According to the Code of Canon Law, in order for the Sacrament of Baptism to be celebrated validly and lawfully, there must be a minister of baptism. There is no circumstance in which a person may baptise himself. There are three important canons in the code which are relevant to issues revolving around the minister of baptism:
- Canon 861 defines the ordinary and extraordinary ministers of baptism, and the circumstances in which the latter may lawfully baptise.
- Canon 862 defines the territorial restrictions on the exercise of baptism by ordinary ministers.
- Canon 863 details the circumstances in which the diocesan bishop is the proper minister of baptism.
The rest of this online article is available for current Guild members.
This article is from The Sower and may be copied for catechetical purposes only. It may not be reprinted in another published work without the permission of Maryvale Institute. Contact [email protected]
