In order to have their children baptized in the Church, parents have to promise to raise the child in the faith. They also have to renounce Satan and are specifically asked in the name of the child. "Do you reject Satan? And all his works?" (Baptism liturgy here.)Then they are asked to make a profession of faith. So, excuse me, how does a couple living in a perpetual state of mortal sin at variance with God's teachings make and keep those promises?
It is not a question of punishing the child. When a child is baptized,
he is made responsible for all the requirement of living a Catholic life. That's exactly why the parents promise that they will raise the child in the faith. Now, exactly how can parents living a life committed to same-sex lust teach a child about the requirements of the sixth and ninth commandments? How can they teach the child what the Church says about the authentic nature and indissolubility of marriage when they are a living contradiction?
I once asked Fr. John Hardon, S.J. if a grandmother should baptize a grandchild (with permission of the parents) when she knows there is no intention to raise the child Catholic. He said no for the reasons stated above.
So exactly what is the Madison Diocese teaching the faithful about the nature of baptism and Church teaching? Is the sacrament a joke? Is this one more case of treating a Sacrament (like Canon Law 915) as if it doesn't matter?
Here's what Canon 869 says:
For the licit baptism of an infant it is necessary that....there be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion; if such a hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be put off according to the prescriptions of particular law and the parents are to be informed of the reason."Obviously, if the child is in danger of death baptism should be conferred, but how exactly in the case of those living a gravely evil lifestyle in conflict with the "Catholic religion" how can the baptism NOT be put off?
Now read this article and ask yourself what in hell (and I mean that!) is happening? Pray for the poor babies in these situations.
I can't imagine Bishop Morlino would allow this under his watch as he's one of the most authentically Catholic bishops one could hope for. Perhaps the diocese is taking of control of decisions about baptisms precisely so that this good shepherd has an opportunity to instruct wayward members of his flock.
ReplyDeleteWell SAD to say the Diocese of Madison is just following the example of the "Bishop of Rome" Francis when on the Feast of Baptism of Our Lord-1/12/14, he baptized a child of a same sex couple publicly at St Peter's Basilica. Let's us pray for all our clergy today, especially Our Bishop of Rome.
ReplyDeleteWell so SAD that some of the priests in the Diocese of Madison must be following the bad example given by Bishop of Rome Francis. On January 12, 2014-the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, he baptized a child of a same sex couple at St. Peter's for the world to see. His job as the Vicar of Christ is to uphold the Church's Teaching, Traditions, and Canon Law! It is not to REDEFINE them to his own liking. Let's us pray for Francis, priests and all those who blindly follow him.
ReplyDeleteThe camels nose is in the tent.
ReplyDeleteI can hear the "dialogue" now... "If we allow homosex couple babies to be baptized... how can you NOT allow..."
Insert here.
Homosex ceremonies in Catholic churches.
Homosex sacramental "weddings"
Homosex priests.
Homosex married priests.
Ahh... the list goes on and on and on...
Can you post a link, MM John? I think you are mistaken. The pope baptized the child of an unmarried couple. That is certainly not the same situation. I have a friend in an invalid marriage that is not easy to repair since her husband is not cooperative about applying for an annulment. He is not Catholic but was married previously in a protestant church liturgy. The children are all being raised Catholic. In fact, they went to solid, orthodox Catholic schools and their mom attends Mass but does not receive the sacraments. They have been married for close to 30 years and I know one day the marriage will be blessed. But that is not the same as baptizing a child with same-sex parents who can NEVER be married in the Church. Here's a link to a story about the papal baptism. http://www.cathnewsusa.com/2014/01/pope-francis-baptizes-child-unmarried-couple/
ReplyDeleteI am torn by this.I understand that the parents' union can never be valid or blessed; but should the innocent baby be deprived of baptism? I would rather the baby be baptized than not baptized because of his parents' relationship.
ReplyDeleteThe child deserves to be brought into the body of Christ.
I trust Fr. Hardon on this. Would it be fair to a child to give him the keys of the car and put him behind the wheel without any knowledge or training in how to drive because you want him to be part of the body of drivers? Would that be fair to the child? And if you knew the parents were allowing it wouldn't it make more sense to help the parents see how irresponsible their decision is? Sacraments are teachable moments. What does it teach the parents who are in a situation that jeopardizes their souls?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure of the car analogy. However,
ReplyDeleteJesus Christ would be the driver (the Head of the Mystical Body of Christ). And at least the baby would be "in the car"; incorporated in to the Body of Christ.Unfortunately, many babies have parents who are clueless or rebellious to the Faith and never do anything more to teach the child about Christ. Sadly, this also includes many validly married catholic couples.But the baby is baptized; which I still think is better than not being baptized. I think God wants that child baptized; made one of His own. Who knows; maybe the parents will be converted because of the graces the child receives. But I think we must at least open that channel by baptism. I'm no theologian and I do love your blog.
Lots of challenging questions these days, eh? I'm no theologian either and I sure love babies. I have a "godchild" who was baptized in the bathtub, was raised by non-believing parents (antagonistic to Catholicism actually), and knows absolutely nothing about the faith. She is pro-abortion and a complete secularist. Her mom wanted a "present godmother." I pray for her, but she is closed to any faith discussion. I don't know whether it was better for her to be baptized or not. When she was little I gave her a finger rosary and taught her how to make the sign of the cross and say "I love you, Jesus" on each bead. It caused some friction. She is grown up now and, as I said, not open at all. So I pray and have Masses said.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tricia !
ReplyDeleteKnowing many grandmothers who Baptized their own grandchildren and continue to pray for them daily, I ask myself isn't this what Our Holy Mother does for all of humanity?
God does not want to lose one single soul and there are many accounts of miracles throughout the ages through the Faithfilled actions and prayers of others.
It is an act of love and love moves the Creator's Heart to Mercy!
However, it is the obligation of the priest when performing the Sacrament to ensure the parents know what is and is not mortally sinful and that an example of living an immoral lifestyle does not constitute raising the child as a sincere Catholic.
Isn't religious education required for the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist?