Baptism limited to Easter Vigil

[ntisawesome]

I have a question.

If Catholics believe that baptism is essential for salvation, then why would Baptism be limited to being done during Easter Vigil. I understand the idea of Baptism of desire, but it still seems really strange that if someone wanted to be Baptized right away they would have to wait until the following Easter, while infants are baptized right away no matter when they are born. Where the latter type of baptism I would argue is less significant since it is not an act of free will.

Am I misunderstanding something?

I come from a Protestant background where it was taught that baptism is not necessary for salvation but only a step of obedience in our walk with the Lord.

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[puzzleannie]

Baptism of adults (which for this purpose includes children over the age of reason, generally age 7) is ordinarily done at the Easter Vigil because the RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) specify this, and the RCIA attempts to restore the practice of the early Church. Adults are not told to delay baptism in order to deny their free will, but in order to assure that they are entering into this commitment and promise with all it entails with the fullest possible freedom. They must make a profession of faith and so their preparation must give them at least a basic understanding of the tenets of that faith. They must embrace the gospel so their preparation must include proclamation of and teaching based on that gospel. They must be prepared to withstand persecution and remain strong in the faith, so they will also be confirmed at the same time, so they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. While they are still catechumens (the name for those preparing for baptism) they are received as such by a formal rite, and should they die before baptism are considered to have desired baptism as evidenced by their willingness to undergo the preparation required, and so would be granted Christian burial.

not sure if I am addressing your underlying question. When an infant is baptized, the parents bring the child to the Church on the strength of their own faith, which is why they have to give assurance that the child will be brought up in the faith, and are presumed to understand enough to profess the faith in the name of the child. Adults must make that profession on their own, and deserve enough preparation to do so freely and with understanding.

 

[ntisawesome]

It still seems to me that baptism for an adult, who may be not fully prepared for baptism but wants it with all of his/her heart, has more meaning than baptism of an infant whose parents are professing to raise the child in the fullness of the faith.

How can an act which is not of free will be the means to forgive original sin yet an adult’s baptism is delayed even when they might want it fully?

 

[Pixie_Dust]

It still seems to me that baptism for an adult, who may be not fully prepared for baptism but wants it with all of his/her heart, has more meaning than baptism of an infant whose parents are professing to raise the child in the fullness of the faith.

The purpose of baptism has nothing to do with how meaningful it may or may not be to the one being baptized. It means something to God, Who does all the real work in baptism.

How can an act which is not of free will be the means to forgive original sin yet an adult’s baptism is delayed even when they might want it fully?

An adult being baptized also has personal sins on their soul which are also washed away in the waters of baptism. While they are awaiting baptism, they are not just sitting idly by waiting for Easter Vigil. They are learning the teachings of the Church, which is not only informational, but also an aid for them to examine their conscience so that when they are baptized they know fully what a mighty work God is doing in them.

 

[ntisawesome]

The purpose of baptism has nothing to do with how meaningful it may or may not be to the one being baptized. It means something to God, Who does all the real work in baptism.

You put words in my mouth there. I wasn’t talking about how much the Baptism meant to the person being baptized. I was talking about the significance of the action. It still seems like a “just in case you die before you’re ready to accept this willingly” sort of ritual, which adult’s are clearly denied.

An adult being baptized also has personal sins on their soul which are also washed away in the waters of baptism. While they are awaiting baptism, they are not just sitting idly by waiting for Easter Vigil. They are learning the teachings of the Church, which is not only informational, but also an aid for them to examine their conscience so that when they are baptized they know fully what a mighty work God is doing in them.

That at least makes sense and provides at least a reason. Consider my question answered. Thanks.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

You put words in my mouth there. I wasn’t talking about how much the Baptism meant to the person being baptized. I was talking about the significance of the action. It still seems like a “just in case you die before you’re ready to accept this willingly” sort of ritual, which adult’s are clearly denied.

I guess I misunderstood what you mean when you said, “…baptism for an adult, who may be not fully prepared for baptism but wants it with all of his/her heart, has more meaning than baptism of an infant…” then. Sorry 'bout that. I wasn’t trying to put words in your mouth, but clearly I misinterpreted your meaning. It’s meaningful no matter when it happens, because the stain of Original Sin (and personal sins) are washed away, and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It’s never a “just in case” ritual, but following the clear command of Christ to baptize and make disciples of all nations.

Honestly, I wish I’d been able to have my children baptized as infants, but they were denied that gift from God for many years, because we were Baptists and Baptists don’t believe in sacraments.

That at least makes sense and provides at least a reason. Consider my question answered. Thanks.

Glad I could be of help!