December 22, 2022

by Laura Haraldson

Baptism is a fundamental sacrament to our Catholic faith, when we are cleansed of the stain of Original Sin, and when we receive the Holy Spirit in this first sacrament of initiation. Often this joyous occasion is celebrated as an "entering into community" of sorts, usually within our first year of life. 

Increasingly, however, there are more and more "interested but unbaptized" people in our world, and thus in the event of an emergency, you very well might find yourself in the shoes of the Baptizer. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us:

"In case of necessity, anyone, even a non-baptized person, with the required intention, can baptize, by using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the reason for this possibility in the universal saving will of God and the necessity of Baptism for salvation." (CCC 1256)

Most often, "emergencies" are seen in birthing centers, where newborn infants are quickly baptized by a nurse or doctor, when death appears imminent. In this particular case, the parents request this to be done (usually beforehand) and those administering baptism do so with the right intention. Sometimes a baby will recover, in which case the parish priest will perform additional rites surrounding the sacrament of baptism, as it is not possible to be baptized twice. On the other end of the spectrum, some people choose Christ in their adulthood, near death. If the presence of a priest or deacon is impossible, or time does not allow an extensive search for an ordained minister, a layperson should step in and perform the baptism. 

Again, in both cases, the presence of a priest or deacon is the preferred method of baptism, and if time allows should be pursued first. Yet, as laypeople, we are called to evangelize and live as Christ did, to share in this priesthood in a powerful way.

How To Baptize
If you find yourself in one of these situations, be bold! Allow the Holy Spirit to work within you, and follow these three basic steps:
1. Pour water three times over the candidate’s head, or immerse the candidate three times in water, while simultaneously pronouncing:
2. “Name, I baptize you in the name of the Father (pour water or immerse), and of the Son (pour water or immerse a second time), and of the Holy Spirit (a third time).”
3. It is also desirable that, as far as possible, one or two witnesses to the baptism be present.

It must be kept in mind that this type of baptism performed by laypeople should only be administered to people in an emergency situation. If the person recovers and returns to full health, then that person should present themselves to the nearest parish and explain their situation so that they can be fully welcomed into the Catholic Church.

Some actionable items for each of us:
1. We learn through the Catechism that it is the right and duty of every Catholic to baptize in an emergency anyone desiring it.
2. It's never a bad idea for each of us to have a card in our wallets or purses: "In case of emergency, please call a priest."