When a convert from other churches has to be baptized as he or she joins the Catholic church?

-- ENRIQUE ORTIZ (eaortiz@yahoo.com), April 17, 1999

Answers

When there is certain doubt that the original Baptism is not valid.

While pouring water on or submerging the person being Baptized the exact words "I Baptize you (persons name), in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" are said. With the intention of washing away Original and actual sin and incorporating this person into the Mystical Body of Christ. In general this would be a vaild Bapyism.

Br. Rich S.F.O.

-- Br. Rich S.F.O. (repsfo@prodigy.net), April 17, 1999.

Baptism in itself is an outward symbol of Christ' death, burial, and resurrection. When a person is immersed under the water, it pictures the burial of Christ. In the Name of the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, confirms upon the believer that he/she truly accepts all of the prophecies of the scriptures concerning the resurrection of Christ and His shed blood for the total remission of sins. See Hebrews 9:22 "And without the shedding of blood is no remission of sins." Christ died once and for all people who beleive on Him. That one time sacrifice of His entire sinless life of 33.5 years, payed the debt in full for our sins. The best place to understand baptism is right from the Gospels themselves. Jesus stated that John the Baptist baptized via water, Jesus baptizes by fire, Holy Spirit fire. For the flesh, water, and for the spirit of man, fire. Is it not written in the old testement that the Lord tried things by fire? Check it out yourself. The prophet Elisha understood this in simple terms. Even Peter in 1 Peter 1:23.

And remember, Acts 16:30, The Phillippian Jailor asked "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:31 Paul replied "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved."

-- Joe Martin, P.I.M.E., Ohio (messiah333@juno.com), April 21, 1999.

Joe,

The original question asked when does the Catholic Church Baptize someone who is converting from one of the seperated churches. Your response doe not hold completly to the teaching of the Catholic Church.

-- Br. Rich S.F.O. (repsfo@prodigy.net), April 23, 1999.

Br. Rich's comment reflects again the sad rigidity in areas of acceptance for those touched by Christ as His own. As a Roman Catholic I often am saddened by these man made rules.

peace and well being,

Jean Bouchard

-- jean bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), May 11, 1999.