Baptize baby or let them decide when they're older?

Many parents these days are taking the "wait and see" approach with religion, not having their children baptized and letting them decide when they're older. I don't think anyone wins in this approach.
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[@pcksp4135]

"Children are just helpless, chubby little things" - Father Casey, 2021

[@chrismeloy1149]

I’m a helpless, and chubby middle-aged man.

[@renkomon.8312]

Both of the quotes in this chain are good.

[@yolandagutierrez7465]

Thank you for this! 💜🙏💜

[@Marg1312]

@@karenparker6407 Is it not true?

[@katemd7447]

Children are helpful

[@wordling720]

She's a lucky little girl! My uncle was a priest, and he was my FAVORITE uncle! He baptized me, was my Confirmation sponsor (also concelebrated my Confirmation Mass), and officiated my wedding. He loved all his nieces and nephews, and he was very good to us all.

[@ireneveltri8281]

You are blessed and lucky.

[@trinne]

Small children (0-10), small troubles. Big children (11-99), bigger troubles.

[@j.m.w.5064]

And you really think there is a connection between him being a great uncle and being a priest? Are you indicating that Christians are by default better people? Seriously?

[@wordling720]

​@@j.m.w.5064 Dude. You got all that from what I said? Try reading it again, without your filters. Father Casey's video simply reminded me of the joyful experience I had of a wonderful uncle who happened to be a priest. Was there a connection between his priesthood and his wonderfulness as an uncle? I can't say, since I never knew him before he was a priest. I'm pretty confident he would have been wonderful regardless, but I was additionally blessed by his wisdom, knowledge, and anointing as a priest. Are Christians by default better people? Nope. Not by a long shot. We are abject sinners who have encountered our Redeemer, who have accepted with gratitude His redemption for our sins, and who daily strive to conform ourselves to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). It's a tall order, but we do try. I will pray that you soon encounter Jesus, your Redeemer.

[@j.m.w.5064]

@@wordling720 Dude yourself! :-) Well, since every sentence of you combined the qualities of him as a uncle and a priest without further context - yes, this was the only conclusion. Hence the question. And about finding my redeemer... (and that is absolutely no attack on what you do or believ in private)... Since the Catholic church still doesn't take the systemic abuse seriously and since the communities let this slide and do not lock every church down with pitchforks and torches until every case was handled by a proper judge ... ...Catholics should feel that this way of not-handling it does desecrate everything that was holy to you. So I'll look for redemption in another place, thank you very much.

[@Trekkifulshay]

Congrats, Uncle Casey! My 3-year-old was convinced I was the worst mother ever when I shot down his hopes of the Oreo diet. To only eat Oreos. He went to his room slammed the door and told me I ruined his life. lol

[@uteme]

Ha ha ... you did. 😉😉😉

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

😆 🤣 😂

[@GrandmaLynn]

😂

[@GardenMinistry.]

Oh my word 🤣🤣 sounds like my toddler's!

[@marthahawkinson-michau9611]

Gosh, what a way to ruin a kids life early-by forcing him to eat healthy and not letting him only eat Oreos. Poor guy. I’m sure he’ll be fine when the temper fit settles down.

[@annzwarych3577]

She is beautiful!! Congratulations Uncle Father Casey ❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@Marg1312]

@@francescogorbechov4192 Maybe the commenter is from Mexico.

[@annzwarych3577]

@@francescogorbechov4192 That’s where I live 🇨🇦

[@abuhado-verbigraciaramirez8682]

@@annzwarych3577 please lol delete your comment in which you say you live in Canada lol 🤣🤣🤣 just to troll with people with the comment up above yours

[@doriangoff2474]

I love the title "uncle father"

[@Marg1312]

@@doriangoff2474 Uncle Grandpa: Catholic Edition

[@augustkaimt1934]

My parents didn't want me to be baptized as a baby, but my father read me from the Bible every night (every night!). Then when I was 9 years old, I said that I wanted to be baptized now. My baptism is the most important spiritual experience of my life for me! It still gives me strength today when I am wavering in my faith. And every time the baptismal promise is renewed in the church, I do it with the utmost sincerity. Baptism is an incredible grace and I am glad that I freely chose to do it! Best regards from germany!

[@mechanomics2649]

I think the importance of this cannot be understated. It was your choice. That relationship that you have might not have been if that choice had been made for you.

[@augustkaimt1934]

@@mechanomics2649 Yes that's true.

[@ralfsstuff]

Problem is this. I'm happy you got something out of it but I wouldn't necessarily call you getting baptized a "choice". Considering you said your father read you the bible every single I'd expect your household to be a deeply religious one. Ergo it should have been fairly likey you'd continue to go along with your families faith including baptism. Same as an Atheist who's stays Atheist just because it's what he's used to with no real challenges to that system of belief- or disbelief. Edit: Immer nett hier in den Kommentaren nen anderen Deutschen zu finden. 👍

[@pipsasqeak820]

Well...I mean...your niece can now boast that her uncle is a Jedi Knight...or a Franciscan... Both are equally cool

[@corpuschristi.fiatmihisecu9841]

Or a monk. Reference to another one of fathers videos.

