Answers to common questions about baptism
Answers to common questions about baptismQ: How should a Catholic reply to the question, "Have you been saved?"
A: As the Bible says, I am already saved (Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5-8), but I'm also being saved (1 Cor. 1:8, 2 Cor. 2:15, Phil. 2:12), and I have the hope that I will be saved (Rom. 5:9-10, 1 Cor. 3:12-15). Like St. Paul, I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), with hopeful confidence in the promises of Christ (Rom. 5:2, 2 Tim. 2:11-13).
Q: Can people be re-baptized?
A: No. Baptism is a once-for-all sacrament that washes away original sin, gives sanctifying grace, and imparts a supernatural character upon the soul that makes a person a Christian. An attempt to "redo" a valid baptism would be useless: the second baptism would not "take" because the first was valid. Furthermore, it would be an objective sacrilege because it would cast aspersion on the validity of the first baptism. Even if you have not lived a Christian life until recently, if you were validly baptized then you are a Christian. Your status as a Christian does not depend upon how well you have lived. The proper sacrament to wash away personal sins you have committed since your baptism is confession.
Q: Should we baptize babies, considering they don't know what baptism is?
A: On the contrary, baptism is the best thing you could do for a baby. Baptism is a grace from God, not something we do for God. Grace does not depend on our intellectual achievements any more than it depends on any other human achievement. This is one of the many ironies inherent in opposition to the ancient Christian practice of infant baptism. To refuse baptism to a baby on the grounds that "the child isn't able to understand what is happening" is to presume that God gives grace only to those who are smart or old enough to figure out how to get it.
Q: Why does the Catholic Church recognize Protestant baptism?
A: Since baptism is necessary for salvation and God wills the salvation of all, the Church recognizes all validly administered baptisms, even if Protestant. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "The ordinary ministers of baptism are the bishop and priest and, in the Latin Church, also the deacon. In case of necessity, anyone, even a non-baptized person, with the required intention, can baptize by using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the reason for this possibility in the universal saving will of God and the necessity of baptism for salvation." (CCC 1256)
To be valid, the baptism prayer has to contain the Trinitarian formula "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," and water has to be used. The person can be baptized by pouring or by immersion.
Q: Why is baptism outside the Church valid but marriage outside the Church is not?
A: When administered outside of the Church, both of these sacraments may be considered valid. But Church law imposes on Catholics an obligation to wed in the Church or to obtain formal permission to wed outside of it.
While the Church sees the necessity for laws concerning the form of marriage, baptism is a different story. Jesus willed that everyone be baptized (Matt. 28:19). Issues surrounding marriage (e.g., public character, one's suitability and readiness, appropriate catechesis, immediate preparation, minimal ecclesial and liturgical dimensions) are not applicable to baptism. Therefore, any baptism administered according to Jesus' instructions is valid.
Q: Can my child be baptized even if I'm not Catholic?
A: Yes, you are permitted to request baptism for your child even if you are not yet a Catholic. The Code of Canon Law states, "For the licit baptism of an infant it is necessary that: 1) the parents or at least one of them or the person who lawfully takes their place gives consent; 2) there be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion; if such a hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be put off according to the prescriptions of particular law and the parents are to be informed of the reason."
Your consent and the presence of a founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic are what is necessary for the baptism to take place. To establish that there is a founded hope of the child's being raised Catholic, the priest you talk to will question and advise you.
Q: Can our child be baptized even if we are not married?
A: As Catholic parents, you have an obligation to have your child baptized. The Code of Canon Law states, "Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks; as soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it."
However, to baptize your child licitly, the Church requires that "there must be a founded hope that the (child) will be brought up in the Catholic religion; if such hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be delayed according to the prescripts of particular law after the parents have been advised about the reason."
Q: Why should we pick saints' names for our children's baptism?
A: In the creed we say at Mass, we say we believe in the Communion of Saints. This means we are spiritually united with those who have died and are now in heaven. They can act as intercessors – they have the ability to assist us and pray for us. By choosing a saint's name, you acknowledge this fact and ask a particular saint to assist you in bringing up the child. The saint becomes the child's patron, and a role model for the child.
Q: Can we have our granddaughter baptized if her parents won't?
A: Unless your granddaughter is in danger of death, the Church does not allow you to have her baptized against both her parents' will. However, an infant of Catholic parents or even of non-Catholic parents may be baptized even against the will of the parents if the baby is in danger of death.
Q: Is faith necessary for adults to be baptized?
A: Adults must have faith for baptism, but it need not be a fully developed faith. The Catechism explains: "The faith required for baptism is not a perfect and mature faith but a beginning that is called to develop. The catechumen or the godparent is asked: 'What do you ask of God's Church?' The response is: 'Faith!' For all the baptized, children or adults, faith must grow after baptism. (CCC 1253–1254)
Q: If baptism is necessary for salvation, shouldn't we baptize everyone whether they like it or not?
A: On the contrary, baptism is grace – not magic. Since grace perfects nature (as distinct from magically annihilating it), our response matters a great deal. Recall that Creator and Redeemer are one and the same God. Creation is so ordered by the Creator that parents are responsible to communicate life (biological, emotional, moral, and spiritual) to their children. To baptize either an unwilling adult or somebody else's child against the wishes of the parents is an act of spiritual kidnapping.
