Joshua Bennett
In the Catholic Church, an emergency baptism is typically performed when death is imminent. In such cases, a layperson may step in to perform the baptism, although this should only be done when it is impossible to locate a priest or deacon, or when time does not allow for an extensive search. If the candidate urgently requests a baptism and has received the best available medical attention but is still reasonably worried that they might die, then it is necessary to baptize them. To perform an emergency baptism, water must be poured three times over the candidate's head, or the candidate may be immersed in water three times, while saying [Name], I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. If the candidate recovers, they should present themselves to the nearest parish so that they can be fully welcomed into the Catholic Church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can perform it? | In an emergency, anyone, even a non-Catholic or non-baptised person, can perform a Catholic baptism. |
| When can it be performed? | In an emergency, such as when death is imminent. |
| Requirements | The person performing the baptism must have the intention of baptising the candidate and use the correct formula. |
| Formula | "Name, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." |
| Actions | Pour water three times over the candidate's head or immerse them in water three times while saying the formula. |
| Aftercare | If the candidate recovers, they should present themselves to the nearest parish so that they can be fully welcomed into the Catholic Church. |
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What You'll Learn
When to perform an emergency baptism
An emergency baptism in the Catholic Church is typically performed when death is imminent. This could be in the case of an adult who is dying and has requested to be baptised, or in the case of a newborn infant who is not expected to live long.
In the case of an adult, if a priest or deacon is available and able to come to the person's bedside, this option should be pursued first. However, if this is not possible and there is insufficient time to find an ordained minister, a layperson may step in and perform the baptism.
In the case of a newborn infant, the parents may request that a nurse or doctor perform an emergency baptism if death appears imminent. If the baby then recovers, the parish priest will perform additional rites surrounding the sacrament of baptism, as it is not possible to be baptised twice.
In both cases, the presence of a priest or deacon is the preferred method of baptism, and if time allows, this should be pursued first. However, in an emergency, the Catholic Church recognises that anyone, even a non-baptised person, can perform a baptism, providing that certain conditions are met. These include having the intention to do what the Church does when she baptises, and using the correct Trinitarian baptismal formula.
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Who can perform an emergency baptism
In the Catholic Church, the ordinary minister of baptism is a bishop, priest, or deacon. In normal circumstances, only the parish priest of the person being baptised or someone authorised by the parish priest may perform the baptism. However, in an emergency, if the ordinary minister is absent or impeded, a catechist or another person deputed to this office by the local Ordinary may lawfully confer baptism. In a case of necessity, any person who has the requisite intention can perform an emergency baptism, even a non-baptised person. This is because the Church teaches that, in an emergency, it is the right and duty of every Catholic to baptise anyone desiring it.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:
> "In case of necessity, anyone, even a non-baptized person, with the required intention, can baptize, by using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the reason for this possibility in the universal saving will of God and the necessity of Baptism for salvation."
Most often, "emergencies" are seen in birthing centres, where newborn infants are quickly baptised by a nurse or doctor when death appears imminent. In this case, the parents usually request this beforehand, and those administering the baptism do so with the right intention.
If the person being baptised recovers, they should present themselves to the nearest parish and explain their situation so that they can be fully welcomed into the Catholic Church. The baptism should be recognised at a public celebration of the Sacrament with a bishop or priest presiding, and the person baptised under emergency conditions, together with the sponsors or godparents, taking part in everything except the administration of the water.
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What to say during an emergency baptism
In the Catholic Church, an emergency baptism is typically performed in a birthing centre when a newborn infant is in imminent danger of dying. In such cases, the parents usually make a request for the procedure to be carried out by a nurse or doctor.
In an emergency, anyone, including a non-baptised person, can perform a Catholic baptism, providing that certain conditions are met. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the person administering the baptism must have the intention to do what the Church does when she baptises.
To perform an emergency baptism, water must be poured three times over the candidate's head, or the candidate must be immersed in water three times. As the water is applied, the following words must be said:
> [Name], I baptise you in the name of the Father [pour water or immerse], and of the Son [pour water or immerse a second time], and of the Holy Spirit [pour water or immerse a third time].
If there is any doubt about a previous baptism, the following words can be used:
> [Name], if you are not already baptised, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
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What to do if the candidate recovers
If the candidate recovers, they should present themselves to the nearest parish and explain their situation so that they can be fully welcomed into the Catholic Church. The parish priest will perform additional rites surrounding the sacrament of baptism, as it is not possible to be baptised twice.
The person who has been baptised under emergency conditions, together with their sponsors or godparents, should take part in a public celebration of the Sacrament with a bishop or priest presiding. This is not a repeat baptism, but a recognition of the original baptism. The person will take part in everything except the administration of the water.
If the candidate is a baby, the parents may wish to request a conditional baptism from a priest, to ensure the child has been properly baptised. This is a second baptism performed under the condition that the first was not valid. The date recorded in the Church registry will still be the date of the original baptism.
If the candidate is an adult, they can choose to be baptised by a priest or deacon in a non-emergency situation. This is the preferred method of baptism.
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The history of emergency baptism
The concept of emergency baptism is rooted in the belief that baptism is a sacrament that confers God's grace and is necessary for salvation. This belief has been held by various Christian denominations, including Catholics, Methodists, and some High Church Protestant groups. In the past, there were instances where individuals, such as Anabaptist families, refused to perform infant baptisms, even in cases of imminent death, which led to discrimination and punishment.
Over time, the Catholic Church has provided guidance on when and how emergency baptisms can be performed. According to Church law, a layperson can conduct an emergency baptism only in very limited circumstances, specifically when a person is in imminent danger of death and no ordained minister is available to perform the sacrament. In such cases, the Church allows anyone, including non-Catholics, to administer the sacrament, as long as certain conditions are met. These conditions include the intention to baptise, the use of the correct formula ("I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"), and the sprinkling of water on the forehead or immersion of the person being baptised.
The validity of emergency baptisms has been a topic of discussion within the Church. While a layperson-administered baptism is considered valid if performed correctly, there have been questions about its licitness, especially when the conditions for a layperson to baptise are not met. In such cases, a conditional baptism may be performed by an ordained minister to ensure the individual has been properly baptised.
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