In the previous issue of The Sower, Fr Rosney clarified the terms ‘adult’ and ‘infant’ baptism in relation to the formation for baptism. In this article, he outlines ‘baptismal water’, ‘immersion and pouring’, and ‘baptismal name’ according the canons 853-855 in the Code of Canon Law. For example:
The water to be used for baptism should be blessed, normally during the celebration of the baptism itself. If unblessed water is used, the sacrament is still valid because canon 849, which treats the validity of baptism, doesn’t say the water should be blessed. In the rite for the celebration of baptism for adults and infants, it stresses the water should be blessed during the course of the celebration, and in the case of an adult baptism, during the Easter Vigil. If the baptism takes place during the Easter season, the Easter water should be used; and in the case of a catechist or other person designated to perform the baptism, water already blessed is to be used inside or outside the Easter season.
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