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The Sanctifying Function of the Church » The Sacraments » Baptism
Canon 849. Baptism, the gateway to the sacraments, is necessary for salvation, either by actual reception or at least by desire. By it people are freed from sins, are born again as children of God and, made like to Christ by an indelible character, are incorporated into the Church. It is validly conferred only by a washing in real water with the proper form of words.

Baptismus, ianua sacramentorum, in re vel saltem in voto ad salutem necessarius, quo homines a peccatis liberantur, in Dei filios regenerantur atque indelebili charactere Christo configurati Ecclesiae incorporantur, valide confertur tantummodo per lavacrum aquae verae cum debita verborum forma.
The Sanctifying Function of the Church » The Sacraments » Baptism » The celebration of baptism
Canon 850. Baptism is administered according to the rite prescribed in the approved liturgical books, except in a case of urgent necessity when only those elements which are required for the validity of the sacrament must be observed.

Baptismus minstratur secundum ordinem in probatis liturgicis libris praescriptum, excepto casu necessitatis urgentis, in quo ea tantum observari debent, quae ad validitatem sacramenti requiruntur.
Canon 851. The celebration of baptism should be properly prepared. Accordingly:

1° an adult who intends to receive baptism is to be admitted to the catechumenate and, as far as possible, brought through the various stages to sacramental initiation, in accordance with the rite of initiation as adapted by the Episcopal Conference and with the particular norms issued by it;

2° the parents of a child who is to be baptised, and those who are to undertake the office of sponsers, are to be suitably instructed on the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations attaching to it. The parish priest is to see to it that either he or others duly prepare the parents, by means of pastoral advice and indeed by prayer together; a number of families might be brought together for this purpose and, where possible, each family visited.

Baptismi celebratio debite praeparetur oportet; itaque:

1° adultus, qui baptismum recipere intendit, ad catechumenatum admittatur et, quatenus fieri potest, per varios gradus ad initiationem sacramentalem perducatur, secundum ordinem initiationis ab Episcoporum conferentia aptatum et peculiares normas ab eadem editas;

2° infantis baptizandi parentes, itemque qui munus patrini sunt suscepturi, de significatione huius sacramenti deque obligationibus cum eo cohaerentibus rite edoceantur; parochus per se vel per alios curet ut ita pastoralibus monitionibus, immo et communi precatione, debite parentes instruantur, plures adunando familias atque, ubi fieri possit, eas visitando.
Canon 852. §1 The provisions of the canons on adult baptism apply to all those who, being no longer infants, have reached the use of reason.

§2 One who is incapable of personal responsibility is regarded as an infant even in regard to baptism.

§1. Quae in canonibus de baptismo adulti habentur praescripta, applicantur omnibus qui, infantia egressi, rationis usum assecuti sunt.

§2. Infanti assimilatur, etiam ad baptismum quod attinet, qui non est sui compos.
Canon 853. Apart from a case of necessity, the water to be used in conferring baptism is to be blessed, in accordance with the provisions of the liturgical books.

Aqua in baptismo conferendo adhibenda, extra casum necessitatis, benedicta sit oportet, secundum librorum liturgicorum praescripta.
Canon 854. Baptism is to be conferred either by immersion or by pouring, in accordance with the provisions of the Episcopal Conference.

Baptismus conferatur sive per immersionem sive per infusionem, servatis Episcoporum conferentiae praescriptis.
Canon 855. Parents, sponsors and parish priests are to take care that a name is not given which is foreign to christian sentiment.

Curent parentes, patrini et parochus ne imponatur nomen a sensu christiano alienum.
Canon 856. Though baptism may be celebrated on any day, it is recommended that normally it be celebrated on a Sunday or, if possible, on the vigil of Easter.

Licet baptismus quolibet die celebrari possit, commendatur tamen ut ordinarie die dominica aut, si fieri possit, in vigilia Paschatis, celebretur.
Canon 857. §1 Apart from a case of necessity, the proper place for baptism is a church or an oratory.

§2 As a rule and unless a just reason suggests otherwise, an adult is to be baptised in his or her proper parish church, and an infant in the proper parish church of the parents.

§1. Extra casum necessitatis, proprius baptismi locus est ecclesia aut oratorium.

§2. Pro regula habeatur ut adultus baptizetur in propria ecclesia paroeciali, infans vero in ecclesia paroeciali parentum propria, nisi iusta causa aliud suadeat.
Canon 858. §1 Each parish church is to have a baptismal font, without prejudice to the same right already acquired by other churches.

§2 The local Ordinary, after consultation with the local parish priest, may for the convenience of the faithful permit or order that a baptismal font be placed also in another church or oratory within the parish.

