Who can administer Baptism in an emergency when a priest is not available?
Under normal circumstances, the ordinary ministers of Baptism are ordained bishops, priests and deacons.
However, in case of imminent danger of death (such as a critically ill newborn or an accident victim in a hospital), the Church teaches that anyone—even a non-Catholic or non-baptised person—can validly administer Baptism, provided they have the required intention.
The minister must intend to do what the Catholic Church does, pour natural water over the head of the person, and say the words: 'I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' This extraordinary provision demonstrates the Church's pastoral solicitude for the eternal salvation of every human soul.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1256
- Code of Canon Law, can. 861
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.