Conditional Baptism

[aubreyL]

Hi Everyone,
I have a problem I’m dealing w/ right now and I need some advice. I was baptized by my dad when I was six in a river near our house. I believe God is leading me to join the Catholic Church. I asked a priest if that means I would have to be conditionally baptized and he said yes , unless we have documentary evidence that I was baptized.And of course I don’t. But I know I was baptized. Now I guess I understand the Church wants to make sure that everyone is baptized and baptized correctly. But how is a Christian who knows that she was baptized supposed to deal w/ this. Wouldn’t it be kinda like telling God that what He did in my life before wasn’t good enough or like lying to myself when I know the first time I was baptized was good enough? I just need some advice on how I should take this… Thanks so much.

Aubrey

 

[Soutane]

Hi Everyone,
I have a problem I’m dealing w/ right now and I need some advice. I was baptized by my dad when I was six in a river near our house. I believe God is leading me to join the Catholic Church. I asked a priest if that means I would have to be conditionally baptized and he said yes , unless we have documentary evidence that I was baptized.And of course I don’t. But I know I was baptized. Now I guess I understand the Church wants to make sure that everyone is baptized and baptized correctly. But how is a Christian who knows that she was baptized supposed to deal w/ this. Wouldn’t it be kinda like telling God that what He did in my life before wasn’t good enough or like lying to myself when I know the first time I was baptized was good enough? I just need some advice on how I should take this… Thanks so much.

Aubrey

Conditional baptism is performed in case the original baptism did not follow the trinitarian formula.Because we as Catholics understand that the sacrements themselves are efficatious no rebaptism is necessary(or possible) but only performed for a just in case scenario and absolutely no slight to yourself or your father would be intended…

 

[ERose]

Aubrey,

The reason why the priest is asking you to do this is because he is following that “better safe than sorry” approach. Look here is the way to look at it. If you Father properly baptised you then the re-baptism will have not affect upon you. If your Father did not properly baptise you then the baptism you go through will be affective. So either way you will be covered.

One way you can also go is if your Father is accessible and willing then ask him to meet the priest with you and be a witness that you where properly baptised. The priest will most probably accept this.

The big thing is that the church wishes you to be validly baptised and wants you to be assured of this which means that it has your best interest at heart.

 

[Philthy]

Hi Everyone,
I have a problem I’m dealing w/ right now and I need some advice. I was baptized by my dad when I was six in a river near our house. I believe God is leading me to join the Catholic Church. I asked a priest if that means I would have to be conditionally baptized and he said yes , unless we have documentary evidence that I was baptized.And of course I don’t. But I know I was baptized.

• What evidence, exactly, do you have that you were properly baptized? Is it anything more than the memory of a 6 year old?

Now I guess I understand the Church wants to make sure that everyone is baptized and baptized correctly. But how is a Christian who knows that she was baptized supposed to deal w/ this. Wouldn’t it be kinda like telling God that what He did in my life before wasn’t good enough or like lying to myself when I know the first time I was baptized was good enough?

• I dont think God would be offended at all. Has He indicated to you that He’s offended? I think He left the Church in charge and they will be held accountable, not you. Your job is to be faithful in submitting to the authority God granted them. "Likewise you younger members (thats you!) be subject to the presbyters (that’s the priest); and all of you clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another.

I just need some advice on how I should take this… Thanks so much. Aubrey

I may be “reading between the lines” here, but is there something you are afraid of letting go of in becoming Catholic? You might want to ask God in prayer to show you what it is that is causing concern…and to give you peace that you are following His will.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi Everyone,
I have a problem I’m dealing w/ right now and I need some advice. I was baptized by my dad when I was six in a river near our house. I believe God is leading me to join the Catholic Church. I asked a priest if that means I would have to be conditionally baptized and he said yes , unless we have documentary evidence that I was baptized.And of course I don’t. But I know I was baptized. Now I guess I understand the Church wants to make sure that everyone is baptized and baptized correctly. But how is a Christian who knows that she was baptized supposed to deal w/ this. Wouldn’t it be kinda like telling God that what He did in my life before wasn’t good enough or like lying to myself when I know the first time I was baptized was good enough? I just need some advice on how I should take this… Thanks so much.

Aubrey

Look carefully at the words of Conditional Baptism. “Aubrey, if you are not Baptized, I Baptize you in the name of the Father,and…”

In other words, If you are not Baptized, then I Baptize you, if you were previously Baptized then I do nothing. This is why Conditional Baptism is always celebrated in private, never in public, with only the witnesses(Godparent), the person, and the minister.

 

[aubreyL]

Thank y’all for your help.

I understand that the Church has my best interest at heart here.
It’s still kinda hard, but I guess it’s just something I’ll have to accept… Thanks again