Author Topic: Baptizing Illegitimate Children (Read 6378 times)

Dulcamara · « **Reply #1 on:** October 20, 2007, 11:38:04 PM »

I don't know, but my first instinct is to say, I doubt it. I know someone who was an illegitimate child, and they got baptized in the Catholic church (by a traditional priest). Sounds kind of weird to me, but then again, I really don't know the church teaching on it.

Kephapaulos · « **Reply #2 on:** October 20, 2007, 11:47:50 PM »

The priest might be concerned about the kind of environment in which the child could grow up, but it is not right that he still refuses to baptize the child.

Adesto · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2007, 04:14:12 PM »

I would say it's totally wrong to refuse to baptise the child. The sins of the parents should have absolutely no bearing on the child's chance to get to Heaven.

MaterDominici · « **Reply #4 on:** October 22, 2007, 12:06:53 AM »

I don't think it's the legitimacy of the child that's in question, but whether or not there are parents and godparents who will be responsible for raising the child Catholic.

One illegitimate child may have a repentant mother who desires nothing but the best Catholic life for her child. Thus, no problem with obtaining a baptism.

In another instance, the parents, although claiming to be Catholic, might still be leading lives of sin and are clearly not living the Faith. It would be good to inquire of the mother why exactly she wants the child to be baptised. You'd perhaps find that it's for social reasons as it's simply what the extended family customarily does.

It's my understanding that baptising a child in a non-believing family does the child no favors as it "raises the stakes" on that child's soul in terms of the devil's desire to reclaim that individual. If the Church were to baptise children of obviously non-Catholic parents, why

JoanScholastica · « **Reply #5 on:** October 22, 2007, 12:14:37 AM »

Quote from: MaterDominici

One illegitimate child may have a repentant mother who desires nothing but the best Catholic life for her child. Thus, no problem with obtaining a baptism.

I guess the mother falls on this category.

I agree with all of you. However, I would not post it here if the priest concerned was a NO. He is actually one of the Society's priest. I'm left dumbfounded with the mother's situation. Still, it's the priest decision. Is that correct?

Matthew · « **Reply #6 on:** October 22, 2007, 08:33:53 AM »

I think it has nothing to do with the fact that the baby is illegitimate.

I think the real issue is "will the child be raised Catholic?"

Because if the child has NO MORE CHANCE OF BEING SAVED than the average pagan/non-Catholic -- then the poor child will suffer MORE in Hell because he/she has the indelible character of Baptism on his/her soul.

There is a reason that Holy Mother Church forbids us to sneak into the nursery at the hospital and secretly baptize all the babies there.

Matthew

JoanScholastica · « **Reply #7 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:56:32 PM »

Well, that means the baby can be baptized by anyone provided the person is doing what the Church desires. If the mother wants, she could baptized her baby. Would that be correct?

PinoyMonk · « **Reply #8 on:** October 22, 2007, 08:02:49 PM »

Quote from: JoanScholastica

Well, that means the baby can be baptized by anyone provided the person is doing what the Church desires. If the mother wants, she could baptized her baby. Would that be correct?

Anyone CAN baptise in an emergency, but the Sacrament is more ordinarily done by one's priest.

clare · « **Reply #9 on:** October 26, 2007, 10:06:27 AM »

Dorothy Day had her daughter baptised (in the 1920s, I think), before she herself had even been received into the Church!

spouse of Jesus · « **Reply #10 on:** August 27, 2010, 07:03:27 PM »

Quote

Because if the child has NO MORE CHANCE OF BEING SAVED than the average pagan/non-Catholic -- then the poor child will suffer MORE in Hell because he/she has the indelible character of Baptism on his/her soul.

What if he converts later in life like an adult convert from a false religion?

Emerentiana · « **Reply #11 on:** August 27, 2010, 08:09:59 PM »

Quote from: JoanScholastica

What is the real score? I’m a bit confused.

For example: there’s a certain woman who wants her child to be baptized but hesitates in marrying the father saying she needs more time. And yet she continues living with him. (Sounds contradicting, huh?!) Thus, the priest refuses to baptize the infant.

Is it truly right to reject the baptism of a child who’s innocent in the first place?

Joan,
Any true Catholic priest will refuse to baptize any infant if the parents are not living a Catholic life. In this case, the woman is living a scandalous life.

spouse of Jesus · « **Reply #12 on:** August 27, 2010, 08:14:04 PM »

I wonder whether we are for free will or for upbringing?

Roman Catholic · « **Reply #13 on:** August 28, 2010, 12:47:53 AM »

Quote from: JoanScholastica

Quote from: MaterDominici
One illegitimate child may have a repentant mother who desires nothing but the best Catholic life for her child. Thus, no problem with obtaining a baptism.

I guess the mother falls on this category.

I agree with all of you. However, I would not post it here if the priest concerned was a NO. He is actually one of the Society's priest. I'm left dumbfounded with the mother's situation. Still, it's the priest decision. Is that correct?

You said the parents are living in sin. That is not a repentant mother.

The mother is incapable of raising the child Catholic in that environment. You can't give what you don't have.

The priest is correct and justified in his decision.

Roman Catholic · « **Reply #14 on:** August 28, 2010, 12:56:05 AM »

Quote from: JoanScholastica

Well, that means the baby can be baptized by anyone provided the person is doing what the Church desires. If the mother wants, she could baptized her baby. Would that be correct?

The person baptizing needs to "intend to do what the Church does" when baptizing. That is: use the correct matter and form of the sacrament whilst baptizing.

Regardless the baby should not be baptized without the entire Rite Of Baptism being administered by a priest, unless the baby is in immediate danger of death.