Are non-gender words ok in baptism?

[Donna_P]

My brother and sister in law have been members of a Catholic Church where they were married and have had their two girls baptized. This has been a very liberal Catholic Church where the priest didn’t want to specify that God is either male or female. The priest never used the words - In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. He used some kind of non gender specific words when performing the sacrament of marriage and baptism.

Are the sacraments bestowed when the proper words of institution are not used?

Thank you for your help!
God Bless,
Donna

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Donna,

The words “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” must be used in Baptism or the sacrament is not valid. “Creator, Redeemer and Enlightener” will not do. This is not a matter of legality, it’s matter of validity and is quite serious. This could mean that all the baptisms that the priest has performed are invalid. The bishop should be consulted immediately.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.