[@MinaLobo]

Welcome, Maggie May, and congratulations Uncle Casey! God bless you and all your family!

[@bridgetnaazie9750]

Congratulations Fr. Uncle Casey. Large Margie would not be large forever...ha ha...

[@helenabara2092]

Congratulations Fr Casey .

[@FarmerBill-cl4rb]

My son was born yesterday on the 18th. I'm so happy to have my son baptized in my Lutheran congregation as the 6th generation. Praise be to God and fighting 5 years of infertility. I totally agree with this video.

[@EMCain-rz6kv]

Congratulations ...what a blessing! I will be praying for you and your new family!

[@itsdutchintime1907]

I'm very happy for you, father. She's truly a beautiful gift from God.

[@baxtercol]

Congratulations and God bless Maggie Mae and all her family! I don't often comment but this issue is especially important in today's world of relativism. Nobody knows or can control the future. But we all can stand firmly -especially in front of our children (biological or otherwise, Uncle Casey 😊) who are watching us more closely than we know and learning from us, taking their cue about what matters and how that shapes our morals, convictions and actions- unapologetically for things we know to be true. To all undecided and or new parents, I'd like to offer a glimpse of what a heartfelt convicted yes to letting God's grace in can give to your children. Your future is now my past: I just lost my Dad who shared his gift of faith and took on the very concrete responsibility of passing it on that Baptism demands. He gave me 94 years of gentle proof of God's supremely central and important loving presence with us. I'm now 60 years old. The child my parents baptized, though, was a fragile baby born just shy of three months prematurely. As a twin, my chances of survival were miniscule and no one was sure how I would survive, what sort or degree of disability I would have. I have cerebral palsy that I wouldn't trade for anything because it has made me closer to God and hopefully humbly aware of my dependence on Him but nobody knew what would happen when I came into the world. As it is, I have a sister who is with God. Both of us were baptized immediately by every nun who came and went in the Catholic Hospital where we were born. There was never any question. My parents wanted God's protection and grace to sustain us from the start. As far as my Dad was concerned, that grace would make a difficult life easier to live and understand. Baptism makes our connection with God explicit. It and the other sacraments are physical signs of Christ's presence. Baptism offers all that we are in all our human imperfection to God. It sets Jesus' seal on our bodies, minds and souls. It marks us for God right from the beginning. It affirms to everyone involved that Jesus' victory over (original) sin and death is a certain fait accompli that we can choose to proclaim and participate in and it gives us the grace to do so at any and all stages of our awareness. Neither one of my parents would have ever dreamed of not allowing God's grace to give my life meaning and direction. I knew from the youngest age that I had a guardian angel watching over me in my sister. I knew she was in heaven with God, basking in His love. I understood from a very early age that she is the lucky one. Later, when I affirmed God's Gift of Grace in Confirmation, I sealed with adult commitment what Christ's love had begun when we were conceived and continued with my parents' consent at Baptism and beyond. I think your child may thank you for the gift you gave regardless of what he later chooses to make of it.

[@trevorlorimer6727]

We just baptized our 22 month old son. When he was anointed with the chrism, he called out "thank you Jesus, Amen!" Made the priest chuckle heartedly :)

[@haydenpatton5507]

bruh your 2 year old did not cry out “thank you Jesus, Amen”

[@trevorlorimer6727]

@@haydenpatton5507 not two yet. Not sure what to say *shrug*

[@DD-nu8jt]

@@haydenpatton5507 Some children are very advanced.

[@batmanhudson4235]

That is awesome!! Praise God !!

[@StalloneSiciliano]

@@haydenpatton5507 how do you know where you there?

[@michaelevans1193]

As a parent of a teenager, I agree with everything said in this video. However, I wish you would have addressed the fact that many Protestant churches delay baptism until the child can make their own profession of faith. Having grown up with parents of different religions, I learned the differences between the Roman Catholic faith that I was raised in and the Baptist Church that my father grew up in. In the end, I felt closer to my Catholic faith while my sister followed her husband to the Methodist Church. My father, on the other hand, converted to the Catholic faith in his late 70’s and has enjoyed discussing the faith with my son as he has gone through Catholic schools.

[@kiarastamford4944]

You seem to have my mirrored imaged version of my life! My Dad is Roman Catholic and Mom is Southern Baptist. I was raised with both faiths going to multiple different churches over the years, both Catholic and Baptist. Decided to become confirmed in the Catholic Church when I was 18✝️ I always look at myself as blessed for living a childhood in both Churches, because my understanding of the faith and brothers and sisters in Christ is not like any other person I know that only grew up in one Church.

[@marthahawkinson-michau9611]

To be fair though, most Protestant denominations that that baptize older children/adults also use a ceremony called “dedication”. Basically dedication ceremonies require the parents to make all of the same promises that a baptism ceremony would, just without the sacrament of water. In particular regarding the religious education of the child.

[@kelechukwuanozyk7605]

@Christos Kyrios no.

