Nebraska Catholic Conference

👶💦 Why do we baptize babies instead of waiting until they’re older?

It’s a great question, and it usually comes from a wonderful place of wanting to respect a child’s freedom. But Scripture and history show us that Baptism is essential at the beginning.

We often misunderstand Original Sin as a personal crime we have committed, but theology tells us that it’s a spiritual inheritance of human brokenness from Adam and Eve. We are born into a fractured world separated from God’s original design.

By baptizing an infant, we aren’t forcing a checklist of rules onto them; we are flooding their soul with God’s life and healing from day one.

Consider how we approach parenting in every other area of life. Out of pure love, we don’t remain neutral on a child’s nutrition, education, or healthcare until they turn 18. We don’t wait for them to “choose” to be protected from a serious illness if medicine is available immediately.

Spiritual stewardship operates on that exact same logic. True freedom doesn’t mean starting with a blank slate in a broken world; it means being equipped with the divine grace to navigate it from the very beginning. As parents, opening the door to the sacraments is the ultimate act of protective love.

🙏 This Week’s Reflection: Let’s lift up all new and expecting parents in prayer this week, or anyone who may be considering baptism for themselves. May they feel deeply supported, encouraged, and equipped to enter into the family of God!

Special invite from Tom! 📨 Join the NCC, local scholar Jennifer Bryson, and Monsignor Fucinaro from the Cathedral of the Risen Christ for a captivating panel discussion about the Sacrament of marriage and what truly makes it last forever. ❤️‍🔥

🗓️ Thursday, May 28th, 2026 | 7 PM
📍 St. Teresa Catholic Church | Lincoln

Bring your friends! And as Tom said, “Be there or be square.” 🫡