Wanted: Baptism Advice

I'm catholic and maybe this is not a very catholic thing to do, but you can just say they are catholic! It's not like there's some master directory of catholics and they can look it up. Might be too late for that if you've already revealed their identities. Anyway, I don't advocate lying ever, but for crying out loud - that's just stupid. Godparents are a serious thing. My husband and I don't have any brothers or sisters, or other catholic friends - so that's quite a pickle. Good Luck. Let me know if you find a cool catholic church in town. We gave up and go to St. Martin's Lutheran Church on 15th. They are traditional like catholicism (communion and all - sing the same songs), but not judgemental. Beautiful church too.

You can try St. Albert the Great on Metric Blvd. Seems they're a little less rigid.

We go to St. Theresa's and had DD baptized there. I think the church requires 1 godparent to be a practicing catholic. There are more "liberal" catholic churches in Austin, like St. T's, who will do things a little differently. You just have to call around and explain your situation. Remember, too, that the Catholic church recognizes all Christian baptism as valid. If you want your child to go to CCD (aka Religious Education) and go through communion and confirmation, you may want to go ahead and have them baptized in the Catholic faith. It'll make it easier for you in the long run. Good Luck!

I'm Catholic and have run into restrictions and limitations, both marrying my non-Catholic husband in a Catholic ceremony, and getting our son baptized Catholic. Do you have family members who are Catholic and would be willing to be godparents? The Catholic church is pretty clear in doctrine that being Catholic means going to mass every Sunday and that baptism is a sacrament and not just a blessing, and I think that is why they want Catholic godparents -- to create a Catholic community around your child that will support a Catholic life, which includes weekly mass, regular confession, etc.

I have never seen much variation on the requirements for various sacraments from one Catholic church to the next. So, I think the hoops are the same.

Have you considered having your son baptized as a non-denominational Christian to give him that blessing you seek? I am not sure what the requirements are but I am guessing they are not as stringent as what your Catholic church requires. Hope this helps and good luck!

Hi Landy,
We just baptized our son and my husband is Catholic and I am not. They do ask that godparents be Catholic(at least one), but they let my brother(noncatholic) stand up there as well. It was a lovely and very laid back Catholic church and just required one 2hour class. Many other churches required 8 hours of classes. It is St. Austin's Catholic Church on Guadalupe, near UT. Call them and ask for Brandon. Tell them your situation-they were very friendly, helpful, and open-minded. Hope this helps!!!

This may not be very helpful, but have you considered going to an Episcopal church? Very much like the Catholic church not as many hoops. I grew up Catholic and had to leave because I was divorced. Catholics really want you to commit to the church if you are going to baptize. Thats why the "hoops".

The Catholic church in Taylor will help you with this,
they are very helpful.
we had our grandchild baptized there.

thanks,
Oly

we went to St. Albert the Great and they only required 1 catholic godparent. Not to mention, I don;t know that they would actually check. (lying to a church, now that's a great idea!)

I had my daughter baptized at St. Albert's in North Austin (off of Metric and Parmer). They were great. I became a member while I was pregnant. They request for the parent(s) to attend one 2-3 hour class on a Sunday evening. My godparents were both Catholic but that was not a requirement. I believe only one had to be Catholic. I hope it works out for you!!

Two of my children were baptized at St. Theresa's. On set of Godparents were Catholic. The other set was not. They never asked whether they were Catholic or not. The godparents were just asked if they agreed to support the baby being raised in the Catholic community. Good luck!

Atleast one of the god parents have to be catholic for the child to be baptiized and the god parents have to attend the class before the child can be baptized. Basically the class is going over the prayers taking place at the baptism. Try contacting the Austin Diocian office for more information or the catholic church you attend but as for hoops to jump through one of the god parents will have to be catholic for the child to be batized. Both of my children have god parents one being catholic and the other not and the non-catholic did not have an issue with the class like I said before it was just going over the ceremony.

S. - full time working mom of 2 fabulous very active children and a very loving husband

As long as one person is practicing it should be okay. If your parents are Catholic, you can use them. Good luck.