In the 1950s/early-1960s, and possibly before that, Catholic schools, including Resurrection, sponsored an ongoing drive to raise money for religious missions in foreign lands. The program was called "Adopt A Pagan Baby".

In classrooms, donations were accepted for the stated purpose of saving unbaptized children who had not been taught about God. These kids from far away places were referred to by the Church as "Pagan Babies".

Each student was presented with a cardboard collection box, each showing pictures of cherub-faced Indian, African, and Asian children dressed in native clothing. Many classmates gave their entire allowances to with the belief that they were helping these kids.

The price of an adoption was five dollars, and student was allowed to assign their baby a Christian name. Many kids adopted several.

In return, the adopting student was given a decorative certificate commemorating their pledge, with the promise that their adopted child would be given the Sacrament of Baptism.

Many former graduates of the Catholic school system, when rummaging through aging papers, stumble across their certificate, like the one shown above for the adoption of "Michael", received on February 24, 1959.

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Christians have always believed that "baptism is the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission..." (CCC 1213)

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Today, this adoption program wouldn't stand the muster of changing times. The whole concept, although well-meaning, is definitely risque and quite out-of-place in the 21st Century. Maybe it's just the name, "Pagan Babies", or the idea that Christianity is the only true faith and that all others must convert. It just seems quite odd, based on the acceptance of diversity prevalent in human nature during these present times.

At one time, however, many well-meaning and caring school-age children did what they believed was right, saving their spare change to make an adoption. They believed in their heart that this contribution was making a positive difference in another child's life, one who lived in a far away land. Many remember the experience with pride.

Former Students Remember Their Adoption Experience:

"Lord have mercy! I had one certificate for a Pagan Baby but lost touch. That bring back memories!" - Vera Marie C.

"Me too! I had several, actually ... all girls named Mary, of course." - Ann C.

"I remember those." - Bill R.

"Wow, that certainly brings back memories. I used to take my dad’s loose change on a regular basis. I ended up with about five babies!" - Sharon S.

"I remember Pagan Babies!" - Sharen D.

"I remember donations that were not enough to "buy" a whole baby we're combined and the class voted on names. Some we're pretty outrageous!" - Nancy K.

"I think they cost five dollars." - Karyn D.

"Wasn't there a bridge we had to get them over. I spent all my paper boy money." - Sal S.

"That’s what I remember. There were milk cartons to hold the money. It was boy versus girl in the classroom to see who had the most babies. I also remember something about a bridge ... probably denoting how much money was collected. My grandmother gave me $5 to buy my own pagan baby! But I don’t remember her name." - Kathy F.

"I loved Pagan Babies. Imagine what they would cost now." - Donna B.

"What I loved about the Pagan Babies is that we were allowed to name them with our names. I had a lot of Pagan Babies named Mary Margaret!! A lot of people never knew what I was talking about!" - Mary A.

"I also had a Pagan Baby; I regret to say I haven't kept in touch with him." - Bob H.

"I named my Pagan Baby Patrick. He's probably still wondering, "How did I wind up with an Irish name?" - Bob U.

"Wow, what a blast from the past!" - Mary Ellen M.

"We thought that some nun in China would go out and select a baby of the proper gender, baptize it and give it the name we chose." - Ann C.

"I loved the Pagan Babies! Really thought I was saving a baby!" - Betty L.

Other Local Adoptions

Saint Norberts Elementary