Special Circumstances

When an infant is in danger of death, a priest or other pastoral care minister should be called to

celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. When such ministers are unavailable, any person may baptize the child provided they baptize with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and have the intention of the Church with regard to Baptism. When a child is stillborn, prayers of commendation are said for the child and prayers of consolation are offered for the parents and family.

When a person has died as a result of suicide, the parish priest or pastoral minister on call at the hospital should be contacted immediately. On this occasion the Church provides prayers of commendation, and prayer for the deceased and the family and friends.