Question about my children being baptized

[Jon_S_1]

So, in other words, what they already know about baptism from a Protestant perspective is correct, with the exception that baptism REALLY does save you. Is this what I should explain to them in contrast to what the children’s minister said of it being symbolic that they’ve already been saved? We’ve already gone over the verses you listed.

As for the underlined part of your quote, please clarify. Do you mean “decide themselves” in being baptized, having faith in Christ, or becoming a member of the Catholic Church? I realize that for a Catholic, these are all one and the same. But, in my opinion, my children can certainly choose to have faith in Christ and be baptized BEFORE actually choosing to become a Catholic Christian.

Yes, all of the above. They are old enough to choose for themselves if they want to be Christians, be baptized, be catholic, etc… Now your role as parent is to guide them into proper decision making! As you said, you still have a lot of influence on them, and that is ok, that is how it is supposed to be. We care for our children’s spiritual needs in the same way as their physical needs.

Right now your kids need some medicine from the Divine Physician in the form of Baptism and they should choose to take the medicine you recommend.

Yes, if we converted, I really see no other option than my children becoming Catholic as well unless they were teenagers. Thankfully, we are still in the years in which they pretty much have to go along with Mom and Dad

My 11yo has asked about baptism for over a year. Would you make him wait another year to be baptized if he already feels confident to make a decision for Christ and wants to be baptized?

My girls want to be baptized, too, because they know that that is what Christians do…should I dissuade them from this line of thought? Again, I don’t necessarily equate become Catholic with becoming a Christian because I believe that there are many Christians outside the Catholic Church. I just believe the fullness of truth resides in the Catholic Church. Should I starve my children of any truth now until we can receive the fullness of truth upon entering the Catholic Church?

This may be a rare time, Clare and I disagree… I really think you should continue your Christian journey where you are, enroute into the Catholic Church, but not just hanging up your hat until you get there You and your kids have had plenty of catechesis to make a decision for baptism. Baptism does not make us members of a denomination, it makes us Christians. It joins you to the Catholic Church no matter where the baptism occurs. You and your kids can still go through RCIA as Candidates who are baptized and you can be confirmed and receive your sacraments next easter vigil. I really cannot think of a good reason to delay baptism in your case.

As you’ve said your kids have waited long already. The Ethiopian Eunoch did not even wait to get to his destination…they pulled over the chariot and marched themselves down to the river.

Ultimately though, I would say talk to the priest at the parish you are starting RCIA in and consider following his direction as a spiritual advisor.

 

[pianistclare]

Yes, all of the above. They are old enough to choose for themselves if they want to be Christians, be baptized, be catholic, etc… Now your role as parent is to guide them into proper decision making! As you said, you still have a lot of influence on them, and that is ok, that is how it is supposed to be. We care for our children’s spiritual needs in the same way as their physical needs.

Right now your kids need some medicine from the Divine Physician in the form of Baptism and they should choose to take the medicine you recommend.

This may be a rare time, Clare and I disagree… I really think you should continue your Christian journey where you are, enroute into the Catholic Church, but not just hanging up your hat until you get there You and your kids have had plenty of catechesis to make a decision for baptism. Baptism does not make us members of a denomination, it makes us Christians. It joins you to the Catholic Church no matter where the baptism occurs. You and your kids can still go through RCIA as Candidates who are baptized and you can be confirmed and receive your sacraments next easter vigil. I really cannot think of a good reason to delay baptism in your case.

As you’ve said your kids have waited long already. The Ethiopian Eunoch did not even wait to get to his destination…they pulled over the chariot and marched themselves down to the river.

Ultimately though, I would say talk to the priest at the parish you are starting RCIA in and consider following his direction as a spiritual advisor.

Thanks Jon!

