I want to be re-baptized.

May 2, '17, 1:39 pm

Jesus_Is_God New Member   Join Date: November 3, 2016 Posts: 95 Religion: al-right

I want to be re-baptized. Hello CAF. I converted to Catholicism a few years ago. I was a Baptist for like 6 months but then I decided that I wanted to become Catholic due to it well... being the first Church! I was baptized in the name of the Trinity by full immersion in the Baptist church. My baptism was accepted valid and I was received. Within the past 2 weeks my conscience has for some reason been doubting it... I think I am in sort of an existential crisis right now... I know the Church accepted my baptism, and for a while so did I but.... now I feel so left out. I don't feel Catholic... I don't feel like I am really even a Christian at all. Admittedly, this put me to tears. I really truly don't know why I am feeling this all of a sudden but because I no longer feel my baptism was valid I refuse to partake of the sacraments. The only way I am going to be able to resolve this is if I were to get a conditional baptism. How do I ask the priest for this? Admittedly I feel kind of embarrassed asking, especially since I have known him for a few years now and he has been my confessor. But my conscience right now is killing me. How would I ask my priest for a conditional baptism? (and yes I understand the theology regarding re-baptism in the Church. Re-baptism is impossible, I am not asking for that. I am simply asking for a conditional baptism because my conscience all of a sudden has been doubting the validity of my original baptism).

#2   May 2, '17, 2:10 pm

1ke Forum Elder   Join Date: May 25, 2004 Posts: 29,562 Religion: Catholic

Re: I want to be re-baptized. You have a problem, and it's not your baptism. Tell your priest you are having a crisis of faith and ask for an appointment. You have something going on, so you need to deal with it. Your baptism is valid. You were received into the Church and confirmed. You are Catholic. Your priest will determine if there is any doubt about the validity of your baptism. I would say he's already done so, since you were not conditionally baptized in the first place. __________________ Pax, ke ke's universal disclaimer: In my posts, when I post about marriage, canon law, or sacraments I am talking about Latin Rite only, not the Orthodox and Eastern Rites. These are exceptions that confuse the issue and I am not talking about those.

#3   May 2, '17, 2:38 pm

Graceful_Lamb Regular Member Book Club Member   Join Date: April 8, 2015 Posts: 1,337 Religion: Roman Catholic

Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by 1ke You have a problem, and it's not your baptism. Tell your priest you are having a crisis of faith and ask for an appointment. You have something going on, so you need to deal with it. Your baptism is valid. You were received into the Church and confirmed. You are Catholic. Your priest will determine if there is any doubt about the validity of your baptism. I would say he's already done so, since you were not conditionally baptized in the first place. I agree.

#4   May 2, '17, 2:45 pm

Jesus_Is_God New Member   Join Date: November 3, 2016 Posts: 95 Religion: al-right

Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by 1ke You have a problem, and it's not your baptism. Tell your priest you are having a crisis of faith and ask for an appointment. You have something going on, so you need to deal with it. Your baptism is valid. You were received into the Church and confirmed. You are Catholic. Your priest will determine if there is any doubt about the validity of your baptism. I would say he's already done so, since you were not conditionally baptized in the first place. I don't feel like my conscience will settle unless I were to go through a conditional baptism.

#5   May 2, '17, 3:16 pm

Mary_Ellen Regular Member Book Club Member   Join Date: February 19, 2012 Posts: 1,298 Religion: Catholic (Roman Rite)

Re: I want to be re-baptized. The problem is NOT your baptism. Talk to a priest. __________________ Mary Ellen, toc "You will not see anyone who is really striving after his or her advancement who is not given to spiritual reading. And as to the one who neglects it, the fact will soon be observed by that one's progress." -- St. Athanasius

#6   May 2, '17, 3:16 pm

1ke Forum Elder   Join Date: May 25, 2004 Posts: 29,562 Religion: Catholic

Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I don't feel like my conscience will settle unless I were to go through a conditional baptism. you need to work on your conscience, then. And you need to do that with your pastor, who has care of you. If you have anxiety in general, or are developing scrupulous tendencies, your pastor can help you through them. __________________ Pax, ke ke's universal disclaimer: In my posts, when I post about marriage, canon law, or sacraments I am talking about Latin Rite only, not the Orthodox and Eastern Rites. These are exceptions that confuse the issue and I am not talking about those.

