I joined the Church at Easter Vigil this year and intend to have my two small children (8 and 4) baptized as soon as possible. My problem is my 16 year old. She lives with her father and has been attending a protestant "home church" on Tuesdays and Sunday evenings with some of her high school friends. She recently told me that she would like to get baptized in a large group at the main church. Part of their ceremony includes the three most influential Christians in the person's life participating in the actual baptism. I know she will ask me to participate but am unsure as to whether or not as a Catholic I can do that in good concience. I have asked her to read some literature I was given (Catholic Updates) in RCIA so she can better understand the importance of what she is wanting to do. I get the feeling like the new "cool" thing in her group of friends is to "accept Jesus" and get baptized together. I could sure use some advise as to how I should proceed.

-- Teri (nonegiven@yahoo.com), July 19, 2004

Answers

Given the fact that your daughter is 16 years old plus the fact that she doesn't live with you, it's hard to see how you could have any influence on her choice of religion. The fact that she wants to join any church, Catholic or Protestant, seems like a pretty wholesome thing for her to do. And since she's doing it along with her friends, it seems like her friends are pretty wholesome, too. I would support her in it and focus on the beliefs that Catholics and Protestants have in common. This is, after all, the age of ecumenism

-- DC (skeptickk@yahoo.com), July 20, 2004.

-be aware that ecumenism is not compromise of Catholic teaching nor derived commonality away from Catholic teaching -ecumenism is recognition of only that which others may belief that is completely in agreement with Catholic teaching...

-- Daniel Hakenberry (dlm@catholic.org), July 20, 2004.

That's correct Daniel,

The sole purpose of true ecumenism is unity, and the only way unity can ultimately be achieved is for those who have abandoned the true Church to return to it. Besides, there are few doctrinal beliefs that Catholics and all protestants hold in common, because there are few doctrinal beliefs that all Protestants hold in common.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), July 20, 2004.

Teri,ask her to come with you to the Catholic church you attend and let her take in the Mass and see how truly special it is. And then talk with her and explain to her how important the sacrament of Baptism is. That is not to be taken lightly just because all the friends are doing it. Express to her what you've learned in RCIA and pass this on to her. See if your Priest would sit down with the two of you and talk to her about it. However as far as i know i thought these large group baptism's are not valid,but i might be wrong. The best i can say is show her ant teach her all you have learned and tell her how this is bothering your (concience.) May the Holy spirit be with you ........

-- Andrew m Tillcock (drewmeister7@earthlink.net), July 20, 2004.