Baptism Question

[dsully]

Greetings,

I have been baptized twice in the course of my life. The first baptism was as an infant in a Presbyterian church. The second baptism was an adult “believer” in a non-denominational evangelical church.

While a member in the evangelical church, I was taught that baptism is merely an outward symbol of an inward change that occurs in an individual upon conversion (accepting Christ, gaining saving faith, being born again). In my own research, I have encountered the rather different view of baptismal regeneration taught by the Catholic Church.

If I converted to Catholicism, would the Church view either (or both) of my previous baptisms as valid? If so, which one(s)? Why?

I appreciate you taking the time to answer.

Dan

 

[Bookcat]

One can receive only ONE valid Baptism in life. For it is an unrepeatable Sacrament. If one is validly baptized any other attempt was not a valid Baptism (and also one would not get “re-Baptised” if they became Catholic)

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#IV

 

[1ke]

Greetings,

I have been baptized twice in the course of my life. The first baptism was as an infant in a Presbyterian church. The second baptism was an adult “believer” in a non-denominational evangelical church.

While a member in the evangelical church, I was taught that baptism is merely an outward symbol of an inward change that occurs in an individual upon conversion (accepting Christ, gaining saving faith, being born again). In my own research, I have encountered the rather different view of baptismal regeneration taught by the Catholic Church.

If I converted to Catholicism, would the Church view either (or both) of my previous baptisms as valid? If so, which one(s)? Why?

I appreciate you taking the time to answer.

Dan

You can only receive the sacrament of baptism once. Presbyterian baptism is valid. Therefore, your baptism as an infant is your baptism.

 

[dsully]

Thank you, both, for the reply. Just to clarify: any Presbyterian baptism is valid? The baptism I received was in just about the most liberal Presbyterian church one could imagine (female pastor…who happened to be my grandmother! )

Incidentally, this is a very important question for me. I will understand my past life-path differently if I begin to think of myself as having been regenerated but not in full communion with the Church when I was growing up, which would actually be a good thing, I think. I can never be sure about my conversion, which is subjective, but I can always be sure about my baptism, which is objective. The need now is just to confirm the grace that was bestowed at baptism.

Thank you for your answer.

Dan

 

[Usige]

I was baptized in a Presbyterian church and it is valid. If they used water and baptized you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit it was valid regardless of who did the baptism.

Presbyterians only hold that there were two sacraments instituted by Christ and baptism is one of them. Given that I would assume that even liberal Presbyterians hold to the sacramental nature of baptism that is compatible with Catholic theology.

 

[maltmom]

Dan, be sure to get a copy of your baptismal certificates. Explain the circumstances of your baptism in the Presbyterian church to your priest. It may or may no be valid b/c it was done by a female pastor. My Baptist one was valid. I didn’t know and couldn’t prove that I was baptized Presbyterian as a baby. I did go to that church until I was about 20. You will need a copy of your baptismal certificate to receive the Sacraments.

 

[DhuAlQarnayn]

Dan, be sure to get a copy of your baptismal certificates. Explain the circumstances of your baptism in the Presbyterian church to your priest. It may or may no be valid b/c it was done by a female pastor. My Baptist one was valid. I didn’t know and couldn’t prove that I was baptized Presbyterian as a baby. I did go to that church until I was about 20. You will need a copy of your baptismal certificate to receive the Sacraments.

You don’t have to be male to baptize someone. You don’t even have to be Christian, for that matter.

 

[maltmom]

You don’t have to be male to baptize someone. You don’t even have to be Christian, for that matter.

That’s good to know. I thought the only requirement was that is was done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

 

[anonymousdollz]

One baptism per life. However you can be confirm.ed intothe Catholic faith. It’s when you take your first Catholic communion and enter into the true body of Christ.

 

[1ke]

It may or may no be valid b/c it was done by a female pastor.

Validity is not contingent on whether a male or female baptized you. Either would be valid.

You will need a copy of your baptismal certificate to receive the Sacraments.

Many non-Catholic ecclesial communions do not keep records of baptism and do not give certificates. Some do, but many do not.

In absence of a baptismal record from the ecclesial community, the Catholic Church will also accept an affidavit of baptism. A witness to the baptism, or the baptized person themselves if they were old enough to remember it, can attest to the baptism in a signed document.