Expert: Fr. Michael - 8/2/2006

Question
I am Orthodox, my wife is Catholic and we have a 6 month old son.  At this
point, we are still not sure if we want an Orthodox, Catholic or just a
non-denominational baptism/christening.  We are sure that we want him to have best of both
worlds though, including going to Catholic School and also attending Orthodox
Church.  I guess my question to you is if the Catholic Church will recognize him
and accept him and allow him to recieve his sacraments (have 1st communion and confirmation) even though
he was baptised Orthodox or non-denominational?  We don't want him to be treated
as an outcast simply because he was not baptised by the Catholic Church.  We
want him to experience all that both churches have to offer, while rasing him Catholic, and give him the
best schooling possible.  Thanks in advance.


Answer
Apparently, you are unaware that you are manipulating a Holy Sacrament of the Church (either Catholic or Orthodox) for a "political" purpose.  It is hard to imagine a more grevious sacrilege against the First Commandment (recognized by both Catholic and Orthodox).

You should be seeking the true Church, which then you must follow.  Religion is not a candy store, in which it is simply a matter of choosing a color of jelly-bean according to one's preference.

Either your wife should raise the child traditionally as a Catholic, or, if you objectively believe the Eastern Orthodox to be the true Faith (Catholics consider them schismatics from the true Church), you should raise the child as Eastern Orthodox.  But, for Heaven's sake, don't play politics with the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

If the child is persecuted in some way for his Faith, so be it.  That is what honest people endure when they are sincere.  It strengthens one's Faith and merits an eternal reward.