Can I baptize my sibling?

[CatholicChick99]

My sister is 3 years old, I am 14.

My parents don’t intend on having her baptized, but could I do it?

My parents aren’t really practicing Catholics, but I am. I go to mass without them normally because they don’t like getting up to go and would rather go swimming in our pool.

I think I could make sure Ariana is brought up in the faith, she’s learned a lot from just watching me already, she can make the sign of the cross, and say a Hail Mary(she’s been around me when I prayed the rosary)

SO, do you think it would be wrong for me to baptise her??

 

[juno24]

Yes, it would be wrong of you to baptize your little sister. While it is very admirable of you to want to, it is not proper for you to do it unless she is near death and a priest cannot be found.
Keep being a good example to her and to your parents, and pray that your parents have a conversion and become willing to have her baptized. If that does not happen, continue to set a good example for her and pray that she makes a decision for herself to be baptized when she is old enough to do so.
Continue to grow in holiness. Continue to grow in knowledge of the faith. Continue to teach your sister as you continue to learn for yourself. Your obedience to God, the Church and your parents will be a shining beacon to your sister and any others you come into contact with.

 

[1ke]

My sister is 3 years old, I am 14.

My parents don’t intend on having her baptized, but could I do it?

Church law does not allow you to baptize your sister unless she is in immediate danger of death.

For an infant (anyone under about age 7 or 8) to be baptized into the Church at least one of their parents must give consent. You should talk to your priest for guidance.

My parents aren’t really practicing Catholics, but I am. I go to mass without them normally because they don’t like getting up to go and would rather go swimming in our pool.

It is wonderful that you are serious about your faith. You can be an example to your parents and your sister. Be a good witness for Christ. Bring your sister to church with you.

I think I could make sure Ariana is brought up in the faith, she’s learned a lot from just watching me already, she can make the sign of the cross, and say a Hail Mary(she’s been around me when I prayed the rosary)

SO, do you think it would be wrong for me to baptise her??

What you CAN do is bring her to church with you, teach her the faith, and show her your faith in action. When she is over the age of 7 or 8, she can ask for baptism for herself and you can be her sponsor.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Church law does not allow you to baptize your sister unless she is in immediate danger of death.

The Church says danger of death, not “immediate”. “Immediate” would connotate that death is imminent. For example my son had intestinal malrotation. He was going into surgery at 5 days old. There is no immediate danger. He could have lived then next 6 months through IV fluids. His condition itself won’t kill him, although he cannot take in any food by ordinary means. But he was in the hospital an had IV feeding him nutrients. But he was baptized in the hospital (also forbidden by Canon Law unless cases of necessity).

 

[1ke]

The Church says danger of death, not “immediate”. “Immediate” would connotate that death is imminent. For example my son had intestinal malrotation. He was going into surgery at 5 days old. There is no immediate danger. He could have lived then next 6 months through IV fluids. His condition itself won’t kill him, although he cannot take in any food by ordinary means. But he was in the hospital an had IV feeding him nutrients. But he was baptized in the hospital (also forbidden by Canon Law unless cases of necessity).

Yes, danger of death. But, I had a lady on here argue with me a couple of weeks ago that she could baptize someone because **everyone’s **in danger of death since they are going to die some day. Hence my emphasis that it must be an **actual **danger of death. I did not mean they were going to die immediately, but that the *danger *was immediate.

 

[JerrySeibert]

Go forth and make disciples of all nations.
Is that not what our Lord said?
I baptized both of my children. And when I came to the faith my Priest instructed me that the Baptism’s were valid. If your parents will not, then someone must. If she is saying Hail Marys then she must be curious of your faith which is a blessing.
A ordained Deacon or Priest must complete the blessing and prayer after Baptism.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Go forth and make disciples of all nations.
Is that not what our Lord said?
I baptized both of my children. And when I came to the faith my Priest instructed me that the Baptism’s were valid. If your parents will not, then someone must. If she is saying Hail Marys then she must be curious of your faith which is a blessing.
A ordained Deacon or Priest must complete the blessing and prayer after Baptism.

The Church forbids, by Canon Law, lay people from baptizing except in cases of necessity (ie. danger of death). The proper way to receive Sacraments is through the ordained ministers of the Church, and within proper setting (inside a church).

 

[Matthew_Holford]

I baptized both of my children. And when I came to the faith my Priest instructed me that the Baptism’s were valid.

They may be valid if they met the requirements for validity. If you were not a Catholic at the time you were not bound by Church law. If you had been they would have been illicit.

If she is saying Hail Marys then she must be curious of your faith which is a blessing.

That is a nice thought but it does not constitute proof positive. Like most 3 year olds, she is probably just imitating her older brother.

 

[The_Idiot]

Another point for the Original Poster.

At present you are 14 - legally still totally under the care of your parents. **You are supposed to obey them. **

You have stated that they do not wish your sibling to be Baptised .

This is where you have to 'grin and bear it ’ . You should accept their decision , they have authority over you .

All you can do in this situation is pray for your sibling and your parents . Pray that your parents hearts may be softened and that they will permit this baptism .

 

[OscarsMama]

Many other posters have already written a lot on the baptizism. So, I wanted to write to tell you to keep teaching her prayers. It is great that she is following you (as most little sisters would). Take this time to teach her other prayers, read her Bible stories, talk to her about God. If your parents let you, take her to church. Try to expose her to the church as much as you can. That is so important…

You are a good brother!

 

[JerrySeibert]

Illicit? To fulfill a command of God. Some of you and your incessant quoting of rules amazes me. So because a rule forbids it, only baptize if near death? A Catholic Priest instructed me the Baptism was valid. I was and I am Catholic.

 

[Matthew_Holford]

Illicit? To fulfill a command of God. Some of you and your incessant quoting of rules amazes me. So because a rule forbids it, only baptize if near death? A Catholic Priest instructed me the Baptism was valid. I was and I am Catholic.

The baptisms may have been valid. They were almost certainly illicit. It is not for you to interpret the Scriptures. The Scriptures are interpreted by the Magisterium. The Church has decided that it is not for everyone to baptise others on their own whim.

 

[JerrySeibert]

Matthew, then we will have to agree to disagree.

 

[Matthew_Holford]

Matthew, then we will have to agree to disagree.

I don’t think we do. The Church is clear and consistent in her teaching. It is not for individuals to decide what to do and what not to do. The Church teaches us that parents cannot baptise their children except in emergency situations.

 

[Catholic90]

Many other posters have already written a lot on the baptizism. So, I wanted to write to tell you to keep teaching her prayers. It is great that she is following you (as most little sisters would). Take this time to teach her other prayers, read her Bible stories, talk to her about God. If your parents let you, take her to church. Try to expose her to the church as much as you can. That is so important…

You are a good brother!

I kind of think “CatholicChick” would be a girl…