Author Topic: I am being conditionally baptized on Sunday (Read 6288 times)

Graham · « **on:** June 07, 2012, 03:39:16 PM »

As a former Anglican (and then briefly a NO Catholic), an SSPX priest determined a few months ago that I should officially abjure my old heretical beliefs. Which I’m only too eager to do. Then recently it was determined that I should also be conditionally baptised, because although the Anglicans use the trinitarian form, they can’t be certain that the rite was done properly.

It has crossed my mind a few times that perhaps my baptism wasn’t valid, and naturally it’s far better to be safe than sorry about it. But I can’t help feeling despondent and embarrassed about having to be conditionally baptised. Here I am having gone to confession and communion regularly for over a year, thinking I was a baptized Christian and a full Catholic. :sad: The good part is that now there will be absolutely no doubts and I'll be baptised by a traditional priest whom I respect in a beautiful old chapel.

Malleus 01 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 07, 2012, 03:49:23 PM »

Quote from: Graham

As a former Anglican (and then briefly a NO Catholic), an SSPX priest determined a few months ago that I should officially abjure my old heretical beliefs. Which I’m only too eager to do. Then recently it was determined that I should also be conditionally baptised, because although the Anglicans use the trinitarian form, they can’t be certain that the rite was done properly.

It has crossed my mind a few times that perhaps my baptism wasn’t valid, and naturally it’s far better to be safe than sorry about it. But I can’t help feeling despondent and embarrassed about having to be conditionally baptised. Here I am having gone to confession and communion regularly for over a year, thinking I was a baptized Christian and a full Catholic. :sad: The good part is that now there will be absolutely no doubts and I'll be baptised by a traditional priest whom I respect in a beautiful old chapel.

Congratulations. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. There is a possibility that your Baptism was Valid - but the SSPX is being prudent to ensure that it is. We can only recieve Baptism once in our lifetimes - so either the original Baptism was good and you already have that Indelible mark on your soul and you are already a member of Christs Mystical Body or will be shortly. Rejoice and dont be embarrassed!

Pax

rowsofvoices9 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2012, 04:11:20 PM »

I was taught that as long as the trinitarian formula is used and the person has the intent to baptize, the baptism is valid. Even in emergencies a lay person can perform a baptism and the Church accepts it. It doesn't matter if the person was baptized as a Protestant. That is why the Church doesn't routinely re-baptize Protestants but accepts their baptisms as completely valid. The only time the Church performs a conditional baptism is when no record of baptism can be located or the person belonged to a questionable sect.

Caraffa · « **Reply #3 on:** June 07, 2012, 04:39:37 PM »

Graham, if you are going to be conditionally baptized, won't they have to conditionally confirm you as well?

Telesphorus · « **Reply #4 on:** June 07, 2012, 04:40:19 PM »

This is another reason why Baptism of Desire is a necessary doctrine.

If it is possible for a malignant priest to invalidate a Baptism by internally refusing to intend to Baptize, it would make God's Judgement capricious.