Expert: Fr. Michael - 7/3/2006

Question
The child who was baptized catholic as a toddler-her mom left the church shortly thereafter, before the age of reasoning was being brought up from age 2 onwards in the protestant faith (baptist).  What you are saying is that before the age seven (she was two), she isn't bound by the canon law?  Many thanks, in
Christ, Laura
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Followup To

Question -
If a catholic was baptized lutheran just to be switched over to the catholic faith by her mom at age six, she receives the sacraments of penance, holy communion, and confirmation by age nine, and went to catholic schools for twelve years, is she bound by the catholic church?  In other words, she hardly remembers any of these events.  The other question, if she had a child who was baptized catholic only to leave church to become protestant, is that child bound by the canon law?  This individual was raising her children protestant but recently came back to the catholic faith last year.  By the way, that child doesn't want to become catholic-thank you

Answer -
In the first case, yes, the individual is Catholic.  It doesn't matter what she remembers.  The Sacraments are objective facts.

In the second case, the child, assuming that she adhered to a Protestant sect *after* the age of reason, would be a heretic, apparently by her own choice, as you say that she chooses to be a heretic.

Answer
As your information is confusing and contradictory, it is impossible to say.  Nor is this think ind of question that is properly discussed over the internet.  You should consult your local traditional priest for guidance.  Check the Official Traditional Catholic Directory at 800-288-4677 or www.iuniverse.com/bookstore.