Chapter II — On Baptism

§ 1. Nature and effects of Baptism

1. What is the sacrament of Baptism?

Baptism is the sacrament by which we are born again to the grace of God and become Christians.

2. What are the effects of the sacrament of Baptism?

The sacrament of Baptism confers the first sanctifying grace, by which original sin is wiped away, and also actual sin if there be any; it remits all the punishment due for them; it imprints the character of Christians; makes us children of God, members of the Church, and heirs of heaven, and renders us capable of receiving the other sacraments.

3. What is the matter of Baptism?

The matter of Baptism is natural water, which is poured on the head of the one being baptized in such quantity that it flows.

4. What is the form of Baptism?

The form of Baptism is this: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

§ 2. Minister of Baptism

5. To whom does it belong to give Baptism?

The giving of Baptism belongs by right to Bishops and parish priests; but, in case of necessity, any person can give it, whether man or woman, even a heretic or an infidel, provided he performs the rite of Baptism and has the intention to do what the Church does.

6. If there were need to baptize a person who is in danger of death, and many were present, who should give the Baptism?

If there were need to baptize a person in danger of death, and many were present, the priest should baptize him, if there were one; and in his absence, an ecclesiastic of an inferior order; and in the absence of such, a layman in preference to a woman, unless indeed the greater skill of the woman, or decency, should require otherwise.

7. What intention must one have who baptizes?

One who baptizes must have the intention to do what the holy Church does in baptizing.

§ 3. Rite of Baptism and dispositions of one who receives it as an adult

8. How is Baptism given?

Baptism is given by pouring water on the head of the one to be baptized, and, if not on the head, on some other principal part of the body, and saying at the same time: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

9. If one were to pour the water, and another to pronounce the words, would the person be baptized?

If one were to pour the water and another to pronounce the words, the person would not be baptized; but it is necessary that the same person both pour the water and pronounce the words.

10. When it is doubtful whether the person is dead, must one omit to baptize him?

When it is doubtful whether the person is dead, one must baptize him under condition, saying: "If thou art alive, I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

11. When must children be brought to the church to be baptized?

Children must be brought to the church to be baptized as soon as possible.

12. Why must such great care be taken to have children receive Baptism?

The greatest care must be taken to have children baptized, because, by reason of their tender age, they are exposed to many dangers of dying, and they cannot be saved without Baptism.

13. Do fathers and mothers, then, who through their negligence let their children die without Baptism, or defer it, sin?

Yes, fathers and mothers who through their negligence let their children die without Baptism sin gravely, because they deprive their children of eternal life; and they also sin gravely by long deferring Baptism, because they expose them to the danger of dying without having received it.

14. When one who is being baptized is an adult, what dispositions must he have?

The adult who is being baptized must, besides faith, have at least imperfect sorrow for the mortal sins he may have committed.

15. If an adult were to be baptized in mortal sin without this sorrow, what would he receive?

If an adult were baptized in mortal sin without this sorrow, he would receive the character of Baptism, but not the forgiveness of sins, nor sanctifying grace. And these effects would remain suspended until the impediment were removed by perfect sorrow for sins, or by the sacrament of Penance.

§ 4. Necessity of Baptism and duties of the baptized

16. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?

Baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation, the Lord having expressly said: "He who is not born again of water and the Holy Spirit cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."

17. Can the lack of Baptism be supplied in any way?

The lack of the sacrament of Baptism can be supplied by martyrdom, which is called Baptism of blood, or by an act of perfect love of God or of contrition, joined with the desire, at least implicit, of Baptism; and this is called Baptism of desire.

18. To what is one who receives Baptism bound?

One who receives Baptism is bound always to profess the faith, and to observe the law of Jesus Christ and of His Church.

19. What is renounced in receiving holy Baptism?

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

20. What is meant by the works or the pomps of the devil?

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

§ 5. Name and Godparents

21. Why is the name of a Saint given to the one being baptized?

The name of a Saint is given to the one being baptized in order to place him under the special protection of a heavenly patron and to encourage him to imitate his examples.

22. Who are the godfathers and godmothers of Baptism?

The godfathers and godmothers of Baptism are those persons who, by the disposition of the Church, hold the children at the sacred font, respond in their stead, and make themselves guarantors before God of their Christian education, especially should the parents fail in it.

23. Are we obliged to abide by those promises and renunciations which our godparents made for us?

We are obliged without doubt to abide by the promises and renunciations which our godparents made for us, because God has received us into His grace only on these conditions.

24. What persons must be chosen as godfathers and godmothers?

As godfathers and godmothers must be chosen Catholic persons, of good morals, and obedient to the laws of the Church.

25. What are the obligations of godfathers and godmothers?

Godfathers and godmothers are obliged to see that their spiritual children are instructed in the truths of the faith, and live as good Christians, edifying them by good example.

26. What bond do the godparents of Baptism contract?

Godparents contract a spiritual kinship with the baptized and with his parents, which gives rise to an impediment of marriage with the same.