Q. 1. My neighbour recently gave birth to a son. She indicated that she is not going to have him baptized. She will wait until her son grows up at which time he can decide if he wants to be baptised or not. What is your opinion on this matter?

A. 1. I can relate to your anxieties, that should the child die before he is baptised, he will not be admitted into the Kingdom of God. This practice of "wait and see" what the child decides is not unheard of. It is sad that some parents reject their spiritual obligation before God. Should the child die prior to being baptised, the Church, not knowing the status of his eternal soul, can only entrust him to the mercy of God.