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Post by sovachuck on May 17, 2023 7:57:14 GMT -5
Seeking some opinions and advice here... I was baptized in the Episcopal Church as a baby and was confirmed Catholic in 2016, at 36 yo, at a more modern Catholic Church. The Priest wanted me to retrieve my baptismal certificate, which I wasn't able to obtain at the time. However, my baptism was recorded in an old ledger and the Priest asked for a copy, in lieu of the certificate, as well as a letter stating my intention to join the Catholic Church with signed acknowledgment from my God-mother who witnessed my Baptism. I fulfilled his requests and he deemed my Baptism valid and Confirmation would be approved.
Now, over the years I have become aware of many of the issues regarding Vatican II and the Traditional Church and I do somewhat "question" the validity of my Baptism, following Confirmation.
I am aware of Conditional Baptisms and they are allowed if there is sufficient doubt regarding Baptismal validity. Of course, I am going to discuss this with a Priest but I would like to get some opinions here as well.
Thanks folks and God Bless..
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Post by Pacelli on May 17, 2023 9:39:42 GMT -5
Seeking some opinions and advice here... I was baptized in the Episcopal Church as a baby and was confirmed Catholic in 2016, at 36 yo, at a more modern Catholic Church. The Priest wanted me to retrieve my baptismal certificate, which I wasn't able to obtain at the time. However, my baptism was recorded in an old ledger and the Priest asked for a copy, in lieu of the certificate, as well as a letter stating my intention to join the Catholic Church with signed acknowledgment from my God-mother who witnessed my Baptism. I fulfilled his requests and he deemed my Baptism valid and Confirmation would be approved. Now, over the years I have become aware of many of the issues regarding Vatican II and the Traditional Church and I do somewhat "question" the validity of my Baptism, following Confirmation. I am aware of Conditional Baptisms and they are allowed if there is sufficient doubt regarding Baptismal validity. Of course, I am going to discuss this with a Priest but I would like to get some opinions here as well. Thanks folks and God Bless.. The validity of baptism is known by whether the correct and approved matter and form are used: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,"while pouring water over the head of the person being baptized. There are some variations to this that are valid, just not licit to use, such as immersion, etc. There could be no contrary intention, and the intention must simply be to do what the Church does. I am not sure about the Episcopal church, and what form they use, it would need to be researched. Did anyone record the ceremony or do you or anyone else there remember it? The Conciliar hierarchy believes that the Episcopal church baptism is valid, that it meets all criteria. This is course doesn't settle it, but the chart they provide states the name of the various sects, separating those which have valid and invalid baptisms, with the assertion that the ones with valid baptism, that the matter and form are correct. You can find these charts on many diocesan websites, but one is HEREProtestant theology is rapidly changing, just like the Conciliar church, so one question I would be interested in, even if they still use the correct matter and form, is whether the minister baptizing is intending to do something different than what the Church does. Do you have any access to an SSPX or other good priest who can assist you with this? The priest may want to conditionally baptize you, and also, have a bishop conditionally confirm you.
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Post by sovachuck on May 17, 2023 10:22:24 GMT -5
Thanks for your response. I called my mother and she doesn't remember any details other than the after party, ha, and no recording. I've never been to a SSPX Church but I do attend FSSP when I am able due to distance.
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John Lewis
Full Member
Reviewing the Knowledge
Posts: 372
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Post by John Lewis on May 18, 2023 20:41:43 GMT -5
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Post by marcellusfaber on Jun 7, 2023 11:57:25 GMT -5
In England, it was the custom before the Council that Anglican converts would always be conditionally baptised; I don't believe they bothered with investigating. Since Episcopalians are just American Anglicans, you might as well be conditionally baptised. I am an ex-Anglican and sought conditional baptism for this reason, even though my family was High Church and the baptism was likely valid.
I would be interested in finding some documentation to support this, as I've only heard it repeated (by an SSPX priest), not seen it written down. I shall look into this at some point.
EDIT: It seems like Mr Wright included some documentation of this in the articles which John Lewis recommended.
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