Because Baptism is necessary for salvation, Our Lord made its administration as simple as
possible. In danger of death, when no priest or deacon can be had, anyone may and should
baptize: a parent, a nurse, a doctor, a midwife, even a person who is not Catholic or not baptized,
provided he intends to do what the Church does. Every Catholic was taught how to
baptize in an emergency, for there might be no time to learn when the moment came.
H OW T O BA P T I Z E
Use natural water. Ordinary water from the tap, a stream, or any clean source will do. Holy
water is not required. Warm it slightly for an infant if there is time.
Pour the water on the head so that it flows over the skin, not merely the hair. If the head
cannot be reached, pour it on whatever part of the body is available, though in that case the
priest should later baptize conditionally if the person survives.
While pouring, say the words clearly and at the same time as the water is poured:
“I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
The same person must both pour the water and say the words. Pouring three times, in the
form of a cross, is the traditional custom but is not required for validity.
Tell the priest as soon as possible, giving the date, the name, and the name of the person who
baptized, so that the Baptism may be recorded and, if the child lives, the ceremonies supplied
in church.
C O N D I T I O NA L BA P T I SM
When there is real doubt, the Church provides conditional forms, so that the sacrament is neither
repeated nor omitted. If it is uncertain whether the person is still alive, say:
“If thou art alive, I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
If it is uncertain whether the person has already been validly baptized, say:
“If thou art not baptized, I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
The manuals of the period instructed nurses and parents to baptize conditionally an infant in
danger of death even shortly after a miscarriage, when there was any doubt that life might remain.
Remember. Do not baptize an adult who is conscious and refuses Baptism. If the dying adult can be
spoken to, help him first make an act of faith in God and in the Holy Trinity, an act of sorrow for sin,
and an act of desire for Baptism. Never baptize a second time someone already known to have been
validly baptized.