Ineligible for RCIA; any other options?

[TomH1]

The sister should know better but unfortunately these things happen. The Catholic Church is fully aware that many non-Catholic Christian ecclesial communities simply do not keep the same records we do. I would speak to the priest and explain the circumstances to him. One thing to discuss with him is in which non-Catholic Christian ecclesial community you were baptised. He may say the Catholic Church says their baptisms are invalid so you will have to be baptised. He may say the Catholic Church says their baptisms are doubtful and you may have to have a conditional baptism. If it was a non-Catholic Christian ecclesial community with baptisms recognised as valid by the Catholic Church the priest will advise you what you can do. I understand one option is a statement from two witnesses that you were baptised.

Do not despair. Coming home to the Catholic Church should not have such unnecessary obstacles in your path. Speak to the priest. If he backs up the sister he’s wrong, too, so go to the diocesan chancery.

 

[Gorgias]

Guess it depends on the church, mine didn’t question my baptism, or require proof, they took me at my word. {shurg}

It’s not supposed to happen that way, that’s all.

Just tell the priest what was said and done, and if clearly valid, which it probably was, end of problem

There’s supposed to be some independent verification, however. Oftentimes, it’s just a letter from someone who was present, attesting to the baptism, its place, and date.

I’ve even seen cases in which folks produce photos taken at the event, as proof that it occurred.

 

[annad347]

It’s not supposed to happen that way, that’s all.

I don’t understand, they should have asked me for proof?

I also don’t understand, why is it so wrong to get baptized a second time. I wanted to be baptized a second time, my church Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, said if I was already baptized it wasn’t necessary.

If the OP wants to enter the Catholic church so much so they tried to enter the RCIA class twice. Its obvious he’s willing to do everything necessary to become Catholic, so why not just baptize him again?

Is it a sin to be baptized twice?

 

[Phemie]

Gorgias:

It’s not supposed to happen that way, that’s all.

I don’t understand, they should have asked me for proof?

I also don’t understand, why is it so wrong to get baptized a second time. I wanted to be baptized a second time, my church Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, said if I was already baptized it wasn’t necessary.

If the OP wants to enter the Catholic church so much so they tried to enter the RCIA class twice. Its obvious he’s willing to do everything necessary to become Catholic, so why not just baptize him again?

Is it a sin to be baptized twice?

Yes, they should have asked for your Certificate of Baptism. Why? First because they had to verify that you were baptized Catholic and, second, because they were obligated to notify the parish where you were baptized that you had been confirmed.

Did they ask you where you had been baptized? If they did, it’s quite likely that they then contacted the parish to verify. If they didn’t, they were guilty of dereliction of duty.

The Church recognizes ONE Baptism. There is no such thing as being baptized twice. You are either validly baptized or you aren’t baptized. If you’re validly Baptized, the Church won’t pretend that you aren’t.

 

[Candlefish66]

First off, welcome to the community. We are glad you’re here. On to the point at hand, I know RCIA is handled differently from parish to parish and Diocese to Diocese, but based upon what you stated we would not have prevented you from entering the RCIA. Your baptism will either be “proven” by a witness or it’ll be a conditional baptism. Speak with someone else who can help you, and although it’s too late for this Vigil, let’s get you fully in.

 

[annad347]

Did they ask you where you had been baptized?

Don’t think they did… so what does that mean? I went through the RCIA class… I talked to a priest… went to confession… been a returning practicing Catholic for almost a year now… so what does it mean, all that is invalid because the church took me at my word of my Baptism? They didn’t ask me for proof of my Communion or Confirmation either?

The Church recognizes ONE Baptism. There is no such thing as being baptized twice. You are either validly baptized or you aren’t baptized. If you’re validly Baptized, the Church won’t pretend that you aren’t.

but is it a sin to be Baptized twice?

 

[halogirl]

I had this issue - the church I was baptised at had no record of it. The priest called my mother and she had to write a statement that I had indeed been baptised. Can you do anything similar / photos of the event ?

 

[annad347]

@GreenHorse, I’m sorry you’re going through this… its very confusing, I hope you find answers soon.

 

[Wesrock]

Phemie:

Did they ask you where you had been baptized?

Don’t think they did… so what does that mean? I went through the RCIA class… I talked to a priest… went to confession… been a returning practicing Catholic for almost a year now… so what does it mean, all that is invalid because the church took me at my word of my Baptism? They didn’t ask me for proof of my Communion or Confirmation either?

