Baptism

[rsthomas]

I am a Roman Catholic from India living in the US. My second son was born 2 months ago. I grew up very close to the Cathedral church of my parish. I have an emotional attachment to that church. My marriage was condcuted in that church 6 yrs ago. Also we took our older son to get baptised there 3.5 yrs ago. We are thinking of the same with our younger son. But the parish priest is objecting now to conducting the sacrement at the cathedral as he instists to have it at the parish church. I have gone through the relevant sections of Canon Law and he could always allow this ( other priests has allowed it …). We are not demanding something here … we are requesting our wish to be granted. Why does he have to be so stubborn on this ? I really dont understand. I am hoping that someone in here can give some perspective. I am even willing to write to Vatican if needed to do something. I could approch the local Bishop there as well. What do you guys think my options are ? Any suggestions are highly appreciated.

 

[puzzleannie]

you could register at the Cathedral parish and have that be your parish of record. You may attend Mass anywhere you wish, but would return to that parish for sacraments of initiation for your children. You should support both your parish of record and the parish you regularly attend.

 

[rsthomas]

Thanks for the info. I missed a point that the Cathedral is not a parish. I am not sure whether its common or not.

 

[puzzleannie]

rsthomas:

Thanks for the info. I missed a point that the Cathedral is not a parish. I am not sure whether its common or not.

not sure if I am understanding you. If you or others were baptized at this Cathedral it must also be a parish, because baptism have to be recorded in parish records. It would be very unusual for baptisms to be done regularly in other than a parish Church. Ditto for weddings. Is there some reason you cannot register in the Cathedral parish as your parish of record? f

or instance, the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan near us is a very popular pilgrimage destination, a beautiful large Church, and often the site of diocesan wide celebrations, including Confirmations. But people often request to be baptized there, which cannot be done because it is not a parish church, and consequently keeps no sacramental records.

Same with weddings. They have been done, but it is not usual and requires a special request or dispensation or something. When Confirmations are done for adults from all over the diocese, the candidates are presented by their parish, and the sacrament recorded in their home parish of record.

 

[BayCityRickL]

rsthomas:

I am hoping that someone in here can give some perspective.

Hi,

I see your point of view, but the others make good sense, too.

Please note that there are people married and priests ordained at St. Peter’s in Rome, as I understand. As best as I understand, Jesus was dedicated in the Temple by his parents, not at a local synogogue. That was a fulfillment of scripture.

I can’t give you a legal opinion, but I will make a suggestion. Why not inquire if the Bishop would perform the Baptism for you?

But, in humility, accept the answer and let it go at that. I don’t think that you will win if you try to be too legalistic about this.

Truthfully, the Baptism will be valid wherever it is performed. God hears our prayers wherever we may be. That is shown over and over in scripture. Have faith in God.

And, Baptism is just about the greatest thing that can happen in our life. Celebrate this Baptism and God’s gift of your child to you.

In the Old Testament (sorry, didn’t look this up yet) God says build Me a house and I will dwell in it. Your parish church is consecrated and it is a holy place. You can always make a private dedication of your children to God in the Cathedral church, if you so desire.

And, dwell on this:

**Psalm
90:1 A prayer of Moses, the man of God.
Lord, you have been our refuge
through all generations.

90:2 Before the mountains were born,
the earth and the world brought forth,
from eternity to eternity you are God.**