baptism

Father Mateo (76776.306@compuserve.com)
27 Mar 96 20:52:46 EST

To: cinaskf@catinfo.cts.com
960315.10
> From: peggy@InfoAve.Net
> Date: Sat, 16 Mar 1996 23:55:54 -0400 (EDT)
> Subject: Question
>
> Father, I would like to know as the Grandmother why my
> Grandchild cannot be baptized she will be seven on March 20.
> She lives with me and has since she was 7months old. Her
> Father my Son is remarried to a non catholic. But is a good
> Father he lives a few hundred feet away from us. There
> isn't enough room in the trailer he lives in. No he does
> not attend church. I was going but now have panic attacks
> so I can't go as much as I should. My other son lives home
> is 26 and would be her Godfather along with the girl he
> plans on marrying in the future. He goes regularly. So can
> she be baptized under these circumstances? Waiting for your
> answer. Thank you
>
> Sincerely
> Peggy

Dear Peggy,

Please advise your grandchild's parents to visit the parish
priest to see about her baptism. At seven years old, she is no
longer and infant, so very likely the priest will say she needs
religious instruction before baptism.

If she were an infant or below the age of reason (presumed to be
seven years of age), there would have to be "the realistic hope
that the child will be brought up in the Catholic religion. If
such hope is truly lacking, the baptism is to be deferred and the
parents advised of the reason for this" (Code of Canon Law, canon
868, 1).

In any case, please go to the parish priest.

Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo

- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit -

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