From the earliest time, the Church, to which the mission of preaching the gospel
and of baptizing was entrusted has baptized children as well as adults. Our Lord said: "Unless
a man is reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (John
3:5) The Church has always understood these words to mean that children should not be deprived
of baptism, because they are baptized in the faith of the Church. This faith is proclaimed for
them by their parents and godparents, who represent both the local Church and the whole society
of saints and believers: "The Church is at once the mother of all and the mother of each." (Saint
Augustine, Epistle 98, 5: PL 33, 362.)
Introduction to the Rite of Baptism of Children,
No. 2
By definition infants are those who have not yet reached the age of reason (7 years
old) and cannot have or profess their own faith. (of c. 97, §2; c. 852, §1; Rite
of Baptism of Children, No. 1). All others are to be considered minors or adults, and the rites
and policies of the RCIA or the RCIC must be followed.
The current liturgical rites approved for the baptism of infants are to be used.
Parents are to be encouraged to have their children baptized within the first weeks
after birth, following the prescriptions of universal law. (c, 867, §1)
A child of parents who belongs to the Latin church is ascribed to it by reception
of baptism, or, if one of the parents does not belong to the Latin church and both parents
agree in choosing that the child be baptized in the Latin Church, the child is ascribed to
it by reception of baptism; but if the agreement is lacking, the child is ascribed to the ritual
church to which the father belongs (c. 111, Oriental Code canon 29). Notification of the proper
rite of the child in inter-ritual baptism is to be made in the baptismal register.
In the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, at least one of the names given to the baptized
must be a saint's name. (c.855)
For the licit celebration of infant baptism it is necessary that there be:
6.1. Consent of at least one of the parents, or the person who lawfully takes
their place. (c. 868. §1, 1º)
6.2. Founded hope that the infant would be brought up in the Catholic religion.
If the hope does not exist, the baptism is to be delayed following the prescriptions found
below (c. 868, §1, 2º).
6.2.1. Baptism is not to be delayed because the parents are not married in
the Church.1 Each case must he examined individually. The ordained ministers and
those assisting are not to give any indication of forcing the couple to be married before
the baptism is celebrated. 2 However some efforts should be made to catechize
the parents who are presenting a second, or third, child for baptism and have not done anything
to rectify their marital situation.
1 E.g.,
those who are living together, or were married in a civil ceremony or in the presence
of a non-Catholic minister without proper permissions having been obtained.
2 This may constitute enough grounds
for a nullity of marriage under force and fear, and/or simulation of consent.
6.2.2. Baptism is not to be delayed because only one of the parents is a practicing
Catholic.
6.2.3. Registration or monetary contributions to the Parish Community by envelopes
or other means are not to be used as the only factors to determine the parents' practice
of the faith.
6.2.4. Baptism may be delayed for a period of time so that the practice of
the faith may be encouraged, ordinarily not beyond three months.
6.2.5. The proper persons to present an infant for baptism are the parents.
However, the founded hope of raising the infant in the faith could be given by another member
of the family as long as the parents allow it and promise not to interfere with the person
making the promise in his/her efforts to raise the child in the faith.3
3 Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Pastoralis
Actio, Oct. 20th, 1980, No. 28.2: Assurances must be given that this gift
will be able so to grow through a genuine education in faith and in Christian living,
that the sacrament may attain its full "truth." As a rule, these assurances
are to be given by the parents or relatives, although they can be supplied in various
ways within the Christian community. If, on the other hand, these assurances are not in
reality serious, that fact can be reason for postponing the sacrament. Finally, if it
is certain that there are no assurances, the sacrament must be denied.
6.3. Proper instruction of parents and godparents in the meaning of the Sacrament
and the obligations which are attached to it. The instructions are to include the scriptural
foundation for the sacrament, the sacramental life of the Church, the rite of Baptism.
6.3.1. The requirement of instruction may be fulfilled anywhere in the Archdiocese
for those who have a domicile in its jurisdiction. Proof of instructions must be shown.
6.3.2. At the end of the instructions a certificate is to be issued by the
parish to those who attended the classes. The certificate is to be signed by the one authorized
to give the instructions, dated, and the seal of the parish is to appear an it. This certificate
may be lawfully used for a period of two years.
