Have you ever wondered about the process and reasons for having an emergency Baptism? Recently, an OLP family, Rachel and Max, reached out to the parish to ask about scheduling an emergency baptism for their daughter. Here is their story:
Why did you reach out to OLP for an emergency Baptism?
We reached out to OLP for an emergency baptism for our daughter, who was born prematurely at 27 weeks. While she was doing very well after birth and her health was stable, we knew things could change quickly, and we approached the situation with the mindset of “pray for the best, plan for the worst.” We wanted to make sure she could receive the sanctifying grace of Baptism as soon as possible.
What emotions were you experiencing during that time?
It was an emotional and stressful season for our family. Having a baby in the NICU comes with so much uncertainty, even when things are going well. We were hopeful and grateful for her progress, but there was always an underlying fear that circumstances could change unexpectedly.
What was it like seeing your daughter baptized in the NICU?
Although it was not how we originally imagined our daughter’s baptism, it brought us an incredible sense of peace and comfort. Watching her receive the sacrament right at her bedside was a very emotional and meaningful experience for our family.
Did anything stand out to you during the ceremony?
You could truly feel the Holy Spirit in the room. All the babies were calm, there were no alarms sounding, and there was a deep sense of peace throughout the ceremony. It felt like a sacred moment in the middle of a difficult time.
How did Fr. Ellis help make the experience special?
Fr. Ellis did a wonderful job incorporating as much of the sacrament as possible despite the hospital setting. He included readings, a short homily, and performed the rite with holy and sterile water. His presence brought comfort and reassurance to our family.
How did the hospital staff and chaplain support you?
We are so grateful to our hospital chaplain for helping organize everything with the NICU staff and for witnessing the ceremony with us. Everyone involved was compassionate, supportive, and respectful, which made the experience even more meaningful.
How is your daughter doing now?
Thankfully, our daughter is now home, happy, and healthy. We feel incredibly blessed and remain forever grateful that she was able to receive Baptism while in the NICU.
What are you looking forward to next?
We can’t wait to celebrate the remaining symbols of Baptism for our daughter this summer at OLP, together with our family and godparents.
Thank you to Rachel and Max for sharing their story with the OLP community. Please remember to keep Rachel, Max, and their daughter in your prayers!
Below are some key points about emergency baptisms:
- When a priest is not available for an emergency Baptism, a deacon or properly catechized layperson should be sent for immediately.
- An infant in danger of death is to be baptized without delay.
- An adult in danger of death can be baptized if, having some knowledge of the principal truths of the faith, the person has manifested in any way at all the intention to receive baptism and promises to observe the commandments of the Christian religion.
- If Baptism is administered neither by the pastor nor in his presence, the minister of baptism, whoever it is, must inform the pastor of the parish in whose territory the baptism was administered.
- All emergency Baptisms are to be recorded in the sacramental register for the baptism of the territorial parish in which the Baptism took place.
- The pastor must carefully and without delay record in the baptismal book the names of those baptized, making mention of the minister, parents, sponsors, witnesses, if any, and the place and date of the conferred baptism, together with an indication of the date and place of birth.
If you’re interested in learning more about baptisms at Our Lady of Peace, please let Fr. Ellis or a staff member know, and we can answer your questions.
Nick Cichowicz
Director of Faith Formation
Work Cited
Archdiocese of San Antonio Department for Pastoral Ministries. “Emergency Baptism Policy.” https://archsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Emergency-Baptism-Policy.pdf
