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Objection 1: It seems that a layman cannot baptize. Because, as
stated above (Article 2), to baptize belongs properly to the
priestly order. But those things which belong to an order cannot be
entrusted to one that is not ordained. Therefore it seems that a
layman, who has no orders, cannot baptize.
Objection 2: Further, it is a greater thing to baptize, than to
perform the other sacramental rites of Baptism, such as to catechize,
to exorcize, and to bless the baptismal water. But these things
cannot be done by laymen, but only by priests. Therefore it seems
that much less can laymen baptize.
Objection 3: Further, just as Baptism is a necessary sacrament,
so is Penance. But a layman cannot absolve in the tribunal of
Penance. Neither, therefore, can he baptize.
On the contrary, Pope Gelasius I and Isidore say that "it is
often permissible for Christian laymen to baptize, in cases of urgent
necessity."
I answer that, It is due to the mercy of Him "Who will have all
men to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4) that in those things which are
necessary for salvation, man can easily find the remedy. Now the most
necessary among all the sacraments is Baptism, which is man's
regeneration unto spiritual life: since for children there is no
substitute, while adults cannot otherwise than by Baptism receive a
full remission both of guilt and of its punishment. Consequently,
lest man should have to go without so necessary a remedy, it was
ordained, both that the matter of Baptism should be something common
that is easily obtainable by all, i.e. water; and that the minister
of Baptism should be anyone, even not in orders, lest from lack of
being baptized, man should suffer loss of his salvation.
Reply to Objection 1: To baptize belongs to the priestly order by
reason of a certain appropriateness and solemnity; but this is not
essential to the sacrament. Consequently, if a layman were to baptize
even outside a case of urgency; he would sin, yet he would confer the
sacrament; nor would the person thus baptized have to be baptized
again.
Reply to Objection 2: These sacramental rites of Baptism belong to
the solemnity of, and are not essential to, Baptism. And therefore
they neither should nor can be done by a layman, but only by a priest,
whose office it is to baptize solemnly.
Reply to Objection 3: As stated above (Question 65, Articles
3,4), Penance is not so necessary as Baptism; since contrition
can supply the defect of the priestly absolution which does not free
from the whole punishment, nor again is it given to children.
Therefore the comparison with Baptism does not stand, because its
effect cannot be supplied by anything else.
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