Maybe some of you have heard about this situation in AZ where a priest performed baptisms with the wrong word and now these are invalidated causing a whole host of consequences for those impacted. It seems so harsh and tbh I don’t understand how using “we” vs “I” causes sacrament to not have occurred. In fact, I thought any baptized Catholic could baptize another (usually in emergency ) . So it’s hard to follow why this situation would lead to this? I’m curious if anyone here has an explanation https://www.foxnews.com/us/pastor-incorrectly-performed-thousands-baptisms-changing-1-word-invalid
miker, I've heard about that situation. He didn't realize his baptism was invalid until he saw a video of his baptism many years later after he had been ordained a priest. The validity of every subsequent sacrament for each Catholic is dependent on the validity of their baptism. Another example of invalidation would be using home baked bread with additional ingredients; eucharistic bread consists of only unleavened wheat hosts. If something else is added to the "recipe" in a Roman Catholic Latin Rite Mass, the consecration is invalid. I was privileged to baptize 4 babes before winter set in; I knew about the above, so was careful to use the correct formula: "(child's name)" I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Notice the Trinitarian formula: each Person of the Holy Trinity is mentioned, but the word "Name" is used once to signify Their Oneness. Every Sacrament must have proper form (words), proper matter ( ex. unleavened bread), and proper minister (Deacon*, Priest, or Bishop). If any of those are wrong, grace is not conferred. Therefore, since the minister at his baptism was careless, this priest was actually not a child of God. Very sad! This formula was formalized very early in the Church. Mark 16: 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Knowing the above, the Church came up with a uniform formula to assure each baptism will be valid. *A deacon can baptize only if designated by a bishop or pastor. So in the 4 cases I mentioned, my pastor gave me permission. In an emergency situation, any properly disposed person can baptize by pouring water and pronouncing the correct words. Example: I was baptized 3 times on the day I was born (3 lbs. 1 oz. in 1954) first by the physician who delivered me, then by a nurse up in the maternity ward, and finally by the hospital chaplain!
Thank you Terry….I appreciate this education. Very tough for people who now have to get all their sacraments again.
I heard a story once.a poor man was possesed and during the exorcism the priest found out that at birth he had nearly died .the midwife held his head under the tap and instead of her saying the proper words his mother said them.It must be done by the one person so the baptism was invalid.the exorcist baptised him there and then .
