On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
We had a Catholic wedding, mainly to please my parents. That was it as far as our faith for a few years. Now we’re pregnant and I’m feeling it’s kind of important that we get the baby baptized once she’s here. My husband is… not so much for innocent little babies. He thinks we should wait and let her make up her own mind later. What to do?
What to do, indeed. First, congratulations to you both.
The Catholic Church believes, as per the Catechism, that “children also have need of the new birth in
Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God.” It goes on to say that parents “will recognize that this practice also accords with their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them.”
I’d suggest you give the parish near you a try for a few Masses. See if there’s a priest who particularly resonates with you. Then, either approach him after Mass when the crowd thins out or make an appointment with him to discuss your desire and your husband’s reluctance. It’d be great if your husband is willing to go along to Mass or to the appointment, but even if he won’t accompany you, explore just what would be required to have the baby baptized. Then talk about it together.
The desire to return to a deeper faith life often accompanies big life events, joyous and otherwise. Listen to whatever it is that is calling you to see that your daughter receives this gift.
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