LAY BAPTISM

Lay Baptism: translation

Baptism administered by a layman. The Church has always held that Baptism by any man in case of necessity is valid. But only great necessity, such as sudden danger or sickness and the inability to secure the services of a clergyman, should be just cause for baptism by a layman, and then great care should be taken that the proper form and words are used. (See BAPTISM, HOLY.) It is well to note that when Holy Baptism is administered by one who is not a Clergymanwithout such necessityas mentioned above, the person baptizing is guilty of a great sin, even though his act may bring a blessing to the person baptized. His act cannot be undone, but it ought not to have been done.