Baptism

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brdwaybaby444

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My husband and I have decided to raise our child (who will be here in 11 days) Catholic. He was raised Catholic and went through the sacraments. I was raised pentecostal. I don’t practice any religion right now, and I don’t really plan to. However, I want to be 100% supportive of my child becoming Catholic. While I didn’t stick with my religion, the morals, values, and lessons I learned in the church have proven to be so valuable in my life, and I want Lily to have the same opportunity to learn. I plan on “making” her continue with her religious studies until she does her confirmation, and then let her make her own decisions regarding religion.

So we are taking a baptism class this Saturday, and I have no idea what to expect. I was wondering how I should prepare for it. I’m worried the priest will not be happy with the fact that I’m not religious, but I want to be open and honest with him. I don’t plan on attending mass. I have no plans on converting. I’d rather volunteer at the soup kitchen run by the Catholic Charities on Sunday instead of going to mass. My husband will be the one going to mass and taking Lily. I’ll go for her special occasions, or anything she wants me to be there for. Her godparents are both practicing Catholics.

Can someone give me advice on how to prepare for the class, and also some guidance as to what to expect for these first few years and the involvement needed with the church? Do we have to pick out a baptism name for her? Should we let her godparents do that? Are my expectations in line with what the Catholic church can provide my daughter?

Thank you for your help. I’m sure I’ll have many questions over the next several years, so I’m hoping for positive responses.
 
I would say the important part is that you are raising her Catholic and that her godparents are practicing Catholics. Her father is Catholic and he will be doing most of the raising Catholic part as he is the one that can partake of the Sacraments. However, that being said remember that baptism does leave an indellible mark on the soul and while you certainly cannot drag her kicking and screaming once she is and adult while she lives in your home you should do everything you can to encourage her to attend mass and faith formation. Not following the precepts of the Church can place a baptized Catholic into a state of mortal sin - especially when they know better- and at the point of Confirmation they should know better.

I would also be prepared for the tough questions later on like why is it a sin for her to miss Mass but mommy not to attend any service. This can be a rough one. I am certainly judging you - please do not read my tone that way - it is tough on forums like these as you cannot hear my voice. However, I might suggest that you yourself may wish to attend your own Church as an example of following your faith or find one that you are comfortable with so that these kinds of questions may be avoided as best as one can.

I think as far as preparing yourself - just be honest. They have heard it all already.

God bless you for doing your best and being so respectful of this beautiful Sacrament.
 
My advice to you is to attend RCIA classes and learn about the Catholic faith otherwise you will not be able to support your daughter properly. Once you actually and truyy do learn all that the Church teaches, you will be a much better parent to your child. Why you are so firm in your statement about not attending a worship service for one hour one day a week with your family seems a bit odd to me. Perhaps you have some ideas about the Catholic church that are incorrect. Sometimes certain protestant denoms have preached against the Catholic Church but for inaccurate reasons. Learn first, then you can make a good decision. May God bless you as you become a mother and a family of three.🙂
 
Thank you for the advice. I will look into some classes so I can familiarize myself a bit more with the Catholic Faith. I spent several years studying the Bible, so I’m very familiar with the text, but not the specific texts that Catholics use (I just learned a few days ago that there are actual Canon Laws! So I’ll be able to help her learn/understand certain things. Thankfully my husband should be able to help a lot more with the “Catholic-Specific” stuff.

I know it will be difficult to explain to her why I don’t go to mass, but that is something I am prepared to do. It’s personnel choices that have led me to this decision, not going to church. But I still think I am doing the right thing by affording my daughter the opportunity to learn and make decisions for herself.
 
It might be useful to pick up a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It has good (adult level) explanations of what we believe, the biblical references, and it is well indexed. So if a question comes up, you have a starting place to look.
 
Thanks! We have our class tomorrow, so I will ask him about that book (see if they have any there) and any other reading material.
 
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