St. Martina, Virgin and Martyr

Baltimore track

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

The Manner in which a Lay Person Is to Baptize in Case of Necessity

Q. 116.What do you mean here by a "lay person"?

A.By a "lay person" I mean here any one who is not a priest. All such persons and those not dedicated to the service of the Altar, taken together, are called the "laity," as all those who have received sacred orders or who are dedicated to the service of the Altar, taken together, are called the "clergy."

Q. 117.What is meant by "in case of necessity?"

A.In "case of necessity" means here that a person not baptized is in danger of death and there is no priest present to administer the Sacrament.

Q. 118.How is Baptism given by a "lay person"?

A.Whoever baptizes must:-- Pour common water on the head or face of the person to be baptized, and say while pouring it: "I baptize thee, in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." N.B.--Any person of either sex who has, reached the use of reason can baptize in case of necessity.

Q. 119.What else is to be observed?

A.In baptizing: (1) The water must touch the skin and flow; (2) the same person who pours the water must say the words; (3) parents should not baptize their own children, if there be any other person present who knows how to baptize; (4) a man, if he be present and knows how to administer the Sacrament, should baptize in preference to a woman; (5) the person baptizing must have the intention of doing what the Church does; (6) he must not repeat the baptism after giving it once correctly.