BAPTISM

Part 2
Examine the Video
ELEMENTS of Baptism:

(1) MATTER= natural water

(2) FORM= (N.), I baptize you in the
name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
 The MATTER
By divine institution, natural water is the matter of Baptism.
Under the new Code, outside of a case of necessity, the water
used in conferring Baptism should be blessed according to
the prescriptions of the liturgical books.
In cases of necessity, any natural water may be used, i. e.,
water from the sea, river, fountain, faucet, rain, mineral
water, or water melted from snow or ice. If there is holy
water, this should be preferred.
In order to guard reverence towards the Sacrament, the
water should be clean.
If it is impossible to obtain, even muddy water is a valid
matter.
The RULE: As long as the matter can be regarded as water in
the common estimate of men, it is valid for Baptism.
Nobody uses milk, blood, tears, wine, fruit juice, saliva,
perspiration, soup, ink, etc. because nobody thinks these
things as water.
In case of doubt, he shall be given the benefit of the doubt.
The RULE: Since it is a doubtful matter, it must be used with a
condition: “If this matter is sufficient…” prefixed to the
Form of Baptism.
 The FORM
The words: “(N.), I baptize you in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Sprit,” must be said at the SAME
TIME (not before or after) the water of
Baptism is poured (or the subject is
immersed in water). This is ORDINARILY
done 3times.
The Form must be pronounced very
carefully, by the person baptizing.
No other substitute may be used, i. e., “…
of the Holy Trinity” is invalid because
Jesus explicitly commanded that
Baptism should be “in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.”
 The
CELEBRATION
of Baptism
 CHAPTER I
The Celebration of Baptism (Canons 850-860)

• How administered?

(1) According to the order prescribed in the

approved liturgical books.
– EXCEPTION: In case of urgent necessity (when only those things
required for the validity of the sacrament must be observed.)

(2) Must be: (a) prepared properly, (b)

consequently.
 3 METHODS
of Baptizing:

IMMERSION is
plunging the INFUSION is the ASPERSION is the
candidate into water. pouring of water. sprinkling of water.
All the 3 methods are valid, but our present
practice is by INFUSION or IMMERSION.

This is clearly stated in the NEW CODE:

“Baptism is to conferred either by
immersion or by pouring, the prescriptions
of the conference of bishops being
observed.”
 Some Objections as to the Infusion
from our Separated Brethen
(Guidebook for Baptism, Father Luis Esteban Latorre)
Some Christian denominations, notably the Baptists and the
Eastern schismatic churches, hold that Baptism can be
validly administered only by total immersion. Their
arguments based on a strict interpretation of the word
“baptize” which in Greek, originally meant “to
immerse” or “to plunge.”
To answer this objection, we can say that although the word
“baptize” in Greek originally meant “to immerse,” during
the time of Christ, it had acquired a broader meaning:
“to wash” or “to cleanse.”
In MARK 7:4, in the original Greek text, the Evangelist
writes about the custom of the Pharisees of not eating
until they had been “baptized.” From the context, it
meant that they did not eat until they had “washed”
their hands.
We can say then that Christ used the word “baptize” in its
broad sense, the one generally taken during his time.
When he gave the command to baptize, he meant it to
be some sort of ablution of washing with water, and not
total immersion alone.
Furthermore, although immersion was described in the
Gospels as used in the baptisms (as in the Baptism of
the eunuch by Philip), other baptisms mentioned were
done by infusion.
These were the cases wherein, obviously, to baptize by
immersion would have been difficult if not impossible,
given the circumstances. We must cite here the
baptism of 3,000 people on the first Pentecost.
Another example would be the Baptism of the jailer
and his family in the prison where St. Paul was
confined.
From the very beginning of Christianity the practice of
baptizing by infusion became the more frequent
method. In the Didache or The Doctrine of the Twelve
Apostles (100 A. D.), there is a description of Baptism
by pouring the water three times on the head, in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit. St. Cyprian mentions in his writings that it
became customary not to baptize the sick by
immersion for obvious reasons. IN the 5th century, St.
Augustine attests to the adequacy of sprinkling for the
administration of Baptism, especially for those sick in
bed.
 When is Baptism
doubtful?
When water just flows over the hair.
(RULE: Water must flow over the skin.)

