I would give Baptism by pouring ordinary water on the forehead of the person to be baptized, saying while pouring it: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The “pouring of water” is the matter, and “the words” the form of Baptism.
1. The form must be said at the same time the water is poured, and must be said by the same person pouring the water, so that everything takes place as one act.
No changes may be made in the wording. For example, the words “of the Holy Trinity” may not be substituted for “of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” because Jesus explicitly commanded Baptism to be given “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The word “Ghost” may be substituted for “Spirit.”
2. Baptism is validly administered whether performed by total immersion, by infusion, or by aspersion. By infusion, the water is poured on the head, forehead, or face. In cases of emergency, it may be poured on any part of the body. The water must flow on the skin of the person being baptized, not merely on the hair. By aspersion, water is sprinkled on the head.
In the time of the Apostles, Baptism was usually, though not exclusively, conferred by immersion. The first baptisms on Pentecost could not have been by immersion, on account of the great number, three thousand, baptized. All these three methods are valid; but our present practice is by infusion.
3. The water used for solemn Baptism, i.e when a priest confers it with the ceremonies, is called baptismal water. It is natural water mingled with holy oil and chrism, and blessed with special prayers. Ordinary holy water is not baptismal water.
Our Lord spoke of “water and the Holy Spirit.” Peter baptized Cornelius and his family in water (Acts 10:47); Philip did the same with the eunuch (Acts 8:38). From the Gospel one cannot conclude the use of anything but water in the baptism administered during Apostolic times.
4. In cases of necessity, when someone other than a priest administers the baptism, any natural water, such as water from the sea, river, fountain, faucet, rain, or even mineral water, may be used. Holy water may also be used.
| Sacraments | Matter | Form | Minister | Indelible Character | |
| of the Dead | Baptism | Water | “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” | Ordinary: THE PRIEST
Extraordinary: ANY PERSON |
Yes |
| Penance | Sins | “I absolve you from your sins in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” | THE PRIEST | ||
| of the Living | Confirmation | Holy Chrism | “I sign you with the sign of the cross, and I confirm you with the Chrism of salvation. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” | Ordinary: THE BISHOP
Extraordinary: A PRIEST |
Yes |
| Holy Eucharist | Bread and Wine | “For This is My Body. For this is the Chalice of My Blood of the new and eternal testament, the mystery of Faith; which shall be shed for you and for many unto the remission of sins.” | THE PRIEST | ||
| Anointing of the Sick | Holy Oils | “By this holy anointing and His most loving mercy, may the Lord forgive you whatever wrong you have done by the use of your sight (hearing, speech, etc).” | THE PRIEST | ||
| Holy Orders | Imposition of Hands | The words which the bishop says to the candidate upon the imposition of hands. | THE BISHOP | Yes | |
| Matrimony | the Contract | The “I will,” by which both spouses indicate the mutual consent to the contract. | THE SPOUSES |
This chart shows clearly the various matter, forms, and ministers of each of the seven sacraments. In it may be found which are the sacraments of the living, implying the necessity of being in the state of grace before reception; and which are the sacraments of the dead, not necessitating that state.