Catholic Religion - Please Help!?

Question

My ex husband had our children baptized in a Catholic Church without my knowledge. I'm not upset about it at all. I just have some questions so that I can at least help my children learn a bit more about thier religion. Their father is in New Orleans and we are in San DIego so they only go to Catholic church a few times a year. My questions are.

Would my children be accepted in any catholic church in my area or do they have to go to the church they were baptized in?

What is "caddykizzim"? I did a spell check and still not sure if I spelled it correctly.

SHould my children decide they don't want to attend a catholic church, rather seek out another religion, would they always be considered catholic?

As you can see, I am not catholic and have no idea on how to help my children with this when they ask me questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Any negative responses will be deleted.

Thanks!

Corrine, I did not ask for your opinion, rather seeking knowledge on the subject.

My kids are 11 & 15, not infants..

I am not interested in converting to this religion, I am just seeking knowledge to help answer questions for my children when their father is unavailable.

I am not looking to teach them about their religion I am looking to guild them into making their own decisions later in life. As it stands now, my ex-husband and I have agreed that they will remain with the catholic church until they are old enough to decide what they want to do. Until then, as their mother, I want to make sure they have the tools and resources NOW to choose later.

Answer 1

Many have answered your question about your children being Catholic, and they are certainly welcome in any Catholic church, and you are also welcome to attend, but you are asked not to take communion. Your children can not either, unless thay have taken their first communion.

My best advise to you is: talk to the priest in the Catholic church nearest you, tell him the situation, and he will advise you.

I do not know how other non-Catholic churches do it, but a Catholic's life is really one of 'formation', continuous formation, if you will. For them to be able to take communion, they will have to be instructed on its meaning. This usually takes place at age 8 (back home).

Then, there is confirmation, which, I am guessing, is the step you are preparing them for. This is when when they (your children), formally ask the Catholic community to accept them as responsible members of the Catholic church. This usually happens at age 12 or 13, and it is a decision THEY will make, after carefuly formation.

There are cathechisms for all ages: from the very young, to adolescents, to adults. The parish priest and their formators can advise you on this.

Answer 2

Yes, they can go to any Catholic Church.

They need to attend church every week. You don't say how old they are, but if they are still young you should enroll them in religious ed classes (sometimes called CCD). They will go through "First Holy Communion" and Confirmation.

The Catechism is the book which explains the Catholic faith and helps Catholics and others know what we believe. Please do not rely on anti-Catholics for any information as they will lead you astray. You should learn what you can about the Catholic faith so that you can answer their questions.

It is admirable that you want to raise them in the faith they were baptized in. It is a commitment, but a worthwhile one.

If they decide to leave the Catholic Church when they are older, that is up to them. They will always be "baptized" Catholic but they can go to another religion or leave God altogether. No one can make you stay a religion.

But, even though you are not Catholic, it would be a good example for you to go with them to Mass. When I was growing up, some of my friends parents would drop their kids off for Mass and go home, then return to pick them up. Children need to see parents participating in Church and living it at home.

For additional help, call your local parish (you can check out http://www.masstimes.org for parishes and mass times in your area) and ask to meet with a priest. He can instruct you in the best way to educate and raise your kids in the Catholic faith.

Answer 3

Your children (and you) would be accepted in any Catholic Church. Catechism is basically a Catholic version of Sunday School. It is lessons in the Bible and Catholic teaching for children. The word Catechism comes from a book that they used to use which is written in question and answer form and teaches the teachings of the Church. Now they usually call it Religious Education or Faith Formation classes. Usually when a child is seven or eight and have been going to Religious Ed classes, they receive their First Communion. Baptism makes a person a Christian. Catholics recognize Baptism of water , In the Name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit, no matter which denomination of Christianity it was performed. Receiving the other Catholic Sacraments like Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) distinguishes a Catholic. I suggest you call your local Catholic Church and discuss this with a Priest. He will be very understanding.
God Bless you, your husband and your children.

Answer 4

they were baptized in a Catholic Church but in the Catholic faith, this means that they can go to any other Catholic Churches. If they do seek to convert to another religion, yes they will be considered Catholic. For clearer information, I would seek the advice of a priest. God bless hun.

