How were you convinced that baptism is something you should do?

06convert · #1 Feb 9, '09, 7:18 am

Catholics and non-Catholics:

I have a non-Catholic friend that is married with kids. He is not baptised and is not having his kids baptised. He said he isn't against baptism, but feels like it should be up to the person if they feel they want to be baptised.

So I feel the urge to get him and his kids baptised.

So did anyone here ever question baptism? What finally convinced you that it's a key component to your salvation? Give me some things I can mention to him to help push him along...

lizaanne · #2 Feb 9, '09, 7:46 am

I was not baptized until I was 35 (I'm 44 now). I went to Mass regularly with my paternal grandfather when I was a child, but my mother (who is an atheist) never wanted me baptized. For some reason, when I hit my mid 30's I felt drawn back to Mass. I started going every Sunday but was unable to participate fully. Finally it was my desire to receive Holy Communion - FINALLY, for the first time in my life, that drew me to being baptized.

So it was not baptism itself that I was drawn to, it was that I knew I had to do this to gain access to all the sacraments of the Church.

And please also consider that the parish I was at during this time was probably one of the WORST I could have possibly been going to for catechesis. It is amazing that I've stayed and become a Faithful Catholic after the experience -- so when it comes to understanding the salvific aspect of baptism, I don't think we ever were told anything about it that I can remember.

It was a kum-bye-ya sorta place.

~Liza

06convert · #3 Feb 10, '09, 8:59 am

I suppose I didn't even realize how important it was until more recently. I think I desired to be part of the church and baptism was the next step toward that.

I'm just not sure how to explain the significance to a non-Catholic. The most ground I gained so far was when I mentioned how Jesus himself was baptised, and how we are all called to be like Christ.

Sina · #4 Feb 10, '09, 9:10 am

I don't know if my response is a proper Catholic response, but I think Baptism is an outward sign. You are receiving a sacrament ( the first one, which opens you up to receive more ) in front of a congregation of God's faithful. It's like the sacrament of marriage, where you are openly showing your love and commitment to your spouse. Baptism to me, is like this with God.

Every easter, and ever mass, there is mention of your baptismal promise. You reject Satan in public and you say the creed. Baptism was a calling for me. I wasn't baptized until I was 19 but it was all I ever wanted. Now that I have done it, I am bound by my commitment.

Oh... and it was pretty awesome to have all my sins forgiven too.

nomie · #5 Feb 10, '09, 10:07 am

Hi there,
This might be the "wrong" thing to say and not what you want to hear but I don't think your friend should be baptized. I am 34 yrs old and eagerly preparing for the sacraments of initiation this Easter. I have been told that one of the "benefits"(for lack of a better word) of baptism is being welcomed into a new community. I suppose this is one reason babies are baptised in the Church. If you friend doesn't belong to a faith community or has much conviction either way about being baptized, I am not sure how much being baptized would help him. I look at my baptism as the start of a new life. It won't do me much good if I don't continue to live the faith afterwards. I know my in-laws prayed for me for a long time(I have known my husband for 19 yrs and been married for 12)before I decided I wanted to become a Catholic. So nothing is impossible.