Daughter won't baptize baby

  • Thread starter Thread starter alleykat71172
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Given the OP’s other threads, I doubt that the grandmother is going to be a constant and longstanding presence in the child’s life. However, the bigger issue is that Daughter is not indifferent, but is opposed to baptizing her child; in such a case, it really is not the grandmother’s place to override the parent’s objection.
 
You have tried to “be a witness”, but you can’t force her.
 
It is clear that the sacrament of baptism is a good thing for a child to receive, but you should respect your daughter’s decision. It is her child, and she should have the right to raise her as she sees fit. If you do decide to baptize her without her permission, I can guarantee that your relationship with her will forever be negatively impacted if not irreparably strained.

You also have nothing to worry about. Your grandson is too young to lose salvation if something were to (God forbid) go wrong, as he has not yet reached the age of accountability. However, I will pray the surgery goes well.
 
You must not be aware of the grace a person receives in Baptism, no matter who is baptizing.

Unless of course, you consider grace as a superstition.
 
Last edited:
Watch out, OP!

Annoy your daughter enough and she might baptise Judas in another denomination, just to push your buttons. Bc if she’s atheist she doesn’t believe in baptism, but is so far respecting your faith by not assenting to what to her is a fake ritual. How would you feel like raising a little Orthodox or Episcopalian grandkid?
 
No one can be sure of that, except for parents who set-up safety nets. It’s wrong under any circumstances to do that unless you are the parent.
 
tseleehw said:
It is an unfortunate situation that you find yourself in, no doubt. One option would be for you to baptize your grandchild in secret, with the correct formula, and it would be valid. Now, as many people on this thread have already pointed out, doing such a thing would be against Church law. However, in these modern times, our own Holy Father, Pope Francis, has warned against “Doctors of the Law” and “legalism” on numerous occasions. So do not be too concerned about breaking a Church law if you are acting in good faith. Just do what Pope Francis would tell you to do - follow your conscience. If your conscience tells you that you should baptize your grandchild, then you should do it. Do not be like the pharisees, who were worshipers of the law instead of worshipers of God.
Click to expand...
I mean no offence to you, tseleehw, but this is very bad advice. The OP should not baptise her grandchild. Not only does the Church refuse to baptise infants when their parents don’t believe but it is a gross breach of trust to go behind a parent’s back and do what they have expressly said not to. The rules are there for a reason.
 
Last edited:
I do not mean to advise breaking a Church law, but to advise her to follow her conscience. Even Pope Francis has advised people to follow their conscience, even if it leads them to commit sinful acts that go against Church law or teaching (for example, he advised a homosexual couple to follow their conscience and receive the Eucharist against Church teaching if they felt they should).
 
If you have verifiable proof that the Pope told people to commit sinful acts, post them. If not, you are breaking forum rules by purporting such wrt the Holy Father.
 
Where does it say that Baptizing someone is against Church Law? I don’t see that anywhere. In an emergency, it is valid, and Baptism is needed for salvation, thus says the Catechism. I would say that if your grandchild cannot be baptized, and you know it is their chance at salvation, then it is necessary to do it.
 
tseleehw said:
Now, as many people on this thread have already pointed out, doing such a thing would be against Church law.
Click to expand...
False, it is not against church law. Via the law children may be baptized against the will of their parents. However, what it does state is that it respects the natural law and right of parents
tseleehw said:
Just do what Pope Francis would tell you to do - follow your conscience.
Click to expand...
Pope Francis has said nothing of the sort. In fact, he has pretty much said the opposite of what you conclude. Don’t let laws stop you from developing a relationship and being kind. IE don’t ruin your incredibly tenuious relationship with your daughter and the saftey of your grandson over Baptism. God knows your desires.
 
bmaz said:
Where does it say that Baptizing someone is against Church Law? I don’t see that anywhere.
Click to expand...
Can. 868 §1. For an infant to be baptized licitly:

1/ the parents or at least one of them or the person who legitimately takes their place must consent;

2/ there must be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion; if such hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be delayed according to the prescripts of particular law after the parents have been advised about the reason.
bmaz said:
In an emergency, it is valid
Click to expand...
In danger of death, not in “an emergency”. Her daughter refusing to baptize the child does not create an “emergency”.

§2. An infant of Catholic parents or even of non-Catholic parents is baptized licitly in danger of death even against the will of the parents.
bmaz said:
I would say that if your grandchild cannot be baptized, and you know it is their chance at salvation, then it is necessary to do it.
Click to expand...
No, no, no. This violates Church law and the parents’ rights under Catholic law.
 
1ke said:
40.png
Xanthippe_Voorhees:
False, it is not against church law. Via the law children may be baptized against the will of their parents.
Click to expand...
Only in danger of death. Which is not the case here.
Click to expand...
No, it’s not the case here, but church law does make provisions.
 
Baptism doesn’t make you a follower of a religion. It cleanses us of original sin. That’s why the church accepts Baptism from other religions.
Pray about it. Talk w your priest.
 
That is not relevant. Canon Law is clear. Without a parent’s approval baptism may only be done if there is imminent danger to the child. Nothing in the OP’s post suggests there is any danger at all.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top