Baptism: Manner, Minister, Subjects

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 candidate into water.

INFUSION is the pouring of water.

ASPERSION is the 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 nonCatholic 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

BISHOP is a clergyman having spiritual and administrative powers over a diocese

PRESBYTER is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church.

A DEACON is a cleric ranking just below a priest in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and 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 nonCatholic 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.