The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PRACTICE

A LAY PERSON CAN BAPTIZE A BABY WITH REGULAR WATER AND MAKING THE
SIGN OF THE CROSS BEFORE THE ACTUAL BAPTISM BY A PRIEST TO PROTECT
THE CHILD FROM EVIL. ALSO A LAY PERSON CAN ADMINISTER BAPTISM TO
A PERSON WHO IS DYING AND HAS NEVER BEEN BAPTIZED BEFORE IF A
PRIEST CANNOT GET THERE IN TIME. REGULAR WATER OR EVEN A PERSON,S
SPIT CAN BE USED IF HOLY WATER IS UNATTAINABLE. SINCERITY OF THE
PERSON IS THE IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THIS ACTION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Date learned: 11-00-1977