From: bob@anagld.analytics.com (Bob Smith)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.catholic
Subject: Re: infant baptism
Date: 22 Dec 92 13:23:30 GMT
Organization: Computer Sciences Corporation - Systems Engineering Division

Gordon and others:
I am replying to Gordon's last post on this subject to
ensure that I have stated things clearly - yep this is a touchy
subject in parts.
First, Thank you Gordon for your candid comments and for presenting
your view.
At our parish, the liturgy committee does advise the pastor in accordance
with the archdiocese guidelines, the instructions for the various rites,
and the canon law.  In the guidance for baptism at mass, it states that it
should not be done to often, but the preferred method of baptism is
during a regularly scheduled mass.  The baptism of a child belongs to
the community and not to the child or parents.  It is a way of bonding
the community, reminding us all of our promises, renewing our commitment
and welcoming the child into the community.  It can be a very moving 
event.  We try not to over do baptisms.   Alternatives are offered but
not encouraged, in accordance with the guidelines.

THe alternative scheduled for my granddaughter' baptism is a
non-regularly scheduled mass - baptism should be celebrated at a mass iaw
the guidelines.  It is open to the Parish at large.  The parish has
all been informed.  Repondents number about 350.  You are invited to
the Lord's Table also.

The issue in this case started out to be the way/manner in which the
change in schedule was handled.  As I have stated, my situation has
been satisfied.  The bigger issue is the close mindedness of the pastor,
and bigger still, his attempt to keep children from being baptized at mass.
THe issue now, his stance on baptizing children of unwed parents in all
circumstances (i.e. ALL cirumstances including but not limited to those scenarios
proposed to him such as rape, incest, death of father of child before marriage,
etc) is not consistent with the church's stand on abortion.  As I have stated,
to my mind it sets up a dichotomy.

Marriage prep was begun before the birth of the baby.  Rushing into marriage
was discouraged.  In the instructions for the rite and in the canon law it
states that baptism should not be delayed.  It does clearly spell out that it
can be delayed but that is discouraged.  This alternative was not presented during
marriage prep or baptism classes.  Not an issue though.  I could get into
another dissertation but I won't take your time right now.

My ancestry effecting my views? Yes there is a high probability that it is
at least a sensitizing factor.  My granddaughter knows who her parents are,
she knows who her community is, and is being welcomed.  My sensitivity enters
into this issue because of the soon to be announced delivery of a child who
will have no support from a father or grandparents.  My view is the pastor
is trying to deny the support of the community for the mother of this child
and the child.  There are two more cases very similar to the one I am obliquely
referring to that will occur before Easter.  During Advent I think it
is time to reflect on the scriptual circumstances of the birth of
Jesus.  I think it is time to say how would we have handled things if
we knew, back then, and we were an inn keeper, had a little space in our
house.   Today's circumstances are exactly the same.  We do not know what
will happen next.  We do not know when we can touch the heart of someone
and make the world better.  We have opportunities to try.  we have chances
to make a difference, with a smile, with a helping hand, with a song, or
by welcoming a child into a community and living the commitment to 
the baptismal vows.
Peace, and thank you all, Merry Christmas, God Bless, and 
may the season of Christmas and the way of peace be with you always.
bob

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