Only Catholics who know their faith and live up to the duties of their religion should be chosen as godparents for Baptism.
A godparent is supposed to be a practical Catholic. Non-Catholic, Masons, those who married out of the Church, and all other excommunicated persons cannot be sponsors. Neither can the father, the mother, the husband, or the wife of the person to be baptized be the godparent.
The duty of a godparent after Baptism is to see that the child is brought up a good Catholic, if this is not done by the parents.
1. In solemn baptism there must be at least one godparent, of the same sex as the one baptized. It is permitted to have two sponsors: a godfather and a godmother.
It is not permitted to have more than two godparents, and these two must be of different sexes. Others who may be present are only witnesses. Godparents should be at least thirteen years of age.
2. A godparent has the duty of looking upon the baptized person as his spiritual child, of providing for him, when necessary, the proper religious education, and of guarding him spiritually even when he is grown.
3. A spiritual relationship is established between the person baptized and his sponsor, as well as between him and the one who baptizes him.
This relationship, called spiritual affinity, forbids marriage between the persons thus related. No spiritual affinity is contracted between the godfather and the godmother of a person, nor between his parents and his godparents.
4. If the person chosen godparent cannot be present at the Baptism, another can act in his place: that is, he can be sponsor by proxy. The absent godparent must, however, have the intention of being godparent.
We promise through our godparents in Baptism to renounce the devil, and to live according to the teachings of Christ and of His Church.
The godparents make the responses for an infant being baptized. These are called the baptismal vows. By them the person renounces Satan and all his works and pomps; that is, sin and all occasions.
1. To the first three questions, we reply through our godparents in Baptism. “I do renounce him (or them).” To the last three questions we reply, “I do believe.”
(1) Do you renounce Satan? (2) And all his works? (3) And all his display?
(4) Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? (5) Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, who was born into the world and suffered for us? (6) And do you believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
2. We should renew our baptismal vows after the blessing of the baptismal font at Easter Vigil service. We should also renew them on our First Communion day, on New Year’s Day, and after a mission or spiritual retreat.
1. Reception of the candidate.
At the church door the priest, in the name of the Church, welcomes the candidate, saying: “Peace be with you.” Then he questions him as to his purpose in wishing admission into the Church. He is commanded to keep the commandments, to love God and his neighbor. The priest then breathes three times upon his face to signify the spiritual breath of life that is to be infused into his soul, signs him with the cross, imposes his hand on him as a sign that the Church takes him as a ward, and then puts blessed salt in his mouth.
The exorcisms follow, by which the devil is cast out, with his power over the soul of the candidate. The priest again signs the forehead with a cross, as a seal, and commends the soul to God.
2. Admittance into the church or baptistery.
The priest then lays his stole on the child as a sign of his ecclesiastical powers, and leads him into the baptistery, that he may have part with Christ in everlasting life. The godparents and the priest, together with the candidate if he already is an adult, recite the “Apostles’ Creed” and the “Our Father” in sign of acceptance of the Faith.
Prayers of exorcism are recited again to break the power of Satan over the child. The priest touches the ears and nostrils of the candidate with his moistened thumb, to signify that the hearing should be opened to the Word of God, and that the candidate should live in the odor of sanctity.
3. The baptismal vows.
The candidate’s good will is tested in the baptismal vows, in which he renounces Satan ”and all his works and display,” that is, all sins and all occasions of sin.
If the person baptized is an infant, his godparents take the baptismal vows for him, in his name. The vows and profession of faith take the form of answers to six questions. Then the candidate is anointed with the oil of catechumens, touched on the breast that wisdom may thrive in his heart, and on the shoulders, that he may patiently bear the yoke of Christ. Then the priest changes his violet stole for a white one, to show that the separation from God of the soul is about to give way to a life of grace. Follows the profession of faith, a reiteration of the Apostles’ Creed, and formal petition for Baptism.
Nota Bene: In some dioceses the ceremonies of giving salt, touching the ears and nostrils and anointing the breast and shoulders may be omitted.
4. The main act.
The priest pours the baptismal water three times upon the head of the candidate in the form of the cross, at the same time pronouncing the words: “(Name of candidate), I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
At this actual moment of Baptism, the godparents must touch the candidate, to show that they incur and accept the spiritual relationship.
5. Anointing with Chrism.
After the pouring of water the person is anointed with Chrism on the crown of the head, to show that he is now anointed of God.
A white garment is placed upon him to show that his soul is now spotless with grace. A lighted candle is put in his hand to impress upon him that he should ever keep burning in his heart the light of faith and virtue. And finally, the newly baptized child of God is dismissed, with the blessings of the Church: “Peace be with you.” The garment and candle are kept as souvenirs of one’s baptism.
