Infant Baptism Info

[lassie_21]

I am not really sure how a baptism is done. My husband is Catholic and I am not. But we are getting our first born baptised. And I am in the process of RCIA classes. My question is what is done during the process? Also my sister in law (who by the way is 15) says that I don’t need to buy my daughter a candle for the baptism, that the church will provide one. But I want to get her one that has her name, the date and the churches name. Is she right?

 

[netmilsmom]

lassie_21:

I am not really sure how a baptism is done. My husband is Catholic and I am not. But we are getting our first born baptised. And I am in the process of RCIA classes. My question is what is done during the process? Also my sister in law (who by the way is 15) says that I don’t need to buy my daughter a candle for the baptism, that the church will provide one. But I want to get her one that has her name, the date and the churches name. Is she right?

In my children’s Baptisms the candle was provided but I can see no reason why you couldn’t get a special one for your child. Check with your priest or in your RCIA class for the guidelines. I think there is something about the percentage of beeswax in Blessed Candles, but any Catholic store selling personalized candles should be selling the right ones.
Do you know that you are having a girl? Congrats!

(Oooops sorry, I see that you HAVE a girl. Congrats too!)

 

[Tonks40]

lassie_21:

I am not really sure how a baptism is done. My husband is Catholic and I am not. But we are getting our first born baptised. And I am in the process of RCIA classes. My question is what is done during the process?

Did you want to know what happens during the actual baptism? Or preparation?

In our parish, the parents and godparents of the infant are required to get instruction on the Sacrament, the responsibilties of the parents and godparents, and what will happen during the ceremony. You may want to contact your parish to find out what is required for you.

We were provided with candles at all my children’s baptisms - they are used as part of the ceremony.

 

[puzzleannie]

lassie_21:

I am not really sure how a baptism is done. My husband is Catholic and I am not. But we are getting our first born baptised. And I am in the process of RCIA classes. My question is what is done during the process? Also my sister in law (who by the way is 15) says that I don’t need to buy my daughter a candle for the baptism, that the church will provide one. But I want to get her one that has her name, the date and the churches name. Is she right?

you will probably be required to attend pre-baptismal classes for the parents and godparents, and all these questions will be answered. Most parishes supply the candle and the token white garment (usually a little bib). What you do want to ask is if they baptize by complete immersion, or by pouring, and prepare accordingly. If you do not care to have the baby fully immersed make your preference known to the priest or deacon who will be baptizing.

Somebody will probably give a link for the rite, but basically the child will be anointed with oil, the parents will be asked to make a profession of faith for the child (Apostle’s creed), the child will be baptized by pouring water three times over his head (or by full immersion if that is the custom and you agree) while the celebrant recites the formula: I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. There are some other prayers and blessings, and the child is given a symbolic white garment and the baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal Candle. These signify new life in Christ, that Christ is the Light of the world, and the child’s cleansing from original sin and initiation into the Catholic Church.

depending on the custom of the parish infants may be baptized during Mass, or after the last Mass on Sunday, or a group of infants may be baptized at another time like Saturday morning.