Baptism

[ChristusVincit]

Can we baptise people?

I know we’re allowed to in extreme cases at least, but what about the rest of the time?

 

[Godfollower]

Can we baptise people?

I know we’re allowed to in extreme cases at least, but what about the rest of the time?

Here are the canon law provisions on this subject:

Can. 861 §1. The ordinary minister of baptism is a bishop, a presbyter, or a deacon, without prejudice to the prescript of can. 530, n. 1.

§2. When an ordinary minister is absent or impeded, a catechist or another person designated for this function by the local ordinary, or in a case of necessity any person with the right intention, confers baptism licitly. Pastors of souls, especially the pastor of a parish, are to be concerned that the Christian faithful are taught the correct way to baptize.

Can. 862 Except in a case of necessity, no one is permitted to confer baptism in the territory of another without the required permission, not even upon his own subjects.

Can. 863 The baptism of adults, at least of those who have completed their fourteenth year, is to be deferred to the diocesan bishop so that he himself administers it if he has judged it Expedient.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Can we baptise people?

I know we’re allowed to in extreme cases at least, but what about the rest of the time?

Anyone can Baptize anyone, who has not been baptized before, anytime. But it’s not always correct to do so.

 

[ChristusVincit]

I see. But when is it correct to do so?

 

[Catholic1954]

It is usually done by lay people only in case of an emergency, like at an accident scene or if you are present at a birth and the baby is in immediate danger of dying. Permission should be obtained first, if possible.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I see. But when is it correct to do so?

Can. 865~1 To be admitted to baptism, an adult must have manifested the intention to
receive baptism, must be adequately instructed in the truths of the faith and in the duties of a christian, and tested in the christian life over the course of the catechumenate. The person must moreover be urged to have sorrow for personal sins.

~2 An adult in danger of death may be baptised if, with some knowledge of the principal truths of the faith, he or she has in some manner manifested the intention to receive baptism and promises to observe the requirements of the christian religion.