For Catholics, the moment that someone becomes a Christian is not when a personal assent is made, but rather at the moment of baptism. Baptism within the Catholic tradition is not an exterior sign reflecting the faith in Jesus that a believer has assented to earlier, but rather the moment when faith in Christ begins and when someone actually becomes a Christian, a disciple of Jesus. Baptism is an essential component of salvation, and it is important for us that everyone, including babies, is given this tremendous gift.
There are two very important reasons why the Catholic Church baptizes infants. The first is because we always have! Two key biblical texts can help us here. Acts of the Apostles tells us about the baptism of Lydia and her entire household: “After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation.” (Acts 16:15) Other passages in Acts and in St. Paul’s epistles also reference whole households being baptized. This most certainly would have meant infants if they were present.
Catholic tradition has a lot to say about infant baptism as well. The great St. Augustine, for instance, wrote: “The custom of Mother Church in baptizing infants is certainly not to be scorned, nor is it to be regarded in any way as superfluous, nor is it to be believed that its tradition is anything except apostolic.”
The second reason we baptize infants is for their own holistic development. A human person is a composite of body, mind and spirit; all three must be properly cared for and nurtured. The gift of baptism is the most important way that an infant receives the proper spiritual nourishment in order to get them started on the right foot. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear on this point: “Christian parents will recognize that this practice [of infant baptism] also accords with their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them.” (CCC 1251)
Baptism removes original sin, makes the baptized a child of God and a member of the family of the church, and gets their life started as a Christian. These are all spiritual goods that a child needs right from the start, like food, water and love, in order to become the person that God created them to be.
May God’s blessings be with you today and always!
Northwest Catholic - July/August 2016
GodParents
WHO CAN BE A GODPARENT Godparents play a very important role in your child's spiritual life as role models of the faith. They should support not only the child, but the parents as well. Additionally, in their role as godparent, they represent the larger Church community and this is a tremendous responsibility. The Church has provided guidelines to help parents choose the best possible godparents for their children. In recognizing the importance of the godparent and their duties: Godparent/Sponsor must be at least 16 years old. Godparent/Sponsor must be in good standing with the Catholic Church. Must be a practicing Catholic (attend Sunday Mass weekly). Must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. If married, must be married in the Catholic Church. If single, not living with significant other, nor married civilly only. Godparent/Sponsor cannot be the candidate’s parent. Each child only requires one Godparent. If you wish to have two Godparents there must be one female and one male. (Canon Law 872-874)