Hi,

I'm wanting to get both my kids baptised, but haven't had the "big chat" with DH yet. He has been against it so far. We are both non-practising Catholics, and didn't even get married in church, but I"m starting to change my mind.

Before anyone jumps on me, this isn't a schooling issue. It is more that, now that I'm a SAHM, with my whole focus on the kids, I'm rethinking a lot of things. I value what I gained growing up in the church, and want to pass that feeling of belonging on to my kids. Whether they choose it later in life is up to them. What happened to Sophia in Canning Vale (the 8 year old that was murdered in the shopping centre) has also made me think more about it, and look for meaning. Seeing the support they received from the church has also made me feel like we are missing something in our lives.

Whilst I can't see us going to mass regularly at the moment, (with a 2yearold and 9 month old) I see myself taking the kids when they are a bit older, whether or not DH wants to come.

Do you think I should baptise them now anyway? And can anyone give me some tips on convincing DH?
Darcy

Hi Darcy...

How about just telling DH exactly what you have said here... Your reasoning is perfectly valid and understandable...

Maybe you can try to find a good priest to have a chat with who might be able to guide you along "the journey home"...

As a Catholic, Baptism is so important to us that we have our children done ASAP... the youngest was 12 days old!

If you want any further info or a chat... please PM me... I will pray for your DH to be open to the grace of God...

One of my favourite quotes is of St Augustine who said "Lord, our hearts are restless, until they rest in Thee". We are all on a journey Heavenwards and will only be fully satisfied when we arrive! That is just the way God made us... to know, love and serve Him in this life and to live with Him forever in Heaven.

God Bless you all...

Tuzi...

As a practicing protestant I don't necessarily agree with infant baptism as I believe that's a decision that should be made by the individual when they are old enough to understand (if that makes any sense) not the parent. I believe that it's not necessarily baptism that gets you into heaven but a personal working relationship with Jesus.

Maybe Sunday School is a good place for your children to start, it introduces them to the church and it's a place where they can start to build on some of those values and teaching that you cherish so much. I'm not sure if Catholic churches have Sunday School though. You could always plug into a Playgroup (if your children are too young for Sunday school) at a local church as they usually have some Christian content in their program. At least then your kids will be learning about God in a positive environment.

I agree with what Tuzi said about telling your husband exactly what you told us in here. What you said is reasonable and logical.

Hope that I've been of some help and not jumped down your throat or anything.

Bless ya

Christy

I have a valid question for Christy.

I have heard it many times that we get told that our friends won't baptism their babies because they feel that their kids need to make up their own minds - same thoughts as you if I am correct so they go for naming day celebration but have GODPARENTS. BUT how can kids make up their own minds if the parents never take them to church/sunday school or teach the christan faith in their own home ?? Confuses me, for one to make up their own mind, they should be shown both opportunites.

What is your thoughts?
Do you bring your beautiful girls up on the christen faith?