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iaskquestions
Guest
I heard that any trinitarian baptism is considered to be valid by the Catholic Church. So if I want to baptize my baby tomorrow, do I need to go to a priest or can I do it myself?
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SamDash
Guest
The priest or bishop is the ordinary minister of Baptism.
You could only do it yourself if the baby were in imminent danger of death.
You could only do it yourself if the baby were in imminent danger of death.
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Aramis
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idrum677
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Phemie
Guest
As can anyone appointed by the bishop to administer baptism & witness marriages in a parish without a priest or deacon.
A deacon can also perform a valid Baptism.
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FrDavid96
Guest
Here’s the thing: You can do it, but you *should not *do it (unless the baby is in danger of death).
Or as any English teacher would say, you can do it buy you may not do it.
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iaskquestions
Guest
Why?
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FrDavid96
Guest
Well, there are a few reasons:
First off the entire Rite of Baptism should take place. That means the blessings and other rituals of the Church which are not “strictly speaking necessary” but they are there for good reason (and in fact, if they are not done, they need to be supplied at the earliest possible opportunity).
The child is being welcomed into the Church and into the parish, so it’s appropriate that one who welcomes the child into those should be one who officially and spiritually represents them–that is a priest or deacon, but especailly the pastor in his capacity as the shepherd of the parish (the bishop is even better, but this isn’t always practical). This is because baptism itself is not a private affair. The entire Church Universal welcomes the new member, so a private ceremony doesn’t have that “feel” to it. A private baptism is just that; a private ceremony. The child is not given a proper welcome in a private ceremony. All important events in the life of the Church are public celebrations (confession being the exception of course) as much as they possibly can be so. This is true even of baptisms which are only attended by a few people because it is done in the church building, the sacred space, and by the minister of the Church. It also is a way of stressing to the parents that they are not alone in their support of the child. The parents and sponsors (Godparents) are there to speak on behalf of the child to request entrance into the Church, as well as to promise to the Church that the child will be raised in the faith.
The Church wants to ensure that the baptism is done properly, and especially validly. One way to do that is to require that it be done by someone with the proper training (again, outside of danger of death).
They are just a few reasons. No doubt others will be able to add much more to this.
On the other hand, why would someone want a private baptism at home? Why deny the child that wonderful opportunity to be welcomed by the Church is a public way? I think that’s the more important question.
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Claire_from_DE
Guest
And the baptism needs to be recorded and the child will need his baptismal certificate for first communion, confirmation, and to be married in the church.
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