§1. Quaevis ecclesia paroecialis baptismalem fontem habeat, salvo iure cumulativo aliis ecclesiis iam quaesito.

§2. Loci Ordinarius, audito loci parocho, potest ad fidelium commoditatem permittere aut iubere, ut fons baptismalis habeatur etiam in alia ecclesia aut oratorio intra paroeciae fines.
Canon 859. If, because of distance or other circumstances, the person to be baptised cannot without grave inconvenience go or be brought to the parish church or the oratory mentioned in can. 858 §2, baptism may and must be conferred in some other church or oratory which is nearer, or even in some other fitting place.

Si ad ecclesiam paroecialem aut ad aliam ecclesiam vel oratorium, de quo in can. 858, §2, baptizandus, propter locorum distantiam aliave adiuncta, sine gravi incommodo accedere vel transferri nequeat, baptismus conferri potest et debet in alia propinquiore ecclesia vel oratorio, aut etiam alio in loco decenti.
Canon 860. §1 Apart from a case of necessity, baptism is not to be conferred in private houses, unless the local Ordinary should for a grave reason permit it.

§2 Unless the diocesan Bishop has decreed otherwise, baptism is not to be conferred in hospital, except in a case of necessity or for some other pressing pastoral reason.

§1. Praeter casum necessitatis, baptismus ne conferatur in domibus privatis, nisi loci Ordinarius gravi de causa id permiserit.

§2. In valetudinariis, nisi aliter Episcopus dioecesanus statuerit, baptismus ne celebretur, nisi in casu necessitatis vel alia ratione pastorali cogente.
The Sanctifying Function of the Church » The Sacraments » Baptism » The minister of baptism
Canon 861. §1 The ordinary minister of baptism is a Bishop, a priest or a deacon, without prejudice to the provision of can. 530, n. 1.

§2 If the ordinary minister is absent or impeded, a catechist or some other person deputed to this office by the local Ordinary, may lawfully confer baptism; indeed, in a case of necessity, any person who has the requisite intention may do so. Pastors of souls, especially parish priests, are to be diligent in ensuring that Christ’s faithful are taught the correct way to baptise.

§1. Minister ordinarius baptismi est Episcopus, presbyter et diaconus, firmo praescripto can. 530, n. 1.

§2. Absente aut impedito ministro ordinario, licite baptismus confert catechista aliusve ad hoc munus ab Ordinario loci deputatus, immo, in casu necessitatis, quilibet homo debita intentione motus; solliciti sint animarum pastores, praesertim parochus, ut christifideles de recto baptizandi modo edoceantur.
Canon 862. Except in a case of necessity, it is unlawful for anyone without due permission to confer baptism outside his own territory, not even upon his own subjects.

Excepto casu necessitatis, nemini licet, sine debita licentia, in alieno territorio baptismum conferre, ne suis quidem subditis.
Canon 863. The baptism of adults, at least of those who have completed their fourteenth year, is to be referred to the Bishop, so that he himself may confer it if he judges this appropriate.

Baptismus adultorum, saltem eorum qui aetatem quattuordecim annorum expleverunt, ad Episcopum dioecesanum deferatur ut, si id expedire iudicaverit, ab ipso administretur.
The Sanctifying Function of the Church » The Sacraments » Baptism » Those to be baptized
Canon 864. Every unbaptised person, and only such a person, can be baptised.

Baptismi capax est omnis et solus homo nondum baptizatus.
Canon 865. §1 To be admitted to baptism, an adult must have manifested the intention to receive baptism, must be adequately instructed in the truths of the faith and in the duties of a christian, and tested in the christian life over the course of the catechumenate. The person must moreover be urged to have sorrow for personal sins.

§2 An adult in danger of death may be baptised if, with some knowledge of the principal truths of the faith, he or she has in some manner manifested the intention to receive baptism and promises to observe the requirements of the christian religion.

§1. Ut adultus baptizari possit, oportet voluntatem baptismum recipiendi manifestaverit, de fidei veritatibus obligationibusque christianis sufficienter sit instructus atque in vita christiana per catechumenatum sit probatus; admoneatur etiam ut de peccatis suis doleat.

§2. Adultus, qui in periculo mortis versatur, baptizari potest si, aliquam de praecipuis fidei veritatibus cognitionem habens, quovis modo intentionem suam baptismum recipiendi manifestaverit et promittat se christianae religionis mandata esse servaturum.
Canon 866. Unless there is a grave reason to the contrary, immediately after receiving baptism an adult is to be confirmed, to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist and to receive holy communion.

Adultus qui baptizatur, nisi gravis obstet ratio, statim post baptismum confirmetur atque celebrationem eucharisticam, communionem etiam recipiendo, participet.
Canon 867. §1 Parents are obliged to see that their infants are baptised within the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth, indeed even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child, and to be themselves duly prepared for it.

