Valid Baptism?

[Miles_Mariae]

Is it valid to be baptized using one’s English name rather than one’s legal name? In other words, if the priest says “N., I baptize you…” where N is not one’s legal name but the name one typically goes by, is that okay?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Is it valid to be baptized using one’s English name rather than one’s legal name? In other words, if the priest says “N., I baptize you…” where N is not one’s legal name but the name one typically goes by, is that okay?

Baptismal records are not legal records. My guess is that as long as you can prove that it is you recorded in the Baptismal record. I’d like to hear what Cameron has to say on this one.

 

[Miles_Mariae]

What’s on the Baptismal record should be fine. I was talking about whether the Sacrament of Baptism itself was performed validly. According to the CCC, the essentials are water and the Trinitarian Formula, which were definitely used. Does that mean it was okay?

 

[JCismywingman]

i’m not sure if the law differs in other countries, but i was baptised with my baptism name which is not my given name and a baptism record (or confirmation record for that matter) is a legal document to have your baptism and/or confirmation name added to our legal name

HTHs

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What’s on the Baptismal record should be fine. I was talking about whether the Sacrament of Baptism itself was performed validly. According to the CCC, the essentials are water and the Trinitarian Formula, which were definitely used. Does that mean it was okay?

I believe that Baptism would be valid if the Form is simply “I Baptize you in the Name of the Father and the…” even without a specific name.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Is it valid to be baptized using one’s English name rather than one’s legal name? In other words, if the priest says “N., I baptize you…” where N is not one’s legal name but the name one typically goes by, is that okay?

Yes, that’s perfectly acceptable. The legal name is not a requirement. I have baptized people using the name they give the child or, in some cases, the name they call the child (this is especially true for Hispanic childlren where the name might be “Carlos” but they call the child “Carlitos” which simply means “Little Carlos”).

Deacon Ed

 

[Miles_Mariae]

Thank you for your responses. Here’s another one from Fr. Z:

Yes. It was valid.

I feel much better now. I think I knew that it was valid, but just needed to hear it. Thanks again.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

It is not the name used that makes a baptism valid, but the proper form and words(formula), i.e., N. I Baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy spirit. As long as these words are used with water, the Baptism is valid
Deacon Ed B

 

[Joe_Kelley]

My father and one of my mother’s brothers had different baptismal and legal names because the priest would not accept the legal name as a saint’s name.

 

[Digitonomy]

There are instructions on how to conditionally baptize a product of pregnancy where it is uncertain whether it is actually human (and thus has a soul) or not. In such cases death is imminent, so obviously there’s no time for the priest to wait around for a name.

 

[elt1956]

What’s on the Baptismal record should be fine. I was talking about whether the Sacrament of Baptism itself was performed validly. According to the CCC, the essentials are water and the Trinitarian Formula, which were definitely used. Does that mean it was okay?

I think maybe Jesus is more interested in souls than names, so you should be okay. Although it is said, When you were in the womb, I called you by name. So if He knew you then, He knows you now. Peace

 

[elt1956]

What’s on the Baptismal record should be fine. I was talking about whether the Sacrament of Baptism itself was performed validly. According to the CCC, the essentials are water and the Trinitarian Formula, which were definitely used. Does that mean it was okay?

Yes, that’s perfectly acceptable. The legal name is not a requirement. I have baptized people using the name they give the child or, in some cases, the name they call the child (this is especially true for Hispanic childlren where the name might be “Carlos” but they call the child “Carlitos” which simply means “Little Carlos”).

Deacon Ed

Wow Deac. Have you really baptized little children? HOW WONDERFUL!! Aren’t they great?? Peace.