The Sacrament of Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (CCC1213).

Guidance for the Sacramental Initiation of Non-Catholic & Unbaptized School-Aged Children

  • For Non-Catholic Children baptized validly in another ecclesial community and under the age of 7:
    • The consent of the parents/guardians for the child to come into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church as well as the child’s baptismal information is recorded in the Register for Full Communion at the parish where it occurred.
    • The child then follows the typical course for preparation and reception of the sacraments.
  • For Non-Catholic Children baptized validly in another ecclesial community and 7 years and older:
    • After two years of catechetical formation and instruction, the child is presented for First Penance and Reconciliation. Then the child is received into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, with reception, Confirmation and Communion, according to the rite found in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. This order of the Sacraments cannot under any circumstances be inverted or separated.
    • Reception into Full Communion can take place almost at any time and by the parish priest.
    • Reception into Full Communion is recorded in the Register for Full Communion and NOT in the Register for Baptism at the parish where it occurred.
  • For unbaptized children under the age of 7:
    • If the child is unbaptized, the parents/guardians are to attend a baptismal preparation session(s) at the parish of baptism and is baptized according to the Order of Baptism for Children.
    • The child then follows the typical course for catechetical instruction and preparation for the reception of the sacraments.
  • For unbaptized children 7 years or older:
    • If the child is unbaptized, with the consent of the parents/guardians, the child may be accepted as a catechumen. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults provides for the steps and periods adapted for school age children.
    • There is to be two years of catechetical formation alongside the steps and periods of Christian Initiation.
    • The child can be fully initiated apart from the Easter Vigil, if desired, without any additional permission. After this, the newly initiated child is to be presented for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
    • Acceptance into the Catechumenate is to be recorded in the Register for the Catechumenate at the parish where it occurred.
    • The Sacraments of Christian Initiation are to be recorded in the Register for Baptism at the Parish where they occurred.
  • For Orthodox Christians:
    • If the child is baptized as an Orthodox Christian, then most likely Confirmation and First Holy Communion also took place at Baptism. Although these Sacraments are considered valid by the Roman Catholic Church, it is an offense to the Orthodox to immediately presume intercommunion. Before an invitation is given for intercommunion, the proper Orthodox pastor of the child is be consulted, if possible, by the parents/guardians.
    • This applies to the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation as well.
    • If there is a desire for the Orthodox family to become Roman Catholic, the Chancery Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia must be contacted.

Resource for Preparing for Baptism