I will say though, that I would be hard pressed as a parent to explain why, I had them baptized in a church that clearly I had intention of leaving. Sights, sounds, ritual, and environment have meaning. I think doing one thing in one place, and then switching gears at a time where they are old enough to notice, can lead to some pretty hard questions. Questions that might fluster even the best Catechist.
By virtue of the fact that the girls seemed a bit taken aback by the Pastor’s words in the prep class, I would guess they are not completely familiar with the process. I would also think that the family dynamic needs to be considered.
As a children’s conversion catechist, I know that kids have so many questions. The class I teach at present…they can hardly wait. they are excited, but I know they have so much more to cover, and I know that the Rite at Easter Vigil is going to be profound for them.
There’s a reason why the Church recommends catechesis after age 7. It’s a beautiful time, not to be rushed.

 

[slh3016]

Ultimately though, I would say talk to the priest at the parish you are starting RCIA in and consider following his direction as a spiritual advisor.

This is what we have to decide. We’ve attended Mass a couple of times at the nearest parish but we would like to attend others to get a feel for the “personality” of the parish. We plan on having some Catholic friends who are converts over soon to enlighten us. For instance, I know that my Catholic neighbor attends a parish that is “letter of the law” and I don’t believe that parish would be the best place for us.

I guess we need to go parish-shopping

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I will say though, that I would be hard pressed as a parent to explain why, I had them baptized in a church that clearly I had intention of leaving. Sights, sounds, ritual, and environment have meaning. I think doing one thing in one place, and then switching gears at a time where they are old enough to notice, can lead to some pretty hard questions. Questions that might fluster even the best Catechist.

I absolutely agree with Claire. If you want to become Catholic, then have your children baptized in the Catholic Church. Do not confuse them with joining one church then leaving it. And mostly, do not deprive them of the beauty of being baptized at the Easter Vigil.

 

[slh3016]

I absolutely agree with Claire. If you want to become Catholic, then have your children baptized in the Catholic Church. Do not confuse them with joining one church then leaving it. And mostly, do not deprive them of the beauty of being baptized at the Easter Vigil.

I thought we were all ONE church, all part of the Catholic Church by virtue of our baptisms no matter where they take place. I thought baptism joined you to Christ’s Church.

 

[slh3016]

pianistclare:
By virtue of the fact that the girls seemed a bit taken aback by the Pastor’s words in the prep class, I would guess they are not completely familiar with the process. I would also think that the family dynamic needs to be considered.
As a children’s conversion catechist, I know that kids have so many questions. The class I teach at present…they can hardly wait. they are excited, but I know they have so much more to cover, and I know that the Rite at Easter Vigil is going to be profound for them.
There’s a reason why the Church recommends catechesis after age 7. It’s a beautiful time, not to be rushed.

The daughter sitting in my lap, after watching a video of previous children’s baptisms, turned and said, “I want to do that right now.”

I think the wording confused them, but once we explained it in terms they could understand, they adamantly stated that they believed on their own. He just presented in such a way that even an adult might mistake him to having said, “As a child they have faith because they’ve always been taught but they must fall away (reject Christ, have doubt, etc.) and then make a decision to turn back around and come to Christ on their own.” THIS did not sit well with me.

I understand about catechesis and I would certainly want my children to be catechized in the faith if/when we convert but I guess the more I think and pray about it, I would feel more of a peace if they were baptized without delay. It’s not that I don’t trust in the mercy of God for them, but I don’t want to turn my daughters away from it while their older brother gets baptized. I feel like we’ve put him off long enough

 

[slh3016]

Right now your kids need some medicine from the Divine Physician in the form of Baptism and they should choose to take the medicine you recommend.

Beautiful analogy…I had never thought of it in this way but makes perfect sense in light of nursing a child with the flu today

 

[pianistclare]

I thought we were all ONE church, all part of the Catholic Church by virtue of our baptisms no matter where they take place. I thought baptism joined you to Christ’s Church.

