Author Topic: "Real and Natural Water" (Read 17826 times)

curiouscatholic23 · « **on:** December 11, 2011, 05:00:51 PM »

What is the definition of "real and natural water" for a valid baptism performed by the laity? Is tap water ok? Bathtub water? River? Ocean?

Also, when the person performing the baptism pours the water over the head of the other person does the water have to be flowing throughout the baptism?

Or could he say I baptize you in the name of the father (pour water, stop),. the son (pour water again, stop), and the holy ghost (pour water, stop)?

Finally, is it acceptable to pour on the hair as long as just a little bit of water drips down to the forehead?

pax · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2011, 05:04:49 PM »

Quote from: curiouscatholic23

What is the definition of "real and natural water" for a valid baptism performed by the laity? Is tap water ok? Bathtub water? River? Ocean?

Also, when the person performing the baptism pours the water over the head of the other person does the water have to be flowing throughout the baptism?

Or could he say I baptize you in the name of the father (pour water, stop),. the son (pour water again, stop), and the holy ghost (stop)?

Finally, is it acceptable to pour on the hair as long as just a little bit of water drips down to the forehead?

I think a molecule of water would suffice. The pour does not need to be continuous, but I think that pouring at some point during reciting the baptismal formula is necessary. A dunk in a body of water also works.

Stubborn · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2011, 05:08:48 PM »

Sprinkling works too.

Say the words *while* pouring, sprinkling or dunking - - - - and use water - hot or cold doesn't matter. Don't use soda, coffee, juice etc - just use water.

GertrudetheGreat · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2011, 05:09:39 PM »

Why don't you people just look stuff up and find out what the Church teaches?

http://www.newadvent.org/summa/4066.htm#article4

Lighthouse · « **Reply #4 on:** December 12, 2011, 04:06:23 PM »

"Why don't you people just look stuff up and find out what the Church teaches?"

You'll get used to it. It's just the way things are done around here.