Baptized on the Camino

[Jordan Jones]

Bit of a random question. But is there anywhere you can get baptized on the Camino ? St Jean to Santiago

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi Jordan,
If you are truly seeking baptism you might wish to consider approaching the church in your own parish before you commence your Camino. Baptism of adults is not that unusual in the UK or the USA but less common in Europe from my understanding and limited experience. While you are likely to find your local priest and congregation more than willing to welcome you in, you may find your aspiration will cause confusion in northern Spain.
I write as one who has made tentative approaches to my local church and the church of close friends but remain, for now, with my tribe and still in the wilderness.

 

[karenfromcali]

Bit of a random question. But is there anywhere you can get baptized on the Camino ? St Jean to Santiago

What an awesome idea! I don't know if you are looking for a formal church experience but if you are walking in warmer weather then there is no reason why another believer cannot baptize you in a river or lake. I know people who have done this and have heard it is an awesome experience.
Buen Camino.

 

[canis_major]

It depends on the denomination. Protestant evangelicals practice adult public baptism "upon the confession of your faith in Christ", wherever suffiicent water can be found. For example, pilgrims to Israel take advantage of this service/facility by the river Jordan. The Catholic church practices infant baptism, and my understanding is that it is quite an involved process to get baptised as an adult in the Catholic church...and probably even more so as a foreign pilgrim in northern Spain.

 

[SabsP]

I have heard of this being done many times and would love to experience something similar myself.

What an awesome idea! I don't know if you are looking for a formal church experience but if you are walking in warmer weather then there is no reason why another believer cannot baptize you in a river or lake. I know people who have done this and have heard it is an awesome experience.
Buen Camino.

I certainly don't want to start another roman catholic exposé ( seeing there are already numerous threads here that caused a bit of uproar ) but the Sacrament of the Baptism in RC can only be performed by an ordained RC priest or deacon. Only in case of emergeny ( approaching death ) can everyone baptize ( even a non catholic ).
And in RC it is certainly not bon ton to get baptized in a river / lake. I personally would prefer to get baptized in a local church close to where you live and form a community. But hey just my humble opinion.

 

[karenfromcali]

I certainly don't want to start another roman catholic exposé ( seeing there are already numerous threads here that caused a bit of uproar ) but the Sacrament of the Baptism in RC can only be performed by an ordained RC priest or deacon. Only in case of emergeny ( approaching death ) can everyone baptize ( even a non catholic ).
And in RC it is certainly not bon ton to get baptized in a river / lake. I personally would prefer to get baptized in a local church close to where you live and form a community. But hey just my humble opinion.

With all respect, and without desiring to cause an issue. Wasn't Jesus himself baptized in the Jordan river? I say this only to allow the OP to make a decision as to what he believes is best. It seems simple to me, but I sincerely respect your beliefs.

 

[grayland]

With all respect, and without desiring to cause an issue. Wasn't Jesus himself baptized in the Jordan river? I say this only to allow the OP to make a decision as to what he believes is best. It seems simple to me, but I sincerely respect your beliefs.

SabineP simply stated the Roman Catholic doctrine for Baptism. It is probably not useful for us to discuss or debate the practice.
However, if the OP is thinking about another Christian faith other than Catholic...then it may very well be possible. One problem that may occur in Spain is that there do not seem to be many churches other than Catholic.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Stop here on the way. I am ordained. After a few questions, I would be glad to do that for you.

 

[SabsP]

SabineP simply stated the Roman Catholic doctrine for Baptism. It is probably not useful for us to discuss or debate the practice.
However, if the OP is thinking about another Christian faith other than Catholic...then it may very well be possible. One problem that may occur in Spain is that there do not seem to be many churches other than Catholic.

Thank you Grayland , my post was certainly not aimed at causing a stir-up. And english not being my mother language means I don't always express myself correctly.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Jordon and welcome to the forum.

Baptism, what a wonderful thing. One step closer to your graduation. May the Lord's peace be upon you.

Buen Camino

 

[Jordan Jones]

Thanks all. Well if there is a way of doing it while I'm there, I'm going to do it. It shouldn't matter if I'm in a church at home or in a river in Spain. I'll still be getting baptized either way

 

[karenfromcali]

SabineP. You had a very valid comment. We are all here to help one another and all have an opinion to contribute. I for one was interested in your opinion and thank you for it

 

[karenfromcali]

Thank you Grayland , my post was certainly not aimed at causing a stir-up. And english not being my mother language means I don't always express myself correctly.

SabineP. Please dont feel uncomfortable. You expressed your self very well
You had a very valid comment. We are all here to help one another and all have an opinion to contribute. I for one was interested in your opinion and thank you for it

 

[wayfarer]

Thanks all. Well if there is a way of doing it while I'm there, I'm going to do it. It shouldn't matter if I'm in a church at home or in a river in Spain. I'll still be getting baptized either way

Good for you Jordan.

 

[Jordan Jones]

Thanks mate

 

[Stacey Wittig]

I like that idea and encourage you! I'm following you now, so I can see how your baptism turns out!

 

[Jordan Jones]

Thank you very much

 

[Kathy F.]

I think it is a lovely idea.
I can imagine that being baptized surrounded by fellow pilgrims would provide a close community and I suspect the Pope would approve (are we talking RC here?).

 

[Jordan Jones]

Yes and thank you

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola Jordan, as has been said before if you wish to be baptised into a particular denomination you should consult that denomination. If you may wish to use the fact that you are a baptised Christian later in life - for example to be married, then the church to which you go for marriage will possibly ask you for evidence of your baptism. The ordained ministers of many denominations issue Baptismal Certificates and the date of baptism is recorded in the parish register.

