Part III, Section I, Chapter II — Baptism

290. What is Baptism?

Baptism is the sacrament that makes us Christians, that is, followers of Jesus Christ, children of God, and members of the Church.

291. What is the matter of Baptism?

The matter of Baptism is natural water.

292. What is the form of Baptism?

The form of Baptism is the words: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

293. Who is the minister of Baptism?

The minister of Baptism is ordinarily the priest; but in case of necessity it can be anyone, even a heretic or an unbeliever, provided he has the intention of doing what the Church does.

294. How is Baptism given?

Baptism is given by pouring water on the head of the one being baptized while pronouncing at the same time the words of the form.

295. What effects does Baptism produce?

Baptism confers the first sanctifying grace and the supernatural virtues, taking away original sin and any actual sins, with every debt of punishment due for them; it imprints the character of a Christian and makes one capable of receiving the other sacraments.

296. Does Baptism transform man?

Baptism transforms man in the spirit and causes him, as it were, to be reborn, making him a new man; for this reason a fitting name is then given to him, that of a Saint who is to be his example and protector in his life as a Christian.

297. To what does one who receives Baptism bind himself?

One who receives Baptism, becoming a Christian, binds himself to profess the Faith and to observe the Law of Jesus Christ; and therefore he renounces whatever is opposed to them.

298. What does one renounce in receiving Baptism?

In receiving Baptism, one renounces the devil, his works, and his pomps.

299. What is meant by the works and pomps of the devil?

By the works and pomps of the devil are meant sins, the vanities of the world, and its perverse maxims, contrary to the Gospel.

300. How do children renounce the devil at Baptism?

Children at Baptism renounce the devil through their godparents.

301. Who are the godparents at Baptism?

The godparents at Baptism are those who present the one to be baptized to the Church, answer in his name if he is a child, and undertake, as spiritual parents, the care of his Christian upbringing should the parents fail in it; and for this reason they must be good Christians.

302. Are we bound to keep the promises and renunciations made by our godparents in our name at Baptism?

We are bound to keep the promises and renunciations made by our godparents in our name at Baptism, because they impose on us only what God imposes on all, and what we ourselves would have to promise in order to be saved.

303. When must parents, or those who take their place, send the child to be baptized?

Parents, or those who take their place, must send the child to be baptized no later than eight or ten days; indeed, it is fitting to secure for him grace and eternal happiness at once, since he might very easily die.