Baptism
“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” (St. Matt.
28:19).
Baptism is the first of the sacraments by which we are made children of
God, members of Christ’s Mystical Body the Church, and hence Christians.
Any person, child or adult, who has not been baptized can be a candidate to
receive it.
Baptism is effected by the minister either immersing the candidate in
natural water, or pouring water over the candidate, while reciting the
following words: “N., I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit” (cf. St. Matt. 28:19). It is easily apparent why Christ
chose water as the matter of Baptism for it is so easy to procure, is
necessary for life and has the effect of cleansing. God has elevated this
most common of compounds by giving it the power to cleanse and give life
to the human soul. The water must actually touch and flow over some part
of the body.
In normal circumstances, Baptism is administered solemnly by one in Holy
Orders with all the accompanying ceremonies prescribed by the Church. In
cases of necessity, Baptism may be conferred privately by any person who
has attained the age of reason. Necessity arises where there is immediate
danger of death or where there is a shortage of ordained ministers such as
in missionary countries.
During the baptismal ceremony, the candidate’s body is anointed and
signed with the Cross. The body is thus also consecrated to God and no
longer a thing profane, but rather a sacred instrument belonging to Christ
and a worthy companion of the soul.
In Acts 2:38; 10:48 we read of Baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ.” This
formula is employed by various Protestant denominations. Such a formula
is not valid in the eyes of the Catholic Church. The Apostles did not say “I
baptize thee in the name of Jesus Christ.” This term was used by St. Luke
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