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Janet Riki wrote:

Hi, guys —

I am converting to the Catholic religion. I was never baptized as an infant however at a wedding I asked a priest to baptize me — it was by the ocean, last year.

I am now in RCIA classes and the Monsignor wants to know if we were baptized and, if so, would like to see the documentation.

I, of course, have none.

  • What do I do?
  • Do I get baptized again or did that even count?

I'm not sure what to do because there's no way to get papers on it.

Please help! God bless!

Janet R.

  { What if I was baptized, but don't have the baptismal certificate the priest wants for RCIA class? }

Bob replied:

Janet,

It may be that your Baptism was valid but not knowing all the details, can leave a margin of error that is problematic. You should talk to your priest about receiving a conditional baptism at the completion of RCIA before the other sacraments.

At that point, all the required paperwork would be generated.

Peace,

Bob Kirby

Mike replied:

Hi Janet,

I used to run a free program that sent Catechisms to seeking Protestants and non-Christians but no longer have the financial or operational means to do this anymore.

Seeing that you have started RCIA classes, I would encourage you to consider buying a cheap copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to learn everything we believe as faithful Catholics.

Mike

Fr. Jonathan replied:

Hi, Janet —

If this Baptism happened last year then clearly the priest who did this at the beach can be tracked down and asked about what happened.

If there is still doubt after that, then a Conditional Baptism could take place.

Fr. Jonathan

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