Baptism by members of the laity

[waitingforHim]

I was wondering if it’s possible to baptize a newborn as a parent before doing the formal baptism at a church just to make sure the child’s soul was not at risk.

is this only possible in emergency situations?

i am not a parent but i would love an answer to this question

 

[1ke]

I was wondering if it’s possible to baptize a newborn as a parent before doing the formal baptism at a church just to make sure the child’s soul was not at risk.

is this only possible in emergency situations?

i am not a parent but i would love an answer to this question

A person can only be baptized once. So if a parent were to do this, there would be no “formal baptism” at the Church. The child would already be baptized.

And, NO, you may not do this, except in immediate danger of death with no opportunity to bring a priest for the baptism. In such a case, the parent must report it to the priest ASAP.

 

[Metropolis]

Yep, a person can only be baptized once. As a Catholic, you should have your baby baptized by a Priest if at all possible. Now I was baptized by my aunt when I was 12 and the Catholic Church recognized it, but then again I was Protestant at that time.