[@mechanomics2649]

@@kiarastamford4944 Exactly. I think that more perspectives can only benefit a person and increase their understanding and knowledge of the world.

[@therighteousrighthand]

In the end profession of faith must be made by the person not their parents. That is why Catholics have split it into infant baptism and confirmation. Confirmation is fire baptism where a child makes his or her own profession of faith in Jesus Christ. We need to be baptized both in water and fire to be born again. What most Catholics don't realize is it is not just about perforning these sacraments, but living them daily is what will keep their pre-teens and teens grounded in faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

[@admininfo536]

I was baptised and it made no sense to me as a child. I resented being indoctrinated into a church that I viewed as damaging to society. I left the church and became an atheist, which was when my suffering started. It eventually manifested as full blown depression. I am now so grateful I was baptised, because I firmly believe it protected me from staying lost. I had the Holy Spirit with me the whole time, and it led me back home.

[@mechanomics2649]

We've had just the opposite experience. I was a staunch Christian and had really always had depression but after suffering physical ailments that left me in constant physical and mental pain I lost my faith. I felt God had turned his back on me and so I turned my back on Him.

[@admininfo536]

@@mechanomics2649 I can relate. I suffered immensely even when I was in the church. So much of what I was taught was erroneous. Many believe judgment is the way, despite Jesus repeatedly saying don’t judge. It was not until I took up studying Christ for myself that I understood the truth. Then I saw divinity everywhere, even IN my suffering. And I became grateful for the whole thing, suffering and all. Because it ultimately pushed me towards the truth. Depression is a sign that our thinking has fallen out of alignment with God’s will for us, which is only love. The purpose of depression is to motivate us to seek greater understanding of truth. That’s how we heal it. When our brains are wired for love, our bodies are a pleasant place to be.

[@MistyAsparagus]

@@admininfo536 I like the story and your experience, but please do not misundstand. Baptism (by water) is a symbol of declaring that Jesus is your Lord and savior and you have repented of your sins. Jesus was not even baptized himself until he was "grown and mature" by John The Baptist, it even says then he saw the heavens open and the spirit descend upon him and after that he went into the wilderness to fast. Your parents or guardians that had you baptized when you were young did nothing to save you. It's you and your true genuine faith in Jesus and your repentance of which then you will be baptized of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to refer to scripture for answers and pray that God will reveal them to you, if you do wish to know the truth.

[@admininfo536]

@@MistyAsparagus Infant baptism is scriptural and does have a very real effect on the life and spirit of the baby. Catholics rightly believe that parents can express their faith on behalf of the infant, promising to raise them in the knowledge of their Lord. Btw, scripture is my favorite thing ✌🏽 It states that through Baptism the Holy Spirit works rebirth (Titus 3:4-7), creates faith in them, and saves them (1 Peter 3:21). Although some deny the possibility of infant faith, the Bible clearly teaches that babies can believe (Mark 9:42, Luke 18:15-17). My direct experience of life showed me this is true. I had a very real relationship with Jesus until I was about 7 years old. He was what some would call my imaginary friend, and I credit my baptism. Even when I was too young to understand scripture, He was there. It wasn’t until I was 7 that my intellect and my experience with bullying at school (we were immigrants) left me questioning my faith. I could no longer feel His presence, and I felt it had all been a lie. Even then, I still felt great love for Jesus and never spoke ill of Him. I just felt religion had it all wrong... That was the beginning of my journey back home, though I did not know it at the time. I was being guided. Infant baptism is legit and it had a very real effect on my faith. I’m not sure where I’d be if I had not been baptised. Incidentally, John the Baptist was the first baptiser ever and he was six months older than Jesus. So obviously he didn’t baptise Jesus as an infant. But there are other scriptures that support the doctrine. Besides, Jesus was not baptised because He needed to be, He was God in the flesh. He did it as a symbolic ritual so that those watching would believe he was cleansed of sin and therefore a trustworthy messenger. You are right-baptism is not enough to save us, infant or not. Nor is being born again. We can still sin after we are baptised and/or born again (two distinct things that can happen separately, or together). That is why the church also offers sacraments of reconciliation (repentance). But that is not a reason to leave infants unbaptised in the faith of their ancestors-it is their spiritual heritage.

[@davewil3]

@@admininfo536 , 1 Peter 3:21 has nothing to do with infants. 3:21 Peter says that Noah’s salvation from the flood (through water) symbolized baptism, a ceremony involving water. In baptism we identify with Jesus Christ, who separates us from the lost and gives us new life. It is not the ceremony that saves us; instead, the ceremony is evidence of our faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. Baptism is a symbol of the cleansing that happens in the hearts of those who believe (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12). By identifying themselves with Christ through baptism, Peter’s readers could resist turning back, even under the pressure of persecution. Public baptism would keep them from the temptation to renounce their faith.

[@TruthLivesNow]

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

[@colinmatts]

"Spare the rod and spoil the child"...Proverbs. Do you agree with that too

[@mechanomics2649]

@@colinmatts Weird how you never got an answer.

