Infant Baptism Explained (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Summary
Father Mike Schmitz addresses common questions about infant baptism, providing biblical and historical support for the practice, explaining how parents' faith speaks for their child. He then distinguishes this from adult baptism, which requires a personal declaration of faith and a period of preparation through programs like OCIA. The episode concludes by highlighting the spiritual value of waiting, asserting that God uses this time to deepen faith and readiness for receiving sacraments.Episode description
Why do Catholics baptize their babies? Is it even biblical?
At first glance, infant baptism can seem unbiblical. But Fr. Mike points to several instances in Scripture that support the practice and reveal God’s desire to bring children into His covenant family from the very beginning.
Baptizing a child doesn’t replace their freedom — it begins their life of faith. As they grow, they will one day choose Jesus for themselves and personally embrace the grace they first received as a gift.
For those baptized as adults, baptism becomes a conscious, public declaration of faith. That journey often includes waiting, and that’s okay. There’s no need to rush. God uses the waiting to prepare your heart, deepen your desire, and make you ready to fully receive what He wants to give you.
Something sacred happens in the waiting. It stretches the heart, strengthens faith, and forms trust. Let God do His work there.