#7   May 2, '17, 4:03 pm

DaddyGirl Senior Member Prayer Warrior   Join Date: May 29, 2011 Posts: 8,637 Religion: may the force be with you

Re: I want to be re-baptized. You don't feel christian at all? And you think a second baptism will make you feel christian? I am curious to know if it does. Please let us know. . __________________ Creator and member of The Rational Rat Pack: "Wherever you go, there you are."

#8   May 2, '17, 4:16 pm

7 Sorrows Forum Elder Greeter Prayer Warrior Forum Supporter Book Club Member   Join Date: September 23, 2008 Posts: 43,920 Religion: Catholic

Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I don't feel like my conscience will settle unless I were to go through a conditional baptism. what is a conditional baptism? someone posted a link for me a week or so ago on another thread about renewal of baptism. maybe that would work for you? I can't remember which thread it was posted on though. __________________ You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. (13) when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there----you saw me before I was born. (15) ~~~Psalm 139

#9   May 2, '17, 4:20 pm

Bonnie Regular Member   Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 4,773 Religion: Catholic since 1976!

Re: I want to be re-baptized. I went thru a similar doubting period after I joined the Church. I was validly baptised in a Pentecostal church as a teen, but wanted to be re-baptised. My wise priest wouldn't allow it as it was a valid baptism. Later I had doubts, but another wise priest told me I should trust the Church. So I did and the doubts stopped bothering me. Trusting in the Church, which God put here for us, is vitally important. __________________ God bless, Bonnie, OFS Opportunity Farm Northeast Washington "While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all." Galatians 6:10 Catholic since '76!

#10   May 2, '17, 4:24 pm

Jesus_Is_God New Member   Join Date: November 3, 2016 Posts: 95 Religion: al-right

Re: I want to be re-baptized. I just really want to know if it's possible I can have a conditional baptism. I am never usually a scrupulous person. I trust in holy mother Church, I do. But I really feel like I need to do this.

#11   May 2, '17, 4:28 pm

tawny Veteran Member Greeter Prayer Warrior Forum Supporter Book Club Member   Join Date: November 10, 2013 Posts: 29,916 Religion: Roman Catholic/OFS

Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by 1ke You have a problem, and it's not your baptism. Tell your priest you are having a crisis of faith and ask for an appointment. You have something going on, so you need to deal with it. Your baptism is valid. You were received into the Church and confirmed. You are Catholic. Your priest will determine if there is any doubt about the validity of your baptism. I would say he's already done so, since you were not conditionally baptized in the first place. Well stated. __________________ May the Holy Spirit forever guide you throughout life's journey. Pax et Bonum

#12   May 2, '17, 4:28 pm

Graceful_Lamb Regular Member Book Club Member   Join Date: April 8, 2015 Posts: 1,337 Religion: Roman Catholic

Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by 7 Sorrows what is a conditional baptism? someone posted a link for me a week or so ago on another thread about renewal of baptism. maybe that would work for you? I can't remember which thread it was posted on though. https://forums.catholic.com/showthre...tional+baptism

#13   May 2, '17, 4:28 pm

Bonnie Regular Member   Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 4,773 Religion: Catholic since 1976!

Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I just really want to know if it's possible I can have a conditional baptism. I am never usually a scrupulous person. I trust in holy mother Church, I do. But I really feel like I need to do this. I'm sure it's too late for a conditional baptism - your Baptist baptism was accepted as valid. If you can come up with a reason why it wasn't valid you need to talk with your priest. You need to talk with your priest anyway about your doubts. __________________ God bless, Bonnie, OFS Opportunity Farm Northeast Washington "While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all." Galatians 6:10 Catholic since '76!

#14   May 2, '17, 4:32 pm

St Francis Forum Elder   Join Date: August 11, 2004 Posts: 16,504 Religion: Catholic

Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I just really want to know if it's possible I can have a conditional baptism. I am never usually a scrupulous person. I trust in holy mother Church, I do. But I really feel like I need to do this. You have a strong and erroneous idea, you need to deal with it rather than give into it by accepting it as valid and real. You know in your mind that the idea is wrong, but you are allowing yourself to be guided by your feelings, and our feelings can be easily manipulated. Seriously, go and discuss this with your priest, who will be able to ask the right questions and set your mind at ease better than we on the internet! __________________ "Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." CS Lewis–God in the Dock, 1948

