125. Form, Matter and Ministers of Baptism

This chart shows clearly the various matter, forms, and ministers of each of the seven sacraments. In it may be found which are the sacraments of the living, implying the necessity of being in the state of grace before reception; and which are the sacraments of the dead, not necessitating that state. Baptism cleanses us from all sin, original and actual, and remits all punishment due.

How is the sacrament of Baptism validly administered?

— The sacrament of Baptism is validly administered when with the ablution with water are pronounced the words: "I baptise thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."

Water is the matter, and the words are the form of Baptism.

1. The form must be said at the same time the water is poured, and must be said by the same person pouring the water, so that everything takes place as one act.

"You" may be substituted for "thee"; but except for this no other changes may be made. For example, the words "of the Holy Trinity" may not be substituted for "of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost", because Jesus explicitly commanded Baptism to be given "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19).

2. Baptism is validly administered whether performed by total immersion, by infusion, or by aspersion. By infusion, the water is poured on the head, forehead, or face. In cases of emergency, it may be poured on any part of the body. The water must flow on the skin of the person being baptised, not merely on the hair. By aspersion, water is sprinkled on the head.

In the time of the Apostles, baptism was usually, though not exclusively, conferred by immersion. The first baptisms on Pentecost could not have been by immersion, on account of the great number, three thousand baptised. All these three methods are valid; but our present practice is by infusion.

3. The water used for solemn Baptism, i.e. when a priest confers it with the ceremonies, is called baptismal water. It is natural water mingled with holy oil and chrism, and blessed with special prayers. Ordinary holy water is not baptismal water.

Our Lord spoke of "water and the Holy Spirit." Peter baptised Cornelius and his family in water (Acts 10:47) ; Philip did the same with the eunuch (Acts 8:38). From the Gospel one cannot conclude the use of anything but water in the baptism administered during Apostolic times.

4. In cases of necessity, when someone other than a priest administers the baptism, any natural water, such as water from the sea, river, fountain, faucet, rain, or even mineral water, may be used. Holy water may also be used.

Who can administer Baptism?

— The priest is the usual minister of Baptism, but if there is danger that someone will die without Baptism, anyone else may and should baptise.

In the early days of the Church, religious instruction preceded Baptism; the candidates for Baptism were called catechumens. In those days, solemn baptism was administered on Holy Saturday, on the eve of Whitsunday, and on the eve of the Epiphany. From those early times has come our practice today of having the water for Baptism solemnly blessed on Holy Saturday and on the eve of Pentecost.

1. The bishop or pastor, or a priest properly delegated, is therefore the ordinary minister of Baptism. But in cases of necessity, when there is danger of death and an ordinary minister is unavailable, anyone — man, woman, or child, Catholic or non-Catholic, atheist or pagan — may and should baptise; that person then becomes the extraordinary minister of Baptism,

When properly given, lay baptism is as valid as baptism given by a priest. In order to baptise validly, natural fresh water or holy water is poured on the head, face, or body of the person being baptised, and at the same time the words are pronounced: "I baptise thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."

2. If a person baptised by an extra-ordinary minister survives, he cannot be baptised again. However, he is taken to the church, and the ceremonies that had been omitted are supplied.

No one may baptise himself. A witness to a lay baptism should be present, but this is not of necessity.

3. Baptism administered by a Protestant minister is valid if properly performed: that is, with the use of water, together with the form of Baptism, and having the intention to do what the Church does.

Conditional baptism is given when it is uncertain whether a person has been baptised, or when there is fear of the sacrament having been administered improperly, as with converted Protestants.

4. Children should be baptised in the parochial church to which their parents belong, because the registration should be made there.

In case a child is baptised in a hospital, at home, or elsewhere, in some other church, the parish priest should be notified.

5. After Baptism, a certificate is given containing the names of the child, of his parents, of his godparents, the dates of birth, of Baptism, and the place of Baptism.

This is the baptismal certificate. It should be very carefully kept, as later it will be needed for the sacrament of Confirmation. The certificate is also necessary for marriage, holy orders, or entrance into a religious community. Parents should tell their children when and where they were baptised, so that even should the certificate be lost and the parents die, the registration may be traced.

Why is the name of a saint given in Baptism?

—The name of a saint is given in Baptism in order that the person baptised may imitate his virtues, and have him for a protector.

1. The names of angels are also given, as well as names referring to mysteries or sacred appellations, events, and doctrines.

In certain countries, it is a practice, even when another baptismal name is given, to include for girls the name Mary, and for boys the name Joseph; for example: Mary Louise, Joseph Francis, etc.

2. The Church does not approve of heathen or fantastical names, such as combinations taken from a film or novel, or made up from various words.

Some name their children after pagan gods and goddesses, flowers, places, or some wealthy or prominent relative's surname. We hear of Ceres and Europa as names inflicted on poor little girls, when they could have been named after the angels and saints that behold God face to face! What is the most beautiful flower on earth compared to a Saint of God, who can protect and pray for the child! We hear of little boys named with the surname of some figure prominent in politics or finance, instead of the name of an angel or saint, as the Archangel Michael, this flame of God that thrust the rebel hordes into hell.