School aged children baptism

[panevino]

Am about to have my 3 children baptised.
1.5yo , 5 & 7
I contacted my parish
and they have a short course for the parents for preparation.
however it is closed for 2010.
Can it be possible that we need to wait for 2011

 

[Phemie]

Am about to have my 3 children baptised.
1.5yo , 5 & 7
I contacted my parish
and they have a short course for the parents for preparation.
however it is closed for 2010.
Can it be possible that we need to wait for 2011

It makes no sense that a parish would only offer one baptismal preparation session per year. Most parishes I know offer at least 4 and some up to 8 per year.

Please speak directly to the Pastor and clarify this. If need be, go do the preparation elsewhere.

You should be aware that the 7 year old has reached what the Church considers the ‘age of reason’ and may be considered an adult for the purpose of baptism. He/she may have to go through the RCIA process (adapted for children). Of course, if other siblings are also being baptized, a 7 year old may sometimes be treated like an infant (Church’s definition: anyone below the age of reason). That decision belongs to the Pastor.

 

[diggerdomer]

Am about to have my 3 children baptised.
1.5yo , 5 & 7
I contacted my parish
and they have a short course for the parents for preparation.
however it is closed for 2010.
Can it be possible that we need to wait for 2011

possible, yes. necessary, no.

 

[puzzleannie]

Am about to have my 3 children baptised.
1.5yo , 5 & 7
I contacted my parish
and they have a short course for the parents for preparation.
however it is closed for 2010.
Can it be possible that we need to wait for 2011

your school age children if they have reached the age of reason, generally age 7, are now considered adults for the purposes of baptism, so they will participate in RCIA adapted for children, or the Children’s Catechumenate, and go through the same process of evangelization, doctrinal formation and conversion as other youth and adults preparing to enter the Catholic Church. At that time, and it should be no less than a full calendar year from one Easter to the next, they will be baptized, confirmed and make first communion. They will continue in parish religious education programs with their peers throughout their school years, and be prepared for confession shortly after the Easter in which they are received into the Church.

God bless you for bringing your children to Christ and His Church.
If the children are under age 7 it is worthwhile to call around and find a parish that has infant baptisms more frequently, and yes there probably are required parent classes so you understand the nature of the sacrament and duties of Catholic parents, but they should be offered more often.

my practical advice, just based on what works best for families in the long run, is to keep calling and find a parish who does not delay baptism of infants and will baptize them now, after a short, no more than a month, preparation for parents and sponsors, or talk to any of these pastors directly (not through secretaries).

 

[graceandglory]

Am about to have my 3 children baptised.
1.5yo , 5 & 7
I contacted my parish
and they have a short course for the parents for preparation.
however it is closed for 2010.
Can it be possible that we need to wait for 2011

I’m afraid so. My kids were baptized at 4 and 12. It seemed an interminable amount of time.
I did their Sacramental prep at home, and they received their Sacraments of Initiation at an Easter Vigil Mass about a year and a half later. I made the initial request in the fall of 2004 and it took til Easter 2006. I didn’t have to take a class.

 

[SMHW]

I’m afraid so. My kids were baptized at 4 and 12. It seemed an interminable amount of time.
I did their Sacramental prep at home, and they received their Sacraments of Initiation at an Easter Vigil Mass about a year and a half later. I made the initial request in the fall of 2004 and it took til Easter 2006. I didn’t have to take a class.

That sounds about right for the twelve year old since a twelve year old is well over the age of reason. But it’s hard to believe the four year old would have to wait so long.

 

[panevino]

Thanks for the replies.
I have been calling around and the various parishes help eachother out with these classes.
One parish can do it in November.
Another may be able to start us in the next month-awaiting a call back.
We live in a smallish town out of the city. If all fails I’ll try a parish in the city.
I am very excited about this. I am also meeting with our priest to discuss further.

 

[puzzleannie]

good for you, keep working it at. around here we schedule most classes like this so that among the 3 parishes in town all will be served in a timely manner, we also stagger our CCD class schedules so every child can be accommodated.

prepare for the awesome incoming of grace in your family as your bring your children to the sacraments. God is good, all the time.

 

[corsair]

You could join an FSSP parish and have the Baptism done after a brief educational session for the 5 & & year old. I think you’ll find that there are no rigid dates set for Baptisms at a Traditional parish.

 

[diggerdomer]

Thanks for the replies.
I have been calling around and the various parishes help eachother out with these classes.
One parish can do it in November.
Another may be able to start us in the next month-awaiting a call back.
We live in a smallish town out of the city. If all fails I’ll try a parish in the city.
I am very excited about this. I am also meeting with our priest to discuss further.

Sounds very sad, that the parish you contacted is not able to meet your needs in a timely matter. God does not save according to our calendar or convenience. Best wishes.

 

[psr13]

Thanks for the replies.
I have been calling around and the various parishes help eachother out with these classes.
One parish can do it in November.
Another may be able to start us in the next month-awaiting a call back.
We live in a smallish town out of the city. If all fails I’ll try a parish in the city.
I am very excited about this. I am also meeting with our priest to discuss further.

Wow. Almost all parishes around here have prep every month.