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.

 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.