Baptism as non church members?

[Anonymous]

We don't currently belong to a church but would like to get DC Baptized. Any churches that people know of that don't require you to be a member? We are in DC. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Most churches will require that at least be the sme religion and many require some educational classes for any sacraments like baptism, marriage etc.

You may want to try the religion forum for recs as to a specific religion b/c lots of churches baptize.

[Anonymous]

So...what's the point? Are you not church goers or did you just move here?

Any church? What's your denomination?

[Anonymous]

Doubtful. And do you really not care which church or denomination?

[Anonymous]

Maybe Unitarian? Although may not do baptism

[Anonymous]

Just join a church. They'll tell you the requirements (probably a short class; probably confirmation that you and the godparents are practicing, etc.). There's no financial requirement if that's what you are worried about. No church will let you simply waltz in and have your kid baptized.

[Anonymous]

Plus: if you are catholic and plan to do the other sacraments, then you'll need to do ccd starting in K or go the private route (which will also require confirmation of baptism prior to k). Just join a church.

[Anonymous]

A Catholic Church might do it.

[Anonymous]

See if the grandparents who are pressuring you to do this can work something out at their church.

[Anonymous]

Also, if this is about a grandmother really wanting the child baptized, then just have it done at her church.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Not about the grandparents, it's something we want. DC1 was baptized at the church where I was a teacher, but I don't work there anymore. DH and I were both raised catholic, although I tend toward the episcopalian faith more now. We just don't have the energy or time to attend church right now with two very young kids. It's a struggle to shower on a Sunday morning, much less get everyone dressed and to mass. It's not about finances- I'd be happy to contribute to a parish- it's the time involved in attending classes, going to mass, etc. I'd like to take the kids when they are a bit older and church could have some meaning for them. But I'd like to get DC2 baptized as a baby; I just didn't know if there were churches that would do that without the commitment of membership.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Not about the grandparents, it's something we want. DC1 was baptized at the church where I was a teacher, but I don't work there anymore. DH and I were both raised catholic, although I tend toward the episcopalian faith more now. We just don't have the energy or time to attend church right now with two very young kids. It's a struggle to shower on a Sunday morning, much less get everyone dressed and to mass. It's not about finances- I'd be happy to contribute to a parish- it's the time involved in attending classes, going to mass, etc. I'd like to take the kids when they are a bit older and church could have some meaning for them. But I'd like to get DC2 baptized as a baby; I just didn't know if there were churches that would do that without the commitment of membership.

You do realize that all membership entails is giving them your name and address, right? They don't take attendance at mass. You might have to do a one hour class. If you aren't equipped to do that, then I guess you are SOL.

[Anonymous]

My Presbyterian church would not, but it is common for people to be baptized at older ages in our church.

But, to be a member of my church it would just take one or two classes, so no major time commitment.

Just attend a church you would consider joining once or twice and then ask them to baptize your child. You don't have to attend regularly, just now and then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Not about the grandparents, it's something we want. DC1 was baptized at the church where I was a teacher, but I don't work there anymore. DH and I were both raised catholic, although I tend toward the episcopalian faith more now. We just don't have the energy or time to attend church right now with two very young kids. It's a struggle to shower on a Sunday morning, much less get everyone dressed and to mass. It's not about finances- I'd be happy to contribute to a parish- it's the time involved in attending classes, going to mass, etc. I'd like to take the kids when they are a bit older and church could have some meaning for them. But I'd like to get DC2 baptized as a baby; I just didn't know if there were churches that would do that without the commitment of membership.

Membership commitment is the whole point. Time and energy is a minor inconvenience to devoted parishioners. Don't cheat.

[Anonymous]

Op both DH and I were raised catholic. We attend and are now somewhat active members of an episcopalian church. We love it! Just pick a church, go on their website and look at what it says is required for baptism. Go there one Sunday and see if you like it and then contact them about baptism and what it entails. We had maybe 2 1-hour classes after the service. Really no big deal. Then we just scheduled it and that was it. We do attend regularly but as a pp said. No one takes attendance.