Baptism (which we have already discussed HERE) is a prerequisite for receiving all the other sacraments and, together with Confirmation and the Eucharist, brings about full Christian initiation. Through these three closely connected sacraments, one reaches full Christian maturity and thus full participation in the mystery of Christ.

Who Can Administer Baptism

Baptism is normally administered either by immersion or by pouring water over the head of the person being baptized.
The Church establishes that the ordinary ministers for performing this rite are the bishop, priest, and deacon. Extraordinary ministers include a catechist or another person appointed by the local ordinary in exceptional cases (for example, in missions where there is no priest).

However, the Code of Canon Law states that “in a case of necessity, any person moved by the right intention” may be the minister of Baptism, provided that they express the intention of doing what the Church does when it baptizes. If this intention were absent, the sacrament would automatically be invalid.

When Emergency Baptism Is Administered

Emergency Baptism is administered when a newborn, child, or adult is in real danger of death (even if the emergency later subsides) and there is no possibility of calling on a priest for a formal Baptism.
It may be performed in a hospital, at the residence where the sick person is recovering, or elsewhere, by anyone, even if they are not baptized, who intends to do what the Church does when it baptizes.
In danger of death, the Church baptizes a child validly and licitly even against the will and consent of the parents, since Baptism is essential for salvation. In the case of adults, however, their consent is always required, because Baptism must not be administered against their will.

How to perform an emergency baptism

All laypeople, as members of the priestly people — especially parents and, by virtue of their roles, catechists, midwives, family and social assistants, nurses, doctors, and surgeons — should know as well as possible the correct way to administer Baptism in case of necessity.

When death is imminent, it is sufficient for the minister to pour water over the child’s head and pronounce the Trinitarian baptismal formula: “N. N. I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, preceded by mentioning the name of the person receiving the sacrament, if they have one; otherwise, one must be assigned. Although the general rule for the sacrament of Baptism requires the use of blessed water, tap water may also be used in an emergency baptism.
Once an emergency baptism has been performed, it must be reported to the parish so that it can be registered.

Baptism is much more than a “ceremony”; it is a “sacrament,” a “sign” desired by Christ that truly brings about an interior transformation, a new birth as children of God!