Can I bring my infant to confession with me?

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maggie2

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I have no babysitter and my husband is unavailable to watch my daughter. Is it alright to bring her into the confessional with me while I confess my sins?
 
Yes, certainly. And if you are lucky, you may recognize a fellow parishioner waiting in line or nearby who would be willing to watch your baby so you can have a few minutes of undistracted time while you confess. I have done this for parents of young children on a couple of occasions. But it’s perfectly OK to bring your baby in with you.
 
I agree, yes, take babino with you!

Hope you have a blessed, pleasing to God confession… God bless!
 
Keep in mind that your infant will be bound by the seal of the confessional.

😃
 
How old is the infant? You have to remember that it is a human and the sacrament is for YOU. Its not the same as bringing your little boy in the womens room with you.

Pax Christi
 
maggie2 said:
I have no babysitter and my husband is unavailable to watch my daughter. Is it alright to bring her into the confessional with me while I confess my sins?
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As long as he or she does not totally distract you.
 
That is the point that I am getting at. I see the same thing when someone goes to communion with their child and they handle the Eucharist carelessly. I am not saying to leave you child, but some people have the mentality that since they have their child they dont have to be prayerful and theyre only objective is to get the child to communion and back. God calls people to have children and yes it is hard to take care of them in church! We have a responsibility to offer God our full undivided attention. If bringing your child into confession with you is distracting you, then that may be a problem.

Pax Christi
 
embracethecross said:
That is the point that I am getting at. I see the same thing when someone goes to communion with their child and they handle the Eucharist carelessly. I am not saying to leave you child, but some people have the mentality that since they have their child they dont have to be prayerful and theyre only objective is to get the child to communion and back. God calls people to have children and yes it is hard to take care of them in church! We have a responsibility to offer God our full undivided attention. If bringing your child into confession with you is distracting you, then that may be a problem.

Pax Christi
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I really understand your point & agree with you partially, but I do respectfully add that I think those same people that handle the Eucharist carelessy with a child are the same people that would handle the Eucharist carelessly without a child. You know, the people that are busy checking out outfits & who is at Mass.

I know there are many devout parents who would be capable of this. I think God understands honest distraction that comes about from wholesome circumstances. Sometimes Penance is set up in stations around a church, & there might be distractions from people nearby. I think Jesus will see her best effort & be thrilled she’s there. “Let the children come to Me”
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
As long as he or she does not totally distract you.
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I completely agree. If the baby is screaming or something, that would be impossible & unpleasant for all involved, especially the baby. (unless it were an emergency or absolutely your only chance at Confession for a while)
 
I see you point as well and do agree. Thank you for commenting. Maybe my question is more about people not taking the sacraments seriously because of other obligations that get in the way. For example, not going to church on Sunday because “we are busy and it would be too hard to get the family together to go to church.” My extended family is like this, so that is why I bring up the point.

Pax Christi
 
No, you don’t take the child into the confessional with you. Call the rectory and make an appointment for when you can get someone to babysit or when your husband is at home. Don’t take the child into the confessional.

Matthew
 
Several of us in line before have volunteered to watch & hold the baby/toddler while the mom or father goes to Confession. Of course, that assumes there is going to be a line for Confession.
 
Bring the baby. I am sure you prepare for confession before you go. I write down what I want need to confess, so I don’t forget. I am sure God rather you go and bring the baby than not go at all!
 
I have done it many times with several different Priests, and it has never been an issue.

I’ve taken my four year old and 20 month old in many times. It’s better then not going to the Sacrament.

Interestingly enough, my four year old has never once mentioned any of my sins outside of the confessional.

Some of us do have reasons for going with the children: I.E. when we ask our wives to watch the babies, they always drill us about our sins, what they were, and why we have to go to confession. Sometimes it’s just better to go with the boys for a little privacy.

Andy
 
AHapka said:
Some of us do have reasons for going with the children: I.E. when we ask our wives to watch the babies, they always drill us about our sins, what they were, and why we have to go to confession.

…
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Wow, I sure wouldn’t put up with that! I’ve never heard anyone say that before. I do hope you realize you aren’t obligated to reply to any such questions, except to the priest.
 
Absolutely bring the baby! I’ve had to bring both SweetGirls at times, and the priest has always been fine with it. Sometimes, I’d have to speak euphemistically regarding a certain issue, and the priest has always understood me, and the sin could be adequately confessed. So yes, go for it.

Have a blessed confession! 🙂
 
thank you for all of the thoughtful replies:)

I did end up bringing her with me (she’s 9 months for those of you who asked) and although it was a bit awkward at first in the confessional (a little cramped!), I did have my sins written down so I wouldn’t forget and had a good confession. She got a little fussy toward the end unfortunately, but I purposely confessed all of my more serious sins in the beginning to make sure I could have full concentration.

I do understand the argument of it not being best to bring your children, but I really did the best I could and I truely felt that God was calling me to confession yesterday. I believe that not going would have been disobedience and I think God was happy to have me there, even if my little one could be considered a distraction…

God Bless,
Maggie
 
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