6.3.3. Parents are to be encouraged to prepare for the baptism of the child
during pregnancy.
Baptism - General Norms
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded
you. (Matthew 28: 19-20a)
The right to baptize belongs to the pastor of the home parish in which the adult
to be baptized, or in which the parent(s) of the child to be baptized are registered or belong.
Baptism is to be celebrated either in the parish church or its missions according
to the discretion of the pastor. Baptism is not to be celebrated in private homes. Outside the
case of danger of death, baptism is not to be celebrated in a hospital or other place. (cc.
857, 860)
Outside the case of necessity, it is not lawful for anyone, without the required
permission, to confer baptism in the territory of another, not even upon his own subjects. (c.
862),
Outside of the case of necessity, it is not lawful for anyone, without the required
permission from the proper pastor, to confer baptism in their territory upon those who are not
his subjects. In those instances when permission has been obtained to have someone baptized
in another parish, the responsibility for the paper work, catechesis, and the judgment as to
whether the baptism should proceed, still remains with the proper pastor unless other arrangements
have been explicitly made.
Whenever reasonably possible, the sacrament of baptism is to be celebrated on Sundays
in the presence of the Christian Community, not necessarily in the context of the Sunday Eucharist.
Private ceremonies are strongly discouraged unless there is a reasonable cause in the judgment
of the pastor of the place of baptism.1
1Children of unwed parents or of parents who are in a marriage
that cannot be officially recognized by the Church, ordinarily are not to be baptized within
the celebration of the Eucharist.
Every parish church shall have a baptistry or at least a prominently located baptismal
font, property equipped for the conferring of baptism (c. 858). The font shall be treated with
reverence, neatly maintained, and thoroughly cleaned at frequent intervals.
Either the rite of immersion, which is more suitable as a symbol of participation
in the death and resurrection of Christ, or the rite of infusion may be lawfully used in the
celebration of baptism. (Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, Christian Initiation, General
Instruction, 2nd editio typica: 1973. n. 22)
The Ordinary minister of the Sacrament is one who has received Sacred Orders. For
parishes or communities without an ordained minister, a non-ordained Christian faithful can
licitly administer the Sacrament by written permission of the Archbishop (c, 861, §2).
The faithful shall be instructed on the meaning and necessity of baptism, especially
when the Sunday's Scripture readings lend themselves to the theme, e.g. during Lent, Solemnity
of the Baptism of the Lord.
Periodically an instruction shall be given in every parish explaining the requirements
for the valid administration of baptism and the obligation of a lay person to confer the sacrament
in emergency (c. 861, §2). The faithful shall be instructed to report an emergency baptism
immediately to the pastor of the person baptized. The pastor will decide if prudent grounds
exist for repeating the baptism conditionally.
Priest and deacons shall acquaint those who may be concerned, especially doctors,
nurses, and parents, including non-Catholics if necessary, with the Church's practice in regard
to baptism. This obligation devolves particularly upon hospital chaplains and pastors having
hospitals within their parishes. The matter should also be clearly explained to those about
to enter into marriage.
After an emergency baptism, the proper pastor shall arrange to supply the ceremonies
using the proper rite in the approved liturgical books. [Cf #22]
Only persons not yet baptized may be baptized. (c. 864)
Whenever an adult is seeking baptism, he/she ordinarily is to be prepared through
the RCIA process. Children of catechetical age are to be prepared through the RCIC process.2 See Archdiocese
of Santa Fe, Infant Baptism Policy, for the preparation required when an infant is being
baptized.
2 The sacramental preparation of children of catechetical
age can be done through the regular catechism classes offered at the parish, however the
rites of the RCIA or RCIC are to be followed.
If there is a doubt whether one has been baptized or whether baptism was validly
conferred and the doubt remains after serious investigation, baptism is to be conferred conditionally.