#15   May 2, '17, 4:34 pm

7 Sorrows Forum Elder Greeter Prayer Warrior Forum Supporter Book Club Member   Join Date: September 23, 2008 Posts: 43,920 Religion: Catholic

Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Bonnie I went thru a similar doubting period after I joined the Church. I was validly baptised in a Pentecostal church as a teen, but wanted to be re-baptised. My wise priest wouldn't allow it as it was a valid baptism. Later I had doubts, but another wise priest told me I should trust the Church. So I did and the doubts stopped bothering me. Trusting in the Church, which God put here for us, is vitally important. __________________ You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. (13) when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there----you saw me before I was born. (15) ~~~Psalm 139    May 2, '17, 4:38 pm po18guy Forum Elder   Join Date: April 18, 2007 Posts: 26,644 Religion: Catholic With proper intent, an atheist can validly baptize you! Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I just really want to know if it's possible I can have a conditional baptism. I am never usually a scrupulous person. I trust in holy mother Church, I do. But I really feel like I need to do this. Not! The same Church that would "re-baptize" you, and which you would be comfortable with, declares that you are already baptized. So, it is actually the Church you doubt and not the baptism. As 1ke said, you have a crisis of faith. A spiritual attack, if you will. Consult with your priest/confessor and think about offering some spiritual warfare prayers. Offer them at your low point, while trembling or in tears, and watch what happens. __________________ I say what I have to say and move on. If you have a question, kindly send a private message. 3X cancer survivor: 1) Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Not Otherwise Specified, 2) Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma, and 3) Myelodysplastic Syndrome. How? Eucharist, Anointing, Prayer. Moderator www.cancerforums.net   #17   May 2, '17, 4:42 pm 7 Sorrows Forum Elder Greeter Prayer Warrior Forum Supporter Book Club Member   Join Date: September 23, 2008 Posts: 43,921 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Graceful_Lamb https://forums.catholic.com/showthre...tional+baptism thank you. __________________ You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. (13) when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there----you saw me before I was born. (15) ~~~Psalm 139   #18   May 2, '17, 4:56 pm 7 Sorrows Forum Elder Greeter Prayer Warrior Forum Supporter Book Club Member   Join Date: September 23, 2008 Posts: 43,921 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. I read it is forbidden to perform a second baptism if one was already validly baptized because the first baptism already left an indelible mark on the soul. I think I assumed when I came into full communion with the Catholic church I would be re-baptized too, and I think I felt something was missing-like I wasn't completely Catholic, but I don't think I really comprehended what was meant by valid baptism. I know for sure my baptism at 2 years old in the Episcopal church was valid. Perhaps you need to speak with your priest about why you don't think your baptism in the Baptist church was not valid. However, it was already accepted by the Catholic church or you wouldn't be Catholic now. __________________ You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. (13) when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there----you saw me before I was born. (15) ~~~Psalm 139   #19   May 2, '17, 4:56 pm Dwyer Regular Member   Join Date: February 26, 2007 Posts: 1,361 Religion: Byzantine Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God Hello CAF. I converted to Catholicism a few years ago. I was a Baptist for like 6 months but then I decided that I wanted to become Catholic due to it well... being the first Church! I was baptized in the name of the Trinity by full immersion in the Baptist church. My baptism was accepted valid and I was received. Within the past 2 weeks my conscience has for some reason been doubting it... I think I am in sort of an existential crisis right now... I know the Church accepted my baptism, and for a while so did I but.... now I feel so left out. I don't feel Catholic... I don't feel like I am really even a Christian at all. Admittedly, this put me to tears. I really truly don't know why I am feeling this all of a sudden but because I no longer feel my baptism was valid I refuse to partake of the sacraments. The only way I am going to be able to resolve this is if I were to get a conditional baptism. How do I ask the priest for this? Admittedly I feel kind of embarrassed asking, especially since I have known him for a few years now and he has been my confessor. But my conscience right now is killing me. How would I ask my priest for a conditional baptism? (and yes I understand the theology regarding re-baptism in the Church. Re-baptism is impossible, I am not asking for that. I am simply asking for a conditional baptism because my conscience all of a sudden has been doubting the validity of my original baptism). When you were baptized, you are thereby mystically joined to the Body of Christ and are spiritually born into the Family of God: ". . . for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." --Galatians 3:26-27 (RSV) You are now part of Christ's life and have been mysteriously incorporated into His Life, Death, and Resurrection. We can proclaim with St. Paul " it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me;" --Galatians 2:20 (RSV) __________________ "It's a free country; you can say whatever you want." --Old American Saying (U.S. Postal Service stamp-- from 1977 Americana series which extols freedom of speech and features a Speaker's Stand decorated with an American Flag shield.)   #20   May 2, '17, 5:23 pm Jesus_Is_God New Member   Join Date: November 3, 2016 Posts: 95 Religion: al-right Re: I want to be re-baptized. I do feel spiritually under attack. I don't know if this is Satan attacking me or what but I just don't feel Christian... I don't feel like I am in the grace of God. I don't feel like a member of the Church and I am really really concerned about my salvation. I have never been scrupulous before. I don't know if this is scrupulosity. All I want is to be close to God. But I feel so far from him right now and I feel like I am spiritually being kicked in the gut repeatedly. I haven't even been sleeping well because of this. Thank you all for your advice though. I am going to go to my priest, talk with him, and I will still ask him for a conditional baptism. But if he says no then... I guess I just have to accept it and try and move on with my life...   #21   May 2, '17, 5:25 pm pnewton Forum Elder   Join Date: June 1, 2004 Posts: 34,083 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I trust in holy mother Church, I do. But I really feel like I need to do this. Then do what your faith tells you, not your feelings. Your feelings contradict your faith. You say you are not scrupulous, then consider if a person felt it was okay to have an affair, or a homosexual relationship, or some other sin that they knew as a matter of faith was sinful, while their feelings of love or something like love, lead them to believe they had to follow their feelings, do you think they should follow their feelings, or their faith? The same principle applies here. I think your feelings are probably a remnant of you Baptist background, where pretty much everyone is re-baptized upon conversion from any other Christian faith. In fact, there are some trail of blood/landmark types that re-baptize those from other Baptist churches. Consider that your feelings may stem from seeing that such action is the way to "join". __________________ "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in." - Jesus Nooo!! I didn't mean it!   #22   May 2, '17, 5:38 pm nodito Regular Member   Join Date: October 15, 2007 Posts: 2,418 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. OP, what is it that makes you doubt your baptism? Did they use the formula, "I baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?" Did they use water? __________________ Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est.   #23   May 2, '17, 5:42 pm Jesus_Is_God New Member   Join Date: November 3, 2016 Posts: 95 Religion: al-right Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by nodito OP, what is it that makes you doubt your baptism? Did they use the formula, "I baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?" Did they use water? Yes, the Pastor said, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" and he dunked me under the water.   #24   May 2, '17, 5:50 pm nodito Regular Member   Join Date: October 15, 2007 Posts: 2,418 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God Yes, the Pastor said, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" and he dunked me under the water. So you are baptized. Completely, fully, without reservation. And you are just as baptized as I am or my children or anyone baptized within the walls of a Catholic Church. Honestly, it sounds like you're being tempted. The devil doesn't like losing souls to Christ's Church. __________________ Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est.   #25   May 2, '17, 5:55 pm 7 Sorrows Forum Elder Greeter Prayer Warrior Forum Supporter Book Club Member   Join Date: September 23, 2008 Posts: 43,921 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I do feel spiritually under attack. I don't know if this is Satan attacking me or what but I just don't feel Christian... I don't feel like I am in the grace of God. I don't feel like a member of the Church and I am really really concerned about my salvation. I have never been scrupulous before. I don't know if this is scrupulosity. All I want is to be close to God. But I feel so far from him right now and I feel like I am spiritually being kicked in the gut repeatedly. I haven't even been sleeping well because of this. Thank you all for your advice though. I am going to go to my priest, talk with him, and I will still ask him for a conditional baptism. But if he says no then... I guess I just have to accept it and try and move on with my life... How long have you been Catholic if I may ask? __________________ You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. (13) when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there----you saw me before I was born. (15) ~~~Psalm 139   #26   May 2, '17, 5:58 pm Jesus_Is_God New Member   Join Date: November 3, 2016 Posts: 95 Religion: al-right Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by 7 Sorrows How long have you been Catholic if I may ask? 2 and a half years.   #27   May 2, '17, 5:58 pm tafan Regular Member   Join Date: January 15, 2010 Posts: 3,211 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God Yes, the Pastor said, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" and he dunked me under the water. And you remember it clearly? . . Then why do you think it was not valid? Water, the correct words: what's the problem? .   #28   May 2, '17, 6:00 pm angell1 Regular Member   Join Date: April 20, 2013 Posts: 2,991 Religion: catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I do feel spiritually under attack. I don't know if this is Satan attacking me or what but I just don't feel Christian... I don't feel like I am in the grace of God. I don't feel like a member of the Church and I am really really concerned about my salvation. I have never been scrupulous before. I don't know if this is scrupulosity. All I want is to be close to God. But I feel so far from him right now and I feel like I am spiritually being kicked in the gut repeatedly. I haven't even been sleeping well because of this. Thank you all for your advice though. I am going to go to my priest, talk with him, and I will still ask him for a conditional baptism. But if he says no then... I guess I just have to accept it and try and move on with my life... it is scrupulosity. you get these "what if" thoughts in your head that just refuse to go away for long periods of time. temptation from the devil. try the prayer to st. Michael your baptism was deemed to be valid, you do not need a conditional baptism. in fact, in some situations, the person who baptized you doen'st even need to be a christian   #29   May 2, '17, 6:05 pm 7 Sorrows Forum Elder Greeter Prayer Warrior Forum Supporter Book Club Member   Join Date: September 23, 2008 Posts: 43,921 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God 2 and a half years. I would make an appointment with your priest and discuss your feelings with him. I don't know why you would not feel like a Christian anymore. __________________ You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. (13) when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there----you saw me before I was born. (15) ~~~Psalm 139   #30   May 2, '17, 6:05 pm Mike1955 New Member   Join Date: September 22, 2015 Posts: 66 Religion: Catholic (lapsed) Re: I want to be re-baptized. Re-baptism is not a solution to your issues. You have been baptized already. The Church, which is the Authority on this issue, accepts your baptism as legitimate. The Sacrament has been performed and completed. You need a full confession of your sins and your doubts and concerns with your priest. Be honest with him about your fears, your feeling of being kicked (emotionally and spiritually) repeatedly in the gut. Explore the problem with a wise and experienced guide! May the peace and blessings of the Lord be upon you.   May 2, '17, 6:09 pm Jesus_Is_God New Member   Join Date: November 3, 2016 Posts: 95 Religion: al-right Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by tafan And you remember it clearly? . . Then why do you think it was not valid? Water, the correct words: what's the problem? . The fact that a Baptist did it. The fact that the Church did not do it in the usual form of either pouring, or in the Eastern Church triple immersion.   #32   May 2, '17, 6:12 pm 7 Sorrows Forum Elder Greeter Prayer Warrior Forum Supporter Book Club Member   Join Date: September 23, 2008 Posts: 43,921 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God The fact that a Baptist did it. The fact that the Church did not do it in the usual form of either pouring, or in the Eastern Church triple immersion. But it was still seen as a valid baptism even though as you say that a Baptist did it. Why would that make it invalid in your eyes? __________________ You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. (13) when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there----you saw me before I was born. (15) ~~~Psalm 139   #33   May 2, '17, 7:25 pm Bonnie Regular Member   Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 4,773 Religion: Catholic since 1976! Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God The fact that a Baptist did it. The fact that the Church did not do it in the usual form of either pouring, or in the Eastern Church triple immersion. Full immersion is allowed in the Catholic church - I've witnessed several of those baptisms. Pouring is "usual" now, but is not the only way one can be baptised. The person doing the baptising does not have to be Catholic for the baptism to be valid. If you continue to come up with objections, you're not trying very hard to remain Catholic. __________________ God bless, Bonnie, OFS Opportunity Farm Northeast Washington "While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all." Galatians 6:10 Catholic since '76!   #34   May 2, '17, 8:54 pm acarlson Regular Member Prayer Warrior   Join Date: June 29, 2010 Posts: 545 Religion: Catholic - Latin Rite Re: I want to be re-baptized. I was baptized as an adult into the Catholic church with full immersion. The issue IS NOT with your baptism. It sounds like Satan has found a way to bring doubt into your mind. Talk to your priest. He'll help you out in much more substantial ways than us here on an anonymous internet forum can do. __________________ I'm a ! I generally "post and run." Please, don't take it personally!   #35   May 2, '17, 9:06 pm venite adoremus Junior Member   Join Date: November 15, 2008 Posts: 307 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. A couple of questions on this thread haven't been addressed yet. First, what is a "conditional" baptism. It is one in which the celebrant uses certain words to affirm his intent. The usual condition is "NN, if you are not already baptized, I baptize you..." This was the formula when I was received into the Church, because there was serious doubt about the validity of my previous "baptism" (no record could be found at the time, no sponsors were known, and when the record was finally found years later it was not even my name entered into the christening registry of the church, nor the right date of birth--it was sort-of-a last minute thing arranged by my grandmother, and by sprinkling at that; she was the church organist, and later edited the record!!). It can also be modified in extremis, for a deathbed baptism if there is doubt about whether the person still lives, e.g. "NN, if it is possible, I baptize you..." or "NN, if you live..." Second, what to do about spiritual silence in your soul. Several posters have made suggestions; I'd like to emphasize a couple of those. Renew your baptismal promises. With confidence! Ask the intercession of your baptismal and confirmation saints, as well as your guardian angel, to give you assurance that you are "named and claimed" in the Kingdom. Make the acts of faith, hope, charity, and contrition every day. Dedicate the day to God when you get out of bed in the morning, and examine your conscience when you go to bed at night. At the Mass, remember that you kneel at the feet of Jesus at Calvary, His sacrifice being reenacted in a bloodless way for your sake. Give Him your love. The rest will follow. Being Catholic is not always a warm, fuzzy feeling in the soul. It is a religion that requires the assent of the intellect, of the will, to things unseen. "Your will, Lord, not mine, be done." You'll be fine. You're one of us. You're welcome. __________________ O come let us sing to the Lord our God Let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation   #36   May 2, '17, 9:24 pm z_0101 Regular Member   Join Date: February 1, 2009 Posts: 1,658 Religion: Roman Catholic - Convert Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by 1ke You have a problem, and it's not your baptism. Tell your priest you are having a crisis of faith and ask for an appointment. You have something going on, so you need to deal with it. Your baptism is valid. You were received into the Church and confirmed. You are Catholic. Your priest will determine if there is any doubt about the validity of your baptism. I would say he's already done so, since you were not conditionally baptized in the first place. Yes, this __________________ Numbers 6:24-27 - Pray for Peace (Reba) - O Come, Emmanuel - Divine Mercy - Fr. Chris Alar, MIC: Divine Mercy Conference   #37   May 2, '17, 10:39 pm Rosebud77 Veteran Member   Join Date: February 7, 2013 Posts: 10,030 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. OP; is this in any way akin to folk who seek every now and then to "renew'" their marriage vows..? And your words remind me of what someone wrote to me once re some "born again" folk who "have been baptised so often the fish know them by name." The lack is in them not in the baptism Trust and faith have to be learned and lived and it can take a long time. "Lord give me patience.. but not yet!"   #38   May 2, '17, 11:02 pm Hoosier Daddy Forum Master   Join Date: August 13, 2013 Posts: 12,207 Religion: Still Catholic...... Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I don't feel like my conscience will settle unless I were to go through a conditional baptism. Then your conscience is not well formed and educated on the subject. Baptism is not a feeling! __________________ --- Better to be slapped with the Truth than kissed with a lie--------- Russian Proverb Hey, Visit my wife's site and buy yourself some spiffy T shirts! http://www.catholic-threads.com/   #39   May 2, '17, 11:38 pm Jesus_Is_God New Member   Join Date: November 3, 2016 Posts: 95 Religion: al-right Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Hoosier Daddy Then your conscience is not well formed and educated on the subject. Baptism is not a feeling! I never said it was.   #40   May 3, '17, 12:08 am Hoosier Daddy Forum Master   Join Date: August 13, 2013 Posts: 12,207 Religion: Still Catholic...... Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God Hello CAF. I converted to Catholicism a few years ago. I was a Baptist for like 6 months but then I decided that I wanted to become Catholic due to it well... being the first Church! I was baptized in the name of the Trinity by full immersion in the Baptist church. My baptism was accepted valid and I was received. Within the past 2 weeks my conscience has for some reason been doubting it... I think I am in sort of an existential crisis right now... I know the Church accepted my baptism, and for a while so did I but.... now I feel so left out. I don't feel Catholic... I don't feel like I am really even a Christian at all. Admittedly, this put me to tears. I really truly don't know why I am feeling this all of a sudden but because I no longer feel my baptism was valid I refuse to partake of the sacraments. The only way I am going to be able to resolve this is if I were to get a conditional baptism. How do I ask the priest for this? Admittedly I feel kind of embarrassed asking, especially since I have known him for a few years now and he has been my confessor. But my conscience right now is killing me. How would I ask my priest for a conditional baptism? (and yes I understand the theology regarding re-baptism in the Church. Re-baptism is impossible, I am not asking for that. I am simply asking for a conditional baptism because my conscience all of a sudden has been doubting the validity of my original baptism). Actually you do talk about your feelings regarding baptism. And it seems what matters to you regaurding baptism has to do with how you feel. __________________ --- Better to be slapped with the Truth than kissed with a lie--------- Russian Proverb Hey, Visit my wife's site and buy yourself some spiffy T shirts! http://www.catholic-threads.com/   #41   May 3, '17, 7:45 am Bonnie Regular Member   Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 4,773 Religion: Catholic since 1976! Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Rosebud77 And your words remind me of what someone wrote to me once re some "born again" folk who "have been baptised so often the fish know them by name." Funny! Reminds me of my mother - she was baptised 3 times. She belonged to different protestant churches over the years, starting with her family's Methodist church where she was first baptised. Two later churches had their own ideas about what constituted a valid baptism. After the 3rd dunking, she decided she was thoroughly baptised & didn't get it done again. She loved talking theology with my husband & he has often said that had she not died so soon, she would have become a Catholic. __________________ God bless, Bonnie, OFS Opportunity Farm Northeast Washington "While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all." Galatians 6:10 Catholic since '76!   #42   May 3, '17, 8:02 am Brassring Regular Member   Join Date: November 4, 2016 Posts: 574 Religion: Catholic (Roman) Re: I want to be re-baptized. The Church has declared that your baptism is valid. A conditional baptism would do you no more good than getting hit with a water balloon. Also, don't fret that it wasn't a Catholic that baptized you. Jesus was baptized by a Jew. It might be helpful to recite the Nicene Creed, paying particular emphasis to the line "...I confess ONE baptism for the forgiveness of sins..."   #43   May 3, '17, 8:28 am St Francis Forum Elder   Join Date: August 11, 2004 Posts: 16,504 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God The fact that a Baptist did it. The fact that the Church did not do it in the usual form of either pouring, or in the Eastern Church triple immersion. I am glad that you will discuss this with a priest. I learned from the Baltimore Catechism that the minister of baptism can be anyone. Even an atheist can baptize! All that is necessary is the intention to do as Christ commanded (so a baptism scene in a movie doesn't count!), and the correct form (so baptizing in the name of Mother Earth, Offspring, and Spirit of the Universe doesn't cut it). __________________ "Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." CS Lewis–God in the Dock, 1948   #44   May 3, '17, 9:11 am PJM Forum Master   Join Date: August 31, 2008 Posts: 14,317 Religion: Informed, practicing RomanCatholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God Hello CAF. I converted to Catholicism a few years ago. I was a Baptist for like 6 months but then I decided that I wanted to become Catholic due to it well... being the first Church! I was baptized in the name of the Trinity by full immersion in the Baptist church. My baptism was accepted valid and I was received. Within the past 2 weeks my conscience has for some reason been doubting it... I think I am in sort of an existential crisis right now... I know the Church accepted my baptism, and for a while so did I but.... now I feel so left out. I don't feel Catholic... I don't feel like I am really even a Christian at all. Admittedly, this put me to tears. I really truly don't know why I am feeling this all of a sudden but because I no longer feel my baptism was valid I refuse to partake of the sacraments. The only way I am going to be able to resolve this is if I were to get a conditional baptism. How do I ask the priest for this? Admittedly I feel kind of embarrassed asking, especially since I have known him for a few years now and he has been my confessor. But my conscience right now is killing me. How would I ask my priest for a conditional baptism? (and yes I understand the theology regarding re-baptism in the Church. Re-baptism is