If you wish to be baptised as a Catholic, for example, the baptism must be carried out by an ordained priest or deacon. Pilgrims may be baptised in the Pilgrims' Chapel in the Cathedral of Santiago. There is further information here: http://peregrinossantiago.es/eng/services-for-pilgrims/baptism/

If however you are not concerned about being baptised into a particular denomination I am sure you will encounter other Christian pilgrims on your Camino who will be happy to share that experience with you.

Buen camino

John

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Indeed, John speaks truth. One baptism into Christianity suffices for just about every denomination. I am not Roman Catholic, but the ministers here are somewhat networked and I know an RC priest or two who would be glad to "do the dip" for you if you choose to make the sacrament halfway down the path in Palencia or Leon (Carrion de los Condes, Moratinos, Sahagun). You may need a bit of "lead-time," however, it is not something to leave til the last minute. Do let one of us know with some notice so things can be arranged.
God keep you,
Reb.

 

[Jordan Jones]

Thanks Rebekah. But who would I arrange that with ? Do I contact the church itself ? Thanks.
Jordan

 

[SYates]

Stop here on the way. I am ordained. After a few questions, I would be glad to do that for you.

I didn't know that and I wished I would have as I passed by Moratinos last year! Which denomination, if I may ask? SY

 

[jeffnd]

The question that needs to be answered is what church do you want to be baptized into? And have you ever been baptized before? If you were baptized as a baby in say, a Lutheran church, then you will not be "re-baptized."

 

[t2andreo]

I recommend anyone on the Camino Frances oblige themselves of Rebekah's good services to perform a Christian baptism if she is available and willing.

Last year, I stayed with her and husband Paddy, and the menagerie (including Bob the Canary - my personal favorite) while we placed an engraved memorial for the Rev. Philip John Wren who died while on Camino on 1 May 2013, at Logrono.

Anyway, Moratinos is a relative fly speck on the Meseta, but a very cool tiny place. It is exactly 31 long Km west of Carrion de los Condes (carry extra water on this stretch). Actually, this is one of my all-time favorite stretches of the entire Camino Frances. The rolling farm land offers ample opportunity for reflection, mediation, prayer, figuring out what the clouds look like, or just day dreams.

There is one hostal on the way into the "center" of town on the left, one cafe / bar o the right, one albergue (& fine family style Italian restaurant) "Bruno's" place, and one frequently closed Catholic Church. Rebekah and Paddy live up a side street. When the albergue is full, Rebekah kindly offers beds WITH LINENS to pilgrims.

She and Paddy are retired and operate their "pop-up albergue" on a strictly donativo basis. So, PLEASE do be VERY generous. Rebekah and Paddy are two of the most friendly and generous Christian (in the broadest sense of the philosophy) people I have ever met in more than 60 years.

When I arrived last May, asking "got beer?" Paddy responded by inviting me into their Mozarabic courtyard and Rebekah appeared with a basin to bathe my feet in tea tree oil and Epsom salts. WOW! after 31 Km on a warm 20 (c) day, that felt WONDERFUL... and I got a cold beer too!

Just be aware that her dogs are ALL very friendly...they also are fond of turning flip-flops into chew toys. I have a souvenir pair of French slide sandals to prove that.

If you have questions concerning procedures, denominations, documentation, etc. I recommend you start a "conversation" aka PM with Rebekah through this forum and take your discussion off line.

I hope this helps, and I wish you well on your journey...

 

[Mike Savage]

The question that needs to be answered is what church do you want to be baptized into? And have you ever been baptized before? If you were baptized as a baby in say, a Lutheran church, then you will not be "re-baptized."

Nor would you need to be.

 

[SuGardner]

Indeed, John speaks truth. One baptism into Christianity suffices for just about every denomination. I am not Roman Catholic, but the ministers here are somewhat networked and I know an RC priest or two who would be glad to "do the dip" for you if you choose to make the sacrament halfway down the path in Palencia or Leon (Carrion de los Condes, Moratinos, Sahagun). You may need a bit of "lead-time," however, it is not something to leave til the last minute. Do let one of us know with some notice so things can be arranged.
God keep you,
Reb.

Rebekah - I've seen some of your posts and some posts about you that give me a glimpse of who you are. Wow! I want to meet you. We are starting our 2nd Camino in mid to late June 2015. I hope it works out for us to meet you as we come thru Moratinos!

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I don't advertise myself as an active minister, because I am not currently under the aegis of a bishop. I was (somewhat) educated in a US Anglican seminary, and I function currently as a deacon, in the apostolic sense of the word. I am not a registered minister of any denomination.
If you want to be baptised, blessed, or prayed-for/prayed-with, yeah. I do that. Long as you are willing to sit down and discuss it with me first, and you take it seriously.
I can also tell you what Christianity is about, and why it adds a whole new dimension to your pilgrimage.

But I can also just give you a beer and tell you where the shower is.

 

[David L. Lewis]

I do believe that this is the most refreshing post I have seen on the entire forum,,,,,,, Baptism on a Pilgrimage,,, what a grand idea.....

 

[Valkyrie]

Stop here on the way. I am ordained. After a few questions, I would be glad to do that for you.

Rebekah, I'd love to chat with you about this topic. Believe I may have just met you in Rabanal over dinner. If interested, PM me.
Blessings. xx

 

[Rebekah Scott]

sure thing.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

Bit of a random question. But is there anywhere you can get baptized on the Camino ? St Jean to Santiago

Even if you were able to be baptized you could not receive communion.