Can a Baptism Be Invalid?
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Is baptism the only way to enter the Kingdom of God? What is the difference between valid and invalid baptism? How do we baptize? Are we living our baptism? Baptism is the foundational and necessary sacrament in which all other sacraments build. Fr. Josh Johnson dives into all things baptism and explains the responsibility of this gift.
Snippet from the Show
This is the sacrament that is the gateway for all other sacraments
Glory Story (2:08)
Listener Question 1: Is being baptized the only way to enter the Kingdom of God? (6:31)
Is being baptized the only way to enter the Kingdom of God? In the last year, a good person has said this a couple of times “You need to be baptized to enter the Kingdom of God.”
-Jolynn
Listener Question 2: Valid vs. invalid baptism (10:29)
Hi Fr. Josh! I hope to get an answer to this question that is causing me deep distress. My daughter had been living overseas for several years and was not a practicing Catholic. She was into the New Age belief and all I could do was pray for her. When she came home for a visit, I took some holy water and secretly traced it on my grandson's head, baptizing him before they left again. I did this again when she came back for a visit with my second grandson. When she had her third child and conversion of her heart and wanted to practice her Catholic faith again! She moved home and Praise God she decided to get all three children baptized! When the DRE asked me if I had baptized the children I said no. She made it seem like they wouldn't be able to be baptized if I had already done it and I was scared to tell the truth. I didn't consider what I did to be a proper baptism. I wanted them to have it done the right way with all the graces by a priest, with god parents, holy oils and recorded in the church records. My fear is that by not saying anything, the baptism was not valid. This brings me great distress to think about. Thank you for all you do for the faithful. God Bless you!
-Anonymous
Prayer (17:45)
Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water
Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power. In baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament. At the very dawn of creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness. The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of baptism, that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness. Through the waters of the Red Sea you led Israel out of slavery, to be an image of God's holy people, set free from sin by baptism. In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit. Your Son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross. After his resurrection he told his disciples: "Go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Spirit give to the water of this font the grace of your Son. You created man in your own likeness: cleanse him from sin in a new birth to innocence by water and the Spirit. We ask you, Father, with your Son to send the Holy Spirit upon the water of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also with him to newness of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.