Conditional Baptism?

[Julian_Clare]

This may not be the right section to post in, if it is incorrect, I apologize.

I have a question as to what to do next regarding baptism/conditional baptism. I was baptized in a protestant church as an adult using a non trinitarian form. I do not have my baptismal certificate, but do remember my baptism. I called the church where I was baptized today and was received not so well.

The pastor who baptized me is no longer there, he had to step down due to adultery within the church. I cannot find my baptismal certificate. When I called today I was told the only record she has is the date I was baptized, them promptly followed with questions about why I wanted to know, was I baptized by the former pastor, because if so, none of his baptisms were valid because he was “in sin” at the time they were performed and they don’t stand behind them. She asked when the last time I had been to church was - I tried to politely explain I was converting which was why I needed the baptism information and she was abrupt about ending the conversation, telling me she had “given me all the information she had.”

My question is: What happens now? I’m very discouraged and upset.

 

[DJJG]

Hi Julian,

Don’t fret, since you remember you baptism AND you say that it was not done using the trinitatian formula, then just explain this to the pastor who will be receiving you into the church (including the details of your baptism). If it is obvious to the pastor that the formula was not valid, then he will baptize you with the usual formula, if it is not clear then he just adds the words “if you have not been baptized, I baptize you etc. …” Nothing to worry about.

Welcome home, to the Church.

God bless you,

Danny

P.S.: The minister’s state of “sin” would have no barering on the validity of the baptism, just the formula used.

 

[kage_ar]

Do not let this bother you - your Priest and the RCIA team have experience with this situation. Make an appt with Father and he will explain it all to you.

Prayers for you!!

 

[PhilotheaZ]

I was baptized in a protestant church as an adult using a non trinitarian form. I do not have my baptismal certificate, but do remember my baptism.

This is NOT considered a valid baptism in the Catholic Church; the Trinitarian formula MUST be used.

You are considered a catechumen and should receive the Sacrament of Baptism when you are received into the Catholic Church.

Welcome!

 

[bilop]

The others have it right.

You will be baptized, conditionality is not necessary b/c you know you were never baptized using the trinitarian formula.

Welocome home to the Church, and welcome to the forum!

God Bless

 

[puzzleannie]

This
My question is: What happens now? I’m very discouraged and upset.

you relate this entire conversation to your pastor, or the person in charge of overseeing your preparation in RCIA, together with what facts you have. The pastor will consult the diocese to find out if there is a possibility the baptism my be valid. They know what denominations have which practices. If it was not by water with the Trinitarian forumula it is invalid in any case. Depending on what the pastor determines, you will either proceed and be baptized with others at Easter, and receive the other initiation sacraments, or be baptized conditionally, usually privately, just before.

Give the pastor all the facts and background you have and allow yourself to be guided by him.

If there is a further issue of a marriage annulment he may also get the opinion of the canon law tribunal of the diocese.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

This may not be the right section to post in, if it is incorrect, I apologize.

I have a question as to what to do next regarding baptism/conditional baptism. I was baptized in a protestant church as an adult using a non trinitarian form. I do not have my baptismal certificate, but do remember my baptism. I called the church where I was baptized today and was received not so well.

The pastor who baptized me is no longer there, he had to step down due to adultery within the church. I cannot find my baptismal certificate. When I called today I was told the only record she has is the date I was baptized, them promptly followed with questions about why I wanted to know, was I baptized by the former pastor, because if so, none of his baptisms were valid because he was “in sin” at the time they were performed and they don’t stand behind them. She asked when the last time I had been to church was - I tried to politely explain I was converting which was why I needed the baptism information and she was abrupt about ending the conversation, telling me she had “given me all the information she had.”

My question is: What happens now? I’m very discouraged and upset.

What is needed is information about the specific words used in your Baptism. Were they or did they include “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”. You should still ask for your former Community to send you a letter simply specifying the date and the information recorded. If there is still question. Your pastor should simply Conditionally Baptize you, in private, with your Sponsor, ASAP and then you would be treated as a Candidate.

 

[Cluny]

When I called today I was told the only record she has is the date I was baptized, them promptly followed with questions about why I wanted to know, was I baptized by the former pastor, because if so, none of his baptisms were valid because he was “in sin” at the time they were performed and they don’t stand behind them.

---

Leaving aside the issue of your non-Trinitarian baptism (which would be automatically invalid), the personal worthiness or spiritual state of the minister does NOT affect the validity of sacraments he performs.

To say otherwise is the heresy of Donatism, to which this church is clearly subscribing.

 

[FrDavid96]

Cluny,
Who else was there at the time? Were there any witnesses (official or otherwise)? Did anyone take a video perhaps–a few months ago, someone had a similar situation, and after a long web discussion, suddenly remembered having a video recording of the whole thing, so it’s possible. Were any of your family/friends there who could attest to what did nor did not happen?

 

[Julian_Clare]

I wanted to follow up and let you know that my RCIA director and sponsor have now taken over all communication with my former church and are meeting with the priest soon. Let me say I was amazed that they were understanding and tried to make me feel more comfortable about everything.

They find it disturbing that they (the church I came from) are being so difficult about the matter and said that the role of RCIA director is to ease as much of the process as possible. She said I need not worry, just continue to keep my mind and heart open, and the priest will let us know what we’ll do.

Thank you all for the welcome, I’ve wandered around the forums a bit and have found lots of things to learn.

Thank you for your prayers and I will update as soon as I know more.