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Archiver > QUEBEC-RESEARCH > 2005-11 > 1131938156


From: "Fran Seguin" <>
Subject: Re: [Q-R] Translation, please
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2005 22:15:56 -0500
References: <25a.ee5f12.30a82a43@aol.com>


Fr. Owen Taggart,
Thank You, for clearing that up. Fran
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Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2005 12:33 AM
Subject: Re: [Q-R] Translation, please


In a message dated 11/12/2005 3:13:03 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, writes:
Have things changed? At the convent we were taught that every catholic could
baptize. That was a right given to us trough confirmation. Only adults
need to ask for it. Like if a priest was not going to be available for a
long time of you just didn't want to wait , you could baptize the child. Am
I wrong? Father what do you think? Fran
Today, church law provides that if a newborn child is in danger of death, anyone present at the birth can baptize the child. All that is required is for the person performing the baptism to pour water on the child and say at the same time "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit".

In colonial Quebec, church law provided that if a newborn child was in danger of death, or if the family could not bring a healthy newborn to the church within a few days, or if the family lived in an outlying area, and the priest only went there every few months, anyone present could baptize the child. All that was required was for the person performing the baptism to pour water on the child and say at the same time "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

When the child had recovered, or the ice had melted, or the priest arrived in the village, the child was brought to the church, the priest would perform the rites of solemn baptism (presentation of a white robe, anointing with the Oil of Catechumens and with Holy Chrism).

In English, both the simple ritual at home and the solemn ritual in church are called "baptism"; but in French, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries, the home ritual was called "ondoyement" and only the solemn ceremony was called "bapteme".

One more point, Fran. One part of what you were taught in the convent was incorrect. In an emergency, both in colonial times and in our times, it was not, and is not, necessary for the person performing the rite to be a Confirmed Catholic, or even a Catholic at all, so long as their intention is to make the baby a Catholic.

Fr. Owen Taggart




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