I think this might be our ideal situation. I am a person that embraces all religions and I'd absolutely love to be a part of it. But I will support the baptism even if she doesn't want us to be a part of it. My stepkids are Catholic and I worked for years at a catholic university so it's not all new to me.
The birthmother does like me so far (she acts like she does anyway). She mentioned she is very happy with the fost/adoptive mom of four of her other kids - they've been there a couple years and have been adopted. I think the biomom just wants to make sure her kids are in a good home if she can't have custody.
The ear piercing, I didn't realize was such a cultural thing. I will talk to the SW about that. I'd feel better waiting till the child is 1 yrs old but I realize it's not my decision.
Thanks for the input all!
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Originally Posted by elizabeth_ann
I can't talk about the pierced ears, but as a Catholic, I know that baptism is *really* important to us .
It has to take place in a Church unless there's a life-or-death crisis (as in, the baby is dying imminently), so she can't call a priest and have it done at home. Basically, that's because baptism seals the child as one of God's children in community with the rest of His believers, so it's important that it take place in the community (i.e., in Church).
It could be a great way, if the situation is one that this is a good idea, of getting closer to the birthmom. You can and should be involved! While, as a non-Catholic, you can't be a godmother, you can be there for the baptism, help out, and shouldn't segregate yourself from it!! I'd encourage you to be there. It would mean a lot for birthmom and baby, and if you end up adopting baby, it would mean a lot later in life that you shared this important milestone.
Catholic baptism, other than a few prayers, is exactly the same as any other Trinitarian (Baptist, Lutheran, etc) baptism. It's recognized as valid by those other denominations, I believe (at least, we recognize theirs as valid, so I would assume vice-versa). |