Baptism questions

[marvin]

Hi everyone,

A couple who is near and dear to me is having their daughter baptized into the Catholic church.
-One of them is not Catholic.
-They are not married.
-The parish where they are baptizing the baby is not requiring them (the couple) or the Godparents to attend Pre Jordan classes.

This whole thing doesn’t sit right with me. Shouldn’t they at least have some counseling before hand? Anyone have any insight or similar experiences?

Thanks.

 

[Zachary]

It depends on why they are baptising their child. They need to understand their roles in baptism. I made the mistake of letting my girlfriend pick her aunt and uncle, who believe there is a God but that’s it…I am ashamed that I was so week. Of the 4 of us (godparents and parents) I am the only one who “got it.”

If they are doing it for tradition or just because “it’s the right thing to do” they really need to step back and take a look. Tee parent who is not Catholic needs to understand that they must support a Catholic upbringing in all ways and that includes them converting. Pray that this is the first step to that.

 

[mlchance]

Zachary:

If they are doing it for tradition or just because “it’s the right thing to do” they really need to step back and take a look. Tee parent who is not Catholic needs to understand that they must support a Catholic upbringing in all ways and that includes them converting.

Conversion of the non-Catholic parent is not a requirement (even if it is desirable).

The child needs to be baptized. Period. Accomplish that first, then work on solving the other problems.

– Mark L. Chance.

 

[Karin]

mlchance:

Conversion of the non-Catholic parent is not a requirement (even if it is desirable).

The child needs to be baptized. Period. Accomplish that first, then work on solving the other problems.

– Mark L. Chance.

Should the parents not understand what the process is about? Baptism alone will not save anyone, they have to understand as they grow up what the faith is all about, no?

 

[Brendan]

The requirement in Canon Law is that there be “a well founded hope” that the child be raised Catholic and instructed in the Catholic faith.

There really is no obligation for “Pre-Jordan” classes, only that the pastor of the Catholic party have the “well founded hope” that Canon Law requires.

Based on the information given, I don’t think any of us can second guess the pastor.

 

[mlchance]

Karin:

Should the parents not understand what the process is about? Baptism alone will not save anyone, they have to understand as they grow up what the faith is all about, no?

First question: That’d be nice.

Second question: No one said it would. But Baptism does forgive sin, and it does confer graces upon the recipient. One doesn’t know what tomorrow may bring. God forbid, but my 7-year-old daughter could die tomorrow. If that were to happen (again: God forbid!) and she’d not been baptised…

– Mark L. Chance.