It is.
No one is saying it is not.
Of course you can baptize them now.
But I still feel like it will be more difficult in the long run. I say this as a lifelong Catechist and Director of Religious Ed. As Jon said, you really should have a serious talk with your priest and future pastor. Converting is more than shopping for a parish with a personality that fits.
I wish you all the best.
If you are uncomfortable with waiting, go ahead and Baptize, making sure the proper formula is used, and you’re good to go.
I would do it differently, but then I have a different perspective, as a cradle Catholic.
I understand you have to do what you feel is right for your family.
God bless.

 

[Jon_S_1]

I absolutely agree with Claire. If you want to become Catholic, then have your children baptized in the Catholic Church. Do not confuse them with joining one church then leaving it. And mostly, do not deprive them of the beauty of being baptized at the Easter Vigil.

Being baptized does not make one a protestant in x church…the OP’s church certainly doesn’t hold any such belief nor do we.

I was not deprived of anything at the Easter vigil by not being baptized, since I was baptized 14 yrs earlier in an evangelical church.

Trust me the Easter Vigil was amazing being confirmed.

 

[Jon_S_1]

I thought we were all ONE church, all part of the Catholic Church by virtue of our baptisms no matter where they take place. I thought baptism joined you to Christ’s Church.

 

[peace2u2]

UPDATE:
Also, in looking at (i.e. reading about) the differences between Catholic baptism and Protestant baptism, is it safe to say/explain to my children that Catholics believe that ordinarily the Holy Spirit is infused at baptism and that faith results from having the Holy Spirit (i.e., it is what God does for me through the minister of baptism) instead of the mainline Protestant view that we get baptized (i.e., do something for God) because the Holy Spirit already dwells in us (i.e.,because of what He has already done for me)?

How would you suggest explaining this to children?

This is what I teach to the children that God has entrusted me too at my church - I am always mindful of what Jesus says to those who “teach” – we will be held more accountable than non-teachers because we are handing on the deposit of faith and we can never teach anything that is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus. Adults need to be reminded of this as well and also what is salvation, faith and what is Baptism and what did it do to my soul and why is Baptism important as most if not all were baptized as infants or young babies.

Our relationship with God is a process and one that develops over time. This “salvation” that God is offering to all men (not just us Christians, but non-Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhist, and even the atheist) is a gift and so is faith. Salvation is also a two-part plan of God. God became man and took on human flesh, human form in order to save us from our sins. He offers this salvation to everyone who was born, is born now and those who are yet to be born. We cannot save ourselves. Buddha cannot save you either. Only Jesus can.

But, our relationship with God is one that develops over time. Faith can be compared to seeds. Seeds planted in a garden will only grow into a plant and bear fruit with proper water, light and nutrients and if we want to harvest the fruit we have to protect the plant from invasion of pests. Seeds of Grace are very much like those garden seeds. The faith that your children have now hopefully grows and increases. We are called to participate in our salvation and our faith.

We are all born without the supernatural life of God in our souls due to Original Sin. Baptism opens our souls to receive the very life of God Himself in us. Baptism is an indelible mark on your soul and it can never be removed even if you reject God - you will bear the sign of a Christian for all eternity but separate from the love of God. Baptism can’t be repeated as Scripture states there is One Lord, One Baptism and One Faith. Baptism does what it says that it does - We are put in right relationship with God due to the rupture of that first sin. Water is the sign of Baptism. Jesus was baptized not because he needed forgiveness of sin but in order to purify the waters of Baptism and put His Power His Holy Spirit in the water to give us new life. What better time to signify Baptism than when a baby is born. Since God offers this Gift of Himself to ALL men, and the only requirement is openness - what a beautiful gesture to God to give back to Him what He has given to us. And who is more open than an infant? There is no actual sin, just OS, there is no refusal, just openness. In an infant baptism the child takes on the faith of their parents and godparents made in proxy. That means they have made a promise before God that they will teach their children about who He is. The children do have to make a profession of faith at some point in their life. Baptism is also prefigured in the OT thru the saving of Noah and his family (Gen. 7:12-23, see also 1 Peter 3:20-21) and Moses crossing of the Red Sea during the Exodus (Ex. 14:1-22).