§2 If the infant is in danger of death, it is to be baptised without any delay.

§1. Parentes obligatione tenentur curandi ut infantes intra priores hebdomadas baptizentur; quam primum post nativitatem, immo iam ante eam, parochum adeant ut sacramentum pro filio petant et debite ad illud praeparentur.

§2. Si infans in periculo mortis versetur, sine ulla mora baptizetur.
Canon 868. §1 For an infant to be baptised lawfully it is required:

1° that the parents, or at least one of them, or the person who lawfully holds their place, give their consent;

2° there must be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion subject to §3; if such hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be delayed according to the prescripts of particular law after the parents have been informed of the reason.
[revised wording according to m.p. De concordia inter Codices, 31.V.2016]

§2 An infant of catholic parents, indeed even of non-catholic parents, may in danger of death be baptised even if the parents are opposed to it.

§3. The child of non-Catholic Christians is lawfully baptized if the parents or at least one of them or the one who legitimately takes their place requests it and if it is impossible for them, physically or morally, to approach their own minister.
[new paragraph added by m.p. De concordia inter Codices, 31.V.2016]

§1. Ut infans licite baptizetur, oportet:

1° parentes, saltem eorum unus aut qui legitime eorundem locum tenet, consentiant;

2° spes habeatur fundata eum in religione catholica educatum iri, firma §3; quae si prorsus deficiat, baptismus secundum praescripta iuris particularis differatur, monitis de ratione parentibus.

§2. Infans parentum catholicorum, immo et non catholicorum, in periculo mortis licite baptizatur, etiam invitis parentibus.

§3. Infans christianorum non catholicorum licite baptizatur, si parentes aut unus saltem eorum aut is, qui legitime eorundem locum tenet, id petunt et si eis corporaliter aut moraliter impossibile sit accedere ad ministrum proprium.
Canon 869. §1 If there is doubt as to whether a person was baptised or whether a baptism was conferred validly, and after serious enquiry this doubt persists, the person is to be baptised conditionally.

§2 Those baptised in a non-catholic ecclesial community are not to be baptised conditionally unless there is a serious reason for doubting the validity of their baptism, on the ground of the matter or the form of words used in the baptism, or of the intention of the adult being baptised or of that of the baptising minister.

§3 If in the cases mentioned in §§1 and 2 a doubt remains about the conferring of the baptism or its validity, baptism is not to be conferred until the doctrine of the sacrament of baptism is explained to the person to be baptised, if that person is an adult. Moreover, the reasons for doubting the validity of the earlier baptism should be given to the person or, where an infant is concerned, to the parents.

§1. Si dubitetur num quis baptizatus fuerit, aut baptismus valide collatus fuerit, dubio quidem post seriam investigationem permanente, baptismus eidem sub condicione conferatur.

§2. Baptizati in communitate ecclesiali non catholica non sunt sub condicione baptizandi, nisi, inspecta materia et verborum forma in baptismo collato adhibitis necnon attenta intentione baptizati adulti et ministri baptizantis, seria ratio adsit de baptismi validitate dubitandi.

§3. Quod si, in casibus de quibus in §§1 et 2, dubia remaneat baptismi collatio aut validitas, baptismus ne conferatur nisi postquam baptizando, si sit adultus, doctrina de baptismi sacramento exponatur, atque eidem aut, si de infante agitur, eius parentibus rationes dubiae validitatis baptismi celebrati declarentur.
Canon 870. An abandoned infant or a foundling is to be baptised unless diligent enquiry establishes that it has already been baptised.

Infans expositus aut inventus, nisi re diligenter investigata de eius baptismo constet, baptizetur.
Canon 871. Aborted foetuses, if they are alive, are to be baptised, in so far as this is possible.

Fetus abortivi, si vivant, quatenus fieri potest, baptizentur.
The Sanctifying Function of the Church » The Sacraments » Baptism » Sponsors
Canon 872. In so far as possible, a person being baptised is to be assigned a sponsor. In the case of an adult baptism, the sponsor’s role is to assist the person in christian initiation. In the case of an infant baptism, the role is together with the parents to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a christian life befitting the baptised and faithfully to fulfil the duties inherent in baptism.

Baptizando, quantum fieri potest, detur patrinus, cuius est baptizando adulto in initiatione christiana adstare, et baptizandum infantem una cum parentibus ad baptismum praesentare itemque operam dare ut baptizatus vitam christianam baptismo congruam ducat obligationesque eidem inhaerentes fideliter adimpleat.
Canon 873. One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex.

