HOLY BAPTISM
Baptism is the Sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ when after His Resurrection He commanded His Apostles to go and teach all nations, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
The Effects of Baptism
These are: 1) To wash away original sin and all actual sins already committed. 2) To give us grace which makes us share the life of God and opens heaven to us. 3) To imprint a character upon the soul which cannot be effaced, thus making it impossible for this Sacrament to be repeated. This character gives us the right to take part in divine worship i.e., in Holy Mass, Holy Communion, etc. “Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:5). Parents must not, therefore, by delaying Baptism, expose a newly-born child to the danger of dying without having received this Sacrament and so of missing heaven. Further, Canon 770 of the Canon Law of the Church says that a child should be baptized as soon as possible.
Minister of Baptism
The ordinary minister of solemn Baptism is a priest and the right to administer it belongs to the parish priest, his permission for another to do so being presumed in case of necessity. The extraordinary minister is a deacon. In view of the importance of Baptism for salvation, in the absence of a priest or deacon, when there is danger of death, anyone may and should baptize. The Sacrament thus administered without ceremonies is called private Baptism and does not dispense from the full ceremonies which should be supplied, as soon as possible, in church by a priest.
Elements of Baptism
In administering Baptism it is necessary: 1) To use natural water, fresh or salt, hot or cold, mineral or otherwise. Salt water should only be used when necessary, but should be used then, and the same applies to melted ice or snow. Artificial water, as for example eau de cologne, cannot be used. In solemn Baptism it is necessary to use baptismal water which has been blessed on the Vigil of Easter, the ceremonies then used helping us greatly to understand the dignity of the Sacrament. 2) To pour the water on the head (usually on the forehead) of the person to be baptized, in such a way that the water flows on the skin. 3) To say the words: N., I baptize thee, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. This is the form of the Sacrament. 4) To do all this with the intention of doing what the Church wishes done, the Church herself acting only by the power of Christ.
Note: When Baptism is administered by someone who is not a priest, there should be, as far as possible, one or two witnesses present who can testify that the Sacrament has really been conferred.
Baptismal Names
Since in Baptism he is made “a new creature,” the Christian is then given a new name, that of some saint who will from thenceforth be his patron, his model, and his protector. Therefore, no other names are accepted at Baptism than saints’ names.

THE CEREMONIES OF BAPTISM
PART I
Formerly, at the inscription of the candidates for Baptism, on the Friday of the third week in Lent, outside the church. Nowadays still in the porch or at the churchdoor.
1. The Questioning
Sacerdos. N., quid petis ab Ecclesia Dei? Priest. N., what do you ask of the Church of God?
Patrinus. Fidem. ℟. Faith.
Sacerdos. Fedes, quid tibi præstat? Priest. What does faith offer you?
Patrini: Vitam æternam. ℟. Eternal life.
Sacerdos. Si igitur vis ad vitam ingredi, serva mandata. Diliges Dominum Deum tuum ex toto corde tuo, et ex tota anima tua, et ex tota mente tua, et proximum tuum sicut teipsum. Priest. If, then, you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments: thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.
2. The Exsufflation
The Priest breathes three times on the child in the form of a cross: saying:
Exi ab eo (ea), immunde spiritus, et da locum Spiritui Sancto Paraclito. Depart from him (her), unclean spirit, and give place to the Holy Ghost, the Consoler.
3. The Sign of the Cross
Then he makes the sign of the cross with his thumb on the child’s forehead and breast.
Accipe signum Crucis tam in fron te, quam in cor de; sume fidem cælestium præceptorum: et talis esto moribus, ut templum Deo jam esse possis. Receive the mark of the cross on your forehead and within your heart. Embrace the faith with its divine teachings. So live that you will indeed be a temple of God.