Also its good to point out what exactly is a Sacrament. A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give inward Grace (Himself). God gives Himself and we participate with eyes of faith by placing Him in our hearts and souls where no one can take Him from us. That is why He gives Himself (Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity) in the Eucharist to nourish us - The Eucharist is food for our soul. Or food for the journey home to Heaven. Manna in the OT is a pre-figurement of the Eucharist in the NT.

Also Sacrament means oath. According to ancient Israel in order to enter into a covenant one must swear an oath. God relates to us by means of covenants. So if we are to enter into a right relationship with God, we need to enter into a covenant - by means of an oath - a Sacrament is the New Covenant.

In the New Covenant, the one Jesus established between man and God thru His once for all redemptive work, people come into relationship with God by means of an oath. The first oath is what we name Baptism. This relationship with God thru Jesus is then renewed thru other oaths such as by receiving the Holy Eucharist.

Sacraments are not just experiences, symbols or signs. Rather they are powerful instruments of His Grace whereby God grants and infuses His Divine Life within the human soul transforming us into His sons and daughters (it is nothing we have done - but Everything that HE has done) We participate in this life of Grace by meeting God with our faith.

 

[peace2u2]

What Jon says. Yes.
However, if you are considering doing RCIA yourself, I assume you desire your children to become Catholic. I do not see the advantage of “getting it over with” in another church, and then enrolling them in Catholic Sunday school and having them have to play a bit of catch up.
I would enroll them in Children’s OCIC (the child’s counterpart to RCIA) and have them baptized when you enter the church. As a family. That way, these questions they have will all be answered in full over the coming months. You’ve waited this long…education is always a good thing,
Praying for you,
pianist

Good advice

 

[slh3016]

This is what I teach to the children that God has entrusted me too at my church - I am always mindful of what Jesus says to those who “teach” – we will be held more accountable than non-teachers because we are handing on the deposit of faith and we can never teach anything that is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus. Adults need to be reminded of this as well and also what is salvation, faith and what is Baptism and what did it do to my soul and why is Baptism important as most if not all were baptized as infants or young babies.

Our relationship with God is a process and one that develops over time. This “salvation” that God is offering to all men (not just us Christians, but non-Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhist, and even the atheist) is a gift and so is faith. Salvation is also a two-part plan of God. God became man and took on human flesh, human form in order to save us from our sins. He offers this salvation to everyone who was born, is born now and those who are yet to be born. We cannot save ourselves. Buddha cannot save you either. Only Jesus can.

But, our relationship with God is one that develops over time. Faith can be compared to seeds. Seeds planted in a garden will only grow into a plant and bear fruit with proper water, light and nutrients and if we want to harvest the fruit we have to protect the plant from invasion of pests. Seeds of Grace are very much like those garden seeds. The faith that your children have now hopefully grows and increases. We are called to participate in our salvation and our faith.

We are all born without the supernatural life of God in our souls due to Original Sin. Baptism opens our souls to receive the very life of God Himself in us. Baptism is an indelible mark on your soul and it can never be removed even if you reject God - you will bear the sign of a Christian for all eternity but separate from the love of God. Baptism can’t be repeated as Scripture states there is One Lord, One Baptism and One Faith. Baptism does what it says that it does - We are put in right relationship with God due to the rupture of that first sin. Water is the sign of Baptism. Jesus was baptized not because he needed forgiveness of sin but in order to purify the waters of Baptism and put His Power His Holy Spirit in the water to give us new life. What better time to signify Baptism than when a baby is born. Since God offers this Gift of Himself to ALL men, and the only requirement is openness - what a beautiful gesture to God to give back to Him what He has given to us. And who is more open than an infant? There is no actual sin, just OS, there is no refusal, just openness. In an infant baptism the child takes on the faith of their parents and godparents made in proxy. That means they have made a promise before God that they will teach their children about who He is. The children do have to make a profession of faith at some point in their life. Baptism is also prefigured in the OT thru the saving of Noah and his family (Gen. 7:12-23, see also 1 Peter 3:20-21) and Moses crossing of the Red Sea during the Exodus (Ex. 14:1-22).

