Pile of questions about baptizing my kids

[the_universal]

Greetings. I have been a Catholic for about four years. I had no religion and was never baptized myself until I came into the Church. Im in my late 30s.

I go to mass quite regularly and usually take my two kids. Both under 10. They both have asked me if they can also get baptized. They go to a Catholic school and I think also want to participate more with their peers. My wife is not Catholic; she is a non practicing Anglican but open to my journey and having the kids baptized. Questions:

Does she also need to be Catholic if we want the kids to get baptized?

Do we need two godparents that are married? Or can you just have one? Can one be a priest?

And, my older child is a couple years past the grade where the kids receive first communion. After baptism, how does that work? Can he still enroll for that next time around?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

1. All priests will allow baptism of children when both parents consent.
2. Both parents do not need to be Catholic–just one willing to raise them Catholic.
3. Each child needs one godparent…they can be the same person for both children. If you have 2 sponsors they need to be male and female. Their marital status is irrelevant. A priest may be used, but typically not the one who annoints.
4. It’s up to the priest. He may decided that your older child needs RCIC or he may decide to Baptize your son and have him learn with the younger children for social support.

 

[Augustinian]

Since they are passed the age of reason, they have to ask for baptism themselves.

You can ask the parish priest about this, but it shouldn’t be a problem since they are presumably being educated in their religion classes at school.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Does she also need to be Catholic if we want the kids to get baptized?

Do we need two godparents that are married? Or can you just have one? Can one be a priest?

And, my older child is a couple years past the grade where the kids receive first communion. After baptism, how does that work? Can he still enroll for that next time around?

Children do not need two, or even one, Catholic parents to be baptized. Infants require a “founded hope” that they will be raised Catholic. Those of the age of reason can make the decision themselves.

Those who are baptized usually have a sponsor. There can be two, one male and one female. They do not have to be married. A priest can be a sponsor.

This is up to your pastor.

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

Since they are passed the age of reason, they have to ask for baptism themselves.

This is true, but not really much of a factor. Even if a child demands Baptism, most churches today will not Baptize against a parent’s wishes. It would be a valid Baptism, but the church is mindful not to usurp parental requests.

 

[the_universal]

This is great info. Many thanks.

The kids have asked me to get them baptized, so I think we’re ok on that front.

I have a good friend who is also a priest; he’s probably not the one that would be baptizing. I wanted to ask him to be the sponsor/godparent but wasn’t sure if this was permitted.

Thanks again.