Patrinus unus tantum vel matrina una vel etiam unus et una assumantur.
Canon 874. §1 To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor, a person must:

1° be appointed by the candidate for baptism, or by the parents or whoever stands in their place, or failing these, by the parish priest or the minister; to be appointed the person must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it;

2° be not less than sixteen years of age, unless a different age has been stipulated by the diocesan Bishop, or unless the parish priest or the minister considers that there is a just reason for an exception to be made;

3° be a catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken;

4° not labour under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared;

5° not be either the father or the mother of the person to be baptised.

§2 A baptised person who belongs to a non-catholic ecclesial community may be admitted only in company with a catholic sponsor, and then simply as a witness to the baptism.

§1. Ut quis ad munus patrini suscipiendum admittatur, oportet:

1° ab ipso baptizando eiusve parentibus aut ab eo qui eorum locum tenet aut, his deficientibus, a parocho vel ministro sit designatus atque aptitudinem et intentionem habeat hoc munus gerendi;

2° decimum sextum aetatis annum expleverit, nisi alia aetas ab Episcopo dioecesano statuta fuerit vel exceptio iusta de causa parocho aut ministro admittenda videatur;

3° sit catholicus, confirmatus et sanctissimum Eucharistiae sacramentum iam receperit, idemque vitam ducat fidei et muneri suscipiendo congruam;

4° nulla poena canonica legitime irrogata vel declarata sit innodatus;

5° non sit pater aut mater baptizandi.

§2. Baptizatus ad communitatem ecclesialem non catholicam pertinens, nonnisi una cum patrino catholico, et quidem ut testis tantum baptismi, admittatur.
The Sanctifying Function of the Church » The Sacraments » Baptism » The proof and registration of the conferral of baptism
Canon 875. Whoever administers baptism is to take care that if there is not a sponsor present, there is at least one witness who can prove that the baptism was conferred.

Qui baptismum administrat curet ut, nisi adsit patrinus, habeatur saltem testis quo collatio baptismi probari possit.
Canon 876. To prove that baptism has been conferred, if there is no conflict of interest, it is sufficient to have either one unexceptionable witness or, if the baptism was conferred upon an adult, the sworn testimony of the baptised person.

Ad collatum baptismum comprobandum, si nemini fiat praeiudicium, sufficit declaratio unius testis omni exceptione maioris, aut ipsius baptizati iusiurandum, si ipse in aetate adulta baptismum receperit.
Canon 877. §1 The parish priest of the place in which the baptism was conferred must carefully and without delay record in the register of baptism the names of the baptised, the minister, the parents, the sponsors and, if there were such, the witnesses, and the place and date of baptism. He must also enter the date and place of birth.

§2 In the case of a child of an unmarried mother, the mother’s name is to be entered if her maternity is publicly known or if, either in writing or before two witnesses, she freely asks that this be done. Similarly, the name of the father is to be entered, if his paternity is established either by some public document or by his own declaration in the presence of the parish priest and two witnesses. In all other cases, the name of the baptised person is to be registered, without any indication of the name of the father or of the parents.

§3 In the case of an adopted child, the names of the adopting parents are to be registered and, at least if this is done in the local civil registration, the names of the natural parents in accordance with §§1 and 2 subject however to the rulings of the
Episcopal Conference.

§1. Parochus loci, in quo baptismus celebratur, debet nomina baptizatorum, mentione facta de ministro, parentibus, patrinis necnon, si adsint, testibus, de loco ac die collati baptismi, in baptizatorum libro sedulo et sine ulla mora referre, simul indicatis die et loco nativitatis.

§2. Si de filio agatur e matre non nupta nato, matris nomen inserendum est, si publice de eius maternitate constet aut ipsa sponte sua, scripto vel coram duobus testibus, id petat; item nomen patris inscribendum est, si eius paternitas probatur aliquo publico documento aut ipsius declaratione coram parocho et duobus testibus facta; in ceteris casibus, inscribatur baptizatus, nulla facta de patris aut parentum nomine indicatione

§3. Si de filio adoptivo agitur, inscribantur nomina adoptantium necnon, saltem si ita fiat in actu civili regionis, parentum naturalium ad normam §§1 et 2, attentis Episcoporum conferentiae praescriptis.
Canon 878. If baptism was administered neither by the parish priest nor in his presence, the minister of baptism, whoever that was, must notify the parish priest of the parish in which the baptism was administered, so that he may register the baptism in accordance with can. 877 §1.

Si baptismus neque a parocho neque eo praesente administratus fuerit, minister baptismi, quicumque est, de collato baptismo certiorem facere debet parochum paroeciae in qua baptismus administratus est, ut baptismum adnotet ad normam can. 877, §1.

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