[@tiffanyvoss3966]

@@colinmatts Except that isn’t in Proverbs... :)

[@colinmatts]

@@tiffanyvoss3966 proverbs 13:24

[@tiffanyvoss3966]

@@colinmatts Proverbs 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. It does not say “Spare the rod, spoil the child”. It says “If you hate your child, spare the rod. But if you love them, you are careful to discipline them.” But “Spare the rod, spoil the child” is not there.

[@kadda1212]

Congratulations! :) My daughter was born 7 months ago and as difficult as it sometimes is, I feel like it was quite an eye-opener. When I look into my daughter's eyes, it's an entirely new kind of love that I haven't felt before, that maternal love. And I feel like I understand God a little better now, and his love for creation and for people. I try to understand that every person was once a little child and is as worthy of love.

[@SmurfsAndRaspberries]

Congratulations, Dear Father Casey!!! It warms my heart to hear about this little wonder of life!!

[@silviag3798]

Congratulations on becoming an uncle! I'm an aunt of five. I truly believe that aunt/uncledom is in fact the best family relationship going - all the joy, almost none of the hardships. Pro tip: always spoil the nieces and nephews ridiculously but respect the limits your siblings set for their kids. And of course contribute to their faith formation.

[@lcjgoossens4488]

My bro and sis don't get along. Bro gets child. Relationship between bro and sis got way better.

[@mauricematla1215]

Well, i do agree mostly, though i'd rather work on their critical faculties, logical reasoning etc.

[@silviag3798]

@@mauricematla1215 a) that's mainly the parents' job. And b) who says that's somehow incompatible with spoiling them and giving them a good foundation in the faith? It's not either/or, it's 'and'. You can be indulgent to younger relatives, show them what it means to be a Catholic, and teach them how to think logically. I do it all the time.

[@mauricematla1215]

@@silviag3798 Incompetible with spoiling ? Well, depending on what you considder spoiling.... Oh you do ? So how does one with dry eyes believe then in talking snakes ? Particularly when there is no evidence nor a legitimate known.example ? What do we make of a guy gettting angry at a TREE for not bearing fruit while it was not even the proper season ? How about showing a cow a striped stick and the gettingvstriped cow babies ? A loving god that orders genocide just like that ? Walking on water ? What about the disturbing story of a guy that when a gang comes along to gangrape his guests offers his daughters ?

[@benjay011]

@@mauricematla1215 seek and you shall find. You ask all these questions but if you actually wanted the Catholic answers you would learn them.

[@GrandmaLynn]

Congratulations to your sister and brother-in-law, to the grandparents, and to you, Fr. Casey on the God-given gift of this beautiful baby girl!!

[@ameliacarter4924]

I totally agree with this. I was raised in a very traditional catholic environment. I don't have the kind of personality that's attracted to that sort of thing. It was tough when I was younger, but now that I'm older, I've realized that if my parents hadn't forced me to go to church, I never would have gotten annoyed with the priest and started asking questions. When I started doing my own research, I found my own answers. It was a rough road, but ultimately my relationship with God is better than it would have been had I been allowed to do whatever I wanted. Oh, and congratulations. :)

[@bigal640]

Hi Father Casey, As a man who wasn't baptised as a child, my mother not believing that child could be born into sin, not views I share, I was not baptised. I can see both sides, I wish I had been given to God at an early age, but also I have found God on my own, with his guidance, of course, I hope to be finally baptised this summer, 18 years later, I cant wait. God Bless you Father :)

[@Ssookawai]

I'm like your mother (but I'm not christian), I don't believe that children are born into sin. As long as you found your way and you're free to take the necessary steps, it's more important. A path can be much rewarding when you're the one tracing it with your own steps.

[@SmurfsAndRaspberries]

Me too... Also, I love your profile picture... I love made Mayall!!

[@BornOnThursday]

@@voidremoved How does a single baptism cleanse them, wouldn't it be something you'd have to do often like bathing or washing your hands?

[@BornOnThursday]

@Christos Kyrios I would provide a guess that people just rinse and repeat without asking why, or if they do ask, they get a message on meaning rather than a history lesson.

[@mechanomics2649]

@@voidremoved This isn't very Christian of you. It isn't for you to say whether their perspective is flawed or not.

[@chaselamb7735]

That's wonderful Fr. Casey! I hope you and her get along well!

[@ximenamorales2691]

Hi Fr Casey!! My siblings and I were raised as Catholics, attending Mass regularly and being involved in Church activities but thanks to God I never felt forced. My parents really have raised us with the love that uniquely comes from Jesus and His holy Mama Mary :) now that we're all in our teens and early twenties, I've seen how differently we're experiencing faith. I personally have grown very deeply in my faith in the past couple of years, despite being surrounded by friends and classmates who had very little interest in religion. This had everything to do with my parents' support and guidance. My eldest sibling is slowly moving away from the Catholic Church, and although it has hurt me a bit, I know now to completely respect their decisions. Our parish priest told my mom that since my sibling had this foundation in faith from childhood, they would always feel the love of God. My youngest sibling is still growing up and learning, but it's important that my parents continue guiding him until he can properly make his own decisions. Please pray for us fr Casey, and for all of youth, which I have seen is very lost and misguided. God bless you!