Prayer
Oremus.—Preces nostras, quæsumus, Domine, clementer exaudi: et hunc electum tuum (hanc electam tuam) N. crucis Dominicæ impressione signatum (-am) perpetua virtute custodi: ut, magnitudinis gloriæ tuæ rudimenta servans, per custodiam mandatorum tuorum ad regenerationis gloriam pervenire mereatur. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Let us pray.—We beg Thee, O Lord God, graciously hear our prayers. Guard Thy chosen one, N., with the never-failing power of the cross of Christ, with which he (she) has been marked. Protect him (her) so that, remaining true to the first lessons he (she) has learned about the great glory Thou wilt confer upon him (her), he (she) may, by keeping Thy commandments, attain to the glory of a new birth. Through Christ our Lord.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
4. The Imposition of Hands
Then he places his hand on the child’s head.
Prayer
Oremus.—Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, respicere dignare super hunc famulum tuum N. quam (hanc famulam tuam N. quam) ad rudimenta fidei vocare dignatus es; omnem cæcitatem cordis ab eo (ea) expelle; disrumpe omnes laqueos satanæ, quibus fuerat colligatus (-a); aperi ei, Domine, januam pietatis tuæ, ut, signo sapientiæ tuæ imbutus (-a), omnium cupiditatum fœtoribus careat, et ad suavem odorem præceptorum tuorum lætus (-a) tibi in Ecclesia tua deserviat et proficiat de die in diem. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Let us pray.—Almighty and eternal God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, look with favor upon this Thy servant (handmaid), N., whom Thou hast called to take his (her) first steps in the Faith. Take from him (her) all blindness of heart. Free him (her) from the snares of Satan which until now have held him (her). Open to him (her), Lord, the gate of Thy mercy. Then, seasoned by the salt which is symbolic of Thy wisdom, may he (she) be relieved of the corruption of evil desires; and, finding pleasure in the keeping of Thy commandments, may he (she) serve Thee in Thy Church and make progress from day to day in the way of perfection. Through the same Christ our Lord.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
5. Blessing of Salt
The Priest first blesses the salt.
Exorcizo te, creatura salis, in nomine Dei Patris omnipotentis, et in caritate Domini nostri Jesu Christi, et in virtute Spiritus Sancti. Exorcizo te per Deum vivum, per Deum verum, per Deum sanctum, per Deum qui te ad tutelam humani generis procreavit, et populo venienti ad credulitatem per servos suos consecrari præcepit, ut in nomine sanctæ Trinitatis efficiaris, salutare sacramentum ad effugandum inimicum. Proinde ragamus te, Domine Deus noster, ut hanc creaturam salis sanctificando sancti fices, et benedicendo bene dicas, ut fiat omnibus accipientibus perfecta medicina, permanens in visceribus eorum, in nomine ejusdem Domini nostri Jesu Christi, qui venturus est judicare vivos et mortuos, et sæculum per ignem. O salt, creature of God, I exorcise you in the name of God the Father almighty and in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the strength of the Holy Ghost. I exorcise you by the living God, the true God, the holy God, the God Who brought you into being to safeguard the human race, and commanded you to be consecrated by his servants for the benefit of those who are coming into the Faith, so that by the power of the Holy Trinity you might become a health-giving Sacrament to put the enemy to flight. Therefore, we beg Thee, O Lord our God, to sanctify by Thy power of sanctification this salt which Thou has created and to bless it with Thy blessing, so that it may becomea perfect medicine for all who receive it and may remain always in every fiber of their being. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will come to judge the living and the dead and the world by fire.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
6. The Imposition of Salt
Then he puts a little blessed salt in the child’s mouth. Salt is the symbol of the wisdom which gives a relish for the sweetness of divine nourishment, preserves it by the teaching of the gospel, from the corruptions of sin, and prevents evil passion from growing in men’s souls.
N., Accipe sal sapientiæ propitiatio sit tibi in vitam æternam. N., receive the salt, which is a symbol of wisdom. May it bring you God’s favor for life everlasting.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
Sacerdos. Pax tecum. Priest. Peace be with you.
