A question about baptism

[bch1987]

Hey everybody.

This may sound strange, but try to bear with me because I am in serious need of help.

I’m engaged to my best friend, and we are getting married in June of this year. Everything was going fine, and all we needed was a new copy of my baptism certificate. No problem right? Wrong. I have a copy of my baptism certificate and it’s not real legible because it’s so old. Anyways, I noticed that the church name is St. Patrick’s Celtic Catholic Church. You see, my parents moved when I was a baby, so I was only baptized at that church, I was never old enough to remember services and such. Anyways, growing up, I attended a regular catholic church. What I am wondering is will my baptism be OK? I’ve been trying to do some research, and websites are just contradicting themselves. One site says the Roman Catholic Church does not accept the Celtic Rite, and others say it does. I tried to get into contact with St. Patrick’s, but they are no longer there. So I have no idea what to do if my fiance’s church doesn’t accept this. In my defense, I was always told I was baptized at St. Patrick’s Church, I always assumed it was just a catholic church. I was genuinely shocked to find out all these years later I may not be a “real” catholic. Any advice or help would be great. I appreciate it. Thanks!

Benji H.

 

[greenmoira]

Benji, Your problem is not unusual. Present yourself along with your baptismal certificate to your fiancee’s pastor. The Celtic Catholic Church is schismatic, I think. There is a procedure for a Conditional Baptism into the Roman Catholic Church,(& other approved rites). The pastor will help you. Do not worry.
Congratulations on your impeding wedding!

 

[jmcrae]

Benji, Your problem is not unusual. Present yourself along with your baptismal certificate to your fiancee’s pastor. The Celtic Catholic Church is schismatic, I think. There is a procedure for a Conditional Baptism into the Roman Catholic Church,(& other approved rites). The pastor will help you. Do not worry.
Congratulations on your impeding wedding!

Actually, even if it turns out that the church you were baptized in was schismatic, you won’t need a conditional baptism - at most, all you will need to do is to make a Profession of Faith. If you have been Confirmed in the Catholic Church, it may be that they will accept the Profession of Faith that you made at that time as being indicative of your desire to be considered a Catholic. A notation will be made on your Baptismal certificate to the effect that you have made a Profession of Faith.

Bottom line: don’t worry - present the Baptismal certificate to your fiancee’s pastor, and he will take it from there.

 

[puzzleannie]

Hey everybody.

This may sound strange, but try to bear with me because I am in serious need of help.

I’m engaged to my best friend, and we are getting married in June of this year. Everything was going fine, and all we needed was a new copy of my baptism certificate. No problem right? Wrong. I have a copy of my baptism certificate and it’s not real legible because it’s so old. Anyways, I noticed that the church name is St. Patrick’s Celtic Catholic Church. You see, my parents moved when I was a baby, so I was only baptized at that church, I was never old enough to remember services and such. Anyways, growing up, I attended a regular catholic church. What I am wondering is will my baptism be OK? I’ve been trying to do some research, and websites are just contradicting themselves. One site says the Roman Catholic Church does not accept the Celtic Rite, and others say it does. I tried to get into contact with St. Patrick’s, but they are no longer there. So I have no idea what to do if my fiance’s church doesn’t accept this. In my defense, I was always told I was baptized at St. Patrick’s Church, I always assumed it was just a catholic church. I was genuinely shocked to find out all these years later I may not be a “real” catholic. Any advice or help would be great. I appreciate it. Thanks!

Benji H.

in the first place you need a new certified record of your baptism issued by the church where you were baptised, or if it has been closed by the Catholic diocese in which that church was located (those records may now be in the possession of the parish which merged with the old parish). If it is a non-Catholic Church, or a break-away denomination like Old Catholics your best place to go for help is the Catholic parish where you plan to be married, they can contact the baptismal parish on your behalf to get a copy of your record, with all sacraments received. If doubt very much if you have a problem. If your pastor does not have the answer he can consult the people in the diocese who will, and who are responsible for investigating to determine if your baptism is valid. Most likely it is, if the trinitarian forumula and water were used. Should it turn out this is a church not in communion with the Catholic church, you can take steps to become Catholic, usually profession of faith and confirmation. No problem as this should not delay your wedding.

Please see the pastor of the parish where you are planning to get married today and get things moving.

 

[crazzeto]

Benji, Your problem is not unusual. Present yourself along with your baptismal certificate to your fiancee’s pastor. The Celtic Catholic Church is schismatic, I think. There is a procedure for a Conditional Baptism into the Roman Catholic Church,(& other approved rites). The pastor will help you. Do not worry.
Congratulations on your impeding wedding!

As long as the Church doesn’t alter the sacraments there is no need to conditionally baptize… This isn’t the first time the Church has delt with the issue of baptisms in schismatic churches you know…