Also its good to point out what exactly is a Sacrament. A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give inward Grace (Himself). God gives Himself and we participate with eyes of faith by placing Him in our hearts and souls where no one can take Him from us. That is why He gives Himself (Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity) in the Eucharist to nourish us - The Eucharist is food for our soul. Or food for the journey home to Heaven. Manna in the OT is a pre-figurement of the Eucharist in the NT.

Also Sacrament means oath. According to ancient Israel in order to enter into a covenant one must swear an oath. God relates to us by means of covenants. So if we are to enter into a right relationship with God, we need to enter into a covenant - by means of an oath - a Sacrament is the New Covenant.

In the New Covenant, the one Jesus established between man and God thru His once for all redemptive work, people come into relationship with God by means of an oath. The first oath is what we name Baptism. This relationship with God thru Jesus is then renewed thru other oaths such as by receiving the Holy Eucharist.

Sacraments are not just experiences, symbols or signs. Rather they are powerful instruments of His Grace whereby God grants and infuses His Divine Life within the human soul transforming us into His sons and daughters (it is nothing we have done - but Everything that HE has done) We participate in this life of Grace by meeting God with our faith.

Thank you, this is beautifully worded and I am positive I will be pulling from it in talking further with my children

 

[slh3016]

I just want to say a BIG thank you to all of you that have weighed in on this.

I really appreciate it

Moderator can close topic since question(s) have been answered.

 

[peace2u2]

There are some awesome books that I think you should read that can help answer all your questions.

Catholic Christianity by Peter Kreeft
Jesus Shock by Peter Kreeft
Do I Have To Go?: 101 Questions about the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life by Matthew Pinto, Chris Stefanik
img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781934217337_p0_v1_s114x166.jpg

Lighthouse Catholic Media is a treasure house of awesome audio cd’s or you can download on a MP3 player:

lighthousecatholicmedia.org/
some are even on YouTube.

And of course some of my favorite links:
The Magnificence of the Mass:
youtube.com/watch?v=5MOyDjizb1s

therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/lanciano.html

Are You Being A Robot?
youtube.com/watch?v=0YNeTwWU1RE

 

[slh3016]

There are some awesome books that I think you should read that can help answer all your questions.

Catholic Christianity by Peter Kreeft
Jesus Shock by Peter Kreeft
Do I Have To Go?: 101 Questions about the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life by Matthew Pinto, Chris Stefanik
img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781934217337_p0_v1_s114x166.jpg

Lighthouse Catholic Media is a treasure house of awesome audio cd’s or you can download on a MP3 player:

lighthousecatholicmedia.org/
some are even on YouTube.

And of course some of my favorite links:
The Magnificence of the Mass:
youtube.com/watch?v=5MOyDjizb1s

therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/lanciano.html

Are You Being A Robot?
youtube.com/watch?v=0YNeTwWU1RE

Thank you! I will check those out I already have an arsenal from LCM from Scott Hahn, Tim Staples, and Brant Pitre

And, my husband just ordered Jesus Shock the other day but I’ve not had a chance to look at it yet

 

[Ignatius]

We are 99% sure that we will be leaving our Protestant tradition for the Catholic Church but since RCIA has already started and we are too late for this Easter Vigil, we will likely pursue this next fall with entry at Easter Vigil 2016.

My 11yo son has asked several times about baptism and now believing the Catholic teaching concerning it, I really hate to postpone it any longer. The same goes for my younger daughters although they have not quite expressed their desire due to their age, but they just turned 7.

What should I do?

I would just go to your priest, tell him the situation and ask him if he would be willing to baptize the 11 year old and the other children.