The Apostolic Mandate for Baptism
One of the key verses that establishes the duty of priests to perform the baptismal rite is the commandment spoken by Christ in the Gospel of Matthew. In this verse, it is stated: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28:19). This passage (Source: link txt) emphasizes that Christ entrusted His disciples not only with disseminating His Word but also with performing the Sacrament of Baptism, passing on this authority and duty to later ministers of the Church.Furthermore, one source points out that "Bishops and priests (Apost. 46, 47) may be the ministers of the Sacrament of Baptism" (Source: link txt). This indicates that it is the clergy, who possess apostolic succession, that are endowed with the right and duty to conduct the baptismal rite, ensuring the integrity and proper execution of the sacrament.Supporting citation(s):"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (source: link txt)"Bishops and priests (Apost. 46, 47) may be the ministers of the Sacrament of Baptism" (source: link txt)