www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Question About Baptism

I plan on becoming Ukrainian Catholic. I am not baptized.

When I get baptized, will I have the option of just having the water poured over my head instead of being completely submerged?

Welcome to the forum.

Christ is in our midst!! He is and always will be!!

Why don't you ask the priest who will give you instruction and receive you into the Church?

BOB

While this is an interesting discussion, did anybody notice that the OP asked a question - a question specific to his or her situation?

So far, Bob is the only person who attempted to answer it.

There are many instances in which newcomers post an open-ended query about a theological construct, a dogma, doctrine, praxis, history, etc, that is an open invite to full discussion, dialogue, dissertation, debate.

BUT people need to realize that - sometimes - a question is just a question, not an opportunity to display one's knowledge, theory, belief, etc.

We do not do a service to those who come here, particularly inquirers, and seek basic information when we overwhelm them with historical dissertation on the matter at hand. Should they want that type of background material, they are more than capable of asking for it. searching it out. etc. If something that a newcomer posts invokes a need in you to expound at length, click that "new topic" button and have at it.

I'm splitting off all of the fascinating discussion on immersion version pouring into a separate thread, where folks (including the OP, if interested) can follow it if they so choose.

The surviving thread, here, is intended to answer the OP's question - that's all.

Thanks.

Many years,

Neil

kamalayka,

Sorry for the interruption.

In the US, practice varies. While immersion is often cited as the more ancient practice (and you can look at the other thread if you want to read debate on that point), many (I would guess most) US parishes do not have the physical facilities for baptizing in that form, so pouring is more commonly encountered. (Although there are parishes that use natural sites, such as adjoining streams, to baptize.)

But, in the short run, as Bob suggested, the quickest and most accurate response can be had from your priest.

In re-reading your post, I wonder if you are hinting that you have a phobia about immersion (as a non-swimmer, I can appreciate the prospect). I suspect that, if such is the case, and it is the praxis of your parish to immerse, your priest might very well be able to make accomodations after you speak with him.

Welcome to the forum and may you have many years of spiritual joy in your new-found faith (and, please, feel free to ask any other questions you might have - which we will answer, I promise - it's only periodically that we have to be reminded to focus).

Many years,

Neil