March 6, 2011

When should babies be baptized? - My daughter had a baby on January 3rd, but she’s not planning to have him baptized until May to coincide with a visit from her in-laws. Is it OK to wait that long? -Regina

Dear Regina,

The Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law says, “Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks; as soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it” (867).  Funny, we would never be careless about a birth certificate, which establishes citizenship on Earth. We don’t delay what is important to us. Yet we can be so careless about citizenship in the City of God, which baptism establishes.  Yet, without meaning to, we do delay important matters. A little time goes by,  and then suddenly it’s been months and months. And yes, it is important to choose godparents, to settle on a time when family and friends can come to the baptism and to the party that goes with it. By the way, do invite them to the baptism rite itself, which is beautiful and moving.  A suggestion for parents-to-be: Before the baby’s birth, attend the classes or meetings required for baptism. You’ll be very busy once the baby gets here, and preparing for the baptism before the baby is born will help you avoid delay once he or she is here.