Possible invalid baptism? Help

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AHappyConvert1

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Hi there. I came into the Church 2 years ago. As I have learned more and more about sacraments, specifically baptism, I’m very concerned that my baptism was possibly invalid because my hair is really long and I’m concerned that the holy water did not make contact with my skin as I was being baptized. Unfortunately by the time I thought about this, I couldn’t remember really other than I don’t recall feeling water on my skin.

I know this sounds really silly, it probably did touch my skin somewhere…but that’s why I’m afraid to bring it up to my priest and/or the bishop who baptized me. I don’t want to insult the Bishop. Also I’m a generally anxious and paranoid person so it’s hard for me to gain clarity on this matter through prayer because the thought of it possibly being invalid gives me extreme anxiety. Thoughts?
 
Please get help for your anxiety. Don’t let it take over your life.
 
Thanks but I’m looking for a Catholic perspective on this, I see that you are “agnostic.” Appreciate your concern though.
 
I am agnostic, yes. I can’t speak on the religious dimension of your problem but it seems to me as though it’s your anxiety driving you to think there’s an issue, not the other way around. So please focus on the root of your anxiety. Email your Priest about the baptism. I hope you feel better soon (and sorry for hijacking your thread a little).
 
I had short hair when I was baptized, but I distinctly remember it touching my skin, even when I take showers now, the water still touches my skin. I think you’re being a little too worried about this.
 
Assuming the baptism was valid, because it was, it might also be Gravely sinful.
 
The hair is part of the body. It’s your intention that matters. You wanted to be baptized, you were baptized. If the priest showed no concerns at the time I’m sure you needn’t have any either. Blessings to you.
 
Admittedly, I haven’t done experiments on this or looked at research but it seems to me that it’s pretty unlikely for no water at all to touch any skin of the head, no matter how thick or long your hair might be. I wouldn’t be concerned.

Dan
 
Just thinking scientifically here…water wicks…I can’t imagine none reaching the scalp even though you wouldn’t feel it if it had reached your body temperature when it did so.

To ease your mind, contact your priest and listen to his answer. I’m pretty sure you were properly baptized and can find peace on this issue.
 
AHappyConvert1 said:
Hi there. I came into the Church 2 years ago. As I have learned more and more about sacraments, specifically baptism, I’m very concerned that my baptism was possibly invalid because my hair is really long and I’m concerned that the holy water did not make contact with my skin as I was being baptized. Unfortunately by the time I thought about this, I couldn’t remember really other than I don’t recall feeling water on my skin.

I know this sounds really silly, it probably did touch my skin somewhere…but that’s why I’m afraid to bring it up to my priest and/or the bishop who baptized me. I don’t want to insult the Bishop. Also I’m a generally anxious and paranoid person so it’s hard for me to gain clarity on this matter through prayer because the thought of it possibly being invalid gives me extreme anxiety. Thoughts?
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Hi, @AHappyConvert1! Welcome to CAF! Explore all over each Forum and check out old archived threads with the magnifying glass for more tidbits about our fairh. 😀

My first thought was that the priest who baptized you knew what he was doing and what to look for—if there’s anything a priest does well, it’s administering the sacraments. Please don’t get all bent out of shape about this. To ease your mind, though, ask your priest the next time you see him. If you’re just totally discombobulated, go ahead and call him.

Whenever you talk to him, please do tell him about your tendency toward worrying everything to death. He knows what an albatross this can be and doesn’t want you to go through life in a constant state of dithering anxiety. If he’s unable to give you the help you need, please discuss referrals with him. Your priest is always 100% rooting for your good outcome. He CARES! And he’ll help you find a way to beat this. Trust Jesus, and trust your priest! 😀
 
She knows more than some Catholics about the Catholic faith. Apparently.
 
Socrates92 said:
If your parish priest is reluctant because of some stupid fear of making the bishop look bad, then strongly consider moving parishes as your parish priest is acting very cowardly and you should not trust him with shepherding your soul.
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Well, that’s lot of insulting assumptions about a priest you know nothing about.
It’s more likely he’d be “reluctant” because he knows the baptism was perfectly valid. Unlike a random stranger on the internet.
 
That’s ok, again I do appreciate any and all (name removed by moderator)ut but really looking for that theological/spiritual aspect. I hope you find Christ soon you must be on here for a reason. My worst day with Him is abundantly better than my best day without Him.
 
Not able to respond to everyone as I have a 3 month old baby but I just want say I am reading everything and really appreciate all the (name removed by moderator)ut. I’m going to put aside my fear of looking like a paranoid psycho and ask one of my parish priests when COVID is over— ALSO going to look for video of my Easter Vigil because I know someone was filming it. I have some peace about this already thanks to all.
 
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