Validity of Baptism

[Halligator]

Why does the Catholic Church accept as valid the baptism of people performed in other churches? Since their clergy members don’t hold valid priesthood ordination or faculties (if that’s the correct word), why is baptism, performed under this non-authority, accepted by the Church? Is such a baptism considered a sacrament?

I’m not trying to be contentious, I’d like to understand. Thanks for any replies.

Arthur

 

[Mary_Ellen]

Anyone, absolutely anyone with the right intention, can baptize. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reads: (1256) The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and priest and, in the Latin Church, also the deacon. In case of necessity, anyone, even a non-baptized person, with the required intention, can baptize, by using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the reason for this possibility in the universal saving will of God and the necessity of Baptism for salvation.

So, as long as the Trinitarian formula is used (I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit) and the intention of the person baptizing is to do what the Church does when she baptizes (even if they don’t completely understand it) the baptism is valid and it is a valid sacrament.

 

[Angel_Bradford]

Anyone, absolutely anyone with the right intention, can baptize. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reads: (1256) The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and priest and, in the Latin Church, also the deacon. In case of necessity, anyone, even a non-baptized person, with the required intention, can baptize, by using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the reason for this possibility in the universal saving will of God and the necessity of Baptism for salvation.

So, as long as the Trinitarian formula is used (I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit) and the intention of the person baptizing is to do what the Church does when she baptizes (even if they don’t completely understand it) the baptism is valid and it is a valid sacrament.

 

[Evan]

Why does the Catholic Church accept as valid the baptism of people performed in other churches? Since their clergy members don’t hold valid priesthood ordination or faculties (if that’s the correct word), why is baptism, performed under this non-authority, accepted by the Church? Is such a baptism considered a sacrament?

I’m not trying to be contentious, I’d like to understand. Thanks for any replies.

Arthur

Baptism is the gateway sacrament. It is the entry point into the body of Christ. It is the first step toward heaven.

It is so important, you don’t need to be Christian to baptize, Just the right words, intention, and water.

 

[Mary_Ellen]

Besides Catholic and Orthodox, name one other church with validly ordained clergy.

 

[sw85]

Besides Catholic and Orthodox, name one other church with validly ordained clergy.

And the Old Catholic Churches (and by extension certain sectors of Anglicanism where Old Catholic bishops served as co-consecrators), certain Lutheran churches (certainly of Finland and Sweden), etc.

 

[Mary_Ellen]

Thanks!