Artwork: The Baptism of Constantine, by Gianfrancesco Penni

About

Rubrics are the “how” of rites and Masses.

It would be difficult to list all of the possible rubrics for the rite of baptism, given the number of factors involved. The best place to find rubrics in this case is, of course, the Rituale Romanum.

Philip Weller’s translation of the Rituale provides additional commentary on the rubrics.

Below are links to the two missals mentioned, two classic companion guides, and a link to a more extensive list of published resources on rubrics.

Many finer points of rubrics are discussed on Catholic websites such as Fr. Z’s blog, Musica Sacra’s forums, and New Liturgical Movement.

Rituale Romanum

Catholic Church. Rituale Romanum Pauli V Pontificis Maximi Jussu Editum Et a Benedicto Xiv Auctum Et Castigatum. Cui Novissima Accedit Benedictiorum Et Instructionum Appendix. 1903. https://archive.org/details/ritualeromanum00cath/mode/2up

Weller, Philip T. Roman Ritual. The Bruce Publishing Company, 1964. https://sensusfidelium.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Roman-Rite.pdf

Classic works on rubrics

Fortescue, A. The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described. Oates, 1948.

Heuser, Herman J. “Baptism.” In The Parish Priest on Duty : A Practical Manual for Pastors, Curates, and Theological Students Preparing for the Mission, 14-53: New York : Benziger Brothers, 1904. http://archive.org/details/theparishpriesto00heusuoft

Further reading on rubrics

“Rubrical References.” Romanitas Press, https://www.romanitaspress.com/rubrical-references