Author Topic: What would you do if there was a doubt as to your baptism? (Read 735 times)

Änσnymσus · « **on:** April 30, 2014, 02:39:25 AM »

So a good friend of mine was told to gather their baptismal records and other church records, since they currently live in a different country now.
They are having difficulty trying to get the records, as the only living relative is an aunt who cannot remember her niece's Baptism as it was such a long time ago.
The only proof they have is a photo of the Baptism and the one baptizing is not in any priestly garb (even though it was pre Vatican II), but rather in a long-sleeved collared shirt & dress slacks.
And the setting was in a hospital managed by the Episcopal church.

Are they to assume valid baptism?
Should they continue to receive communion until certain? Or not?

What about the marriage? Is it considered valid?
Also, they are having difficulty finding confirmation records.

Parents were mixed Catholic & Protestant, children were raised as non-practicing Catholics, they all went to Catholic School because it was around the corner from their home.

Serious advice needed, along with prayers, please.

poche · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2014, 03:21:53 AM »

Quote from: Guest

So a good friend of mine was told to gather their baptismal records and other church records, since they currently live in a different country now.
They are having difficulty trying to get the records, as the only living relative is an aunt who cannot remember her niece's Baptism as it was such a long time ago.
The only proof they have is a photo of the Baptism and the one baptizing is not in any priestly garb (even though it was pre Vatican II), but rather in a long-sleeved collared shirt & dress slacks.
And the setting was in a hospital managed by the Episcopal church.

Are they to assume valid baptism?
Should they continue to receive communion until certain? Or not?

What about the marriage? Is it considered valid?
Also, they are having difficulty finding confirmation records.

Parents were mixed Catholic & Protestant, children were raised as non-practicing Catholics, they all went to Catholic School because it was around the corner from their home.

Serious advice needed, along with prayers, please.

Are they to assume valid baptism?
Should they continue to receive communion until certain? Or not?

They wouldn't have been allowed to recieve their first communion in the Catholic Church if proof of baptism had not already been shown.

What about the marriage? Is it considered valid?

Their marriage is considered valid until proven otherwise.

What is the reason for this need of certificates?

TKGS · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2014, 06:54:25 AM »

A person who has positive doubts about the validity of his baptism should discuss the matter with a traditional priest. If the doubts have any merit, he will conditionally baptize the individual.

Änσnymσus · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2014, 09:23:13 AM »

Since a valid baptism can be conducted by even a non-Christian, in an emergency, could a person baptise themselves by pouring water over their own head and using the correct words?

TKGS · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2014, 09:40:43 AM »

Quote from: Guest

Since a valid baptism can be conducted by even a non-Christian, in an emergency, could a person baptise themselves by pouring water over their own head and using the correct words?

No. I don't remember where it is stated, but this is specifically identified as being an invalid baptism by the Church

Änσnymσus · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2014, 09:42:57 AM »

If there is ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE VALIDITY OF YOUR BAPTISM THEN GET CONDITIONALLY BAPTIZED IN THE TRADITIONAL WAY AND SAVE YOUR SOUL. [/b]

crossbro · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2014, 10:29:07 AM »

If there are no witnesses or docuмentation then a conditional baptism is necessary and prudent.

it is not who does the baptism it is the way it is performed.

I know years back we had a convert who was baptized in the bathtub by his father and was witnessed by the grandmother.

It was valid and the bishop even refused a conditional baptism. We believe in one baptism.

Änσnymσus · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2014, 10:39:00 AM »

Quote from: TKGS

A person who has positive doubts about the validity of his baptism should discuss the matter with a traditional priest. If the doubts have any merit, he will conditionally baptize the individual.

This^^.

Don't know if your friend is trad or not, but they need to spk w/ a trad priest, NOT NOVUS ORDO.
A very similar circuмstance just happened to a family member. The N.O. priest said he was sure all was ok, but the trad priest said there is uncertainty about witnesses, so a conditional baptism was recommended asap.

As usual, light years apart in attitude between the cult of Rome and real Catholicism. A trad priest will know the right questions to ask to ascertain if a conditional baptism is necessary. The N.O. guys are just not as well formed.

Author Topic: What would you do if there was a doubt as to your baptism? (Read 735 times)

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