[@ximenamorales2691]

Also congratulations on your new niece!! I'll be praying for her and her parents!!!!

[@MistyAsparagus]

Ximena, I'll admit I am unsure of what you mean by Jesus' "Holy Mama" but I do want you to remind you that Jesus was God in the flesh... God doesn't declare having a mother. But maybe what you meant she was his earthly mother just like Joseph was his earthly father. I pray that you understand The Gospel and what it means, as well as praying for your sister. There is one way to heaven and our Father and that is through Jesus. Repentance and Faith my friend!

[@ximenamorales2691]

@@MistyAsparagus thanks Misty! I don't think I can help clear up your confusion but I totally agree that the way to God the Father is through Jesus!! all I can say is that Mary has always guided me towards the truth, her Son. Please pray for me and my sister! God bless you ( ◜‿◝ )♡

[@theparrotrescuer3042]

What a beautiful blessing 💕.. Congratulations to you and your family.. she's precious.

[@reallevifpv]

Your videos are so good! Thank you for good work.

[@rezitatorin]

sed contra. My parents were atheists and certainly gave me a good education (according to their view), taught me some real values - and were deeply shocked when I decided to become a catholic christian and was baptized at the age of 22. My pagan brothers still think I'm nuts (37 years after my baptism). I remember my baptism as overwhelming, beautiful, joyful, though quite austere, quite simple. It was great. I am happy to remember this joy! That's why I used to be quite against baptizing babies. I used to think it's like stealing a great joy from them. The more I understand about religion, the more I see why babies are baptized and why this is good. Yet always when I see the baptism of a teenager or an adult, I somehow think "this is how it should be" - even if I know I'm wrong in that point. Also, christian parents who want their children to decide abount baptism usually live a christian life and teach their children to do so. (I sincerely hope that not only Baptist parents do read the bible with their kids!) I have no kids and so I cannot say what I would do if I had... because having kids is so special that probably no one without them can honestly and realistically say what he or she would do with. Yet I know at least one mother who left this decision to her daughters, and both of them wanted to be baptized when they were still rather small, i.e. 7 and 5 years or so. The elder sister really decided, the younger one decided because the elder did so, and the mother had given them everything they needed to decide, i.e. love, faith and knowledge.

[@jaralara6429]

"No kids want to eat their vegetables" Father, I actually did! When I was a kid, my parents had a hard time to convince me to eat meat after I figured out that they come from animals hahaha

[@renkomon.8312]

kid, too. I like trying new foods. I have a love of different cultures and the food of those I actually liked eating fruits and vegetables as a kid

[@christinebutler7630]

I went vegetarian at 9!

[@lottaraatikainen3942]

Well, no-one should eat animals. It's cruel towards the animals themselves and bad for our planet.

[@renkomon.8312]

@@lottaraatikainen3942 I agree. I am sure vegetarian dishes are good too. I need to get more of that and fruits in diet.

[@jendoe9436]

I have a 6 year old cousin (okay, he’s my grandma’s brother’s grandson’s son, but cousin is easier 😋) who loves salads and eating his vegetables. He will go for the sugar sometimes, but he usually tries to finish his greens first.

[@PC-mz5su]

Congratulations, this is a spot on video! This needs to be seen everywhere thank you Father!

[@raros5475]

Oh Father how adorable! God Bless you and your family.

[@AdamBalbo]

I recently decided to get my two sons (aged 6 and 3) baptized, belated, as a revert Catholic. So, this is exactly what I was considering before concluding: yes. Thanks for this

[@cathybranly1839]

That was excellent! Congratulations on your beautiful niece. I am sure her parents are so happy!

[@melealineberry4901]

Awww yay congratulations!! She’s so beautiful❤️❤️

[@hez5160]

Oh goodness how exciting! Congratulations to you (and your sister and the rest of your family)! New life is always so wonderful.

[@evelynedomnica3796]

Congratulations Fr. Casey. She is very beautiful. I found your channel few days back and I am hooked. You have such great insights and you explain everything in such simple way. I am binge watching your videos and I am loving it.

[@TheTrueNicklose]

I appreciate Father Casey for getting straight to the point and tackling the big questions.

[@danielearnshaw8392]

Congratulations to you and your whole family!

[@eskystrauss2420]

Congrats!! ♥️♥️. What a blessing !! 😍

[@tommymac9265]

Excellent !!! Brilliant commentary.

[@nichellewrenn3185]

I was raised secular. That means my parents did not tell tell me which if any religion to belong to. Unlike what is suggested in this video I did not grow up in a sea of nothingness My parents did impart a worldview and, more importantly, a collection of values. I am incredibly thankful to my parents for the way they raised me. My father, in particular, was incredibly in tune to my intellectual development and took the time to age-appropriately challenge my critical thinking. I highly recommend the practice of Socratic family dinners. Ask kids age appropriate, probing questions about their thinking. Know what stage of childhood development their minds are so you are able to ask questions to ame them think. Wait for answers and encourage them to think about those answers. Guide them to independent thought as teenagers don't tell them what to think as teenagers, it will backfire.

