Can You Baptize A Baby During Lent (Catholic Answers)

Q: It is a very common practice for parishes to refuse baptism during Lent, and I am wondering what recourse parents can take. Is there anywhere in the Church’s teaching that supports this practice? Is there anything that explicitly condemns it? Thank you.

A: Parents have the right and obligation under law to have their infants baptized shortly after they are born. Canon Law states this clearly: Parents are obliged to see that their infants are baptized within the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth, indeed even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child, and to be themselves duly prepared for it. If the infant is in danger of death, it is to be baptized without any delay. Can. 867 §1,§2

Further, since there is certainly no requirement, or even a provision in the law for pastors to deny, or for parents to refrain from, the baptism of infants during the entire season of Lent, there is no basis to introduce or maintain such a practice in a parish.

If the birth occurs very late in the Lenten season, one might envision a pastor suggesting that the baptism be delayed until Easter. In this regard, Holy Week is not usually a fit time to celebrate a baptism (except in danger of death), though even here, it is not strictly forbidden on Monday – Thursday of Holy Week.

Hence, I would say you are on good ground to appeal such a pastoral stance if your pastor is unmoved by your request for reconsideration.

I suppose if a dialogue with the pastor is not fruitful, the Bishop, the Dean, or the priest personnel director could be consulted and asked to direct the Pastor in this regard.