Question re Catholic Baptism

[chkpea]

Ok, here is the long and short of it. My children are 6 and 4. My husband is Catholic and I am anglican. We have not been very good at attending church. But we have been wanting to, so we started today. Both of our children are not baptised. The only thing that held us back is choosing where to go to church...which religion. So, now we want to get them baptised but I am almost embarrased that they are not. I know I shouldn't care what people think. But it will raise eyebrows I am sure. So, is it normal for older children to be baptised in the Catholic church? wwyd?

[mynetname]

Sure. I have seen a group of people of all ages waiting for a baptism class (I think, or some preparation) in a Catholic Church. I wouldn't worry about the age at all.

[Ofwait]

Older kids get baptized all the time...

[javilu]

Don't be embarrassed. I know of adults who have been baptized (as adults)! The priest will be happy to see you, I'm sure.

[lilyka]

Our church does infant baptism. but my children were not baptized until they were 5, 8 and 11. it was a joyous occaision! judgment was the farthesat thing from anyones mind. no one was thinking "why haven't these kids been baptized" they were all thinking "welcome home!!!" just happy to recieve us into the fullness of the faith.
a baptism is always a beautiful thing. regardless of how old you are.

[Fay]

I'm a lifelong Catholic, and my sons were baptized together -- DS1 was 6 years old, DS2 was 4 months old. I don't think any eyebrows will be raised. Your children will be welcomed joyfully!

[xekomaya]

Like everyone said - no problem at all. In fact, it is a great time for your 6 year old to get baptized and then into CCD or other religious education classes for First Holy Communion which is usually in 2nd grade or 7 years old.

[elanorh]

Honestly, I'd worried a little about dd2's baptism (she was five months at the time, which I thought was 'older' for a baptism) -- our parish does it once a month for everyone and she was the youngest child there. Just guessing ages, I think there were a couple other 'infants,' and probably a 2 year old, a 4 year old, a couple who were 5-7 years of age, and 3 who were between 8 and 10.

FWIW, it was a February baptism.

[momoftworedheads]

I used to teach a class for children who were not Baptized as infants. They would be Baptized at our Easter Vigil Mass. It was a beautiful ceremony.

Good luck to you!!!

Take care,

Jen