[@SmithsnMoz]

Well, did you become a secular adult?

[@spyroninja]

If we as adults are unable to comprehend God, why do you think a child would be able to? Instilling faith is just as important as instilling reason. Your parents did that for you, you just don't call it faith.

[@annasahlstrom6109]

Congratulations! Margaret is a little angel! I'm an aunt to a 3-year-old precious little dude. I love him so much!

[@edwardgenet164]

Sound wisdom Fr Casey and great vision.

[@bridgetnaazie9750]

Congratulations are in order Fr. Casey. I enjoy your sense of humor a lot. You teach our faith beautifully.

[@imommtube]

Congrats on your new baby girl 💞

[@cyriljon5580]

God bless all the friars thank you fr.Casey

[@Callmethebreeze902]

I’m heartbroken. I had my kids baptized at 4 weeks, sent them to parochial school, brought them to mass on Sunday. My oldest became a dad to twin girls Christmas Eve and he and his non Catholic wife don’t go to church and have the attitude they can pick when they grow up. We argued and I made him mad. If mom and dad don’t even go to church as adults these children will not think church is of importance and likely to not pursue anything. I say the rosary every day hoping it will change my son and his wife’s hearts because these babies deserve better even though in every other aspect they are fantastic parents. I told him it’s his responsibility to give them what I gave him, although he didn’t continue as an adult. Please pray for my precious newborn twin granddaughters.

[@alexmen95kn]

Very good lesson about life! God bless your niece!

[@Agustin_Reyes.G2000]

Great point, I used to think that sometimes would be better to decide by themself. Its cool when you realize something. Thanks fr Casey

[@marthahawkinson-michau9611]

Congratulations on becoming an amazing awesome uncle Father Casey!!!!!

[@ThePoliticrat]

Loving the framed Casper Friedrich painting. You have good tastes. ;)

[@frcaseycole4135]

Beloved Thanks for your comment and support. your comment and constant support have brought me this far. Keep supporting [e-mail] it's an orphanage that has a baby dying from Leukemia please send donation to the MD email for more Support and your prayers will be answered and your healing will manifest, after donating, pray with Psalm 51, 46 130, 24, only faith can move mountains we are God's children of the most high God, Remember we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against principalities, against evil power's, against rulers of darkness, God bless you

[@anthonypereira9492]

Congratulations Fr. Casey! May God keep showering His blessings on you and yours!

[@janesse5675]

Wow! Congratulations to you and your family Fr. Casey! What a beautiful healthy baby girl! God bless all families to be fruitful and share their faith with their children. Really insightful video Father thank you.

[@HoldenHardman]

Welcome to the planet, Large Marge. Flabby Maggie may also work if you're still wanting to use the nickname "Maggie." Great video, Father.

[@theresawubker5433]

Little Margaret is precious and a true gift from God! Please keep us updated with photos, with mom and dad's permission of course! May God bless our growing family!

[@annhoskinson5318]

Congratulation! thanks for sharing with us of your beautiful baby niece😇🙏🏻

[@Crake13]

Congratulations! I remember when I first became an uncle, it's an exciting time. Here are my thoughts on the topic. As someone that was baptized as a child, and as someone who was regularly made to go to church, nothing made me hate the church more. To me, I was far too young to understand the teachings, the symbolism, or even the beauty of the large cathedrals. All I saw was a routine that restricted me from being able to play with my friends or my brother. As I got older, I resented this part of my life so much that when I did have the physical and mental ability to comprehend the priest, I didn't care what he said, I didn't listen. As I got even older and entered my teen years, I rebelled so hard that I even picked up a copy of Anton La Vey's Satanic Bible and called myself a satanist, and then after that, a pagan, and then after that, an atheist. It wasn't until I was 23 or 24 that I grew curious about the church and returned to learn more about it. While I still barely consider myself a Catholic, I am not much more open to the teachings, and would comfortably take part in going to mass (after the pandemic, of course). I believe, if I was not forced into the church, but instead gradually introduced to the teachings, and then was allowed to choose, I would have joined the church much younger; possibly, upwards of a decade earlier. This, is obviously just my story. However, I am confident it is much more common than you would think. I know many people who have had similar experiences, and many more who just chose to leave the church entirely, because their only understanding was routine forced on them by their parents, instead of a love for the church.

[@lichewitz8905]

This subject needed a video of yours :) hugs from Brazil

[@mazikode]

Congratulations father Casey..God bless her and her parents and you. Love your messages and teachings.

[@fld9266]

Wonderful video message

[@miriamjoe6574]

Ahhhh!!!!!! Congratulations to your sister!!!!!!!!!!!! She's adorable!

[@pinchild562]

Father Casey you will probably never see this but this month has been the hardest of my life, i dont even know how much longer i can carry on, but your videos have really been getting me through so i just wanted to say thank you :) thank you.

