My sister is not a practicing Catholic but is legal guardian of her grandchildren. Other family members who play an active role in the children's upbringing are active Catholics. Sister has agreed to allow children to be baptized. Other family members want to have the children baptized and will take full responsibility for religious education. Can these children be baptized in Catholic Church.
2007-10-05 07:00:32 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It depends on whether the priest accepts the assurances of the extended family.
One requirement is that the parents (or guardian) have to promise that they will raise the child as a Catholic.
If there is something in the parent's lifestyle that makes the priest think that they will not uphold this promise then he can "delay" the baptism of the child until the situation is resolved.
Exceptions are made for emergency situations like danger of death.
For more information, see the Code of Canon Law, section 868: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2X.HTM
With love in Christ.
2007-10-05 17:25:25 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Currently the Church does not encourage children to be baptised unless their parent(s) are practicing the faith. It is also necessary to choose godparents who are also practicing the faith and will be good role models. A lot of Catholics believe that unbaptised children do not to to heaven. The Church has changed its teaching on this point.
My brother is a lapsed Catholic. He got involved with a Lutheran girl and had two sons. They were baptised in the Lutheran Church. I objected because I felt that neither my brother not the boy's mother were practicing Christians.
Baptism isn't some kind of magic. The child is "saved" by the faith of the parents and godparents. If that faith isn't there the ritual is pointless.
I think it would be best if your family consulted a priest for advice on the matter.
Peace
VB8
2007-10-05 14:09:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are two bits of information you might want to share with your sister.
the word 'baptize comes from the Greek word ba pti-zein which means "to dip , to plunge"
"A Christian water baptism is an outward symbol that the one being baptized has made a complete, unreserved, and unconditional dedication through Jesus Christ to to do the will of Jehovah God."(Please read Acts 2:41,8:12 and 8:36-38)
You will see that each time a baptism is done the people who are being baptized first "embraced " the word of God.
Romans 10:13-15 show us that people must be taught about Jehovah before they can call on Him.
So child baptism is not scriptural.
First a person must have knowledge of God and Jesus to have an understanding of what the baptism means.
And to be 'baptized' as prescribed in the Bible one must be
immersed in water not sprinkled with it.
Just thought you'd want to know that.
2007-10-05 14:46:37 · answer #3 · answered by Robert J W 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, but you need to be clear about this with the priest. Be completely up front and their will be no problem.
There are three cousins in my program whose aunt is bringing to Mass and religious education. The parents all consent, but none of them practice the faith.
2007-10-06 22:38:24 · answer #4 · answered by Mommy_to_seven 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes...no problem. They only have to be willing to state their clear intention and to take a vow that they, as Sponsors (i.e., "godparents") will raise the child as a Catholic.
2007-10-05 14:05:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
2007-10-05 14:03:55 · answer #6 · answered by kris10dice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
kt - Let me share a secret with you. The Catholic church will accomodate anyone if they give a big enough "donation".
2007-10-05 14:06:20 · answer #7 · answered by sleepingliv 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I sure hope not.
2007-10-05 14:04:17 · answer #8 · answered by neil s 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