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Hello Father:
Much to my dismay, my daughter, who was raised a Roman Catholic, has not had her son baptized, and he is now almost seven years old. My son-in-law is the obstacle to having this done. He is a non-Catholic, and says things like, "let him (referring to my grandson) make his own mind up about religion when he grows up." My argument is that my grandson cannot have an opinion about something to which he has never been exposed. I am also very concerned about my grandson's soul. I try to keep my mouth shut, and not cause any controversy, but this bothers me greatly. What can I do?
Hi, Patricia:
Thanks for sharing your story and this question.
Sadly, there is not a lot that you can do directly for the situation other than to pray. From what you describe with your grandson not having any exposure to Catholicism, it sounds as though your daughter's husband does not really allow her to practice her faith personally, either. Unfortunately the situation you describe is only too common these days. I am sad for your daughter because I fear that she never really thought through the consequences of marrying somebody who does not share her religious beliefs. I suppose that she needs to pray much, as well. Practicing your own faith and being an example is something esle you can do. Surely your daughter's husband can't keep you from practicing your faith. I would hope that it is just something that is part of your life. Don't be afraid.
Fr. Timothy Johnson
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Fr. Timothy Johnson
Expertise
A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.
Experience
I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.
Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)
Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology;
MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary;
2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality.
BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy;
BA - Liberal Arts;
AA - General Studies.
Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15.
Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office.
I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church.
Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.
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