[@dispresszine]

aww, honey- I promise it'll get better. just look after yourself and take it day by day and god will love you for who you are. sending blessings to where ever you are at -J

[@pinchild562]

@@dispresszine thank you so much :) things are hard but they are getting better slowly but surely hehe. Thank you :)

[@marthasilvafeinman5499]

Congratulations to your family and you Father Casey.

[@TheNotoriousCheeto]

Congratulations! And great message!

[@amaraheising4672]

Congratulations. AMEN. You addressed a significant issue with eloquence and love. I pray the message is heard by parents willing to listen and act. Blessings to all of you at Breaking in the Habit.

[@TomTermini]

Once more, a great video ... as a father of three (+ one adopted) I feel like you hit many of the right notes. I was just reminiscing, looking at old photos of the baptisms of each of them... so timely 😊 Also ... nice poster (The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog / Caspar David Friedrich) - Kantian contemplation of the unknown future

[@codename495]

So father of 4?

[@salachenkoforley7382]

Congrats Fr Casey.. GB.

[@edilmariaramos2044]

Congratulations, Uncle Casey! May your family be blessed with the arrival of this beautiful baby.

[@Finfie]

Huh... i am an atheist, and until this video i was vehemently opposed to raising kids with any religion, since it is particularly easy to indoctrinate children into false believes. But i wholeheartedly agree. If you are convinced that your religion is correct and has actual real world consequences, you should raise your children in your religion instead of the wait and see approach. But still, i wish parents would put the same effort into teaching their kids critical thought as they are trying to keep their children following the family religion.

[@Nicolejduval]

Correct.

[@deniseparrott9678]

Uncle Father Casey...has a ring to it :) Congratulations! I remember a teenager saying to me once that she wished she could go to church. I told her she could, but she said she couldn’t because she didn’t know the “language” of church. It’s hard to choose what you don’t know, even when your heart calls you there.

[@harryfaber]

Uncle Father Brother Casey? That could confuse a few folk!

[@michaelcaza6766]

17 years away from the church, you and Fr. Pat doing movie reviews and other videos (I’ve always had a special love for Franciscans) love , as well as COVID-19 lockdowns causing me to study and re-examine things (thank God for the church fathers), and talking with priests-and a very patient bishop here in Calgary- I’m home. EWTN also is a blessing! Friday was my confession, that brought me physical healing (I used to walk with a cane), Pentecost was my first Holy Communion, IT WRECKED ME! Totally transformed me! Being a former Pentecostal (even graduated with a theology degree), I can safely say the real power of the Spirit is found in the sacraments- especially confession and communion- the other Charismata build on that. God uses the Charismata in our lives how He seems fit for ministry in that moment, but at all times He uses the sacraments to build up the people of God so that we can be the salt and light we are called to be- ministering in the practical as well as the Charismata- so that we can bring others closer to Him.

[@bebeveritas7306]

Woah! What a big baby! She looks so sweet! Congratulations to all especially the parents!

[@ZenexTheZealous]

In Bosnia and parts of Croatia, along with a couple other places in the balkan region, priests are sometimes called 'Uncle' This is because when the ottoman empire ruled in say, Bosnia, when a priest was visiting a family, the parents would tell their children that an uncle was visiting so they wouldn't accidentaly/unknowningly rat them out to ottoman officials when they came over A desperate situation now passed leaves us with an interesting cultural tidbit, a more intimate and effectionate relationship between the layity and the church in a region and a lovely story to tell A happy ending, no?

[@christinebutler7630]

There's a line between forcing them to be a carbon copy, a mini-me, and giving them some structure. Children have no intellectual or spiritual equipment to make decisions right out of the box. If they are going to rebel later on, at least they need to know what theyre rebellious ng against and why.

[@jeffersonmetzen9866]

My niece is turning three this month we're both May uncles lol. This video gave me some clarity though if I ever have children of my own what to do in regards with my religious faith and my hopefully future children's ability to choose their own path in life, thank you Fr. Casey.

[@tobytassociates9369]

Very inspiring message

[@domltp14]

Hello Father from Vietnam, I can't agree more with your thought. I think that Baptism is one of the best gifts that parents can give their children during their whole life.

[@frcaseycole4135]

Beloved Thanks for your comment and support. your comment and constant support have brought me this far. Keep supporting [e-mail] it's an orphanage that has a baby dying from Leukemia please send donation to the MD email for more Support and your prayers will be answered and your healing will manifest, after donating, pray with Psalm 51, 46 130, 24, only faith can move mountains we are God's children of the most high God, Remember we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against principalities, against evil power's, against rulers of darkness, God bless you...

[@rosemarytea3878]

I was baptised as an orthodox christian, but became catholic at 22. So yes, I regret being baptised before I actually experienced connection with God. And I have an ex-muslim friend who is now orthodox, she is very happy

[@dennishudson781]

Excellent advice

[@_ZeroQueen_]

This was beautiful. Thank you and thank you for sharing your darling niece with us. Im a part of a different faith system but my sister is Catholic and Im learning about it to understand her better. Your videos have been very helpful.

[@ela83a]

Congrats, as an aunt, great-aunt and honorary aunt I can attest that getting a niece or nephew is a great joy.

