| "My
husband's family are not Catholics but he would very much
like his sister to be godmother to our baby son. Is it
allowed"? |
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Godparents go back to the days when most adult converts to the Christian faith
had no Christian parents. Godparents spoke up
for the baptized person and, if necessary, helped
him or her to grow in the faith. Today, in the
vast majority of infant baptism these tasks belong
primarily to the parents.
We all come to offer support to the child's
upbringing in the Christian faith. However,
the Church insists
that at least one godparent who is a Catholic
is named whose primary role is to help the parents
in bringing up the child in the Christian faith.
Godparents are the guarantors of the faith.
Most
parents choose two. When this happens, provided
one godparent is a Catholic, it is certainly
allowable
for a non-Catholic to act as a"witness" to the
baptism.
It remains important, however, that your sister-in-law
is baptized and of sufficient age and maturity
to appreciate her role. Furthermore, it may also
prove to be embarrassing for a non-Catholic who
will be asked, together with other godparents,
to make a public profession of the faith in which
the child is about to be baptized when that person
does not fully embrace the beliefs we are professing.
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| "My
wife goes to a different Christian Church and would like her minister to take part in the baptism. Is this possible?
|
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Yes. Your wife's minister may share in the prayers and readings at your baby's baptism. Discuss it with your priest; he will be happy to explain what is customary.
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| "How
much does a baptism cost in the Catholic Church?" |
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Nothing. There is no fee for baptism or any other church service. One can never put a price to the divine Life God gives us through the sacraments which the Church administers. If you care to give something, a free-will donation will be gratefully accepted and the Church always appreciates your generosity.
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| "
How soon should have my baby baptized?"
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The Church encourages Catholic families to have their children baptized as soon as possible after birth not to deprive the child of the fundamental importance of baptism. If there is any danger of death the baby must be baptized immediately and anyone can baptize by pouring water over the head of the baby. At the same time saying the words: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit "
The date of the baptism will depend partly on the mother's health for it is important that she is present; and partly on the time needed for the preparation of the parents. This is why it's a good idea to inform the priest before the birth that you want to have your child baptized.
If you have experienced some difficulties with the practice of your faith it may be helpful to allow a little longer in order to clarify your own beliefs and to rebuild a life of faith within your family.
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| "My
mother says I have to give my baby girl the name of a
saint but I don't agree. Who's right?" |
In the first few centuries of the Church the custom grew up of changing one's
name at baptism to express some Christian idea, such as Irene (which
means peace), In succeeding centuries, the Church advised the parents
to call their children after a saint.
In choosing baptismal names parents shou1d keep in mind the thought that the
child will bear these names throughout life. They should be careful to avoid
names or combinations which will subject the bearer to ridicule. Nicknames should
not be given in baptism.
Making more Christian names available will increase our knowledge of the great number of saints and holy persons who have given glory to God by their exemplary lives. By assuming these names we honor these persons and through them almighty God, the Source of all their goodness and virtue. Such names are certainly more becoming to members of the human race redeemed by Christ Jesus than the names of pagan gods trees, flowers and places.
The parish is more than willing to provide resourceful material from where one can select names for boys and girls. Please feel free to can the Rectory. |
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| "I
am an unmarried mother. I want my baby baptized but am
anxious about the kind of reception I'll get. "
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You will be given a friendly welcome by the priest and the parish family, who will be happy to arrange for the baptism of your baby. So don't worry at all. The priest will simply want to be assured, as with any other parent, of your own commitment to your child's Catholic upbringing,
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| My
friend's baby was stillborn. What will happen to the baby?"
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Your friend's baby is entrusted to the mysterious but infinitely kind and powerful love of God. If anyone has any doubts about such love, then contemplate the crucifix. The cross proves that God's 1ove is greater than any human mind can understand or follow.
Jesus told us that "unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God". (John
3: 5) At times this has led people to suggest that unbaptized infants pass into a state of "limbo" -
where the baby is excluded from both heaven and hell. Such a suggestion however,
misses the whole point of God's love: for loves us from the moment of conception.
It is clear that very many who are unbaptized receive God's Spirit and so are
welcomed into the kingdom of God. God shares his life with us in various ways
- of which baptism is the most important sign.
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| "My
partner isn't a Christian and feels self-conscious and
anxious about the ceremony and what we have to do as parents
during the baptism. Will there be a practice before hand?"
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Your partner's anxiety is perfectly understandable. Even people who attend church services regularly can feel nervous and shy about taking a central part in an important ceremony such as their child's baptism. However there is no need to be worried. The celebrant (priest/deacon) will guide you through it step by step and indicate exactly what part you play as parents. During the preparation for the baptism don't be shy about mentioning any point or action which does worry either of you. It is important that me day of your baby's baptism doesn't become an ordeal but a family occasion to be enjoyed and celebrated by everyone present.
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| "
My baby was baptized at birth because of illness. Can
he be re-baptized in Church?" |
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Baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It means that we become a member of God's family; we become a Christian. We cannot become what we already are.
The baptism can't be repeated but it is desirable that you have a celebration in church and share the prayers and blessings which are part of the baptismal ceremony. You may also wish to appoint godparents at the same time. Such a service is a lovely "thanksgiving" for the safety and well-being of your baby.
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| "
I have been lapsed for a number of years and my seven
year old daughter has never been baptized. Could I have
her baptized at the same time as our baby?" |
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Yes, but you will need to allow time for her preparation. She will need to be given some instruction about baptism so that she understands what is happening. You may well feel that you would also find some form of preparation helpful in order to clarify any points about the faith which have given you difficulties.
People sometimes wonder about how to approach a priest. After Sunday Mass is not always the best time as there are usually crowds of people around. Try to book a time convenient for both of you in order to meet in an atmosphere of quiet and peace.
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