What is the soonest that you can baptize your child (Catholic)?

Question

My mother will be staying with me for two weeks after the baby is born and then will be flying back home. I would like to baptize our son while she is here.

Answer 1

Generally, as soon as the parents wish. If the baby has health problems, they can be baprized in the hospital.

Answer 2

As far as I know there is no "too early" age to have your baby baptized. More of it depends on timing. My son was born in the end of january and we baptized him at 3 weeks because after that we would be going in to the easter season and you can't baptized during that time of year. I would prepare for it before hand and set a date during the two weeks your mother is there. Your church should be able to accomodate you if you try to plan ahead and you don't spring it on them! Good Luck!

Answer 3

You can baptize a baby yourself (you knew that right?), even if you are Catholic. Otherwise, contact your parish office as it varies WIDELY. Some parishes require everybody to take classes that go on for weeks, others just meet with the godparents/parents to ask questions and still others have just a once-a-month meeting for upcoming baptisms. And YES, there are some priests that will not baptize a baby unless the parents and godparents are regular churchgoers, not the Easter and Christmas folk. Also, Godparents must also be Catholic. They used to slide that by (godparents had to be Christian) but no longer.

Answer 4

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 5

you can do it at the hospital!!

if you want to do it during public mass, just be sure to schedule it and the classes before hand.

often they'll do a quick private version before mass, between masses, or on a weekday if you don't want to have baby in the church full of strangers and their germs!!

there is no age requirement or appropriateness for baby. it's more about scheduling. talk to your church's office about your preferance and what they have as standard times. if their standard stuff does not work for you, ask the priest/deacon personally about it. office staff are just doing their jobs, but considering the occassion, I'm sure the priest/deacon would be happy to help you out!!

*** I've never heard of a priest/deacon not baptizing a baby because of their parent's practices... that's horrible!!! In our diocese all children under the age of 5 are eligible for it automatically... over 5 they must take the classes themselves because they're old enough to understand about what our church means, even at their primary level. but yes the Godparents must be in good standing w/ the church, at least one of them... my brother is not, so he's technically a "Christian witness" and my cousin is the Godmother.

Answer 6

That should be OK. I was baptized in my Catholic church before I was a month old. Call the parish and tell them you want to baptize your baby and don't even mention the age unless they do!!

CONGRATS!!

Answer 7

There is no minimum age for infant baptism.

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

With love in Christ.

Answer 8

My mom had me baptized at the hospital. Unless your parish requires advanced notice, you should be able to baptize whenever you wish.

Answer 9

when I baptize my godson the priest say that you can baptize a baby as soon as 7 days old.

Answer 10

Contact your church. you will probably have to attend a class. The godparents may also have to attend. Ask about attending the class before the baby's born to avoid the delay.