impossible, I am not asking for that. I am simply asking for a conditional baptism because my conscience all of a sudden has been doubting the validity of my original baptism). There are THREE Sacraments that LEAVE an indelible mark, and as a consequence of that FACT, cannot be removed, or validly repeated Baptism Confirmation Holy Orders Baptism as you described it was a VALID and LICIT Christian Baptism and cannot; NEED-NOT be repeated In cases where the original Baptism is in doubt; which seems clearly NOT to be your case; a Baptism can CONDITIONALLY be administered. The condition is "that IF the original Baptism was NOT valid and licit" then, AND ONLY then will the effects of the second Baptism ACTUALLY take effect So with knowledge of the first Baptism BEING Valid; there is no benefit and no need for a second Baptism John 3: 5 and Mt 28:18-19 ARE precisely clear on this matter. However as a Catholic you are eligible for the Sacrament of anointing/ the "Last Rites" which like Baptism removes ALL sin and ALL the Temporal punishment due to ALL sins. .... As the NORM Sacramental confession is a part of the final pre-death[ or SERIOUS illness Sacrament. I suggest you discuss the matter with your pastor ASAP. Welcome Home and GBY Patrick __________________ Irish2: PJM http://working4christtwo.wordpress.com A.B. Fulton Sheen: "The truth is the truth even if nobody believes it, and a lie is still a lie, even if everybody believes it."   #45   May 3, '17, 12:11 pm HeDa Observing Member   Join Date: April 25, 2017 Posts: 2 Religion: Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Every Easter vigil after the homily our baptism vows are renewed with the questions "Do you believe in God the Father etc" used when baptism are done. Then everyone is sprinkled with holy water. When you where received into the Catholic Church you renewed your baptism promises! Every time you are sprinkled with holy water during the beginning of mass it is done as a reminder of your baptism. Every time you bless yourself with holy water when entering a Catholic Church or say "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." it is a reminder of your baptism. Every single time you make the sign of the cross it is a reminder of your baptism.      May 3, '17, 12:13 pm Bonnie Regular Member   Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 4,773 Religion: Catholic since 1976! Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by HeDa Every Easter vigil after the homily our baptism vows are renewed with the questions "Do you believe in God the Father etc" used when baptism are done. Then everyone is sprinkled with holy water. When you where received into the Catholic Church you renewed your baptism promises! Every time you are sprinkled with holy water during the beginning of mass it is done as a reminder of your baptism. Every time you bless yourself with holy water when entering a Catholic Church or say "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." it is a reminder of your baptism. Every single time you make the sign of the cross it is a reminder of your baptism. Great reminder - thanks! __________________ God bless, Bonnie, OFS Opportunity Farm Northeast Washington "While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all." Galatians 6:10 Catholic since '76!   #47   May 3, '17, 2:51 pm Magdalen2013 Regular Member   Join Date: July 19, 2013 Posts: 537 Religion: Converting to Roman Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I just really want to know if it's possible I can have a conditional baptism. I am never usually a scrupulous person. I trust in holy mother Church, I do. But I really feel like I need to do this. I really don't think so -- re-read the Creed: "I confess ONE Baptism." It's not an E ticket, you don't get to do it again and again, NOR IS THERE ANY NEED TO DO SO. You do, however, really need to have a long talk with your priest.   #48   May 3, '17, 3:57 pm Tomyris Regular Member   Join Date: February 9, 2013 Posts: 2,695 Religion: Evangelical Presbyterian Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Magdalen2013 I really don't think so -- re-read the Creed: "I confess ONE Baptism." It's not an E ticket, you don't get to do it again and again, NOR IS THERE ANY NEED TO DO SO. You do, however, really need to have a long talk with your priest. I agree. Let's say he obliges you and you still feel this way, and want another conditional baptism. I don't think he would, but I hope you see my point. You have a problem, and you think the solution is rebaptism or conditional baptism. It's not. Your priest will be able to guide you into what is the correct solution. We, however, can't. __________________ Pray for the Church Now Undergoing Persecution, even as you read this   #49   May 4, '17, 9:01 am MusherMaggie Junior Member Prayer Warrior   Join Date: August 17, 2007 Posts: 118 Religion: Roman Catholic Re: I want to be re-baptized. Quote: Originally Posted by Jesus_Is_God I just really want to know if it's possible I can have a conditional baptism. I am never usually a scrupulous person. I trust in holy mother Church, I do. But I really feel like I need to do this. You are not trusting the Church. What you need to do is make an appointment with your priest, probably for Confession.