Baptism is the first of the sacraments, “the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (Catechism 1213). Through water and the word, a person is freed from original sin, reborn as a child of God and made a member of the Church. Catholic parents usually have their children baptized as infants, in the first weeks after birth.
This guide explains how to arrange a baptism, who can be a godparent, what happens during the ceremony, and answers common questions about names, gifts and emergency baptism.
What baptism does
- Washes away original sin and, for adults, all personal sins.
- Makes us children of God and temples of the Holy Spirit.
- Joins us to the Church, the Body of Christ.
- Marks the soul with an indelible spiritual seal, so it is received only once (Catechism 1272).
Jesus himself was baptized by John in the Jordan:
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan, unto John, to be baptized by him.
But John stayed him, saying: I ought to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me?
And Jesus answering, said to him: Suffer it to be so now. For so it becometh us to fulfill all justice. Then he suffered him.
And Jesus being baptized, forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him.
And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
And he commanded his apostles to baptize all nations:
Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
Why do Catholics baptize babies?
Children, too, are born with a fallen human nature and need the new birth of baptism; the Church baptizes them so that they are not deprived “of the priceless grace of becoming a child of God” (Catechism 1250). The practice goes back to the apostles, who baptized whole households (Acts 16:15, 33). Canon law asks parents to have their child baptized within the first weeks after birth (canon 867).
How to arrange a baptism
- Contact your parish during pregnancy or soon after the birth.
- Attend a baptism preparation session for parents (and often godparents).
- Choose godparents who meet the requirements below and obtain a sponsor certificate if they belong to another parish.
- Bring the documents the parish asks for, such as the birth certificate.
- Set the date: many parishes celebrate baptisms on Sundays, sometimes during Mass.
There is no fee for a sacrament; families often make an offering to the parish.
Godparent requirements
A godparent (sponsor) must (canons 872–874):
- be chosen by the parents and willing to serve;
- be at least 16 years old (the bishop may set another age);
- be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the Eucharist;
- lead a life of faith in keeping with the role;
- not be the child’s father or mother.
There may be one godparent or two (one man and one woman). A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness together with a Catholic godparent.
The baptism ceremony, step by step
- Reception of the child at the church door: the priest or deacon asks the name and what the parents ask of the Church (“Baptism”), and traces the Sign of the Cross on the child’s forehead, followed by the parents and godparents.
- Liturgy of the Word: a Scripture reading, a brief homily and intercessions, with a short litany of the saints.
- Prayer of exorcism and anointing with the oil of catechumens (or laying on of hands).
- Blessing of the baptismal water.
- Renunciation of sin and profession of faith by the parents and godparents, in the name of the child.
- Baptism: the priest or deacon immerses the child or pours water on the head three times, saying, “N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
- Anointing with sacred chrism on the crown of the head.
- Clothing with the white garment, a sign of new life in Christ.
- Lighted candle, lit from the paschal candle and given to the father or godfather.
- Ephphatha (optional): the priest touches the ears and mouth, praying that the child may soon hear and proclaim the word.
- The Lord’s Prayer and the final blessing of the mother, the father and all present.
Emergency baptism
If an unbaptized person is in danger of death and no priest or deacon is available, anyone may baptize, even a non-Christian, provided they intend to do what the Church does (Catechism 1256). The Baltimore Catechism gives this simple instruction:
Pour common water on the head or face of the person to be baptized, and say while pouring it:
“I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
N.B. Any person of either sex who has reached the use of reason can baptize in case of necessity, but the same person must say the words while pouring the water.
Today the words are said in modern English: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Inform the parish afterward so that the baptism can be recorded.
Baptism names, clothes and gifts
- Names: parents should avoid names “foreign to Christian sensibility” (canon 855). Many choose a saint’s name, giving the child a patron; see patron saints.
- Clothes: a white garment, often a family christening gown, or simple white clothes.
- Gifts: a children’s Bible, a baptism candle holder, a cross for the nursery, a rosary, a saint’s medal, or a framed baptism certificate. Godparents often give a gift on the anniversary each year.
- Celebrate the anniversary: light the baptismal candle each year on the day of baptism.
A prayer for a child being baptized
Written for this page:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of (name).
Today he (she) becomes your child in the waters of baptism.
Fill him (her) with your Holy Spirit, protect him (her) from all evil,
and help us, his (her) parents and godparents,
to teach him (her) to know and love you by our words and example. Amen.
For Prayers of the Faithful at a baptism, see our Prayers of the Faithful for a baptism Mass.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after birth should a baby be baptized?
Within the first weeks (canon 867); if the baby is in danger of death, immediately.
Can a baby be baptized if the parents are not married in the Church?
Yes, as long as there is a founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic. Talk to your parish priest.
Is baptism by another Christian church valid?
Most Christian baptisms with water and the Trinitarian formula are valid and are never repeated.
What happens to babies who die without baptism?
The Church entrusts them to the mercy of God, who desires all to be saved (Catechism 1261).
More sacrament guides
- Baptism of the Lord
- Requisitos para el bautizo (in Spanish)
- Catholic prayer for pregnancy
- Confirmation saint names
- The seven sacraments
- First Communion
- OCIA: how adults become Catholic
- Prayers of the Faithful for a baptism Mass
- Catholic birthday prayers
Texts and sources
- Scripture: Matthew 3:13–17; Matthew 28:19–20, Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner), public domain.
- Emergency baptism: Baltimore Catechism No. 1, “The Manner in Which a Lay Person Is to Baptize in Case of Necessity,” public domain (Project Gutenberg).
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213, 1250, 1256, 1261 and 1272; Code of Canon Law, canons 855, 867, 872–874.
- Order of Baptism of Children (structure of the rite, described).
- The prayer was written for this page.