Ask a Question - or - Return to the Liturgy Forum Index

Question Title Posted By Question Date
Was my nephew's baptism valid? Eric Monday, June 23, 2008

Question:

A few weeks ago I acted as the godfather at my nephew's baptism and something struck me as odd. I noticed that the priest recited the Trinitarian formula and then, only after he had finished speaking, did he pour the water over my nephew's head (in a single pour). It was brought up in discussion on another Catholic site that this may not have been valid, but no one was able to give a definitive answer.

Now, I am aware that the Church permits single pourings in place of three, but does the fact that the water was poured after recitation of the formula, and not during, invalidate the baptism? Any help that you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Eric,

I'll add this to my list of reasons why those involved in liturgical ministry must be sure that they follow instructions exactly, so that they don't cause worry such as yours.

I also won't give you a definite answer because I was not actually present at your nephew's baptism, but I can tell you what it is the church requires for validity.  In the Rite of Baptism for Children, in the introduction, we read that "The sacrament itself consists of the washing in water by way of immersion or infusion, depending on local custom, and the invocation of the blessed Trinity"  (n.18, §2)

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.