How to perform a valid Baptism (no one yell at me!)

This is a verrrry tricky question and it can cause some controversy. All Christians abide by the rule requiring the words "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" but some practice baptism by immersion, while others "sprinkle." The Mormans (many of who are wonderful people but who unfortunately can not be considered Christians because of their denial of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) do not use these words to carry out their baptisms and so the Church does not consider them validly baptized. The Church does recognize as valid all Protestant baptisms that use water and the proper words.


Q. 638. How is Baptism given?

A. Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to be baptized, and say, while pouring the water: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Q. 639. If water cannot be had, in case of necessity, may any other liquid be used for baptism?

A. If water cannot be had, in case of necessity or in any case, no other liquid can be used, and the baptism cannot be given.

Q. 640. If it is impossible, in case of necessity, to reach the head, may the water be poured on any other part of the body?

A. If it is impossible, in case of necessity, to reach the head, the water should be poured on whatever part of the body can be reached; but then the baptism must be given conditionally; that is, before pronouncing the words of baptism, you must say: "If I can baptize thee in this way, I baptize thee in the name of the Father," etc. If the head can afterward be reached, the water must be poured on the head and the baptism repeated conditionally by saying: "If you are not already baptized, I baptize thee in the name," etc.

Q. 641. Is the baptism valid if we say: "I baptize thee in the name of the Holy Trinity," without naming the Persons of the Trinity?

A. The baptism is not valid if we say: "I baptize thee in the name of the Holy Trinity," without naming the Persons of the Trinity; for we must use the exact words instituted by Christ.

From the Baltimore Catechism. There's lots more great stuff there :)