Since Catholics do baptisms as infants are they truly baptized? Do they ever get fully submerged in water?

We first need to look at the scriptural meaning of baptism. When two of Jesus’ disciples asked if they could sit on the right and left hand of Jesus in his kingdom Jesus answered saying, “Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.” (Matthew 20:22) 

The Greek word “baptized” means to be fully immersed in water. But Jesus was referring to more than simply being baptized in water. He was explaining that baptism is a symbol of total commitment to him. So being fully immersed in water is symbolic of a Christian’s full devotion. This type of decision is not possible for an infant to make. The two disciples Jesus was addressing were grown men. They answered that they were able to live the life-style Jesus was asking of them. Jesus himself was 30 years old when he was baptized. His words to the two disciples and his own example establish the scriptural description that baptism is an adult decision.

To learn more about baptism listen to, “Should Everyone Be Baptized?”

“How Many Baptisms Are There?”