In Catholic understanding, to baptize anybody validly, the baptizer must intend to baptize according to the mind of the Church. This means he must baptize in water using the Trinitarian formula and he must have the permission of the candidate, or, if he is incompetent to give such permission, the permission of the candidate's parent or guardian. God the Redeemer's grace does not violate the nature made by God the Creator, especially the sacred nature of the bond between parent and child. Neither, when dealing with someone who is now independent of parental or guardian authority, does God the Redeemer's grace force baptism against the will of any human person made by God the Creator.
— Catholic Answers
What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church say about baptism?
Baptism is the first sacrament: "Our Lord tied the forgiveness of sins to faith and baptism: Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification, so that 'we too might walk in newness of life.'" — CCC 977
In baptism sin is forgiven, but... "Yet the grace of baptism delivers no one from all the weakness of nature. On the contrary, we must still combat the movements of concupiscence (lust and strong desire) that never cease leading us into evil." — CCC 978
What about sin after baptism? "It is through the sacrament of penance that the baptized can be reconciled with God and with the Church: Penance has rightly been called by the holy Fathers 'a laborious kind of baptism.' This sacrament of penance is necessary for salvation for those who have fallen after baptism, just as baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have not yet been reborn." — CCC 980
The seven sacraments
The seven sacraments, instituted by Christ and administered by the Church, are comprised of the sacraments of initiation, the sacraments of healing, and the sacraments at the service of communion.
The sacraments of initiation, in which a Catholic is welcomed into the Church, are, in order of their reception: baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
The sacraments of healing are reconciliation (also called confession or penance) and anointing of the sick.
Sacraments at the service of communion are holy orders and matrimony.
Recent sacramental statistics in the Diocese of Charlotte
Baptisms: 6,867
Infant 6,028
Minors 528
Adults 311
First Communions: 5,643
Confirmations: 4,063
Marriages: 882
Catholic 574
Interfaith 308
— Source: The Official Catholic Directory 2013
The Eucharist is the summit of our faith, in which the entire story of our salvation is made real in a miraculous and powerful way. The Roman Missal calls the Holy Eucharist the “Sacred Banquet, in which Christ is received; the memory of His Passion is renewed; the mind is filled with grace; and a pledge of future glory is given unto us.”
Yet how often do we have a moment to reflect on this priceless gift? Even in Mass we can become distracted, and what is miraculous and precious becomes routine. The National Eucharistic Revival can be such an opportunity for reflection and for deepening our love for what God has given us – His Son, Jesus, who we receive into our hearts. During this time, we can make a point to focus on the Eucharist – in the Mass, in our reading, in our faith formation classes, and in the quiet of our own hearts.
The Eucharist and the Mass
At every Mass we are witnesses to a miracle. The Eucharist is not a symbol of Our Lord; the bread and wine actually become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. At the altar, He truly comes to us, again and again, in His real presence.
Christ Himself instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper as a “memorial of His death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us” (“Sacrosanctum Concilium,” 47).
The Eucharist calls us to memorialize Christ’s passion and death on the cross, the sacrifice in which He won for us our salvation and eternity with the Father. It also is a tremendous sign of our unity as believers. We call it Holy Communion because when we approach the altar, we are acknowledging our unity with Christ, His Church, and one another.
Yet these words can only partially express a mystery that is beyond words: “If you understood Him, it would not be God,” writes St. Augustine. So, too, with the Eucharist. During the National Eucharistic Revival, we can plumb this mystery more and more deeply.
The Church asks all of us to examine our consciences to make sure we are truly prepared to receive Jesus: Are we in a “state of grace,” that is, not aware of any unconfessed grave sin? If not, then we should celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation first. Have we observed the one-hour fast from food and drink (except for water and medicine) before receiving Our Lord? Do we believe in the Real Presence; do we believe that Christ is present, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity?
Ways to celebrate the Eucharistic Revival
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Churches regularly offer Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. During Exposition, Catholics spend time praying and worshiping the Lord in the Eucharist while the Host is exposed on the altar.
- At Mass: When we recognize that Jesus Himself is present in the Blessed Sacrament, we come to realize that participation every week at Mass is more than an obligation – it is a privilege. When you are in the presence of the Consecrated Host, pray with heartfelt sincerity, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and my soul shall healed.” With St. Thomas, who touched the wounds of the Lord, simply say, “My Lord and my God.”
- Make a spiritual communion: When we desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist but are unable to do so, we may make what is called a “spiritual communion.” Wherever we may be, we need only ask the Lord to come into our hearts and renew His life within us. We can then spend a few moments in prayer and praise, and then resolve to receive Communion as soon as possible.
- Before the tabernacle: Jesus is present in the Host reserved in the tabernacle. We can take time out regularly to visit a church and talk to Him there. Make it a “Holy Hour.”
- In an adoration chapel: Many churches provide a place where the Blessed Sacrament remains exposed for prayer and adoration every day – sometimes even around the clock (the latter is known as “perpetual adoration”). This arrangement provides an excellent and ongoing opportunity to draw close to Jesus in His Eucharistic presence outside Mass. If possible, sign up for a regular time to visit the church or chapel.
- Cultivating an attitude of gratitude: Finally, keep in mind that the word “Eucharist” literally means “thanksgiving.” In Holy Communion, as Jesus gives Himself to us, we give ourselves to Him as well in gratitude. His sacrifice on the cross – presented on the altar – takes away the sins of the world and makes possible for us a life of intimate union with God.
— OSV News
Learn more
At www.eucharisticrevival.org: Find Church resources, videos, educational materials, prayers and more at the National Eucharistic Revival movement’s website – designed to restore understanding and devotion to the Eucharist