(c. 889, §1)
15.1. If it is not prejudicial to anyone, to prove conferral of baptism, the
declaration of a single witness who is above suspicion suffices or the oath of the baptized
person, if the baptism was received at an adult age.3 (c. 876)
3 In this case "adult" is to be interpreted as seven years
old or older, unless the person lacks use of reason. (cf. canons 852, 97)
15.2. If there is a question of whether baptism was conferred validly by a
non-Catholic community, the rites of the non-Catholic community as well as the intention of
an adult baptized person and the minister of the baptism need to be investigated. As a rule
of thumb, if water and the Trinitarian formula is used the baptism is conferred validly.4
4 As a result of the study by the Congregation for the
Doctrine of Faith in Rome, Mormon baptism is not considered valid by the Catholic Church.
Since the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (Mormon) cannot be said to be
baptized in the name of the Trinity which the Catholic faith professes, converts from the
Mormon Church must be rebaptized when they enter the Catholic Church.
15.3. If after a serious investigation it seems necessary to confer baptism
again conditionally, the minister should explain beforehand the reasons why baptism is conferred
conditionally in this instance.
15.4. The celebration of conditional baptism is done privately rather than
in a public liturgical assembly of the community. The reception into full communion should
take place later at the Sunday Eucharist of the community.
15.5. In conferring conditional baptism the Christian Initiation of Adults
on Exceptional Circumstances (Abbreviated form) is to be used, omitting the anointing
with the Oil of Catechumens. When administering the sacrament, the following formula is used: "N.,
if you are not baptized, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit." The celebration of the sacrament of confirmation is deferred until
the reception into full communion with the Church.
If aborted fetuses are alive, they are to be baptized if possible (c. 871). If there
is doubt of whether the person or the fetus is alive, baptism can be conferred conditionally.
If there is no doubt that the person or fetus is dead, the minister may not baptize.
Whenever possible a sponsor is to be employed in the celebration of the sacrament
(c. 872).
17.1. Only one male or one female sponsor, or one of each sex is to be employed
(c. 837). The law does not allow for two males or two females to be sponsors at baptism.
17.2. To be admitted as a sponsor the following prescriptions must be met (c.
874, § 1):
17.2.1. be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one
who takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the
qualifications and intention of performing this role;
17.2.2. be at least 16 years of age, unless the pastor or minister judges that
an exception is to be made for a just cause;
17.2.3. be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament
of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be
undertaken;5
5 Care must be taken in the interpretation of "to
live a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken." It should not
be interpreted in such a way that only saints would be allowed. If one of the sponsors
is in a marriage that cannot be recognized by the Church, due pastoral care most be taken
to determine the situations surrounding the case. Under no circumstances are the ministers
to use the celebration of the sacrament of baptism as a means to force the godparents to
enter into a sacramental marriage. However, in those cases where their marital status can
be rectified, they should be encouraged to do so. Some people live a life that is in harmony
with the faith and are capable of assuming the office of sponsor even though their marriage
cannot be recognized by the Church's law. However, married sponsors should be in a valid
marriage.
17.2.4. not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;6
6 These are legitimately imposed penalties by a Tribunal
of the Church. No priest or deacon may impose their own penalties. Penalties in the Church
must be imposed or declared by a judicial process (e.g. excommunications, suspensions, interdicts).
17.2.5. not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized.
17.3. The prohibition for clergy and religious to be sponsors no longer exists.
Those asked to be sponsors are to defer from being the minister of baptism so that the roles
are not confused.
At the request of the parents and in accordance with the ecumenical guidelines,
a baptized Christian not in full communion with the Catholic Church may act as Christian witness
together with a Catholic sponsor. (cf. c. 874, §2) If a Christian witness was used, proper
notification of that fact should be made in the baptismal register.7
7 Because of the close communion between the Catholic Church
and the separated Eastern church it is permissible for a just reason to accept one of the
faithful of an Eastern Church as godparent along with a Catholic godparent at the baptism
of a Catholic infant or adult, as long as the Catholic upbringing of the one being baptized
is provided for and there is assurance that the person is fit to be a godparent. (Secretariat
for Christian Unity, Ecumenical Directory, Part I, May 14, 1967. no. 48)
A Catholic, if requested, may act as a Christian witness or sponsor at a non-Catholic
baptism.
A baptismal sponsor may act through a proxy.
20.1. In order for a proxy to act validly, he or she must have been appointed
the sponsor, not the parents or minister. Proof of appointment must obtained in writing.