[@yolandasantiago8201]

My cousin, who didn't practice his faith, decided he would allow his children to decide for themselves. One daughter has found the faith in a non-denominational church. I don't know if the other kids ever did. I was a teenager, and always wondered how they would choose if they never learned or practiced anything.

[@user-kn1rg2br4h]

I agree with you!

[@vohbovohborian28]

Hopefully they learn to see religion the way reasonable people see it: archaic vestiges of times when we were completely ignorant about the nature of the universe.

[@yolandasantiago8201]

@@vohbovohborian28 I pray they have encountered God and realize that He loves them.

[@Florp777]

@@vohbovohborian28 how did the universe come to be? seeing as we're so enlightened nowadays

[@MegaJames1987]

I love your videos thank you x

[@frcaseycole4135]

Beloved Thanks for your comment and support. your comment and constant support have brought me this far. Keep supporting [e-mail] it's an orphanage that has a baby dying from Leukemia please send donation to the MD email for more Support and your prayers will be answered and your healing will manifest, after donating, pray with Psalm 51, 46 130, 24, only faith can move mountains we are God's children of the most high God, Remember we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against principalities, against evil power's, against rulers of darkness, God bless you.

[@Krehfish534]

this is the best argument that I have heard so far regarding infant baptism. Thank you for sharing this perspective.

[@zrinkac5997]

Congrats❣

[@johnhiggins1542]

Congratulations from 🇬🇧

[@theresawubker5433]

Thank you for sharing your gifts!

[@dafreyes3410]

She is precious!!!! Congratulations to the whole Cole Family and thanks to Marvelous Margaret you are adding a title to your name...Uncle Casey. Your words are as always, the balm I needed. As you start this uncle thing, I'm entering the scary part of seeing my son turn 18 and graduate from HS, I hope I gave him that home he needed. Thanks Fr. Uncle, peace and good

[@TroglodyteDiner]

Infant baptism dates from a time when most kids were likely to make it out of their first years alive.

[@Max-kh1cf]

I think its important to say, that even If you don't impose your worldview on your Child it will just copy it from somewhere else. Books, Friends or Movies will just do it instead. Teach your child, what you know of the world, but also teach it to think critical. Don't try to evade your responsibility as a Parent. (sorry for my bad english, its my second language)

[@roshinyroy7153]

Fr. Casey, all your talks really do matter alot to me..and I guess for all else too.. Thanks..

[@chisomokolie3156]

This is so beautiful 🥺❤️❤️❤️

[@gabriellaliley3734]

I was having such a bad day and I watched this video and started busting out laughing when you said “for nine months of grueling sacrifice I became an uncle”.

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

My 3 years old is not baptized yet. Congratulations to your sister and uncle and the whole family

[@righand]

Get them baptized then. Takes very little effort.

[@adamrad2220]

"If you believe that things matter and God is real, teach that to your kids." ~ I think Fr. Casey hit the nail there. Baptism is a serious thing, as are all the sacraments. The best things for our kids is to teach them the importance of things like the sacraments over all the material crap that makes up the culture around us.

[@cindyshipway5997]

Congratulations A miracle and a blessing. She's adorable Enjoy being a proad uncle.. Love will lead her way. Great Joy.

[@bellelopez3261]

Congratulations to your entire family. Baby Maggie is so lucky to have a beautiful and loving family.

[@isabellfox2915]

My daughter asked to stop coming to church at around 12 - she had got a 'boyfriend' and thought she would spend Sunday mornings with him, I told her she oculd stay home but alone, and she could do her homework and prepare the lunch for us coming home - it lasted two weeks until she was back in church!!!

[@catherines2421]

Please don’t call her Large Marge. It will scar her for life. I was a large baby 9lbs. plus.

[@BeachsideHank]

*Sapient Wisdom* Religion gives people permission to ignore reality.

[@Elijah_Al-Naysaburi]

To me 17 & under , under control in some degree by parent , faith & rules is important as beautiful childhood experience Blessings from ( Dubai 🇦🇪) 🌸🌸🌸

[@amyleen2008]

Congratulations to you and especially to your sister and brother in law. What an exciting new phase of their life. Children really add a lot of fun and excitement and love to your life

[@williamhillyard6688]

Beautiful niece. Congratulations to your entire family. I loved your message I pray that I may have the courage to pass it along to my oldest son and daughter in law who is doing to their children what you talked about. God Bless you.

[@lizb853]

So that's another baprism good to go. Namely that of your baby niece. She's a little beauty, and she's very lucky to have you as her uncle. Congratulations to the Casey clan.

[@lizb853]

I imagine, that as she gets older, and will start to speak, your title as far as SHE'S concerned,will be Father uncle Casey.

[@carolinamelara4521]

I tried but as a single parent I notice there are some priest have issues about that. I taught my daughter my best instead. Now she’s a loving mother of three loving daughters

[@imnmbrone1492]

How blessed is this little one to have Fr. Casey as her amazing FUNcle! May God Bless her and keep her all the days of her life \O/

[@rachelfrances9441]

Congratulations!! 🎉 You two will have so much fun together.