I converted to the church as an adult, already married with a small child. My husband didn't want to convert and he is still a Catholic. Now he's asked me if our child can be baptized in the Catholic Church and if he can go to a Catholic school. Ever since I've been a member, my marriage has been great and I've had a lot of peace in my home, but now I'm worried about how to raise our child spiritually. Do you guys believe is it bad for us to baptize the baby in the Catholic Church? What do you think about sending our child to a Catholic school? I already spoke with my bishop, but I feel bad now. I wish my husband was a member so we could raise our child in the LDS Church.

Anonymous from Santiago, 7/18/2010

El Santo Gringo from La Jolla, California:

Hi friend. It can be very difficult when a husband and wife do not share the same faith. Your concern over your child's spiritual development is excellent. I can tell you're doing all you can to be a good mother and a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. I'm certain God will honor you for your sacrifice. We truly prove our loyalty to God not by doing what is easy, but by doing what is hard. Our Heavenly Father is pleased with your righteous efforts.

I don't know that the LDS Church has an official position regarding the baptism of infants in other churches. I think different members might have different opinions. Certainly your bishop can give you some good counsel. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with baptizing your child in the Catholic Church, given that your husband is Catholic. Because I believe that the apostolic authority is only present in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I don't think a Catholic baptism is the same baptism preached by Jesus and His apostles. However, for a Catholic, that baptism has great significance. Perhaps your husband wishes to express his faith in God by baptizing his child as an infant. An expression of faith is not a bad thing.

I know some churches are upset when Mormons baptize their deceased ancestors vicariously in the temple. The Catholic Church has expressed concerns that some who were Catholic in life have been vicariously baptized, for example. I never understood those concerns, because Catholics don't think that the Mormons have the apostolic authority and don't believe that Mormon baptisms are valid. By the same reasoning, then, I don't feel like I should object to a Catholic baptism.

Catholic schools often provide an excellent education. I think a Mormon could attend a Catholic school without any problems. It is very important, however, that you teach your child true gospel principles in the home and that you take him to the LDS Church every Sunday. A mother's influence is always the greatest, anyway. When your child becomes a teenager, make sure he attends seminary so he can become knowledgeable about Mormon theology and history. Catholics and Mormons share many beliefs in common; I think attending a Catholic school would not be a problem.

That having been said, your husband should respect your religious wishes as well. If you concede to allow your son to be baptized in the Catholic Church and to attend a Catholic school, your husband should allow you to take your son to the LDS Church every Sunday and to enroll him in seminary classes. He should allow your son to be baptized in the LDS Church when he is 8 years old. You have every right to teach your child your own religious principles. I hope this answered helps. Good luck.

Return to the "Question and Answer" Page

All About Mormons