Expert: Sal - 11/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: A Catholic woman married a non-Catholic man, baptized in the Presbyterian church. He has now changed religions several times and the children were baptized in the Mthodist church. Does he have an obligation to raise the children Catholic? they have 2.  Would he have had to sign something to the effect that the children be raised Catholic. We are devout Catholics, and the couple in question was married in The Catholic Church and are now divorced (civil).  Annulment proceedings have not been initiated.
The man has re-married, the woman has not.
Part 2 of the question is, the older child is 8, he wants to make his first holy communion and is enrolled in CCD, what are the requirements for him to proceed?  

Please advise.
Thank you.

ANSWER: Dear Esther:

The Catholic parent is obligated to raise all children as Catholics. The non-Catholic parent agrees before the marriage not to hinder the Catholic parent from teaching the Catholic faith to the children. There is nothing signed as far as I know. If the non-Catholic parent goes back on his word he will answer to God. It is the Catholic parent's obligation to raise all children as Catholics not the non-Catholic parent.

The eight year old child is in the CCD program and that is what he should be doing.

God Bless,
Sal



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: In my last e-mail I neglected to mention that the father would not allow the children to be baptized in the Catholic Church, so the 8 year old was baptized in a Methodist Church shortly after birth. The wife agreed only to keep peace in the marriage and has regretted it since.  Would he have to be baptized again in the Catholic Church or would an affirmation of faith be sufficient.  There is a meeting scheduled with the child's mother and the Catholic priest, pastor of their church. I would sincerely appreciate your answer.  The previous answer was most welcome.
Thanks,
Esther

Answer
Dear Esther:

The Catholic Church accepts other Christian church's baptisms if done with plain water and "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the the Holy Spirit." The child's baptism should be accepted. A meeting with the priest is a great idea. Hopefully all will go well and the child will be able to received first Holy Communion.

Best Wishes,
Sal