>>LOL ..I am sorry but I do not believe you are correct ...I still get stuff from my old Parish ,, I am still on their membership rolls ..I have not been a Catholic in 30 years<<
You’re confusing a mailing list with membership rolls.
>>Church membership is counted by baptisms in the case of infants and confirmation for adult converts<<
Reference?
Yea they keep 2 separate lists.
I have been told here on FR ONCE A CATHOLIC ALWAYS A CATHOLIC ,that BAPTISM but an indelible mark on my soul ...LOL
Is it your belief that baptized infants are not counted as members BECAUSE THEY DO NOT PUT AN ENVELOPE IN ??? LOL
Baptism happens not only to the individual, but also to Christ's body, the Church. That's why the rite insists that we celebrate Baptism in the Christian assembly, with the community present and actively participating. It is the community, after all, who is welcoming the new members, journeying with them, providing models for them, supporting and nourishing them. Baptism begins with God's love and care revealed to us through Christ. It continues with us, the Church, living and enacting God's love and care through Christ to the world. That's a serious commitment.
http://www.americancatholic.org/UpdateYourFaith/answers.asp?QC0389a
When my youngest child was baptized the pastor suggested when he asked "what do you desire for this child" I should answer "membership in the church" ...
You were wrong about envelope counting in protestant church too