how old should a baby be when being baptized catholic?

Question

also,I am catholic...My husband is not...does he also need to attend the "classes" or just me?

Answer 1

The Chruch teaches:

Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks. An infant in danger of death is to be baptized without delay.

For more information, see the Code of Canon Law, canon 867: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2X.HTM

Call your parish about the rules of who should attend the classes.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Historically, babies were not taken out of the house until they were baptized, so babies were baptized within a month. That is not the case today. Generally, baptisms take place within the first few months. However, if you need to make arrangements for distant family or avoid bad weather, don't worry about it. Both parents will have to attend the classes. Sometimes the godparents must attend as well but this varies by parish. The secretary of your parish will have all the details. Call them as soon as possible.

Answer 3

Catholics pretty much baptize their babies as soon as possible because this "removes all original sin" that we are born with. There is a debate right now about this topic because in theory, those that die without being baptized cannot go to heaven because of their original sin (that we're all born with) however, most of us believe that isn't fair for babies, so there lies the debate.
My husband and I are both Catholic and we had our son baptized before 3 months...

I think you should both go to the classes because even if your husband does not choose to become Catholic, it is important for him to know why you want to do this, and understand what is going on, especially if your baby will one day ask questions about why.

Answer 4

Give your parish a call. They can provide you all the details. They are there to help you. This is also a step for you guys to take responsibility to raise your child as a Christian, not just a Catholic. Confirmation is when they make their own commitment, so dont worry about letting your baby make it's own decision now. Some parishes will allow a Baptism to be done on a Saturday or before or after Mass. The classes usually involve both parents, since it is a commitment you both are making also.

Answer 5

for catholic baptism, it can be any time during your life, sometimes immediately after birth. Has to be before first communion though.

My mum's an atheïst, my dad a catholic in name only as far as I'm concerned, I've always considered myself a catholic until about three years ago when our priest said that even good people would end up in hell if they weren't catholic - I couldn't believe in that, didn't Jesus himself teach us not to judge people as that was God's job? Didn't He go out to the cast-outs of his society?

Anyway, even if a child is baptized catholic, it doesn't mean a life-time commitment, just the parents wish that the child will be catholic. If your husband agrees to your child being raised by your beliefs instead of his, I don't see a problem.

Answer 6

A baby can be any age. Many people baptize their baby when he is born.. but waiting is not a sin. I think waiting is better so that the child understands what he is doing. My husband and I are from two different religions, we are practicing both so we are going to wait until he is older and can decide what he would like to do. No religion in my opinion, if wrong, it's a faith and a belief and every person should be able to decide a faith for himself.

Answer 7

It's usually 6-8 weeks old. Your husband should, but you have to ask the parish what they require. And, one of the God parents have to be Catholic too.

Answer 8

Canon #867 states that, if an infant is in danger of death, it is to be baptized without any delay. Under ordinary circumstances, states Canon #867, parents are to see to the Baptisms of their infants within the first few weeks: "As soon as possible after birth, even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child and to be themselves prepared for it."

The first consideration in determining the time is the welfare of the child, says Father John Huels, O.S.M., in the Pastoral Companion (Franciscan Press).

Also to be taken into account is the health of the mother so that if possible she may be present for the Baptism. There may also be necessary some time to prepare the parents for the sacrament and to plan the ceremony. Huels notes that the phrase "within the first weeks after birth" may be interpreted broadly to allow for special family considerations, for example, to await the return of a family member who lives out of town.

Answer 9

The Reverend Soleil... I am totally with you.

But my boyfriend's brother is baptizing his daughter tomorrow and she is 4yo.

Answer 10

He should be old enough to make his own informed decision over whether he wants to be a Catholic.