℟ Et cum spiritu tuo. ℟ And with thy spirit.
Prayer
Oremus.—Deus patrum nostrorum, Deus universæ conditor veritatis, te supplices exoramus, ut hunc famulum tuum (hanc famulam tuam) N. respicere digneris propitius, et hoc primum pabulum salis gustantem, non diutius esurire permittas, quo minus cibo expleatur cælesti, quatenus sit semper spiritu fervens, spe gaudens, tuo semper nomini serviens. Perduc eum (eam), Domine, quæsumus, ad novæ regenerationis lavacrum, ut cum fidelibus tuis promissionum tuarum æterna præmia consequi mereatur. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Let us pray.—God of our fathers, God, the author of all truth, we humbly ask Thee to look with favor on this Thy servant N., who has had his (her) first taste of blessed food in the form of salt. Satisfy him (her) with the bread of heaven, so that he (she) may be forever fervent in spirit, joyful in hope, and zealous in Thy service. We ask Thee, O Lord, to lead him (her) to the waters in which he (she) will be born again, so that he (she), with all who believe in Thee, may obtain the unending rewards which Thou hast promised. Through Christ our Lord.
PART II
Formerly at St. Paul’s-Without-the-Walls, on the Wednesday of the fourth week in Lent (first great “Scrutiny” or examination of the catechumens). Nowadays, still at the churchdoor.
7. The Exorcism
The Priest making the sign of the cross over the child three times, says:
Exorcizo te, immunde spiritus, in nomine Pa tris, et Fi lii, et Spiritus Sancti, ut exeas, et recedas ab hoc famulo (hac famula) Dei N.: ipse enim tibi imperat, maledicte damnate, qui pedibus super mare ambulavit, et Petro mergenti dexteram porrexit. I exorcise you, unclean spirit, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Come forth, depart from this servant (handmaid) of God. N., for He commands you, accursed and damned spirit, He Who walked upon the sea and extended His right hand to Peter as he was sinking.
Ergo, maledicte diabole, recognosce sententiam tuam, et da honorem Deo vivo et vero, da honorem Jesu Christo Filio ejus, et Spiritui Sancto, et recede ab hoc famulo (hac famula) Dei N., quia istum (istam) sibi Deus, et Dominus noster Jesus Christus ad suam sanctam gratiam et benedictionem, fontemque Baptismatis vocare dignatus est. Therefore, accursed devil, acknowledge your condemnation and pay homage to the true and living God: pay homage to Jesus Christ, His Son, and to the Holy Ghost, and depart from this servant (handmaid) of God, N., for Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, has called him (her) to His holy grace and blessing, and to the font of Baptism.
8. The Sign of the Cross
The Priest again makes the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead.
Et hoc signum sancto Cru cis, quod nos fronti ejus damus, tu, maledicte diabole, numquam audeas violare. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Accursed devil, never dare to desecrate this sign of the holy cross which we are tracing upon his (her) forehead. Through the same Christ our Lord.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
9. The Imposition of Hands
For the last time he puts his hand on the child’s head.
Prayer
Oremus.—Æternam, ac justissimam pietatem tuam deprecor, Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, æterne Deus, auctor luminis et veritatis, super hunc famulum tuum (hanc famulam tuam) N. ut digneris eum (eam) illuminare lumine intelligentiæ tuæ: munda eum (eam) et sanctifica: da ei scientiam veram, ut dignus (-a) gratia Baptismi tui effectus (-a) teneat firmam spem, consilium rectum, doctrinam sanctam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Let us pray.—Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, source of all light and truth, I humbly beg Thy never-ending and most holy mercy upon this servant (handmaid) of Thine, N. May it please Thee to grant him (her) the light of Thine own wisdom. Cleanse him (her) and make him (her) holy. Give him (her) true knowledge, so that he (she) may be made worthy of the grace of Thy Baptism and maintain firm hope, sound judgment, and a grasp of holy doctrine. Through Christ our Lord.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
10. The Admission into the Church
The Priest lays the end of his stole on the child as a symbol of his priestly authority, and admits him into the church, which is the symbol of the Church of Christ.
