Invalid Baptism?

[mmaier]

I recently learned that there is a possibility that my baptism was improperly performed. I’m a convert to the faith, and at the time I went through RCIA I was simply asked if I had been baptized. As it turns out, neither immersion or pouring (from what I gather the two acceptable forms) were used; instead the minister dipped his hands into water and traced the sign of the cross on my forehead. He did use the Trinitarian formula. Should I ask for a conditional baptism? Would this potentially invalid baptism mean that the other Sacraments I’ve received be invalid as well?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I recently learned that there is a possibility that my baptism was improperly performed. I’m a convert to the faith, and at the time I went through RCIA I was simply asked if I had been baptized. As it turns out, neither immersion or pouring (from what I gather the two acceptable forms) were used; instead the minister dipped his hands into water and traced the sign of the cross on my forehead. He did use the Trinitarian formula. Should I ask for a conditional baptism? Would this potentially invalid baptism mean that the other Sacraments I’ve received be invalid as well?

I believe your baptism is valid. I don’t believe immersion or pouring of water must be used, but only water, and the words “in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” must be used. Ask your pastor.

Jim

 

[mmaier]

Thank you for your response. What concerned me was paragraph 1278 in the Catechism:

“The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Theoretically speaking, if it was the case that I was invalidly baptized, would I have to be confirmed and marriage again?

MTM

 

[kell0618]

Slow down there. I understand your concern and all you need to do is ask your priest. Your baptism appears to have used water and a Trinitarian form and I wouldn’t worry about your other Sacraments being invalid just yet. Wait and see what your priest says, and in is my less qualified opinion, my thought is that you are indeed validly Baptized.

God bless you,

Kelly

 

[Seatuck]

Go talk to your Priest. It is possible you do need to be baptized. I’m pretty sure we do need at least pouring in the Roman Rite. Your Priest may need to contact the Bishop. I’m sure the’ll get it sorted out. They may be a bit busy right now though, so call and make an appointment with your Priest.

 

[mmaier]

I have already spoken with my Priest and he is going to look into it. I’m fairly certain that the baptism might very well be valid, but I guess I’m not comfortable with “fairly certain.” While I don’t want to be legalistic about this, I also don’t want to take the matter lightly. I’ll report back what I find out. Thanks for all the replies.

MTM

 

[LilyM]

I have already spoken with my Priest and he is going to look into it. I’m fairly certain that the baptism might very well be valid, but I guess I’m not comfortable with “fairly certain.” While I don’t want to be legalistic about this, I also don’t want to take the matter lightly. I’ll report back what I find out. Thanks for all the replies.

MTM

It’s not that big a deal even if it turns out you weren’t. The Church with her 2,000 years worth of accumulated wisdom can handle such situations -with ‘conditional’ baptism among other things

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I recently learned that there is a possibility that my baptism was improperly performed. I’m a convert to the faith, and at the time I went through RCIA I was simply asked if I had been baptized. As it turns out, neither immersion or pouring (from what I gather the two acceptable forms) were used; instead the minister dipped his hands into water and traced the sign of the cross on my forehead. He did use the Trinitarian formula. Should I ask for a conditional baptism? Would this potentially invalid baptism mean that the other Sacraments I’ve received be invalid as well?

If your Baptism was in fact invalid they would be. However since you seem to remember the Baptism the key question would be did a drop of water drip down your forehead while he was saying the words? If so then there is nothing to worry about.

 

[mmaier]

I was baptized as an infant, so my recollection of what happened comes through the foggy memories of my non-Catholic parents. That makes me even more nervous about this: they don’t clearly recall what happened, so how can I be certain about this.

MTM

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I was baptized as an infant, so my recollection of what happened comes through the foggy memories of my non-Catholic parents. That makes me even more nervous about this: they don’t clearly recall what happened, so how can I be certain about this.

MTM

As suggested speak with your current pastor and explain your concern.

 

[chrysostom15]

You’ll want to ask for a conditional Baptism. Then, you’ll recieve Confirmation and Eucharist as part of the same rite (at the same time). They can also bless a marriage then. That is my reccomendation, if there is any doubt.

 

[jmcrae]

That’s exactly how I was baptized, too, and it is considered valid in the Catholic Church.

Catholics have to baptize by immersion or pouring.

The difference is, if a Catholic had baptized me the liberal Protestant way, it would have been illicit (but not invalid) but because it was a Protestant doing it, who was doing the best he could with the knowledge he had available to him to “do what the Church does,” and because there was water (even though just a little bit) and the Trinitarian formula was used, this is what makes it a valid baptism.

Don’t worry. You’re okay.