Sacraments

What are the requirements for Catholic Baptism?

💬Answer

For infant Baptism, the requirements include: (1) At least one parent or guardian must consent and intend to raise the child in the Catholic faith. (2) There must be a founded hope that the child will be brought up Catholic (Canon 868). (3) At least one godparent (sponsor) is required — this person must be a confirmed Catholic, at least 16 years old, who has received the Eucharist, leads a life in harmony with the faith, and is not the parent of the child. A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent but cannot serve as the sole sponsor. (4) Parents typically attend a Baptism preparation class at their parish. For adult Baptism, the person enters the RCIA process, which includes catechetical instruction, participation in the life of the community, and reception of Baptism along with Confirmation and First Eucharist, usually at the Easter Vigil.

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