Fr Z: Can a traditional rite of baptism be in English?

From a priest reader:

Please excuse my sending this request to you, but I have not been able to find an answer to my questions.
A couple have asked me to baptize their soon-to-be-born child, using the EF of Baptism.  I am happy to do so.  To wit, my questions;
1. May the rite be performed in English?
2. Do you know where booklets for the congregation may be purchased?

Yes, much of the older, traditional form of the Latin Church’s rite of baptism can be done in English, which is useful and disarming for some people in attendance.  However, when permission was given way back when for some vernacular languages to be used for baptism, certain parts had to be in Latin.  For example, the exorcisms and blessings of salt and water must be in Latin, the exorcism of the one to be baptized, the form of the sacrament, the anointing must be in Latin.

Books such as the Collectio Rituum have this laid out very clearly so that you know which parts can be English and which must be Latin, and also provide the English even of the part that must be in Latin.

There are booklets for the participants in the rite published by Angelus Press.
I think you will be edified by the older, traditional form of baptism which is moving and powerful and richer in its symbols.  Thanks to the provisions of Summorum Pontificum priests can use the older Rituale Romanum for this foundational sacrament.

Fr Z

AWESOME!  As you may know we don't currently have traditional sacraments available beyond the Mass.  We will see if there's still time to get this together in time for number 3.