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The essential part of Baptism is the pouring of water (2) together with the saying of the words of baptism. At that moment the godparents must be touching the child. Blessed salt is put in the child’s mouth (1), symbol of the spiritual wisdom received through Baptism. A lighted candle is given to the person baptized, or if an infant, to the sponsors (3), to denote the light of the Holy Spirit received.
The name of a saint is given in Baptism in order that the person baptized may imitate his virtues, and have him for a protector.
1. The names of angels are also given, as well as names referring to mysteries or sacred appellations, events, and doctrines.
In certain countries it is a practice, even when another baptismal name is given, to include for girls the name Mary, and for the boys the name Joseph; for example: Mary Louise, Joseph Francis, etc.
2. The Church does not approve of heathen or fantastical names, such as combinations taken from a film or novel, or made up from various words.
Christian parents will quite naturally want to give a Christian name to their child. At least one of the child’s names must be a saint’s name, so that the child may have a patron in heaven whose virtues he may imitate and to whom he may look for protection and help. It is permissible to add non-saint names, such as family names, if the parents wish. There are books and pamphlets available in Catholic bookstores which contain lists of saints’ names to help parents with their choice.
The priest is the usual minister of Baptism, but if there is danger that someone will die without Baptism, anyone else may and should baptize.
Because Baptism is a necessary prerequisite to enter heaven, when an unbaptized person is in danger of death, and no priest is available, anyone may baptize. However, it would be very wrong to do it without serious reason.
In the early days of the Church, religious instruction preceded Baptism; the candidates for Baptism were called catechumens. In those days, solemn Baptism was administered on Holy Saturday, on the eve of Whitsunday, and on the eve of the Epiphany. From those early times has come our practice today of having the water for Baptism solemnly blessed on Solemn Easter Vigil, that is, on Holy Saturday night.
1. The bishop or pastor, or a priest properly delegated, is therefore the ordinary minister of Baptism. But in cases of necessity, when there is danger of death and an ordinary minister is unavailable, anyone–man, woman, or child, Catholic or non-Catholic, atheist, or pagan–may and should baptize; that person then becomes the extraordinary minister of Baptism.
When properly given, lay baptism is as valid as baptism given by a priest. In order to baptize validly, natural fresh water or holy water is poured, on the head, face, or body of the person being baptized, and at the same time the words are pronounced: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
2. If a person baptized by an extraordinary minister survives, he cannot be baptized again. However, he is taken to the church, and the ceremonies that had been omitted are supplied.
No one may baptize himself. A witness to a lay baptism should be present, but this is not of necessity.
3. Baptism administered by a Protestant or other minister is valid if properly performed: that is, with the use of water, together with the form of Baptism, and having the intention to do what the Church does.
Conditional baptism is given when it is uncertain whether a person has been baptized, or when there is fear of the sacrament having been administered improperly.
4. Children should be baptized in the parochial church to which their parents belong, because the registration should be made there.
In case a child is baptized in a hospital, at home, or elsewhere, in some other church, the parish priest should be notified.
5. After Baptism, a certificate is given containing the names of the child, of his parents, of his godparents, the dates of birth, of Baptism, and the place of Baptism.
This is the BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE. It should be very carefully kept, as later it will be needed for the sacrament of Confirmation. The certificate is also necessary for marriage, holy orders, or entrance into a religious community. Parents should tell their children when and where they were baptized, so that even should the certificate be lost and the parents die, the registration may be traced.
I would give Baptism by pouring ordinary water on the forehead of the person to be baptized, saying while pouring it: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The “pouring of water” is the matter, and “the words” the form of Baptism.
1. The form must be said at the same time the water is poured, and must be said by the same person pouring the water, so that everything takes place as one act.
No changes may be made in the wording. For example, the words “of the Holy Trinity” may not be substituted for “of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” because Jesus explicitly commanded Baptism to be given “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The word “Ghost” may be substituted for “Spirit.”
2. Baptism is validly administered whether performed by total immersion, by infusion, or by aspersion. By infusion, the water is poured on the head, forehead, or face. In cases of emergency, it may be poured on any part of the body. The water must flow on the skin of the person being baptized, not merely on the hair. By aspersion, water is sprinkled on the head.
In the time of the Apostles, Baptism was usually, though not exclusively, conferred by immersion. The first baptisms on Pentecost could not have been by immersion, on account of the great number, three thousand, baptized. All these three methods are valid; but our present practice is by infusion.
