The Marginal Catholic: Challenge, Don't Crush

When an inactive Catholic seeks the sacraments there are many delicate and complex issues involved, each charged with emotional intensity. In a treatment characterized by pastoral wisdom, Monsignor Joseph Champlin addresses such issues as how to respond to parents who seldom attend Mass, but who request the baptism of a child, or an inactive couple that seeks a Church wedding. He summarizes official Church directives and provides practical, pastoral suggestions for resolving the concerns of all involved. "The goal," he explains, "is to challenge peripheral Catholics who seek a baptism or marriage in the Church, but not to crush them."