N. Ingredere in templum Dei, ut habeas partem cum Christo in vitam æternam. N., enter the temple of God, so that you may have part with Christ in everlasting life.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
11. The Credo and Pater
While they are coming into the church, the godparents in the name of the child repeat the Credo and Pater.
Sacerdos. Reddite symbolum Fidei. Priest. Say the Apostles’ Creed.
Sacerdos et patrini conjunctim: Priest and sponsors together:
Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, creatorem cæli et terræ et in Jesum Christum, Filium ejus unicum, Dominum nostrum: qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus; descendit ad inferos; tertia die resurrexit a mortuis; ascendit at cælos; sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis: inde venturus est judicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, Sanctorum communionem, remissionem paccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam æternam. Amen. I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I 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. Amen.
Sacerdos. Dicite orationem dominicam. Priest. Say the Our Father.
Sacerdos et patrini conjunctim: Priest and sponsors together:
Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificetur nomen tuum, Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie. Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem: sed libera nos a malo. Amen. Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
PART III
Formerly on Holy Saturday afternoon in the Basilica of St. John Lateran (last Scrutiny). Nowadays in the nave of the church, in front of the baptismal chapel.
12. The Solemn Exorcism
The Priest makes the sign of the cross three times over the child and says:
Exorcizo te, omnis spiritus immunde, in nomine Dei Patris omnipotentis, et in nomine Jesu Christi Filii ejus, Domini et Judicis nostri, et in virtute Spiritus Sancti, ut discedas ab hoc plasmate Dei, quod Dominus noster ad templum sanctum suum vocare dignatus est, ut fiat templum Dei vivi, et Spiritus Sanctus habitet in eo (ea). Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum, qui venturus est judicare vivos et mortuos, et sæculum per ignem. I exorcise you, every unclean spirit, inthe name of God, the Father almighty, and in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Judge, and in the strength of the Holy Ghost, that you may depart from this creature of God, N., whom our Lord has called to His holy temple in order that he (she) may become a temple of the living God and that the Holy Ghost may dwell in him (her). Through the same Christ our Lord, Who will come to judge the living and the dead and the world by fire.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
13. The Ephphetha
The Priest takes saliva from his mouth and touches the ears and nostrils of the child with it, as our Lord did when He healed the deaf and dumb. (See the Gospel for the eleventh Sunday after Pentecost). If there are some reasons of health, etc., the use of saliva may now be omitted. While he touches the ears, first the right, then the left ear, he says:
Ephpheta, quod est, Adaperire. Ephpheta, which means, “Be opened.”
He then touches the nostrils, saying:
In odorem suavitatis. Tu autem effugare, diabole; appropinquabit enim judicium Dei. So that you may perceive the fragrance of God’s sweetness. But you, O devil, depart; for the judgment of God has come.
14. The Renunciation of Satan
The godparents answer in the name of the child.
Sacerdos. N., abrenuntias satanæ? Priest. N., do you renounce Satan?
. Abrenuntio. . I do renounce him.
Sacerdos. Et omnibus operibus ejus? Priest. And all his works?
. Abrenuntio. . I do renounce them.
Sacerdos. Et omnibus pompis ejus? Priest. And all his pomps?
. Abrenuntio. . I do renounce them.
15. The Anointing
The Priest anoints the child with the oil of catechumens on the breast and between the shoulders in the form of a cross, saying:
Ego te linio oleo salutis in Christo Jesu Domino nostro, ut habeas vitam æternam. I anoint you with the oil of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord, so that you may have everlasting life.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
PART IV
Formerly during Easter night, in the Baptistery of Lateran. Nowadays in the baptismal chapel.
