What are the essential matter, form, and ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Baptism?

• A. Matter: Oil; Form: Blessing; Minister: Layperson.
• B. Matter: Bread and Wine; Form: Words of Institution; Minister: Bishop.
• C. Matter: Water; Form: the Trinitarian formula 'I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' Minister: a validly ordained bishop, priest, or deacon.
• D. Matter: Water and Salt; Form: Blessing of Water; Minister: Deacon.

Answer: (C)

The important idea being tested is what makes Baptism valid in its three essential parts: the matter, the form, and the ordinary minister. In Baptism, the matter is water, which signifies cleansing from sin and new life in Christ. The form is the Trinitarian words spoken by the minister—“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”—which conveys the grace of the sacrament and the believer’s incorporation into Christ and the Church. The ordinary minister is a validly ordained bishop, priest, or deacon, who acts in the person of Christ and within the Church’s authority to confer Baptism.

Oil is not the essential matter of Baptism (it is used in other sacraments like Confirmation or Anointing of the Sick). Bread and wine are the substances of the Eucharist, not Baptism. A blessing of water is part of preparing for baptism, but the actual form is the Trinity formula. Salt is not the operative matter of Baptism. In ordinary circumstances, the ordained minister is required, though in urgent danger of death a person with the correct intent can baptize using water and the proper formula.