Topic:  Can a Catholic attend a non-Catholic Baptism?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: July 31, 2005

Moderator who originally posted this source: Kathy Martyn

Question: My mother was invited to her great grandson's baptisim, to be held in a Lutheran Church. The mother and father of the baby boy being baptised are not yet married, but are engaged. My mother asked a Catholic Priest if she should go to this Lutheran Baptism. The Catholic priest told her, NO, It would be a sin! Is this true? Would it be a sin for a Catholic to attend the Non-Catholic (Lutheran) Baptism of a relative? I understand the requirement of Matter and Form and the intention of the non-catholic parties to do what the (true) Church does. But can you provide clear Catholic Teachings on this question? Is a Lutheran Baptism Valid? Licit? Can Catholics attend? What references can you provide? Where does Charity toward non-Catholic Christians come into this question? I'll look forward to your reply! Thanks! Tom Navarra

Answer: 

Hello and thank you for your question. I am with you - why would it be a sin? Are you sure she understood him correctly? I just can't imagine. If going to a Protestant Baptism is a sin, we are all in very big trouble!

The Catholic Church recognizes other Baptisms. From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
"Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sine can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated." #1272

By all means, Catholics can attend other Baptisms, funerals, weddings, confirmations, etc.

I applaud these parents for not rushing into marriage and initiating a faith tradition for their child!