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Hello,
My granddaughter was born out of wedlock more than two years
ago to my son and his, then, girlfriend. They have since broken
up, but my son has joint custody. He lives in my home so his
daughter is here every other week.
Neither my son or the child's mother has taken any steps to
get my granddaughter baptized. Neither of them practices the
faith. I, however, want to get her baptized.
Is there any way
I can do this without their permission?
I would make sure she
attends Mass at least every other week when she is with me,
and I am fairly certain her relatives, on her mother's side,
would do the same.
All I want to know is if I can get her baptized.
Thank you,
Susan
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Eric replied:
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Hi Susan,
No. Baptism requires that there be a well-founded hope that the child
be raised Catholic. This is not the case in this situation. Pray for her,
entrust her to mercy of God, and when she is of age, witness to her about
the faith.
That's all you can do besides witnessing to your daughter and
convincing her to return to the faith and get her child baptized.
Eric
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Mary Ann replied:
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Susan,
In addition to what Eric has said, your son could give permission for
her to be baptized, and promise that he and you would raise her as a Catholic.
He does have equal custody so has the right to make decisions about her
religion. Even if he is not Catholic, he can consent to her being baptized.
Just because she would spend half her time at her mother's doesn't mean
she can't be Catholic, with her Dad's approval and your help.
Mary Ann
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