SpiritLedEd
Member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2005
- Messages
- 5,315
On the infant baptism practice of the Catholic Church: They believe, as I recall, that baptism is not an outward sign of inward conversion to belief in Jesus, the first step on the path to salvation.to relationship with Christ, but,rather, it is a rite of initiation into the Catholic Church and thus to Jesus, along with the Catholic subtle emphasis on works.
At a Catholic baptism, the parents stand with the infant and ceremonially accept the task of raising the child according to the teachings of the church.
Also present at and taking part in the ceremony are a second man and woman, known as the Godparents (Godmother and Godfather) of the child. These people are supposed to step in and assume the parental responsibility of raising the child in the church should the birth parents die or fail in their duties.
As an ex-Catholic, I must say that I doubt very much that many Catholics in the USA in the 21st century truly understand what's involved in Catholic baptism nor do they really care. Its just a fancy ceremony initiating the baby into the fold followed by a family get-together. That's all it was when I was growing up.
SLE
At a Catholic baptism, the parents stand with the infant and ceremonially accept the task of raising the child according to the teachings of the church.
Also present at and taking part in the ceremony are a second man and woman, known as the Godparents (Godmother and Godfather) of the child. These people are supposed to step in and assume the parental responsibility of raising the child in the church should the birth parents die or fail in their duties.
As an ex-Catholic, I must say that I doubt very much that many Catholics in the USA in the 21st century truly understand what's involved in Catholic baptism nor do they really care. Its just a fancy ceremony initiating the baby into the fold followed by a family get-together. That's all it was when I was growing up.
SLE
Last edited: