ANSWER: Church law (Canon 761), in effect from 1917 to 1983, obliged pastors to require that a Christian name (saint, virtue, etc.) be given at baptism. Today, however, church law reads differently. Canon 855 of church law currently in force states: “Parents, sponsors and the pastor are to see that a name foreign to a Christian mentality is not given.”

Obviously, the emphasis has changed. The current law of the church gives latitude to parents regarding the choice of baptismal names for their children. It also limits the discretion of the parish priests, except where a name is clearly opposed to Christian faith (presumably, for example, if it were satanic or one that the local culture would consider it vulgar or obscene).

Obviously, the church has placed great trust in the parent’s religious sentiment and good judgment about bestowing names at baptism. Where has that led us?

In catechesis, I have often spoken to young people about their names and about how they might imitate the people after whom they were named. I have also celebrated the rites of Christian burial where I have mentioned the saint for whom the person was named and how the deceased lived out the virtues of the one whose name they bore.

What will we be able to say to future generations about the names they were given? What does it say about our faith and values when the names of cities, liquors, soap opera personalities and rock stars become the names by which our children are known?

What does it say about our faith when the names given to our children no longer speaks of a heritage of holy men and women, but only echo the passing fancies of our secular culture? What does it say about our faith when how a name sounds is the most important reality?

Parents, the name given to your child at baptism is an important responsibility given to you. You hand on the faith not only by what you say and do, but also by the way in which you name your children. You have the freedom to do so much good. The wealth of the men and women who have lived over 4,000 years is open to you. Please don’t sell your children short because of passing fads. Give them names they can look to for guidance and inspiration.

When the choice is between Sarah and Sherry, Bridget and Brandy, please give your children a name that can inspire them and guide them. When the Lord comes back to take them home, when He comes to call them by name into the kingdom, please help them have a name that they will be proud to call their own.