From the Code of Canon Law;  
864 §2. An adult in danger of death can be baptized if, having some knowledge of the principal truths of the faith, the person has manifested in any way at all the intention to receive baptism and promises to observe the commandments of the Christian religion.

868 §2. An infant of Catholic parents or even of non-Catholic parents is baptized licitly in danger of death even against the will of the parents.

Can.  869 §1. If there is a doubt whether a person has been baptized or whether baptism was conferred validly and the doubt remains after a serious investigation, baptism is to be conferred conditionally.

§2. Those baptized in a non-Catholic ecclesial community must not be baptized conditionally unless, after an examination of the matter and the form of the words used in the conferral of baptism and a consideration of the intention of the baptized adult and the minister of the baptism, a serious reason exists to doubt the validity of the baptism.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2X.HTM

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If the case is known, and the dying adult manifestly did not want any baptism, then when he is comatose or unconscious, it would not be advisable.  HOWEVER, if there is any chance that he might have changed his mind, or, if a family member deeply desires to give the dying person every chance possible, or, if the dying person's disposition toward being baptized is not clearly known, or any other such circuмstance, there should not be any reason to forbid a CONDITIONAL Baptism.  

The conditional baptism could be given with the intention that in the off chance that this dying person for whatever reason, at this time, wishes to be baptized, then, let this baptism be for that purpose, but if he does NOT want to be baptized, even given that we do not know this to be the case, then let this baptism be not effective.  

And put the whole case into the hands of God, Who knows all things.

The form could be,  "I conditionally baptize thee (insert name), in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,"  making sure water is moving over the skin during mention of each of the three persons.

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There was a quote from the Catechism of Trent on the other thread here that says no.

Everything is pointing out that there must be an express will for the Baptism to be valid.

Pope Innocent III in Ex Parte Tua, 1206 writes:

The sleeping and the weak-minded, if before they incurred weakmindedness or before they went to sleep persisted in contradiction.......They do not receive the sign of the Sacrament.

Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma:

6. The Recipient of Baptism

1. Adults:

In the case of adults, an habitual desire at least to receive Baptism is requisite for the valid reception of Baptism. The worthy reception of the Sacrament demands an inner disposition, which must comprehend at least faith and sorrow for sins committed.

It makes sense that God will not save one who has spent their lives rejecting Him simply because you "baptize" them while they are in a state where they cannot make that decision. However, I think you can at least try. You don't lose anything by trying to baptize an unconscious dying Non- Catholic person. What would be the worst that can happen? At worst they get wet and at best they are baptized.

I guess my personal concern would be would we be making a mockery of the sacrament?

Quote from: 2Vermont

Quote from: Cantarella

Everything is pointing out that there must be an express will for the Baptism to be valid.

Pope Innocent III in Ex Parte Tua, 1206 writes:

The sleeping and the weak-minded, if before they incurred weakmindedness or before they went to sleep persisted in contradiction.......They do not receive the sign of the Sacrament.

Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma:

6. The Recipient of Baptism

1. Adults:

In the case of adults, an habitual desire at least to receive Baptism is requisite for the valid reception of Baptism. The worthy reception of the Sacrament demands an inner disposition, which must comprehend at least faith and sorrow for sins committed.

It makes sense that God will not save one who has spent their lives rejecting Him simply because you "baptize" them while they are in a state where they cannot make that decision. However, I think you can at least try. You don't lose anything by trying to baptize an unconscious dying Non- Catholic person. What would be the worst that can happen? At worst they get wet and at best they are baptized.

I guess my personal concern would be would we be making a mockery of the sacrament?

I don't know but I feel that if it is my mother who is dying right before my eyes and I know that she must die a Catholic to get into Heaven, that is precisely what I would do.

Yes, but if making  a mockery of the sacrament actually invalidates it, then it's as if we didn't do it.

I don't know but I feel that if it is my mother who is dying right before my eyes and I know that she must die a Catholic to get into Heaven, that is precisely what I would do.

I realize I may be speaking out of sentimentalism.  :sad: It is just hard to accept the reality that people that are dear to us are undoubtedly damned.

I will ask the question to a priest myself.

Cantarella, have you checked in with your priest about this yet?  If so, what did he say?