Any RCs who can advise?

[BoraBora]

Almost a silly question, but how do you find your local parish?? Google is surprisingly unhelpful.

I haven't practiced for a while, and have moved out of the area I lived on last time I was practicing - I've never had to find my parish before!

I've just had a baby, and something about having her has got me thinking more. I want her to be baptised, but I'm worried that the priest would object as its been a good few years since I was active in the church...

[BoraBora]

That's a great idea, thank you.

[BoraBora]

Any opinions on how I can approach the issue of baptism, and whether the priest is likely to be amenable? Obviously ill have I talk to him but if he's really not going to do it, I'll have to think about what we do...

[Abra1d]

Perhaps turn up to Mass for four or five weeks before you actually have the conversation with him to show willing? Usually they are delighted to have young families show an interest. If you know your rough pastoral area, they all have websites which will show you the nearest parish.

[BoraBora]

Yes, I was thinking this too. I wonder how welcoming they are of colicky newborns!

[DewDr0p]

I just googled "catholic church in xxx" and up popped our local one.

Do you know what diocese you are in?

this link might help

[Bride1]

I am on this thread under a different name but am not sockpuppeting (had to change name to post something more personal) and have not got time to fiddle around with settings, but, I think they are fine with newborns. Often there are areas you can sit in if your baby is really getting upset, but most people are sympathetic, especially if it's a family service (worth finding out when these are). Usually I just picked the baby up and stood at the back and jiggled around during the quiet bits if there was a lot of fussing. People understand that babies can't be expected to be mute and they are the future of the church. I love seeing babies at Mass.

[BoraBora]

Sorry, I should say I found my local church it was easy after all (am blaming my newborn for my brain malfunction ).

I've emailed to ask which mass would be best for a little screamer!

[Annunziata]

Glad you found it! I agree, it's probably best to go to Mass for a few weeks before bringing up baptism! Best of luck.

[ethelb]

Call the diocese office and ask them about local parish boundaries, and also ask them about the diocese system for baptism. They seem to have increasingly varied rules on Godparents etc.