CATECHISM

Q. What is Baptism?
A. Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of
God, and members of the Church.
Baptism. This word means a washing. Baptism is the most necessary of all the
Sacraments, as without it we cannot be saved or receive any of the others; it is the
beginning of our spiritual life. There are three kinds of Baptism
1. Baptism of water, which is the Sacrament;
2. Baptism of desire;
3. Baptism of blood, or martyrdom.
A person may be baptised when there is a doubt about a former Baptism. The words, ‘If
thou art not already baptised’, are added to the usual form. This is called Conditional
Baptism.
Outward sign. The matter is water blessed on Holy Saturday and is applied in three ways
1. by immersion, or being dipped in the water;
2. effusion, of having the water poured on the person;
3. aspersion, or being sprinkled with the water.
Baptism by effusion is the mode chiefly in use, The form consists of the words, ‘I baptise’,
etc.
Effects. Cleanses the soul from original sin, and actual sin, if any: remits both the
temporal and eternal punishment; gives habitual or sanctifying grace.
Institution. When instituted, not quite certain; but became of obligation after the
Resurrection, when our Lord said to His Apostles, ‘Going therefore, teach ye all nations;
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’, (Matt.
28:19)
Minister. A priest; in case of necessity, any other person.
Christians. Followers of Christ. At Antioch, in Syria, the disciples were first named
Christians. (Acts 11:26)
 
Q. Does Baptism also forgive actual sins?
A. Baptism also forgives actual sins, with all punishment due to them, when it is received in
proper disposition by those who have been guilty of actual sin.

Q. Who is the ordinary minister of Baptism?
A. The ordinary minister of Baptism is a Bishop, a priest or a deacon; in case of necessity such as
danger of death, any one may baptise.
Case of necessity. When the person would most likely die before a priest could attend.

Q. How is Baptism given?
A. Baptism is given by pouring water on the head of the child, saying at the same time these
words: ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’.

Q. What do we promise in Baptism?
A. We promise in Baptism to renounce the devil and all his works and pomps.
To renounce. To reject, to give up.
Works and pomps. The temptations of the devil to make us commit sin.

Q. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
A. Baptism is necessary for salvation, because Christ has said: ‘Unless a man be born again of
water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God’. John 3:5