3. The water used for solemn Baptism, i.e when a priest confers it with the ceremonies, is called baptismal water. It is natural water mingled with holy oil and chrism, and blessed with special prayers. Ordinary holy water is not baptismal water.
Our Lord spoke of “water and the Holy Spirit.” Peter baptized Cornelius and his family in water (Acts 10:47); Philip did the same with the eunuch (Acts 8:38). From the Gospel one cannot conclude the use of anything but water in the baptism administered during Apostolic times.
4. In cases of necessity, when someone other than a priest administers the baptism, any natural water, such as water from the sea, river, fountain, faucet, rain, or even mineral water, may be used. Holy water may also be used.
| Sacraments | Matter | Form | Minister | Indelible Character | |
| of the Dead | Baptism | Water | “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” | Ordinary: THE PRIEST
Extraordinary: ANY PERSON |
Yes |
| Penance | Sins | “I absolve you from your sins in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” | THE PRIEST | ||
| of the Living | Confirmation | Holy Chrism | “I sign you with the sign of the cross, and I confirm you with the Chrism of salvation. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” | Ordinary: THE BISHOP
Extraordinary: A PRIEST |
Yes |
| Holy Eucharist | Bread and Wine | “For This is My Body. For this is the Chalice of My Blood of the new and eternal testament, the mystery of Faith; which shall be shed for you and for many unto the remission of sins.” | THE PRIEST | ||
| Anointing of the Sick | Holy Oils | “By this holy anointing and His most loving mercy, may the Lord forgive you whatever wrong you have done by the use of your sight (hearing, speech, etc).” | THE PRIEST | ||
| Holy Orders | Imposition of Hands | The words which the bishop says to the candidate upon the imposition of hands. | THE BISHOP | Yes | |
| Matrimony | the Contract | The “I will,” by which both spouses indicate the mutual consent to the contract. | THE SPOUSES |
This chart shows clearly the various matter, forms, and ministers of each of the seven sacraments. In it may be found which are the sacraments of the living, implying the necessity of being in the state of grace before reception; and which are the sacraments of the dead, not necessitating that state.
Children should be baptized as soon as possible after birth.
1. If possible, this should be done within a week.
Except when in danger of death, an infant should not be baptized without the permission of a parent or guardian. Children who have come to the age of reason cannot be baptized without their own consent.
2. Infants may receive the baptism of blood, but not the baptism of desire, since they have not as yet the use of reason.
Theologians have suggested various ways in which, they believe, babies who die without Baptism might be saved. But since this is only pious belief, parents sin mortally if they neglect the Baptism of their children.
3. Since infants who die unbaptized have committed no sins, they live in a place of natural happiness called “limbo.”
Catholic parents who put off for a long time, or entirely neglect, the Baptism of their children put them in danger of losing heaven and the vision of God eternally. Although in limbo infants enjoy complete natural happiness surpassing any on earth, such happiness cannot compare with the bliss of heaven, where souls see God face to face. One is natural, the other supernatural joy.
Baptism is necessary for the salvation of all men, because Christ has said: “Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
From the time of Christ this has been the unequivocal teaching of the Church. The reason lies in the fact that only Baptism can remit original sin; no one with any taint can enter heaven.
Those who through no fault of their own have not received the sacrament of Baptism can be saved through what is called baptism of blood or baptism of desire.
Either baptism of desire or of blood entitles one to the possesion of heaven, just as baptism by water. However, only baptism by water imprints a character on the soul, and so entitles one to the reception of the other sacraments.
1. An unbaptized person receives the baptism of blood when he suffers martyrdom for the faith of Christ.
One who lays down his life for Christ or some Christian virtue is said to have received baptism of blood. Our Lord promised, “He who loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39). Thus the Holy Innocents whom Herod slew out of hatred for the Infant Jesus received the baptism of blood.
2. An unbaptized person receives “baptism of desire” when he loves God above all things, is sorry for his sins, and ardently longs for Baptism when it is impossible to receive it; or when not knowing the necessity of Baptism, sincerely wishes to do all required for salvation.
The effects of the character imprinted on the soul by Baptism are that we become members of the Church, subject to its laws, and capable of receiving the other sacraments.
By Baptism we become members of the Church and children of God. We are given the right to enter heaven, and to gain merits by our good works. We assume the obligation to act as lay apostles for the spread of the Faith.
Baptism imprints an indelible sign or character on the soul. This character marks us as Christians, and cannot be removed by anything, even mortal sin. This character prevents the sacrament from being repeated: we can be baptized only once. “For all you who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).