THE IMPORTANCE OF INFANT BAPTISM AND WHY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

BAPTIZES INFANTS
Ibi Emmanuel Terseer
INTRODUCTION
Let me sincerely thank God for the opportunity to be alive and for the many graces he has
bestowed upon us. I am also grateful to our brother Franklin OKERE for giving me the
opportunity to make this presentation. May God continue to bless us all. The topic of our
discussion this night is one that has been contended by most of our separated brethren and
ecclesial communities who give different reasons why the baptism of infants is theologically and
scriptural wrong. Before delving into the question of why the Catholic Church baptizes infants,
let us understand what baptism is and who can be baptized.
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
The penny Catechism defines baptism as a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes
us Christians, children of God and members of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic
Church also expands more by saying that “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life,
the gateway to life in the spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (CCC
1213). This clearly expresses the necessity of baptism in the life of every person and the need for
parents to baptize their children at the early stage of infancy.
WHO THEN CAN RECEIVE BAPTISM?
The next question we have to answer is who can receive baptism? We would also get the answer
from the CCC too. The Catechism states “Every person not yet baptized and only such a person
is able to be baptized” (CCC 1246). The answer is clear ‘every person’.
Also from the Great Commission recorded in Matthew 28:18-20
“Then Jesus came to them and said,  “All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to me.   Therefore, go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of
the age.”
From this we also understand the intention of Jesus, that all should be baptized and saved
without any distinction. Having established who can receive baptism, let us now move to
answering the question of why Catholics baptize infants and the importance of infant baptism.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INFANT BAPTISM AND WHY CATHOLICS BAPTIZE INFANTS
Following the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church from the very beginning
has incorporated the Sacrament of Baptism into her primary mission. This is clearly evident in
the writings of the New Testament, which highlight a baptism without any age limit.
Thus, it is important to baptize infants because of the following reasons;
 Firstly, since every human person inherits original sin from the moment of conception,
and since only baptism cleanses us from original sin, it is important to baptize infants
also, in other to cleanse them from original sin.
 Secondly, since Baptism confers saving grace, it is important to baptize infants at the
early stage of their lives, to enable them obtain those graces.
 Thirdly, The Baptism of infants gives room for the Holy Spirit to guide the heart of the
child for the rest of their lives.
 Finally, The Church has always seen infant Baptism as a great gift and responsibility,
something that accords and recognizes the parents’ role as the nurturers of the life that
God has entrusted to them.
CONCLUSION
It is important to conclude by saying that the importance and necessity of infant baptism cannot
be overemphasized as the reasons above have made us to understand, also, it is important to state
that infants are baptized with the faith of the parents who promise to teach them the faith when
they eventually grow up. Hence, there should be no excuse or reason why we should not baptize
our children at infancy. Thanks for your attention, may God continue to bless us all and
strengthen our faith.

OPENING PRAYER
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Almighty God our Father, we thank you for the gift of life and the opportunity to learn the faith,
we beseech your presence in our midst as we begin this session and pray that you open our minds
to learn and grow our faith. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. AMEN
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, Pray for us.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
CLOSING PRAYER
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Almighty God our Father, we come in thanksgiving to you for the success of our faith Class, we
pray that all that we have learnt here will be put to use and we would continue to be good
Christians, bless and protect us as we go to bed, that we may rise at daybreak to continue to bless
your name. We ask all this through Christ our Lord. AMEN
Our Lady Help of Christians, Pray for us.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen