Priest's greeting of lapsed catholics

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Neither in the role play presented, nor in the OP’s original story, was any basis given for the priest to “found his hope” on. [In fact, I don’t think the OP provided the outcome of the meeting, other than the parents were cross.]

Unmarried, non-churchgoing parents is not a good start. But who knows what they intend?
Augustinian said:
And it isn’t the parents that are expected to be ideal Catholics, but instead hope that the infant will be brought up.
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Brought up “in the faith”. The priest needs something on which to “found his hope” that this will occur. Did these parents provide that?
Augustinian said:
And infants aren’t required to attend, you know.
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These parents are not bringing themselves to Mass. They are not married. The priest needs something on which to “found hope”.
 
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You don’t seem to understand. One catches more flies with honey, then you do with vinegar. I would guess you are against ecumenism without them, our brothers, admitting they are in the wrong.
 
Frinders said:
You don’t seem to understand. One catches more flies with honey, then you do with vinegar.
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Or perhaps you don’t? Neither you son, nor your daughter and especially not you grandchild should be viewed as requiring to be caught. They went to the priest (at your suggestion) to request baptism. So I ask you now for the fourth (or is it 5th?) time - ought the priest go ahead and baptise the child quite regardless of whether the parents intend to bring the child up in the faith?
 
It’s important to try and meet people where they’re at. Have you spoken to them about what happened and tried to get an idea of where they are with their faith?
 
If you abuse posters, as I assess that post to have done, you should anticipate being reported to the moderator.
 
Frinders said:
Yes, but it doesn’t say all you have to do is attend Mass. You lot seem to be into minimalism for yourselves and rubbing peoples face in it for the rest. Hypocrits, and vipers.

Follow Jesus, do not judge, always welcome, give help.
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You call people “hypocrites and vipers” and then say “don’t judge”? Do you not see the contradiction there between your words and what you yourself are doing?

In any event, when you start a thread, you need to accept that people may not all be sympathetic to your view, and not get nasty about it when the replies don’t go the way you wanted them to.
 
You would benefit greatly from an RCIA (not sure if it’s called something different in other countries) class. Then you’d probably understand why the church does things the way they do.
 
For what its worth, I don’t wish to act like a viper, it’s just that I have really seen the effect of trivialising sacraments and normalising not going to mass regularly and seen how it can stop people taking the faith seriously. I just wanted to suggest another side to this issue.
 
Frinder, would you have been equally upset if he had refused them the Eucharist?
 
Hi Frinders,

First, I just want to say I can’t imagine how devastating it is to have your beloved children fall away and just when it appears one is taking steps home, to be disappointed. I’m sorry for your pain, you are in my prayers.

You’re right in saying we’re called to be loving, welcoming, and forgiving. In that spirit, please try to look from the priest’s position, and have some compassion even if you disagree. We believe that God is infinitely good, infinitely just, and infinitely merciful. Because He’s God, His use of love, justice, and mercy are perfect. The priest strives to reflect this, but he is an imperfect human. To expect him to know the very best thing to say at all times is utterly unfair. And he has to balance love with justice - namely, the rules of the Church, which themselves are loving because they guide us to God. I’m not saying he was trying to punish - far from it! He probably believes he was doing the best thing possible for the souls involved. That’s merciful, especially since it must be so hard as a priest to deny a Baptism.

So…you can’t change how the priest responded. He acted in what may very well be the most loving way. You can’t change your son’s response - he must decide for himself when he wants to return. He must decide whether hurt feelings will prevent him from changing his life and providing his child with Catholic upbringing.

All you can do is determine your own response. You said we can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. So - have you tried throwing some honey the priest’s way? I hear they really appreciate prayers.
 
Yes, you are right, I shouldn’t judge and I apologise for that. None of us should judge, so saying that people are in serious or mortal sin is a judgement. I would like to hear an apology for that.

My point has been and remains what was my mantra in my professional career:

What is the objective? Does the action meet that objective? If not how then should it be done? All the rules that people have gone on about, are not achieving the objective but no doubt they give a rosy glow of satisfaction. They are harmful, and Jesus warned against them. It does not help simply saying these are the rules and therefore they are good, after all they come from the church. That does not follow. Consider Gallileo. Did Luther cause the split? There was a saying “My country, right or wrong”, that is not for me.
 
No. And I have told them they may not receive communion, and I am a Eucharistic Minister.
 
Wasn’t meant to be insulting at all. Sorry you took it that way.
 
I have a catechism on the shelf behind me. I see from this reply that you simply do not understand, so I say once again:

What is the objective.
Does the action result in meeting the objective.
If not then change what is wrong.

There is a lack of love and compassion in what has been posted here. Are you really holier than thou, Jesus said only God is good, so if you accept that then you know you are not. We are all saved not through any adherance of ours but through Jesus sacrifice.
 
Frinders said:
We are all saved not through any adherance of ours but through Jesus sacrifice.
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That’s a very protestant mind set.

We’re not perfect, but we are expected to put in leg work. I have my share of sins, but I don’t deny they’re sins. Christ’s sacrifice of course is the saving grace, but we can’t sin with impunity and maintain our salvation.

We don’t help anyone by telling them they’re fine the way they are and let them pretend what’s sin, isn’t.
 
We don’t help anyone by telling them they’re fine the way they are and let them pretend what’s sin, isn’t.

Where did I suggest that. Did you read what I suggested would have resulted in positive results. Results matter.
 
Our pastor insists on doing them during Mass because the entire faith community should rejoice and welcome the newest little memeber. We make a big deal out fo welcoming them.
 
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