Baptism of Older Children Class - Ages 7 and Older
Why Should Children Be Baptized?
Baptism is the life-giving Sacrament instituted by our Lord to remove original sin (and all actual sin up to that time) from our souls. It is the means by which we become members of God's Church and are incorporated into His Mystical Body. Baptism is necessary for salvation, so we should never delay in having our children baptized.
✓ Key Fact: Every child deserves the grace of Baptism, regardless of age. Your older child's baptism is an important spiritual milestone that opens them to God's life and mercy.
How Can Older Children Be Baptized in the Catholic Church?
Every single human soul needs to be baptized. Thus anyone may receive baptism — from newborn infants all the way to the elderly. While the Sacrament is the same for everyone (using the same words and form), the preparation needed differs depending on a person's age and circumstances.
Children aged 7 or older will generally need some basic Catholic classes before they can be baptized, since they are capable of understanding right and wrong. Children under the age of 7, since they do not yet know right and wrong, do not need formal formation classes prior to receiving the life-giving Sacrament of Baptism.
Are You Preparing Your Older Child for Baptism?
Whether you're a parent, godparent, or preparing your child, we have the courses you need. Use our course selector below to find the right preparation program for your situation:
👨👩👧 Parents & Godparents
Complete the Parent/Godparent Baptism Preparation Class. This is typically a 1-2 hour course required by most dioceses.
👧 Older Children (Ages 7+)
Children ages 7+ need formation classes. Our course selector will determine which specific classes your child needs.
🎓 Course Bundle
Most children will need our comprehensive preparation package with everything needed for baptism readiness.
What Are Baptism Classes?
A Baptism Class for parents and godparents is often required by a majority of dioceses and parishes because of the unique importance of Baptism. Our Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Baptism as the means of receiving forgiveness of original sin. Through Baptism we become Christians, incorporated in Christ, and made sons and daughters of God.
Through the graces of Baptism, we are given the foundations of virtue and the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Parents and godparents of older children preparing for Baptism should complete a formation class to understand their roles and responsibilities in this sacred moment.
What Classes Do Older Children Need to Take?
Unlike infants who cannot take classes, children aged 7 or older need to take a basic Catholic Faith formation course before Baptism. At this age, children are capable of understanding right and wrong, and therefore need a rudimentary grasp of the Catholic Faith before receiving the Sacrament.
These classes are often known as RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children). In the process, your child will likely also be studying for First Holy Communion, First Confession, and possibly Confirmation at the same time.
💡 Helpful Tip: Use our course selector to find out exactly which classes your child needs. Answer the questions as if you were your child, and you'll get a personalized course list.
What Age Groups Attend RCIC Classes?
Children ages 7 or older will usually take part in RCIC classes to receive the Sacrament of Baptism and enter the Catholic Church. Children in high school will usually take part in standard RCIA classes with adults.
Children under 7 who are below the age of reason are baptized without attending religious education classes first. They will simply begin CCD classes when they start their primary education.
Can My Older Child Take Baptism Preparation Classes Online?
Yes! CatechismClass.com offers best-selling and extremely convenient online classes for older children preparing for their Baptism. Since many parishes offer these classes at infrequent or inconvenient times, we provide complete and comprehensive formation that is available online 24/7.
The exact courses your child needs depend on their unique situation. Use our course selector to get a personalized list of required materials. Upon completion, you'll receive a PDF certificate of preparation that can be presented to your parish. You can then schedule your child's Baptism and reception of the Sacraments.
⚠️ Important: Baptism is necessary for salvation. Do not delay in starting your child's preparation. Begin the process today!
What Happens During an Older Child's Baptism?
The baptismal ceremony for an older child includes elements similar to infant baptism but adapted for the child's ability to participate:
- Welcome & Opening Prayers – The priest or deacon welcomes the candidate and their family
- Scripture Readings – Passages about baptism and new life are proclaimed
- Prayer Over the Water – The priest blesses the baptismal water
- Anointing with Oil of Catechumens – The child is anointed as preparation for the sacrament
- Profession of Faith – Parents and godparents profess the child's faith (or the child may profess it themselves)
- Baptism with Water – The priest or deacon pours water over the child's head while saying the baptismal formula as taught by Christ Himself
- Anointing with Sacred Chrism – The child is anointed as a newly baptized Christian
- Lighting of Baptismal Candle – A candle is lit to symbolize the light of Christ
- Closing Blessing – The ceremony concludes with blessings for the child and family
Before, During & After Your Child's Baptism
BEFORE
✓ Contact your parish
✓ Register your child for Baptism
✓ Enroll your child in preparation
✓ Parent/Godparent class
✓ Choose godparents carefully
✓ Plan baptismal attire
✓ Pray and prepare spiritually
✓ Schedule Confession if needed
DURING
✓ Arrive early to the ceremony
✓ Child professes faith (if old enough)
✓ Renewal of baptismal promises
✓ Water baptism
✓ Anointing with Sacred Chrism
✓ Lighting of baptismal candle
✓ Receive blessings
✓ Celebration with family
AFTER
✓ Celebrate with family & parish
✓ Receive baptismal certificate
✓ Begin living baptismal promises
✓ Prepare for First Communion
✓ Continue faith formation
✓ Attend regular Mass
✓ Grow in spiritual life
✓ Share faith with others
What Our Families Say
"This platform is a gift from heaven... He has also learned to love Latin because of the Latin prayers featured in the lessons... This platform is truly the work of the Holy Spirit!"
– Sylvia Czaja
"I have not signed up my 3 boys yet ages 16, 14, and 9. They come from divorced parents and getting them to complete CCD classes has been impossible... THANK YOU! This is so awesome."
– Bernardita Torrez, McKinney, TX
"It is absolutely wonderful! You have brought the Catechism to life with beautiful pictures, prayers and saints! The format is perfect for homeschoolers."
– Mary Kerfoot, Retired Catholic School Administrator
Ready to Prepare Your Child for Baptism?
Start your child's baptism preparation today with CatechismClass.com. Our affordable, comprehensive, and parish-approved courses make it easy for parents, godparents, and children to prepare for this sacred sacrament.
Use Course Selector View Course Package
Questions about Baptism preparation? View Baptism Etiquette Guide → or See Baptism Requirements →