Yes, a Catholic single mother can absolutely have her baby baptized in the Church. The Church welcomes children of single parents for baptism.
Here's why:
* The focus is on the child: The Church believes that all children are born with original sin and that baptism is necessary for salvation. The focus is on the child's spiritual well-being and welcoming them into the Christian community.
* God's grace: Baptism is seen as a gift of God's grace, freely offered to all.
* Promise of raising the child in the faith: The Church will want assurance that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. This typically involves a commitment from the mother (and godparents) to teach the child about Catholicism and bring them to Mass.
However, some things to keep in mind:
* Parental Responsibility: The priest or deacon will likely discuss with the mother her understanding of the sacrament of baptism and her commitment to raising the child in the Catholic faith.
* Godparents: The Church requires godparents who are practicing Catholics and can help raise the child in the faith. The mother will need to choose suitable godparents.
* Preparation: The mother will likely need to attend baptism preparation classes.
In conclusion, a Catholic single mother is welcome to have her baby baptized. The Church focuses on the child's spiritual well-being and the commitment to raise the child in the faith. Any concerns or questions are best addressed directly with the local parish priest.