How to approach brother about Baptism for sons

[dmh]

I’ve looked throughout all of the sacrament forum and haven’t seen a question like this. My brother and sister-in-law married in the Catholic Church. They now have 2 sons, one 12 and one 9. My brother’s family do not go to Mass (he says it’s because he works shift work?). Needless to say, my nephews are not baptized, and this has really been on my heart lately. Any ideas of how I can approach my brother about this subject? I really am concerned about their souls (my brother and his wife as well). They don’t exactly lead a very Christian life. They both drink a lot and it’s been said that the boys wished their parents didn’t always have a beer in their hand. (How sad!) Should I approach them about taking the boys to Mass with us on Sundays, to start with? Any (name removed by moderator)ut will be appreciated.
P.S. I do know that I, myself cannot get them baptized.
God Bless!

 

[SoulRebel777]

you can baptize them yourself.

use the formula of father son and holy spirit and there baptized .

i suggest you do this or you may be held accountable to God if there sent to hell for eternity because they werent baptized .

 

[Detroit_Sue]

SoulRebel777:

you can baptize them yourself.

use the formula of father son and holy spirit and there baptized .

i suggest you do this or you may be held accountable to God if there sent to hell for eternity because they werent baptized .

Not unless they are in danger of death. The most important thing you can do is pray. My brother never had any of his 3 kids baptized, and it broke my heart. They are all adults now. Last year, my nephew & his wife approached us about entering the True Faith. He didn’t want to flounder like his brother & sister. They were welcomed into the Church at Easter Vigil this year.

Prayer changes things.

 

[dmh]

I didn’t think that I could baptize them, only in the case of immenent death. I will pray that the Holy Spirit touches the heart of my brother and his wife and that they come back to Jesus and His Church.

 

[jaralenio]

The Code of Cannon Law states the following in regard to Baptism:

Can. 850 Baptism is administered according to the rite prescribed in the approved liturgical books,** except in a case of urgent necessity when only those elements which are required for the validity of the sacrament must be observed.**
Can. 851 The celebration of baptism should be properly prepared. Accordingly:

2° the parents of a child who is to be baptized, and those who are to undertake the office of sponsors, are to be suitably instructed on the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations attaching to it. The parish priest is to see to it that either he or others duly prepare the parents, by means of pastoral advice and indeed by prayer together; a number of families might be brought together for this purpose and, where possible, each family visited.
Can. 868 §1 For an infant to be baptized lawfully it is required:

1°** that the parents, or at least one of them, or the person who lawfully holds their place, give their consent;**

2°** that there be a wellfounded hope that the child will be brought up in the catholic religion. If such hope is truly lacking, the baptism is, in accordance with the provisions of particular law, to be deferred and the parents advised of the reason for this. **

So first thing is to pray for them, second is to approach them in a very charitable fashion and state the importance of them living a Christian life and the importance of Baptism for there children. We are called to do this duty for our fellow man by our Confirmation and being a soldier for Christ.
God Bless You!

 

[stbruno]

Just one more piece of information. Since your nephews are over the age of reason, age 7, it is also required for them to receive proper instruction about baptism. This is unlike infant baptism where the parents and in most cases the Godparents are also asked to participate in baptismal instruction. During the rite of baptism, your nephews actually would be making a profession of their faith. The boys should be fully involved in the entire process with a clear understanding that it is expected that they will pursue more instruction, so they may complete the other sacraments of initiation. The parents should be and need to be fully cooperative as well as in agreement to bring the boys as Catholics. Pray hard, invite them to attend mass and other services with you. As St.Francis of Assisi would say…Preach often and when necessary, use words.