Adult Baptism: Preparation, Rites, and Celebration
An adult’s baptism is preceded by a period of preparation called the catechumenate. During this period, the catechumen journeys toward discovering the Christian faith before receiving baptism, which is usually celebrated during the Easter Vigil. Adult baptism is discussed in particular in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraphs 1247 through 1249.
Why seek baptism as an adult?
Adults who seek baptism may have very different backgrounds:
- They have had a personal encounter with God
- Someone has spoken to them about God or Christ
- Some have discovered the faith through Christian influencers or the Internet
- Others are questioning the meaning of life
- Etc.
What are the requirements for adult baptism in the Catholic Church?
Anyone who has not yet been baptized may receive baptism. The only fundamental requirement is faith, which is publicly professed on the day of baptism.
More specifically, to be baptized as an adult, you must:
- Complete a period of preparation called the catechumenate
- Desire to live according to the Gospel and the Christian life
The Code of Canon Law adds: “For an adult to be baptized, the person must have manifested the intention to receive baptism, have been instructed sufficiently about the truths of the faith and Christian obligations, and have been tested in the Christian life through the catechumenate. The adult is also to be urged to have sorrow for personal sins.” (Canon 865, §1.)
What is the maximum age for adult baptism?
There is no maximum age for being baptized in the Catholic Church. It is therefore possible to be baptized at any age, whether one is 18, 60, or even 90 years old.
How does one get baptized as an adult?
To be baptized as an adult, you can contact your parish or the diocesan catechumenate office. The simplest approach is usually to contact your parish directly—either through the parish office or by requesting a meeting with the pastor to express your desire to be baptized.
You will then be offered guidance to help you discover the Christian faith, ask questions, and gradually move toward baptism. This period of discovery and preparation, which leads the adult to baptism, is called the catechumenate and generally lasts between 18 months and 2 years. An adult preparing for baptism is called a catechumen.
What are the steps to be baptized as an adult?
The steps to be baptized as an adult include, in particular:
- The Rite of Acceptance: a celebration at church that marks the official beginning of the journey toward baptism
- The period of the catechumenate: a time during which the catechumen discovers the Gospels, the Christian faith, the Church, and so on
- The Rite of Election: The Rite of Election generally takes place on the first Sunday of Lent.
- The celebration of the three scrutinies: The scrutinies are rites that are often celebrated in church on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent
- Baptism
These stages are part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church adds: “the catechumens should be properly initiated into the mystery of salvation and the practice of the evangelical virtues, and they should be introduced into the life of faith, liturgy, and charity of the People of God by successive sacred rites.” (No. 1248).
How is adult baptism celebrated?
Number 1278 states that the rite consists of immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his or her head, while invoking the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As mentioned in No. 1247, the celebration of Baptism enables the newly baptized person to receive First Communion, and may include the sacrament of Confirmation either during this celebration or a few weeks afterward.
With Hozana, rediscover the greatness of Baptism!
Whether you were baptized as a child or as an adult, Hozana offers you a variety of resources to continue your journey toward holiness following your baptism, such as:
- These .
