Baptism

Do Catholics view baptism as a symbolic act?                               

As Catholics we believe that during Baptism we are washed of the stain of the original sin of Adam and Eve and infused with the sanctifying grace of God.  We receive the Holy Spirit.  It is a sacrament, which is an outward sign of God's inward action.  Through Baptism we are literally and not symbolically "born again."  

 

  

The Bible states that a priest should baptize any 'lamb' that is brought forth as asked to be baptized. How then can the Church refuse to baptize a child if their parents cannot guarantee they will be brought up Catholic?

I'm sorry to say I cannot find an easy answer to this one.  I can say that Baptism is a sacrament of initiation.  The child is being initiated "born again" into God's family but also initiated into the Catholic Faith.  It wouldn't make much sense to initiate someone into a faith they have no intention of practicing.  I would suggest reading Understanding the Sacraments for a much better explanation.