Baptisms Accepted

[CMatt25]

Why do Catholics accept non Catholic baptisms done in the Trinitarian formula where non Catholic clergy perform these baptisms when they do not recognize the clergy performing these baptisms as part of Christ’s truly ordained nor accept for instance the Apostolic succession claims of a church? I understand the concept that anyone can baptize in time of need and in the case of confirmation, a bishop believed to be an apostolic successor officates confirmation. But still the majority of non Catholic baptisms are not of such emergency need cases. Why the non Catholic non emergency baptism being legit and yet nothing else?

 

[Theophorus]

Why do Catholics accept non Catholic baptisms done in the Trinitarian formula where non Catholic clergy perform these baptisms when they do not recognize the clergy performing these baptisms as part of Christ’s truly ordained nor accept for instance the Apostolic succession claims of a church? I understand the concept that anyone can baptize in time of need and in the case of confirmation, a bishop believed to be an apostolic successor officates confirmation. But still the majority of non Catholic baptisms are not of such emergency need cases. Why the non Catholic non emergency baptism being legit and yet nothing else?

While the ordinary minister is the Priest or Bishop, Baptism does not require Holy Orders or Apostolic Succession to effect the Sacrament simple as that, where as with the exception of marraige, the other sacraments do. As long as Baptism is done with proper form(water + name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and proper intention anyone can do it even an Atheist could. The Church tells us that this universal access to Baptism is related to God’s will that all might be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth(1 Tim 2:4).

 

[DavidFilmer]

The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Baptism is a Bishop or priest, or a deacon by delegation. But anyone can act as an extraordinary (ie, not ordinary) minister of Baptism - even someone who is not Baptized.

In the Catholic Church, we are expected to follow the ordinary norms unless in some emergency. It would be improper for a Sacrament to be administered by an extraordinary minister when there is normal recourse to an ordinary minister. Such a Baptism would still be perfectly valid, but improper (called illicit).

Protestants deny themselves the opportunity to receive the Sacraments from an ordinary minister - so an extraordinary minister is the only type of minister they have recourse to. Fortunately for them, everyone is an extraordinary minister of Baptism, so their Baptisms are perfectly valid, providing they are done with water using the Trinitarian form and with the intent to Baptize.

 

[Holly3278]

Anyone can administer baptism in an emergency. You don’t have to be ordained to give an emergency baptism. Therefore, you also don’t have to be validly ordained to perform a regular baptism either. However, if you are entering the Church you should wait and be baptized by the priest who receives you into the Church.

 

[CMatt25]

The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Baptism is a Bishop or priest, or a deacon by delegation. But anyone can act as an extraordinary (ie, not ordinary) minister of Baptism - even someone who is not Baptized.

In the Catholic Church, we are expected to follow the ordinary norms unless in some emergency. It would be improper for a Sacrament to be administered by an extraordinary minister when there is normal recourse to an ordinary minister. Such a Baptism would still be perfectly valid, but improper (called illicit).

Protestants deny themselves the opportunity to receive the Sacraments from an ordinary minister - so an extraordinary minister is the only type of minister they have recourse to. Fortunately for them, everyone is an extraordinary minister of Baptism, so their Baptisms are perfectly valid, providing they are done with water using the Trinitarian form and with the intent to Baptize.

Interesting how a baptism can be improper but valid all at the same time. But in any case thanks for the answers everyone. God bless.

 

[DavidFilmer]

Interesting how a baptism can be improper but valid all at the same time.

Improper (illicit) just means it didn’t conform to man-made rules. For example, we have a rule that Ordinations are not done at night (ie, under power of darkness) except for an emergency. But that’s just a rule (and it could change at any time). As long as God’s rules are followed (proper minister, intent, form, matter, and recipient) then the Sacrament will always be valid.

We ought to follow the rules and perform the Sacraments in the ordinary manner that the Church prescribes, but the validity of the Sacrament itself is not dependent on following man-made rules.

 

[swamiji]

It is valid because " there is one baptism for the forgiveness of sins".

 

[DCNBILL]

The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Baptism is a Bishop or priest, or a deacon by delegation. But anyone can act as an extraordinary (ie, not ordinary) minister of Baptism - even someone who is not Baptized.

In the Catholic Church, we are expected to follow the ordinary norms unless in some emergency. It would be improper for a Sacrament to be administered by an extraordinary minister when there is normal recourse to an ordinary minister. Such a Baptism would still be perfectly valid, but improper (called illicit).

Protestants deny themselves the opportunity to receive the Sacraments from an ordinary minister - so an extraordinary minister is the only type of minister they have recourse to. Fortunately for them, everyone is an extraordinary minister of Baptism, so their Baptisms are perfectly valid, providing they are done with water using the Trinitarian form and with the intent to Baptize.

Just one minor point, a deacon does not need delegation to perform Baptisms in his own territory. He does, however need permission to perform Baptism outside his territory as per Canon Law.

CHAPTER II : THE MINISTER OF BAPTISM

Can. 861 §1 The ordinary minister of baptism is a Bishop, a priest or a deacon, without prejudice to the provision of can. 530, n. 1.

§2 If the ordinary minister is absent or impeded, a catechist or some other person deputed to this office by the local Ordinary, may lawfully confer baptism; indeed, in a case of necessity, any person who has the requisite intention may do so. Pastors of souls, especially parish priests, are to be diligent in ensuring that Christ’s faithful are taught the correct way to baptise.

Can. 862 Except in a case of necessity, it is unlawful for anyone without due permission to confer baptism outside his own territory, not even upon his own subjects.