why cant my son be baptised catholic just because im not?

Question

my two children both go to catholic schools,my daughter was baptised last year at the age of 11, my son now wants to be baptised but ive been told by the new father that hes not welcome to be baptised due to me not being catholic. the children are old enough to make there own promises thats why i didnt get them done at birth has i didnt go to church. I go every week with my daughter and listen to mass, my children come first in life so what ever makes them happy and at peace i will do.My daughter is going to lose out on her faith has i am going to have to find a new church which accepts my son,i cant be two places at once and also why should i take him into a place where they wont accept him for who he is and not for who i am. My son is 7years old and knows what he wants and i think its wrong to turn him away from church,i have always thought that every one is welcome in to a church

Answer 1

You first, have to understand the meaning of Baptism in the Catholic faith. It is one, a Sacrament of initiation(welcoming)but more importantly, it is a promise for YOU to raise him or her in the Catholic faith. At age 7, he is not going to be able to do that without your guidance.

Answer 2

There are some things about Catholics I don't understand. Jesus invited EVERYONE to his table, not just those he thought should come for whatever reason. He loved everyone equally and accepted those who were willing into his faith and teachings. The Catholics tend to turn away a lot of people, and I'm not sure why. It is extremely un-Christian like.

Finding a new church might not be a bad idea. Perhaps you can find a protestant church (Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist) where both your son and daughter will feel welcome, and can be baptized. Most protestant churchs could care less about your religious background, and are willing to welcome you with open arms. All are Christian, it's just that each denomination do things differently. You shouldn't have to feel bad because you're not a Catholic-- what matters is that you're bringing your children up in faith. God knows this, and will reward you for that.

I'm glad you don't want to turn your children from church. Just try some different places and settle somewhere that you like. There are plenty of churches out there-- don't be afraid to give somewhere else a try!

Answer 3

You're not being Catholic should have absolutely no bearing on your children being or not being Baptized, especially since they were not Baptized until they were old enough to make the decision for themselves.

You did not have to wait. Infant Baptism is Biblical. And the Church gives them the chance to answer to their own Baptismal vows as part of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Therefore, whether one is Baptized as an infant, or older, no one is deprived of making the decision for themself. Of course, this is an answer to an entirely different question.

By having your children Baptized Catholic, your are proclaiming your will to have them live their lives as Catholics. That means, whether you are Catholic or not, you are taking on the responsibility of having your children educated in Catholic beliefs and practices.

Assuming the priest said and meant what you claim he said, perhaps he's concerned the children are not going to get the homegrown Catholic education they are entitled to as Baptized Catholics. This alone, while cause for legitimate concern, should not result in the Church's refusal to Baptize.

Talk to the priest again. Make sure he means what he has allegedly said. If he does refuse you again, take the matter to the diocean bishop. Jesus said, "let the children come to Me." Refusing to Baptize a child constitutes a violation of this mandate.

As far as "finding another Church" is concerned, once you've been Baptized in one Catholic parish, you are recognized a Baptized Catholic in any Catholic parish.

I would highly recommend you seek membership in the Catholic Church yourself. It will eventually confuse your children as to why you are not also a Baptized Catholic; as to how well you can educate your children in Catholic Doctrine, when you yourself do not follow it.

In the interest of doing what's best for your children, perhaps you should consider following them into the Catholic Church.

Answer 4

That does not sound right. If it's just something that the new priest is telling you, maybe you should take it up with the arch diocese that the church you attend falls under. No one can tell you that your child can or cannot be baptised in a certain church.
The other point is that maybe the new priest thinks that your son will not be getting raised in the faith because you are not baptsied a catholic. So, your other option is to get baptsied with your son?
It's weird that your daughter was baptsied, but your son can't get baptised.

Answer 5

Yes, he can be baptized in the Catholic Church. You need to talk to a priest from another Parish or something. Call the Bishop for your area and talk to someone in his office about what the new priest told you. If you are going to church with your daughter anyway, and don't want to change church's why not go to the classes with your son and both of you get baptized? I can't remember right now, but I thought it was the Godparents who had to be practicing Catholics. It seems though that you are already practicing Catholicism, having your children going to Catholic school and your going to church every Sunday. You can get baptized yourself for your children and your problem is solved.

Answer 6

That's not right at all. Your religious decision has or should have nothing to do with your son's. He has a mind of his own. If there is another catholic church in your area maybe you should check with that priest and see what he tells you. In all honesty i'm not catholic so I don't know all of their customs and rituals however it isn't right, I do know that much. I would even maybe check with the priest or, for lack of knowledge, minister above your's and see what they have to say. Surely he answers to someone in higher authority.

Answer 7

Because that is the Catholic religion. He is allowed to attend but cannot be baptised. Many priests are lax but obviously this new one is old school. Call around to different churches and ask-eventually you will find a priest who will do it.

Answer 8

That just doesn't sound right to me. There should be no problem with baptising your son. I'd suggest you speak with the priest again and try to learn what needs to be done to get him baptized.

God bless.

Answer 9

Catholic priests all make up their own rules. I am sure if you had a decent track record of donations to the church you would have no problem.

Answer 10

Either you misunderstood the father or he is just wrong. You can convert to Catholism any time you want. Now he might not be "babtized" but he would be converted and confirmed. Keep talking to people and work your way up the chain.