Baptism

Question 152

What is Baptism?

Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven.

Question 153

Are actual sins ever remitted by Baptism?

Actual sins and all the punishment due to them are remitted by Baptism, if the person baptized be guilty of any.

Question 154

Is Baptism necessary to salvation?

Baptism is necessary to salvation, because without it we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Question 155

Who can administer Baptism?

The priest is the ordinary minister of Baptism; but in case of necessity any one who has the use of reason may baptize.

Question 156

How is Baptism given?

Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to be baptized, and say, while pouring the water: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Question 157

How many kinds of Baptism are there?

There are three kinds of Baptism: Baptism of water, of desire, and of blood.

Question 158

What is Baptism of water?

Baptism of water is that which is given by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptized, and saying at the same time: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Question 159

What is Baptism of desire?

Baptism of desire is an ardent wish to receive Baptism, and to do all that God has ordained for our salvation.

Question 160

What is Baptism of blood?

Baptism of blood is the shedding of one's blood for the faith of Christ.

Question 161

Is Baptism of desire or of blood sufficient to produce the effects of Baptism of water?

Baptism of desire or of blood is sufficient to produce the effects of the Baptism of water, if it is impossible to receive the Baptism of water.

Question 162

What do we promise in Baptism?

In Baptism we promise to renounce the devil with all his works and pomps.

Question 163

Why is the name of a saint given in Baptism?

The name of a saint is given in Baptism in order that the person baptized may imitate his virtues and have him for a protector.

Question 164

Why are godfathers and godmothers given in Baptism?

Godfathers and godmothers are given in Baptism in order that they may promise, in the name of the child, what the child itself would promise if it had the use of reason.

Question 165

What is the obligation of a godfather and a godmother?

The obligation of a godfather and a godmother is to instruct the child in its religious duties, if the parents neglect to do so or die.

New life and the scope of God's mercy

Questions 152, 153, 154, 157, 159, 160, 161

The opening answers describe forgiveness and adoption into God's family. The later answers themselves explain why the statement about necessity cannot be read as a simple claim that every person without water baptism is condemned. Catechism 1257–1261 discusses desire, martyrdom, those who do not know the Gospel, and hope for children who die unbaptized. It distinguishes the sacrament from receiving its fruits through desire or blood. God gives salvation through the sacraments without being confined by them.

Water and the Trinitarian words

Questions 155, 156, 158

The source describes water and baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Read Matthew's commission alongside this answer. The older description names the priest as ordinary minister; the current Catechism also names bishops and, in the Latin Church, deacons. In necessity anyone with the required intention may baptize. This distinction between ordinary ministry and necessity prevents an exceptional provision from being mistaken for the normal way a parish prepares and celebrates baptism.

Renunciation and a pattern of life

Questions 162, 163

Renouncing evil is the beginning of a continuing commitment. The old word pomps refers here to the attractions associated with evil, not to a rule against every celebration or beautiful object. A saint's name supplies an example of Christian life and a focus of intercession. Learning that person's actual story is more useful than treating the name as a charm. Ask which virtue in the biography could become a concrete practice.

Parents, sponsors, and growth

Questions 164, 165

The lesson describes godparents speaking on behalf of a child and helping with religious formation. That role involves more than appearing in a photograph or giving a present. Its stated purpose is to support the child's learning and practice of faith. When reading these answers, distinguish the child's inability to speak from the community's responsibility to nurture a life that will grow into personal understanding and response.

Matthew 28:16–20

The commission joins baptism in the Trinitarian name with teaching and discipleship.

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Romans 6:1–11

Paul presents baptism as participation in Christ's death and new life.

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Acts 8:26–39

The Ethiopian's encounter with Philip places baptism beside Scripture, instruction, and faith.

26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.