Refused Baptism

[bauerice]

Pope Francis says no one should be refused. He is making the RCC more appealing.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Pope Francis says no one should be refused. He is making the RCC more appealing.

While he is making that case, and I happen to agree with him, I think it unfair of you to point the finger at the Church for following Her own rules but not take responsibility yourself. A child and grandchild who have lost or not grown up in the faith is indeed a failure, And to some extent it is a failure on the part of the Church. But it is also a failure on those individuals and indeed their parents. Pope Francis has not changed anything regarding the rules for baptizing people. Priests must still make a decision if the person has a reasonable hope of being educated and allowed and encouraged to practice the faith. Saying this has not happened only makes the priests decision all that more correct. Baptism of a child does no good if they will not live up to the promises in the baptism and in actually condemns those of us (members of the parish, parents, and priests) who promise to raise the child in the faith. Have you witnessed a baptism? Do you recall the promises made there by the parents and godparents?

Blaming the Church for the lack of appeal of the and not looking at your own decisions is not reality.
If baptism and salvation were important to you for your grandchild you definitely could have made it happen. Baptizing a child and thereby making them a member of the Church binds them to that Church. And Her laws. Including Mass attendance.

If this was your goal, to have a baptized Catholic granddaughter, why would you have not seen this through? It has been over 13 years that is over 700 Masses and Holy days of obligation you have had to demonstrate to the priest (any priest) that your granddaughter would indeed be raised Catholic. Because that is the rule. And that is the Rule that the Church under Francis still has. And there are theological reasons for that rule.

There is however, good news and bad news. Your Grandaughter can now seek baptism out for herself. She can join a youth program, or an RCIA program and make this decision for herself. And how great would it be if you could play a role in leading her to this decision.
The Bad news, and I see this often in many families, is that your granddaughter and daughter are in the same predicament, they are not taking part in the saving sacraments of the Church. Your job with your own daughter is not over. There should be just as much concern for her as your granddaughter, both souls are in jeopardy. And my friend, YOU are the Church. Pointing your finger and making Francis into the savior is not the answer. Getting your child on the right path and in doing so leading your granddaughter to the Church is the responsibility you have as a member of the Church and a part of the Body of Christ.

St Pope John Paul himself said and it is also in many Church documents, that the PARENTS are the primary educators of the faith. Perhaps you should consider that before pointing fingers at a priest who was doing his job, and apparently exercised prudent judgement given the outcome. I am sorry if those words are harsh. But you may need to hear them.