Infant Baptism

“You have asked to have your children baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?”

                                                            Rite of Baptism for Children, 39

When asking for Baptism for their infant, parents undertake the responsibility of bringing up the child in the faith. Godparents assist the parents in carrying out this responsibility. In the ceremony of Baptism it is the parents and godparents who profess the Baptismal vows on behalf of the infant. To clearly understand what they are undertaking, parents and godparents are asked to attend a series of preparation sessions prior to the Baptism.

Because of the responsibility involved, the parent asking for Baptism has to be a baptized and practicing Catholic him/herself. Only a parent or the person who has custody of the infant can ask for Baptism.