The Church recognizes ONE Baptism. There is no such thing as being baptized twice. You are either validly baptized or you aren’t baptized. If you’re validly Baptized, the Church won’t pretend that you aren’t.

but is it a sin to be Baptized twice?

If it’s done in rejection of the Church’s teaching of one baptism, sure.

And you can’t be Baptized twice. Once is a Baptism. The other just a dunking in water.

 

[jredden92]

I can’t imagine anyone being ineligible to go through RCIA though it might take people a long time to be welcomed into the Church or they might decide it’s not for them. God always wants us to return just think of the story of the prodigal son.

 

[annad347]

If it’s done in rejection of the Church’s teaching of one baptism, sure.

What?

And you can’t be Baptized twice. Once is a Baptism. The other just a dunking in water.

but is it a sin? It might just be dunking in water to some people, but have a very powerful meaning to the person being dunked?

it could also help the @GreenHorse, start his RCIA classes.

 

[Wesrock]

Wesrock:

If it’s done in rejection of the Church’s teaching of one baptism, sure.

What?

And you can’t be Baptized twice. Once is a Baptism. The other just a dunking in water.

but is it a sin? It might just be dunking in water to some people, but have a very powerful meaning to the person being dunked?

it could also help the @GreenHorse, start his RCIA classes.

If you know the Church’s teaching but still say “the Church is wrong and I want to be baptized again” and do so then yes that can be a sin.

 

[annad347]

If you know the Church’s teaching but still say “the Church is wrong and I want to be baptized again” and do so then yes that can be a sin.

has nothing to do with the Church, I was an infant when I was baptized. It meant nothing to me, maybe I want to be baptized again so it can renew its meaning to me, that would be a personal thing, nothing to do with the Church being right or wrong? Why would wanting to be cleaned and renewed again in Christ be a sin?

besides I didn’t say the Church was wrong.

 

[Angel_Bradford]

Usually your memory of being baptized is sufficient. Perhaps a letter from someone who was present will suffice. If not, the priest can do a conditional baptism; but either way, check with the pastor.

 

[Angel_Bradford]

That is exactly what you did at your Confirmation.

 

[CelticWarlord]

many non-Catholic Christian ecclesial communities simply do not keep the same records

Very true. I’ve been baptized twice in my life, once as an infant by my own mother, and once as a teen in a church that has long since vanished locally. I have absolutely no tangible proof of either one and can sympathize with the OP. But yes, there are always methods to achieve what he is seeking.

 

[BartholomewB]

The Church recognizes ONE Baptism. There is no such thing as being baptized twice. You are either validly baptized or you aren’t baptized. If you’re validly Baptized, the Church won’t pretend that you aren’t.

There is such a thing as conditional baptism.

 

[Phemie]

Wesrock:

If you know the Church’s teaching but still say “the Church is wrong and I want to be baptized again” and do so then yes that can be a sin.

has nothing to do with the Church, I was an infant when I was baptized. It meant nothing to me, maybe I want to be baptized again so it can renew its meaning to me, that would be a personal thing, nothing to do with the Church being right or wrong? Why would wanting to be cleaned and renewed again in Christ be a sin?

besides I didn’t say the Church was wrong.

You wouldn’t be “cleaned and renewed again in Christ” by having water poured over your head if you’re already baptized. You get that with confession.

You renewed your baptismal promises at Confirmation and can do so again at Easter.

 

[Phemie]

Phemie:

The Church recognizes ONE Baptism. There is no such thing as being baptized twice. You are either validly baptized or you aren’t baptized. If you’re validly Baptized, the Church won’t pretend that you aren’t.

There is such a thing as conditional baptism.

Yes, but that’s not what this already baptized Catholic was looking for. It’s only done for doubtful baptisms after explaining to the person that it may not be a baptism at all, so it’s not a rebaptism.

 

[Phemie]

Don’t think they did… so what does that mean? I went through the RCIA class… I talked to a priest… went to confession… been a returning practicing Catholic for almost a year now… so what does it mean, all that is invalid because the church took me at my word of my Baptism? They didn’t ask me for proof of my Communion or Confirmation either?

No, not having requested proof of your Baptism doesn’t mean anything else was invalid. Not sure what you mean by “They didn’t ask me for proof of my Communion or Confirmation either.” Why would they have to do that if it happened there?