This may sound strange but i have to ask. I am protestant and my husband is catholic. I regularly attend church and know the rules and customs of getting a baby baptised in my church. My husband on the other hand has not been to church in over 2 years. He is insisting our baby be baptised in the catholic church even though he does not go. I am ok with this as long as we also have a baptism in my church, but i am afraid we will not be able to have a catholic baptism because he never goes. What does he need to do?
2007-10-23 17:52:42 · 5 answers · asked by vettech1328 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
One requirement for a child to be baptized in the Catholic Church is that the parents 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.
You should talk to your priest or baptism coordinator at your parish about your situation.
For more information, see the Code of Canon Law, section 868: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2X.HTM
With love in Christ.
2007-10-24 17:24:17 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only one baptism is necessary. The Catholic Church recognizes any Protestant baptism done "in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (or Ghost)," so if your church does that form, then you should just do the baptism in your church.
Your husband is obliged to raise his children to know and understand the Catholic faith, and now that you have a baby, he's finally feeling that obligation. This is why he wants a Catholic baptism. However, if he isn't going to Church himself, there isn't any point -- he has to SHOW his kids how to be Catholic to uphold his obligation.
I'm afraid your husband is in a state of serious mortal sin if he simply doesn't go to Mass ever Sunday and Holy Day just because he doesn't feel like it. This is very troubling, and he needs to go to Confession as soon as possible and get himself back on the right track. If he is willing to do this and practice his faith, then it would be understandable for him to want the Catholic baptism for your child(ren). If he won't, though, then the children aren't going to learn to respect the Catholic faith.
The Church will accept him back at any time. They will even baptize the baby straight away, as long as he promises to do better and really teach the kids the faith. But your husband needs to follow through.
2007-10-24 11:14:21 · answer #2 · answered by sparki777 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pastor Billy says: having two baptisms??? tell me please why and what in your opinion invalidates the baptism performed in the Catholic Church?
Question were you married in a Catholic ceremony? if yes your husband has made a promise to raise the child Catholic and that starts with a confirmed baptism. Many adult baptisms performed outside the communion of Catholicism are accepted by the Catholic Church if done with the correct form and matter however why start off with any doubt on that have the child baptized in the Catholic Church and ask your the pastor of your community why that is or isn't acceptable.
Catholic baptism is more than merely symbolism
2007-10-24 01:07:40 · answer #3 · answered by Pastor Billy 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Contact a priest at your local parish.
Your baby may not be able to be baptized there, if you will not be raising your baby catholic.
But still, talk to a priest, they will give you the only true answer that you need regarding this. No one else can.
2007-10-24 00:57:58 · answer #4 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Won't one of the baptisms cancel the other one out? You know, counter-reformation, I mean, counter-baptism.
2007-10-24 00:58:22 · answer #5 · answered by kwxilvr 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