Baptism and Prayers of the faithful

[awtjdavies]

A Catholic family lost a baby through miscarriage. The parents asked the local Priest about Baptism. They were informed that as the baby was deceased baptism was not possible. However, the baby was allowed a requiem Mass.On the anniversary of the baby’s death they asked the Priest if it could be remembered in the prayers of the faithful. The Priest said ‘no’ on the basis that it was not Baptised. Is this the correct position ? Thanks.

 

[Pax_Vobiscum_57]

I would think the prayers of the faithful is not an appropriate forum to mark the anniversary, unless the Mass is being offered on that date for the child. They could always request a Mass for the living and deceased members of their family or for their special intention.

The priest was correct about the baptism, and I’m glad he offered them a Requiem Mass after their loss.

 

[SMHW]

In some parishes it is customary to have the Mass intention mentioned within of the Prayers of the Faithful, at least on Sundays.

To the best of my knowledge, a deceased person need not be baptized to have a Mass said for them.

 

[ThuribleGuy45]

Correct on Baptism.

That said, and having lost 2 children to miscarriage myself, I can’t imagine adding to this couple’s pain by refusing some mention in the Prayer of the Faithful. While different parishes may structure their POF content differently, at our parish we always mention by name parishoners who have died in the prior week. Surely in a similar context, some reference in charity and compassion suitable to the anniversary could be made. The Order for Christian Funerals includes prayer options for infants who have died without Baptism. Since that situation is provided for in the formal funeral rites, I cannot understand why a POF accomodation would be considered wrong. It’s stiff-necked actions like this that cause needless hurt and drive people away.