When normal infusion is not followed.

(RULE: To pour water 3x in the form of a cross over the head.
Exception: In urgent cases, it is only necessary to pour the water once.)

In urgent cases and there is only one drop of water

available, when water is NOT rubbed over the persons
forehead with the finger.
(NOTE: If the person recovers, Baptism should be repeated conditionally.)
 CASE 1:
What happens if there are
DOUBTS as to the
conferment of Baptism?
Even after serious investigation, if there be a doubt
whether:
(a) a person has been baptized, or
(b) Baptism was conferred validly,
BAPTISM IS TO BE CONFERRED CONDITIONALLY.
(Canon 869, 1)
 CASE 2:
Does the preceding rule apply
to those baptized in a non-
Catholic ecclesial
community?
General Rule: No, they must not be baptized conditionally.

Exception: They may be xxx unless, after an examination of the matter

and form of the words used in the conferral of baptism and a
consideration of the intention if the baptized adult and the minister of
the baptism, a serious reason exists to doubt the validity of baptism.
(Canon 869, 2)
 CASE 3:
What happens if after
Cases 1 and 2, Baptism is
still doubtful?
In adult Baptism: Baptism is to be conferred until AFTER
the doctrine of the sacrament of Baptism is explained to
the person to be baptized.

In infant Baptism: It is to be conferred AFTER the reasons

of doubtful validity of the baptism are explained to the (a)
person or (b) to the parents.
The WATER:
RULE: Must be blessed according to the
prescripts of the liturgical books.
EXCEPTION: Apart from a case of necessity.

The MANNER:
RULE: Either by (a) immersion, or (b) pouring
NOTE: The prescripts of the conference of bishops are to be followed.
The DATE:
RULE: Can be celebrated on ANY day.
NOTE: Recommended that it be celebrated
ordinarily on (a) Sunday, or (b) the Easter
Vigil.

The BAPTISMAL FONT:

RULE: Every parish church is to have a baptismal font.
NOTE: Without prejudice to the cumulative right
already acquired by their churches.
BAPTISMAL FONT
The VENUE:
RULE #1: Proper place is a (a) church, or (b)
oratory.
EXCEPTION: Apart from a case of necessity.

RULE # 2: (a) An adult is to be baptized in his or

her parish church, (b) An infant in the parish
church of the parents.
EXCEPTION: Unless a just cause suggests.
Canon 859 SUPPOSING:
FACT: Because of (a) distance, or (b) other circumstances the one baptized cannot go or be brought to
the parish church or the other church or oratory mentioned.
ISSUE: Can it be celebrated in another NEARER place?
HELD: YES.
RULE: Without grave convenience, baptism can and must be conferred in another NEARER (a) church or
oratory, or (b) even in another fitting place.

Canon 860, 1 SUPPOSING:

FACT: Because of a grave cause, the one baptized cannot leave his residence.
ISSUE: Can baptism be celebrated inside a private house?
HELD: YES.
RULE: Baptism is not to be conferred in private houses.
EXCEPTION: (a) Apart from a case of necessity, or (b) Unless the local ordinary permitted it for grave cause.

Canon 860, 2 SUPPOSING:

FACT: The person cannot go out of the hospital because of serious illness.
ISSUE: Can baptism be celebrated inside the hospital?
HELD: Yes.
RULE: Baptism is not to be celebrated in hospitals.
EXCEPTION: (a) In case of necessity, (b) for some other compelling pastoral reason, or (c) unless the diocesan bishop has
established otherwise.
• How is adult baptism administered?

(1) An adult is to admitted to the

catechumenate, and
(2) Led insofar as possible through the
various stages to sacramental initiation
(according to the order of initiation adapted by the conference of bishops and the
special norms issued by it.)

