Question about baptism....

[SC_Peach]

In re: to RCIA classes…I know there’s 2. One that’s for those that have been baptized Catholic or another faith [as long as it was in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit] and the other for those that have never been baptized.

My question is: I was baptized [submerged] in a Pentecostal denom., however they said they may/may not accept my baptism depending on the specific denomination. I was baptized in the Church of God. Has anyone had any experience with anything similar?? [not necessarily with the same denom.] I told them I had no problem being re-baptized and actually wouldn’t mind seeing as how it’s been so long ago.

Just looking for a little info/experiences/possibly what to expect.

Thanks!

God Bless,
Kathy

 

[Harrison]

A baptism can be valid, invalid, or doubtful. If your previous baptism is deemed invalid, you will be absolutely baptized, “[insert your name here], I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

If your previous baptism is doubtful, as in your intent or the intent of the minister is questioned, or you lack proof of baptism, you may be conditionally baptized, “[insert your name here], if you are not baptized, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

I believe that conditional baptisms are not normally done in front of the congregation, but would be more of a private issue. If you are to be absolutely baptized, that will happen at the Easter Vigil like normal (unless you have something else set up, I don’t know your specific situation).

 

[SC_Peach]

The baptism issue is the only thing at this point that I know of, that I’m waiting to hear of which class I will be in.
I am almost certain that my brother had to be baptized again [absolutely] and we of course, grew up in the same church. I’ll ask him when he comes home…his job is in the Gulf…oil rigs.

Thanks!!!

God Bless!
Kathy

 

[SC_Peach]

Thanks again to everyone.

I just talked to the RCIA director this evening and she told me that she found out that my previous baptism won’t be recognized. I’m not upset at all. Actually, I’m kind of thankful. I was wanting to be baptized Catholic. I told her my brother had to be baptized again as well when he converted.

I’m very excited!! I completed Inquiry and I start RCIA Sept. 6.

Very thankful to be starting on my new journey.

God Bless!
-Kathy

 

[bpbasilphx]

There are some Pentecostal groups who either baptize in the name of Jesus only, or some warping of the Trinitarian formula, eg, “of the Father who is Jesus and the Son who is Jesus and the Holy Spirit who is Jesus.”

These are definitely invalid.

And I’ve said elsewhere that some mainline Protestants are so sloppy about how baptism is administered–sometimes merely touching the candidate’s head with a moistened finger (as I’ve seen Billy Graham’s brother-in-law do)–or using novel and invalid formulae (“Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier”) that I think it’s best to just to receive all Protestant converts by canonical baptism to remove all doubt.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I told her my brother had to be baptized again as well when he converted.

Just to be clear, your brother wasn’t baptized again, he was baptized for the first time. We don’t repeat the sacrament if someone was validly baptized.

 

[puzzleannie]

that I think it’s best to just to receive all Protestant converts by canonical baptism to remove all doubt.

this can’t be done under canon law. each and every case must be examined on its merits to ascertain the facts, and only if the validity of baptism cannot be established may conditional baptism be done, and only if the baptism is invalid may the candidate be “rebaptized”. The RCIA director does not have authority to make this call, the pastor has to ascertain the facts and consult the tribunal if there is doubt.

to SC Peach, Welcome Home!