16. The Profession of Faith
The Priest takes off the violet stole and puts on a white one. (Formerly this ceremony took place during the Paschal vigil, at the time that the Church was laying aside her Lenten mourning.)
The godparents answer.
  IN GOD THE FATHER
Sacerdos. N. Credis in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem cœli et terræ? Priest. N., do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
. Credo. . I do believe.
  IN GOD THE SON
Sacerdos. Credis in Jesum Christum, Filium ejus unicum, Dominum nostrum, natum, et passum? Priest. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was born into this world and Who suffered?
. Credo. . I do believe.
nbsp; IN GOD THE HOLY GHOST
Sacerdos. Credis et in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, Sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, et vitam æternam? Priest. Do you believe also in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
. Credo. . I do believe.
17. Baptism (Matter and Form of the Sacrament)
While the godparents hold the child, the Priest pours water on his head three times in the form of a cross.
Baptism is administered in the name of the Holy Trinity, according to our Lord’s words: “Going, therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Sacerdos. N., vis baptizari? Priest. Do you wish to be baptized?
. Volo. . I do.
Sacerdos. N., Ego te baptizo Priest. N., I baptize thee
Pouring water the first time:
In nomine Pa tris, In the name of the Father
Pouring water the second time:
et Fi lii, and of the Son
Pouring water the third time:
et Spiritus Sancti. and of the Holy Ghost.
Thus passing through the baptismal waters the soul, as St. Paul tells us, is buried with Christ in Baptism, that “as Christ is risen from the dead” so it also may walk in newness of life.
18. The Anointing with Chrism
Then the Priest anoints the child’s head with sacred chrism.
As the Catechism of the Council of Trent tells us, from this moment the baptized person is united as a member to Christ his Head, taking His name Christian from Christ, Whose name in its turn comes from the chrismatio, i.e., anointing.
Deus omnipotens, Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, qui te regeneravit ex aqua et Spiritu Sancto, quique dedit tibi remissionem omnium peccatorum (hic inungit), ipse te liniat Chrismate salutis in eodem Christo Jesu Domino nostro in vitam æternam. May almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has given you a new birth by means of water and the Holy Ghost and forgiven all your sins, (here he anoints) anoint you with the Chrism of salvation in the same Christ Jesus our Lord, so that you may have everlasting life.
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen.
Sacerdos. Pax tibi. Priest. Peace be with you.
. Et cum spiritu tuo. . And with thy spirit.
19. The White Linen Cloth
Then the Priest puts a white linen cloth on the head of the child.
This cloth takes the place of the old chrismale, which was used to protect the sacred unction at a time when the chrism was not yet wiped off with cotton wool; at the same time, this cloth replaces the white garment which was formerly worn by the neophytes for eight days. By this is symbolized the purity of a soul cleansed from original sin in the water of Baptism.
Accipe vestem candidam, quam perferas immaculatam ante tribunal Domini nostri Jesu Christi, ut habeas vitam æternam. Receive this white garment. Never let it become stained, so that when you stand before the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, you may have life everlasting.
. Amen. . Amen.
20. The Lighted Candle
The Priest gives the child or sponsor a lighted candle.
Accipe lampadem ardentem, et irreprehensibilis custodi Baptismum tuum: serva Dei mandata, ut, cum Dominus venerit ad nuptias, possis occurrere ei una cum omnibus Sanctis in aula cælesti, et vivas in sæcula sæculorum. Receive this burning light, and keep the grace of your Baptism throughout a blameless life. Observe the commandments of God. Then, when the Lord comes to His heavenly wedding feast, you will be able to meet Him with all the Saints in the halls of heaven, and live for ever and ever.
. Amen. . Amen.
21. Last Words of Good Will
N. vade in pace, et Dominus sit tecum. N., go in peace, and the Lord be with you.
. Amen. . Amen.