Sacrament of Baptism in an Emergency Nurses may find patients in situations of imminent death where a priest, a deacon, or a minister is not available. In situations where newly-born infants are in danger of death, including those miscarried and aborted who are alive, the nurses are asked to baptize, provided that they do so according to the intention of the Church and that water is poured on the head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”(cf.,CCC,1284).16 When a Catholic who has been baptized but not yet confirmed is in danger of death, any priest may confirm the person.”17 When Baptism or Confirmation occurs, Pastoral Care must be informed for Church records. Nurses as Eucharistic Ministers Bringing the Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist to the sick is a wonderful way for nurses to relate with their patients. Providing the Eucharist, otherwise unavailable, praying together, and speaking about The Divine Mercy message are means of stirring up in their patients’ trust in God’s will. When a priest, deacon, or Eucharistic Minister brings Holy Communion to a patient, nurses likewise can receive Holy Communion when they are involved in taking care of the sick: “The elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them can receive the Most Holy Eucharist even if they have eaten something within the preceding hour.” 18 Speak about God’s Mercy with Patients It is very easy to fritter away an opportunity to share The Divine Mercy message if you do not actively look for ways to share it. At some point in the conversation, gently try to move the subject to God. By wearing 69
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