Dear Lesley,

I am so happy that you and husband want to bring your whole family into the Catholic faith. Because your children have reached the age of reason, the Church wants them to understand something of the Faith before baptizing them, so that their will is free and informed.

The two years might be longer than some parishes do it, so you could check around. However,
the Church has always taught that catechumens <individuals who have never been officially baptized into the Church> receive a Baptism of desire, should they die before receiving the sacrament of Baptism, so there is no worry on that score.

As for Baptism in another faith, even a Protestant Church will want to be assured that the children are choosing Baptism freely and know what it is.

Some Protestant baptisms are not valid (they don't do what Jesus said to do, and don't intend anything by it). I think your best bet is to see if that policy pertains to the whole diocese.
If it does, then accept it, and realize that becoming Catholic is joining the Body of Christ,
the Family of God, and that having some community of learning and prayer as preparation
is truly important.

God bless you all.

— Mary Ann

Hi, Leslie —

First of all, whatever it is you read about Limbo, it is not official teaching, because Limbo is nothing more than a theological opinion espoused by some in the Middle Ages. While it was a popular opinion, it was never officially sanctioned by the Church and has since been pretty much rejected.

The Church presumes that God can save:

• whom He wants
• when He wants
• according to ways known only to Him.

In all cases, we rely on the Mercy of God and entrust all souls, including the non-baptized, to that Great Mercy. Now, let me speak to your children's situation.

Once a person has reached the age of reason, they must profess faith for themselves in order to receive Baptism. They can no longer rely on the word of their parents. Your children are now old enough and therefore need to know the faith they are going to say Yes to in Baptism.

In the meantime, your children would be considered catechumens. As such, if, by some tragedy, they were to die in an accident, they would be covered by what is known as Baptism of desire.
Of course, if either were to become gravely ill (in danger of death) a priest would be able to baptize them, as would anyone, including yourself, provided they are baptized with water and the words:

(First Name), I baptize you In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I hope this puts your fears to rest.

John D.