Conditional Baptism

[ChristIsTheWay]

As I understand it, a conditional baptism is required when a convert has undergone a questionable baptism in the past. Since their prior baptism could have been valid, and there is only one baptism for the remission of sins, would a convert undergoing a conditional baptism also need to confess their mortal sins committed after their questionable baptism?

 

[jmcrae]

As I understand it, a conditional baptism is required when a convert has undergone a questionable baptism in the past. Since their prior baptism could have been valid, and there is only one baptism for the remission of sins, would a convert undergoing a conditional baptism also need to confess their mortal sins committed after their questionable baptism?

The best way to go about it would be to receive a conditional Baptism prior to being received into the Period of Catechesis with the Rite of Welcome, and then complete your RCIA process as a Candidate, including First Reconciliation at the appropriate time during Lent.

Ask about this; I know that in many parishes, the logistics around Conditional Baptism have not been thought through, and one sees people being conditionally Baptized at the Easter Vigil (which IMHO is extremely inappropriate - even if Conditional Baptism is done late, it should not be done in public; at the very least, the person should be a Candidate by the time of the Easter Vigil, if not before - I think the Rite itself backs me up on this).

 

[Church_Militant]

Don’t most conditional baptisms come from faith communities that don’t have confession?

Also, since baptism washes away all sin…and that is the intent of the church, I’d think they’d be good to go.

 

[jmcrae]

Don’t most conditional baptisms come from faith communities that don’t have confession?



I thought we were talking about what Catholic priests do for converts who don’t know whether they have been validly baptized or not.

Also, since baptism washes away all sin…and that is the intent of the church, I’d think they’d be good to go.

 

[Church_Militant]

I thought we were talking about what Catholic priests do for converts who don’t know whether they have been validly baptized or not.

I guess so.

That said, wouldn’t they also be counseled to make their first confession before their first Holy Communion?

An interesting question.

I did find this question up in the Ask An apologist forum. Does conditional baptism absolve all sins?

If it is known to be a valid baptism, this is certainly true.

I certainly agree.

 

[puzzleannie]

As I understand it, a conditional baptism is required when a convert has undergone a questionable baptism in the past. Since their prior baptism could have been valid, and there is only one baptism for the remission of sins, would a convert undergoing a conditional baptism also need to confess their mortal sins committed after their questionable baptism?

most priests would encourage a general confession before confirmation even in these circumstances,

 

[Bookcat]

As I understand it, a conditional baptism is required when a convert has undergone a questionable baptism in the past. Since their prior baptism could have been valid, and there is only one baptism for the remission of sins, would a convert undergoing a conditional baptism also need to confess their mortal sins committed after their questionable baptism?

**Yes. **

(and one would mention to priest the conditional baptism)

(the conditional baptism would be done privately prior to the Easter Vigil…as would of course then the confession)

 

[Bookcat]

Also, since baptism washes away all sin…and that is the intent of the church, I’d think they’d be good to go.

No…they would still confess their mortal sins…

For we do not know if there will be a baptism actually that day.

 

[jmcrae]

I guess so.

That said, wouldn’t they also be counseled to make their first confession before their first Holy Communion?

Yes, certainly. Going through as a Candidate, they would be scheduled to make their First Reconciliation prior to being received into the Church. This is why I believe that it is most appropriate to give conditional baptism prior to the Rite of Welcome for Candidates, rather than waiting until the Easter Vigil.

 

[yablabo]

As I understand it, a conditional baptism is required when a convert has undergone a questionable baptism in the past. Since their prior baptism could have been valid, and there is only one baptism for the remission of sins, would a convert undergoing a conditional baptism also need to confess their mortal sins committed after their questionable baptism?

To my understanding, in a case of good reason to doubt as well as good reason to believe (i.e. probability) that the baptism was valid, a conditional confession/absolution is also supposed to be done along with a conditional baptism.

– Nicole

 

[Binnie]

Hello everyone,

I was baptized in a Baptist ceremony when I was 12. I am still trying to obtain my certificate. Meanwhile, Rite of Acceptance is 16th Oct. My understanding is since I have been baptised in the Trinity and water (the minister baptised me in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit), I can continue as a Candidate instead of Catechumen. In the event I do not receive my baptismal record in the mail by 16th Oct., should I receive a conditional baptism? (I also have posed the question via email to my RCIA leader and am awaiting a response). I would like to be accepted and welcomed as a Candidate. My youngest half-sister is also in my class and we’d like to both continue as Candidates. (She was baptized in the Catholic Church as my dad converted from Baptist to marry my stepmom. For whatever reason my sister never made First Communion or was Confirmed).
Thank you for any answers you may provide.
Peace to all! =)

 

[thequeen]

I had a conditional baptism because the pentecostal church of God that I was raised in did not keep baptismal records in fact i did not even get a baptismal certificate but when I was baptised in the Catholic Church I was was given a certificate