Course 2, Chapter 34: Of union with our Lord, the new Adam, by Communion. — Of Baptism

1. How many sacraments are there?

There are seven sacraments; baptism, confirmation, holy eucharist, penance, extreme unction, holy orders and matrimony; our Lord has instituted seven sacraments, because they are necessary for our spiritual life.

2. How so?

Baptism causes us to be born in Jesus Christ; confirmation fortifies us; the eucharist nourishes us; penance heals us; extreme unction renews our strength at the hour of death; holy orders perpetuate the ministers of the sacraments, and matrimony perpetuates the faithful who are to receive them.*

3. What is baptism?

Baptism is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ to remit original sin, and to make u° children of God and of the church.

4. What is the matter of the sacrament of baptism?

The matter of the sacrament of baptism is water; sea water, river water, marsh water, every kind of natural water.

5. What is the form of the sacrament of baptism?

The form of the sacrament of baptism are the words which the priest pronounces whilst pouring the

water on the head of the person baptized. They are: / baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. These words must be pronounced, not before or after the pouring, but whilst the water is poured, and by him who pours it.

6. In how many ways can baptism be given?

Baptism can be given in three different ways; by immersion, by infusion, and by aspersion.

7. How many kinds of baptism are there?

We distinguish three kinds of baptism; the baptism of water, which is the sacrament of baptism; the baptism of blood, which is martyrdom; and the baptism of fire, which is the desire to receive baptism. The second and third are not sacraments; but they supply the place of baptism when it cannot be received.

8. Who are the ministers of the sacrament of baptism?

The ministers of the sacrament of baptism are bishops and priests. In case of necessity, any person can baptize; but without the ceremonies. For this reason, every person should know how to baptize.

9. When did our Lord institute baptism?

Our Lord instituted baptism when he himself was baptized by St. John in the Jordan.

10. When did it become obligatory to receive baptism in order to be saved?

It became obligatory to receive baptism in order to be saved when our Lord said to his apostles: Go teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

11. Is it obligatory to baptize children as soon as they are born?

Yes, it is obligatory to baptize children as soon as they are born; with good reason does the church command it.

12. What are the obligations of god-fathers and god-mothers?

210 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

A. God-fathers and crod-mothers are obliged to set that their god-children faithfully fulfil the promises o) baptism.

13. What are the effects of baptism?

1st, baptism effaces original sin, and actual sin, if we are guilty of any previous to our baptism; 2d, it remits all the punishment due to sin; 3d, it makes us children of God and heirs of heaven; 4th, it makes us children of the church, and gives us a right to all her goods; 5th, it imprints up >n our soul an indelible character, which distinguishes us from those who are not Christians.

14. What are the obligations of baptism?

Baptism obliges us, 1st, to remain always at tached to Jesus Christ; 2d, to continue in union with the church; 3d, to renounce whatever is contrary to the life which, as children of God, we are bound to lead.

15. Why is baptism the most necessary of all the sacraments?

Baptism is the most necessary of all the sacra ments because it is impossible to be saved without it.