Was my baptism a valid one?

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Murrax9

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Hey everyone. Something has been bothering me lately. I’ve been a confirmed Catholic for about a year now, as I am a convert. I had a baptismal certificate from the Baptist church and so did not receive a conditional baptism.

Recently I received new information about my baptism and it has made me question it’s validity, but maybe I’m just paranoid.

Firstly, apparently the preacher said “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Sprit I baptize you” rather than the other way around. Does this invalidate the sacrament?

Secondly, I was baptized by full immersion and the pastor said the formula right before I was immersed, not while immersing me, does this invalidate the sacrament?

Finally, and this is the thing that I most concerned about, the minister who said the formula started to dunk me in the water but he was assisted by someone else, and it seems that the pastor might have let go of me before my head reached the water. Although he did cause me to go under by initiating it physically. Does this invalidate the sacrament?

If you know, please post sources if you have them
 
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I would rest assured that you’re in good shape. The first two things you mention definitely aren’t issues; the third probably isn’t either, especially since the precise details may not be available to anyone of exact memory - they weren’t to you, it would seem - and as you say, the minister did say the words as he was initiating the action. The Church has welcomed you; we aren’t going to retroactively negate your initiation.
 
You should just trust that the parish knew what they were doing when you became Catholic and be at peace.
 
Your baptism is good. It had the correct form and matter which are the words and water.
 
You are all good and no problems with our baptism. Enjoy your life as a Catholic and avoid the temptation of questioning everything you think might be done wrong. I think so many new (and old) Catholics sit in Mass and try to catch the Priest making a mistake. I’m not saying this is you - I guess I’m saying don’t second guess yourself. Trust and believe! Blessings to you.
 
Murrax9 said:
If you know, please post sources if you have them
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This is really soliciting advice about whether or not your baptism is valid. You have doubts, that is understandable.
We really should not be answering such an important question.

You should be asking your priest and your priest alone about this.
Murrax9 said:
Does this invalidate the sacrament?
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This is quite a big concern. Please speak to your priest rather then going by advice given out on CAF
 
There was the trinitarianformula. They immersed you in the water. They had the intention to do what the Church does when it baptizes someone. It would appear that your baptism was valid.
 
Murrax9 said:
Hey everyone. Something has been bothering me lately. I’ve been a confirmed Catholic for about a year now, as I am a convert. I had a baptismal certificate from the Baptist church and so did not receive a conditional baptism.

Recently I received new information about my baptism and it has made me question it’s validity, but maybe I’m just paranoid.

Firstly, apparently the preacher said “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Sprit I baptize you” rather than the other way around. Does this invalidate the sacrament?

Secondly, I was baptized by full immersion and the pastor said the formula right before I was immersed, not while immersing me, does this invalidate the sacrament?

Finally, and this is the thing that I most concerned about, the minister who said the formula started to dunk me in the water but he was assisted by someone else, and it seems that the pastor might have let go of me before my head reached the water. Although he did cause me to go under by initiating it physically. Does this invalidate the sacrament?

If you know, please post sources if you have them
Click to expand...
All of that is fine. Your baptism was a valid one.
 
If you are truly that concerned, talk to a priest. The Church does have a formula for a conditional baptism if he would feel it’s necessary. But only the Church can determine if it’s necessary or not.
 
There is nothing in your question that gives any doubt about the validity of your baptism.

There is nothing improper about immersion. Indeed, some Orthodox churches doubt the validity of Catholic baptisms because we do not immerse.
 
Look up Diocese of Davenport, valid baptisms, it should help you out.
 
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