NOTE: The prescripts of the canons on adult baptism are to be applied to all those who,
no longer infants, have attained the use of reason (Canon 852, 1).
How is infant baptism administered?

(1) Parents and sponsors are to be instructed properly

on the (a) meaning of this sacrament, and (b) the
obligations attached to it.

(2) The pastor personally or through others is to take

care that the parents are properly instructed through
both (a) pastoral advice, and (b) common prayer.

NOTE 1: A person who is not responsible for oneself (non sui compos) is also regarded as an
infant with respect to baptism (Canon 852, 2).

NOTE 2: Parents, sponsors, and the pastor are to take care that a name foreign to Christian
sensibility is not given (Canon 855).
 The
MINISTER
of Baptism
 The ordinary minister of baptism is a (a)
bishop, (b) a presbyter, or (c) a deacon.

BISHOP is a clergyman
having spiritual and
administrative powers
over a diocese A DEACON is a cleric
BISHOP is a PRESBYTER is a ranking just below a
clergyman having spiritual priest in the Anglican,
and administrative powers ruling elder in the Eastern Orthodox, and
over a diocese Presbyterian Church. Roman Catholic
churches.
What happens when the ordinary
minister is absent or impeded?

Baptism is administered by:

(1) (a) A CATECHIST, or (b) another person
designated for this function by the local
ordinary, or
(2) In case of necessity, any person with the
right intention, confers baptism licitly.

NOTE: Pastors of souls, especially the pastor of a parish, are to be concerned

that the Christian faithful are taught the correct way to baptize.
On Territoriality :
RULE: No one is permitted to confer baptism
in the territory of another without the
required permission, not even upon his own
subjects.
EXCEPTION: In cases of necessity.

On 14-year-old & above:

RULE: The baptism of adults, at least those who
have completed their 14th year, is to be deferred to
the diocesan bishop so that he himself administers
it if he is judged it Expedient.
What is the difference
between Solemn and
Private Baptism?
SOLEMN BAPTISM is (a) administered by the priest, and (b) with all
the ceremonies.

PRIVATE BAPTISM is (a) administered in emergencies or urgent

necessity, and (b) may not include the ceremonies.
 In cases of necessity,
can any person baptize?
YES.
DEFINITION: Baptism when administered by a lay person- whether
man, woman, boy or girl– is called LAY BAPTISM.
REQUIREMENTS: As far as possible, two witnesses should be present
to attest the validity of the rite.
 When subject survives, he should be taken to the church to have
the omitted ceremonies supplied.
 Can an a pagan perform
lay baptism?
YES.
RULE: Any person with the use of reason can and should baptize in case of necessity, whether he be
Catholic or pagan, Mohammedan, Jew, Aglipayan, Protestant, or any non-Catholic, whether
baptized or unbaptized.

ELEMENTS:
• As long as he has the intention of doing what the Church does,
• Must pronounce the words of Baptism, and
• Simultaneous with #2, must pour water on the subject.

RATIONALE: The absolute necessity of Baptism. The Church requires only the minimum interior
disposition on the person who has to perform a lay Baptism: THE INTENTION TO DO WHAT
THE CHURCH DOES.
Can a person baptize
himself?
NO.
 Can parents baptize
their own children?
YES.
RULE: Parents can baptize their own children unless there is
somebody present who knows how to do Lay Baptism.
Those to be
BAPTIZED
 Who can be the
subjects of Baptism?
Any person who is not yet baptized can be baptized.
• Adults and Children with the Age of Reason
(Age of reason is normally around 7 years of age.)

(2) Small Children

(3) Infants
 What are the requisites
of ADULT Baptism?

(1) The person must have manifested the intention to

receive baptism,
(2) Must have been instructed sufficiently about the truths
of the faith and Christian obligation,
(3) Must have been tested in the Christian life through the
catechumenate.
(4) Must have been urged to have sorrow for personal sins.
 What if the adult is in
danger of death?
Requisites:
(2) The adult has some knowledge of the principal truths
of faith,
(3) The adult has manifested in any way at all the
intention to receive baptism, and
(4) The adult promises to observe the commandments of
Christian religion.
Does Confirmation have
to immediately follow
the adult Baptism?
YES.
RULE: An adult who is baptized is to be (a) confirmed
immediately xxx and (b) is to participate in the
Eucharistic celebration also by receiving communion.
EXCEPTION: Unless there is a grave reason to the
contrary.
 SUPPOSINGS
on Subjects with Age of Reason:
 Can an ADULT be made a Christian against his will? -----
NO. It would be invalid.