Edit- By reading the other answers I see that you meant Cathechism. It is a book explain the faith, they would need to learn it to do their Holy Communion. Also, i know you might be busy, but the kdis need tp start at an early age to go to church and it should be every week. Sometimes when i'm so busy [college student here] I would go to church on saturday afternoons instead of Sunday morning. Good luck hun!

Answer 5

Answers to your questions:
1) A baptized catholic is accepted in any catholic church around the world. Going to church on Sundays and holidays in the church's calendar is an obligation of all catholics.

2) It is spelled "Catechism." It is the full text of the teachings of the catholic church that all catholics must follow. It is the guide book to become better catholics.

3) Once a catholic, forever a catholic (in the spiritual point of view.) However, some catholics are non-practicing catholics. Some leave the religion and enter another religion. Practicing any religion is a matter of personal choice and belief. Your children must be given the freedom to choose their own religion. It is in the "Bill of Rights."

With all due respect, you are not the right person to teach your children about the Catholic Religion because you are neither well versed on the religion nor a catholic. The most that you can do is encourage them to study their own religion.

However, my suggestion is for you to either convince them to adopt your own religion so you can teach them or send them to a catholic priest who can help them in their religious predicament.

Take care.

Answer 6

OK. first of all it's Catechism.. Yes, they'll be accepted into any Catholic Church. Should your children seek out another form of religion they're considered fallen away Catholics. (They're quite a few of us out there.) Depending on how old the children were when they were baptized they would not have to go through Catechism classes. (Kind of Catholic classes)

Hope this helps

They might have to attend CCD classes, it's basically bible school during the school year.

Answer 7

Anyone is welcome at any Catholic parish around the world. So your children are welcome, as are you. You will not be able to receive the Eucharist, nor will your children, until they have learned about the Faith.

Catechism is the name given to the study of the Faith. All Catholic parishes will offer classes for children and adults. The classes generally tie to the school year, but your children can begin any time. To find your local parish, look up your diocese in the phone book, call them, and they will be able to tell you your parish based on your address. Then just call there and ask your questions about the catechism courses.

I don't know how old your children are, but I do admire you for wanting to make sure they know something about the Faith of their father. It will take some doing on your part to help them, but I think it is a great thing you are doing.

There are lots of online resources for learning the basics of the Faith. A book I can recommend to you (for your reading) is surprisingly enough "Catholicism for Dummies." It is thorough and respectful, and presented to the average person who doesn't have much knowledge of our beliefs but wants to learn.

Good luck to you and your kids as you learn more.

Edit--I see that your children are a little older. They can certainly read the book (and online resources) on their own, and begin their learning. They would be more of the age for the Rite of Initiation of Children (your oldest might even be accepted into the course for Adults).

Answer 8

Since your children are baptised in the Roman Catholic Church, they can go to any Roman Catholic Church (follows the Pope's teachings), regardless of area, because all baptised Catholics form the single body of Christ by recieving Holy Communion at Church and also are a single spirit in the Holy Spirit.

"Catechism" means the teaching of the Catholic Church. I'd highly recommend you purchase a "Catechism of the Catholic Church", it is a book with a summary of everything that Roman Catholics believe. Costs only 8 dollars for paperback version found at any bookstore near you.

Your children will never lose their baptism, but if they leave the Church in the future, it is a grave sin and it is your duty as a parent to educate them in the faith. As Catholics, it is important for them to attend Church atleast once a week.

Answer 9

Once they are baptized they can attend any catholic church. Not just the one they were baptized in. Catechism is another name for classes on learning about the faith. And if they no longer want to be Catholic? That would be their choice wouldn't it. They could still attend the church (I am no longer Catholic, but I will attend with my family who are!) though, I would hope that they are over 21 before they make any decision like that on their own. My family says once you're a Catholic you always are one. In actuality once you are baptized, you are still welcome even if you leave the church.

Answer 10

1. Yes you and your children will be welcomed into any Catholic Church. If you are not catholic,you should perhaps think about becoming Catholic and join the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)class to learn about our faith, it will also help you with your children.

2. The Catechism is a book that tells the beliefs of the Catholic Church, how Jesus established His church, the sacraments etc..

http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/

3.How old are your children? do they like attending Mass with their father?