20.2. Proof that the sponsor is qualified and willing to accept the office obligation
also must be obtained.
20.3. The proxy must have the same qualifications as the sponsor, and the names
of both must be recorded.8
8 Instruction of the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments,
Nov. 25, 1925.
It is the duty of the pastor to see that as soon as possible the celebration of
baptism is to be recorded in the proper parish book in accord with canon 877, §1.
When an emergency baptism has been celebrated in a hospital, or any other place,
the following steps are to be followed in order to insure proper recording of the baptism:
22.1. The one who administers baptism (cleric or lay) is to see that, unless
a sponsor is present, there be at least a witness by whom the conferral of baptism can be
proved. (canon 875)
22.2. If baptism was not administered by the pastor of the territorial parish of
the institution, the one who administered baptism must inform the pastor of the territorial
parish in which baptism was administered so that the proper record may be entered into
the books in accord with the norms of canon 877, §1 (canon 878). This is to be done within
three days after the administration of the sacrament.
22.3. The territorial parishes for the following hospitals are:
22.3.1. Lovelace Medical Center, Albuquerque: Holy Ghost Church.
22.3.2. University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque: St. Charles Borromeo.
22.3.3. Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque: St. Charles Borromeo.
22.3.6. St. Joseph Medical Center. Albuquerque: San Ignacio.
22.3.7. St. Joseph West Mesa, Paradise Hills: St. Jude.
22.3.8. St. Joseph Northeast Heights, Albuquerque: Queen of Heaven.
22.3.9. Clovis High Plain Hospital, Clovis: Sacred Heart, Clovis.
22.3.10. Española Hospital, Española: Sacred Heart, Española.
22.3.11. North Regional Medical Hospital, Las Vegas: Immaculate Conception.
22.3.12. St. Vincent, Santa Fe: St. John the Baptist.
22.3.13. Public Health Services Indian Hospital, Santa Fe: St John Baptist.
22.3.14. Holy Cross Hospital, Taos: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Taos.
22.4. The one who administers the baptism is to encourage the parents, or person
baptized, to go to their proper parish to have the ceremonies supplied.9 A record
of the ceremonies supplied is to be sent to the parish where the baptism is recorded (territorial
parish of the institution).
9 By proper parish is understood the parish where the
parents, or the one baptized, are registered. If they are not registered in any parish,
it is understood to be the territorial parish of their home address.
22.5 When Baptism is conferred by a non-cleric, the recording of the baptism is done in
accord with the norms of law. Catholic Chaplains are to see that the proper information is
sent to the parish.
In recording the baptism of a child of an unmarried mother, the name of the mother
is to be inserted if there is public proof of her maternity or if she asks this willingly, either
in writing or before two witnesses; likewise the name of the father is to be inserted if his
paternity has been proved either by some public document or by his own declaration before the
pastor and two witnesses; in other cases, the name of the one to be baptized is recorded without
any indication of the name the father or the parents. (canon 877, § 92)
Rule of thumb: Place the names that appear on the State birth certificate;
if the father is willing to sign a document in the presence of the pastor, he should be encourage
to do so in the presence of the civil authorities, and informed that when the proper change
is made in the State birth certificate, that his name will be added to the baptismal certificate.
In recording the baptism of an adopted child, the names of the adopting parents
are to be recorded. The names of the natural parents are not to be recorded since that is contrary
to the norms for the State of New Mexico (c. 877, §3). Please note, that in the case of
adoption after baptism, the names of the natural parents should be kept in the baptismal register,
and a notation of adoption with the new parents' names should be added to the record. Be aware
that in the State of New Mexico, the names of the natural parents cannot be given out without
a court order, even after the adoptee is eighteen years old.10
10 For further information on the State of New Mexico Laws
regarding adoption, see New Mexico State Statues. 1978, 1989 Replacement Pamphlet, Chapter
40, Article 7, with special attention to Section 40-7-52 regarding the name of the adoptee,
and 40-7-53 regarding confidentiality of records.
No changes can be made in the baptismal register, unless there is an authentic document
that substantiates the change. The change is to be marked in notations, including the source
of the change.