 If he were bereft of his senses, would the Baptism be

valid?----> NO.

 If he made an intention to be baptized before falling

unconscious, would Baptism be valid? YES.

 Can an adult after Baptism automatically profit from the

fruit of Baptism, e. g. to receive help to live a Christian
life? NO. One must also (a) have made an act of faith in the chief doctrines of the Church, and (b) have
sorrow for all his past sins.
 SUPPOSINGS
on small children:

 Do small children automatically profit from the fruit of

Baptism? ----YES.
Sacraments are effective signs. That is, they produce directly by their own inherent virtue the graces which they
signify, and not dependent of the worthiness of the minister of the subjective dispositions of the recipient or
subject.

 When small children reach the age of reason, do the

acts of faith and contrition add to the efficacy of the
Sacrament?-- NO.
They are merely conditions required by God, who does not wish to sanctify such people against their will.
 What are the requisites
of INFANT Baptism?

• The (a) parents, (b) or at least one of them, or

(c) the person who legitimately takes their
place must consent,
• There must be a founded hope that the infant
will be brought up in the Catholic religion.
 Should infants be
baptized in the first
few weeks?
YES.
RULE: “Parents are OBLIGED to take care that infants are
baptized in the first few weeks.” (Canon 867, 1)
PROCEDURE: As soon as possible (1) after the birth, or
(2) even before it, parents are to go to the pastor to
request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared
properly for it.
Can infants in danger
of death be baptized?
YES.
RULE: “An infant in danger of death is to be
baptized without delay.”
(Canon 867, 2)
What happens if there
is no founded hope?
The Baptism is to be DELAYED according
to the prescripts of particular law AFTER
the parents have been advised about the
reason (Canon 868, 1, sentence 2).
Can infants in danger of death
be baptized even against the
will of the parents?
YES.
An infant of Catholic parents or even of non-
Catholic parents is baptized licitly in danger of
death even against the will of the parents
(Canon 868, 2).
 In cases of abandoned
infants or foundling, how is
Baptism established?

Xxx after DILIGENT investigation, the

Baptism of the infant is established.
(Canon 870)
 When can aborted
fetuses be baptized?
If aborted fetuses are alive, they are to
be baptized insofar as possible.
(Canon 871)
 What is the essence
of infant Baptism?
Baptism is the absolute necessity (necessity of
means) of the Sacrament for entrance to
heaven.

IF: Baptism is necessary for salvation,

THEN: it must be administered both to infants and
adults.
 Is there BORN-AGAIN
Baptism?
(from Guidebook for Baptism by Father Luis Esteban Latorre)

NONE.
In rebaptism, what actually takes place
is either an “absolute” or “conditional”
baptism.
 When should Absolute
Baptism be given?
 In emergency baptism, usually administered by lay persons without
experience, there person baptizing sometimes gets nervous or
excited, i. e., mistake in the Form (omitting essential words, reciting
the formula incorrectly), mistake in Matter (using alcohol, or
medicine).

 When non-Catholics are converted into the Catholic Church and

their sect has no Baptism or uses an invalid form.
 When should Conditional
Baptism be given?
 If there is doubt that the proper Form and Matter for valid Baptism
were used, the subject is baptized conditionally with the words: “If
you are not yet baptized…” (followed by the baptismal formula)

 Infants born apparently dead are baptized conditionally with the

words: “If you are alive…” (followed by the form)

 Adults who are baptized when they are already in coma or

apparently dead. Phrase in the preceding example is used.
NOTE: Adult MUST have expressed his/her desire for Baptism
before losing consciousness.