christian community and a life of faith in Jesus Christ. This is why the Catholic Church encourages baptism in infancy rather than waiting until a child can choose for his/herself. Why deprive a child of God’s special love and a good start in a life of faith by delaying baptism until later?

It is recommended that both the parents and godparents come spiritually prepared on the day of the baptism, having recently received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

What are the ‘conditions’ for an infant baptism?

• At least one of the parents must be Catholic and give their consent to the baptism.

• There must be a reasonable hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith.

• Both the parents and the godparents of the child to be baptized should be instructed on the meaning and the obligations of the sacrament.