Why must a parent intend to raise his/her child Catholic, for the child to be baptized?

[Ana v]

I remember reading some threads on CAF (and I think one of them is from a past Ask An Apologist submission) wherein someone asks a question, that is to the effect of, can a non-Catholic or a person considering conversion to Catholicism, have his/her child baptized in the Catholic church?

And the response(s), to the best of my memory, are along the lines of ... in order for the child to be baptized Catholic, there must be sufficient reason/evidence to trust that the parent(s) will raise the child Catholic -- instructing the child in the Catholic faith.

Could someone explain to me, the "why" behind that condition? I'm not asking as a challenge, simply to make sure I have an accurate understanding.

Currently, my reasoning is as follows: By having the child baptized in the Church, the child becomes bound to the teachings and laws of the Church. If the child is not raised in accordance to the teachings of the Church, then, the soul of this child is endangered, because he/she might-- as a result of not being nurtured in the faith -- consistently throughout life fail to fulfill his/her Catholic obligations.

[Julia Mae]

Originally Posted by Ana v

I remember reading some threads on CAF (and I think one of them is from a past Ask An Apologist submission) wherein someone asks a question, that is to the effect of, can a non-Catholic or a person considering conversion to Catholicism, have his/her child baptized in the Catholic church?

And the response(s), to the best of my memory, are along the lines of ... in order for the child to be baptized Catholic, there must be sufficient reason/evidence to trust that the parent(s) will raise the child Catholic -- instructing the child in the Catholic faith.

Could someone explain to me, the "why" behind that condition? I'm not asking as a challenge, simply to make sure I have an accurate understanding..

When I was working many hours in my former Parish's office, I found that there are many non-practicing "Catholics by culture" who will call to "rent the church" for a marriage ceremony or expect to have a sort of baptism party for a new baby. They were surprised and resentful to find out that Sacraments aren't for sale in the lobby.

Baptism is not a meaningless ceremony. The parents must understand what it is, there are requirements in terms of who the Godparents can and cannot be. If they are Catholic, then they need, especially with a new child, to start being Catholic. If they aren't, why are they bothering to Baptize their child? Other than the excuse for the party and presents?

The benefit to catechizing the parents accrues immediately to the child.

[NewsTheMan]

I think a few reasons:

1) To show that Baptism isn't just a ticket to Heaven. I think the 'once saved always saved' has worked its way into the minds of many Catholics, and they believe baptism is this ticket to Heaven.

2) Related is the fact that we don't want to trivialize Baptism as a sacrament, nor do we want to trivialize our faith in general - as if we don't mind that you don't come to Mass despite wanting to "use" the sacraments whenever you like.

3) Again, related, is that it presents a good opportunity to evangelize and catechize parents and help them understand their duty after the child has been baptised. It's a way of making sure they don't sin by way of baptising a child only to never teach them about Christ or His Church.

[valentino]

I agree the above.The sacrament of baptism is very sacred and once you're Catholic you have been given responsibility.All Catholics have a sacred mission in life.We must through our words and actions bring the good news of Jesus to others.Every Catholic knows our goal is Heaven.

[thistle]

Originally Posted by Ana v

I remember reading some threads on CAF (and I think one of them is from a past Ask An Apologist submission) wherein someone asks a question, that is to the effect of, can a non-Catholic or a person considering conversion to Catholicism, have his/her child baptized in the Catholic church?

And the response(s), to the best of my memory, are along the lines of ... in order for the child to be baptized Catholic, there must be sufficient reason/evidence to trust that the parent(s) will raise the child Catholic -- instructing the child in the Catholic faith.

Could someone explain to me, the "why" behind that condition? I'm not asking as a challenge, simply to make sure I have an accurate understanding.

Currently, my reasoning is as follows: By having the child baptized in the Church, the child becomes bound to the teachings and laws of the Church. If the child is not raised in accordance to the teachings of the Church, then, the soul of this child is endangered, because he/she might-- as a result of not being nurtured in the faith -- consistently throughout life fail to fulfill his/her Catholic obligations.

Canon Law:

Can. 867 §1 Parents are obliged to see that their infants are baptised within the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth, indeed even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child, and to be themselves duly prepared for it.

§2 If the infant is in danger of death, it is to be baptised without any delay.

Can. 868 §1 For an infant to be baptised lawfully it is required:

1° that the parents, or at least one of them, or the person who lawfully holds their place, give their consent;

2° that there be a well-founded hope that the child will be brought up in the catholic religion. If such hope is truly lacking, the baptism is, in accordance with the provisions of particular law, to be deferred and the parents advised of the reason for this.