Q: I am a practicing Catholic. My husband is Muslim. He recently said I could baptize him, but he refuses to go into a Catholic church to be baptized by a priest. He is not sick or near death. Is it OK for me to baptize him? I think it is an emergency to help save his soul. Also, I think it would be a good steppingstone for him to get to know Jesus and increase his desire to come into the Church and access the sacraments. – K.
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC A: It’s a promising sign that your husband is interested in baptism. You are likely having a big impact on him. The short answer to your question, however, is no. You should not baptize him. Except for rare cases (such as imminent death of an infant), a priest or deacon should administer baptism. The Code of Canon Law says in Canon 530, “The following functions are especially entrusted to a pastor: 1/ the administration of baptism.” The fact that your husband doesn’t want to be baptized in the Church by a priest indicates that he needs to learn (and accept) more about the faith before he undergoes baptism. Jesus and his Church go together. The Church is the custodian of the sacraments and dispenses them in a way that is meant to help people. A Catholic baptism of an adult presumes that the person intends to live his faith fully, which means he would seek confirmation and attend Mass regularly, etc. In fact, adults who undergo baptism usually receive confirmation immediately afterward and then Communion. All of this implies proper catechesis and provides the true steppingstones a person needs. This is a moment when you want to intensify your prayers for your husband. It might be good to offer up sacrifices for him, too (such as fasting or Eucharistic adoration). Ideally, you want to live your Catholic faith as fully as possible, in part to be a great witness to your husband. Part of being a practicing Catholic is following Church norms on the sacraments. It might be good to speak with your pastor and see what he recommends. It would be important to learn why your husband seems to want to keep his distance from the Church. That he is interested in baptism is a good sign. You want to make sure that he receives the sacrament with the right preparation. Count on my prayers.
