Part Two: The Celebration of the Christian Mysteries › Section Two of Part Two: The Seven Sacraments of the Church ›› CHAPTER 1: The Sacraments of Christian Initiation ››› Article 1: The Sacrament of Baptism

› IN BRIEF

Questions and Answers

1196. How does the council of Florence call Baptism? (CCC 1213) The council of Florence (AD 1438-45) calls Baptism the “gateway to the spiritual life.”
“Gateway to the spiritual life” is in Latin: vitae spiritualis ianua.
1197. How does the Roman Catechism define Baptism? (CCC 1213) The Roman Catechism defines Baptism as the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
The Roman Catechism was issued in 1566 after the Council of Trent (1545-1563).
1198. What is the sacrament of Baptism called in the CCC? (CCC 1214-1216) The sacrament of Baptism is called in the CCC:
1. Baptism
2. renewal by the Holy Spirit
3. enlightenment.
1199. Why is Baptism called “Baptism”? (CCC 1214) Baptism is called “Baptism” after the central rite by which it is carried out and which consists in “immersing” (Greek: baptizein) in the water.
1200. What does immersion in the water during Baptism symbolize? (CCC 1214) Immersion in the water during Baptism symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up as a new creature.
The “catechumen” is a candidate for Baptism.
1201. Why is Baptism called “renewal by the Holy Spirit”? (CCC 1215) Baptism is called “renewal by the Holy Spirit”, because it brings about rebirth in the Holy Spirit, indispensable for entering the kingdom of God.
1202. Why is Baptism called “enlightenment”? (CCC 1216) Baptism is called “enlightenment”, because in it one receives “the true light that enlightens every man” (Jn 1).
1203. What Father sums up many names for Baptism? Where? (CCC 1216) St Gregory of Nazianzus (before AD 400) sums up many names for Baptism in his Oratio 40 on Baptism.
Such names are: gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, bath and seal.
1204. What is the first prefiguration of salvation by Baptism in the Bible? (CCC 1219) The first prefiguration of salvation by Baptism in the Bible is Noah’s ark.
1205. How does Noah’s ark prefigure salvation by Baptism? (CCC 1219) Noah’s ark prefigures of salvation by Baptism, because by it a few were saved through water.
1206. How does water symbolize life and death? (CCC 1220) Water symbolizes:
1. life: when springing up from the earth
2. death: when still and inert.
1207. What are the three main ways the OT prefigures salvation by Baptism? (CCC 1219-1222) The three main ways the Old Testament prefigures salvation by Baptism are:
1. Noah’s ark that survives the flood
2. the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt
3. the crossing of the Jordan River by the People of God entering the Holy Land.
1208. When, where and by whom was Christ baptised? (CCC 1223) Christ was baptised before the beginning of His public life in the Jordan by St John the Baptist.
1209. What mission did Christ give to His apostles after the Resurrection? (CCC 1223) After the Resurrection Christ gave to His apostles the mission to make disciples of all nations, baptising and teaching them (Mt 28).
1210. Why did Christ submit Himself to the baptism of St John? (CCC 1224) Christ submitted Himself to the baptism of St John in order to fulfil all righteousness (Mt 3,15).
1211. Wherein does the Passion symbolize Baptism and the Eucharist? (CCC 1225) The Passion symbolizes Baptism and the Eucharist in the blood (symbol of the Eucharist) and water (symbol of Baptism) that flow from the pierced side of the crucified Christ.
1212. Since when has the Church administered holy Baptism? (CCC 1226) The Church has administered holy Baptism from the very day of Pentecost.
1213. Why does Baptism unite us with Christ’s death? (CCC 1227) Baptism unites us with Christ’s death, because through it our old self is buried with Christ in order to be resurrected to the new life.
1214. What are the three effects of Baptism? (CCC 1227) The three effects of Baptism are that it:
1. purifies
2. justifies
3. sanctifies.
1215. What is St Augustine’s great definition of Baptism and of sacraments in general? (CCC 1228) St Augustine’s († 430) great definition of Baptism and of sacraments in general is: “The word is brought to the material element and it becomes a sacrament.”
In Latin: “Accedit verbum ad elementum et fit sacramentum.”
1216. How was the sacrament of Baptism celebrated in the first centuries? (CCC 1230) The sacrament of Baptism was celebrated in the first centuries after a long period of catechumenate, with preparatory rites that culminated in Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
The “catechumenate” is the time of preparation leading up to Baptism.
1217. What happens to the catechumenate in infant Baptism? (CCC 1231) In infant Baptism the pre-baptismal catechumenate is very abridged and therefore a post-baptismal catechumenate is required.
1218. How is the Christian initiation of adults completed in today’s Church? (CCC 1233) The Christian initiation of adults is completed in today’s Church through:
1. the catechumenate
2. a single celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.
1219. How do East and West differ in the initiation of infants? (CCC 1233) East and West differ in the initiation of infants in this way:
1. in the East infant Baptism is followed immediately by Confirmation and Eucharist
2. in the West infant Baptism is followed by Eucharist and Confirmation, only when the child reaches the age of reason.
1220. What is the most immediate way to understand Baptism? (CCC 1234) The most immediate way to understand Baptism is to look at the rites of its celebration.
1221. What does the sign of the cross at the beginning of Baptism do? (CCC 1235) The sign of the cross at the beginning of Baptism:
1. marks the candidate with the imprint of Christ
2. signifies the grace of the Redemption.
1222. Why is there a reading during Baptism? (CCC 1236) There is a reading during Baptism in order to elicit the response of faith, which is inseparable from Baptism.
1223. Why does Baptism contain exorcisms? (CCC 1237) Baptism contains exorcisms, because it signifies liberation from the Devil and from sin.
1224. What is the pre-baptismal anointing? (CCC 1237) The pre-baptismal anointing is an anointing with the oil of catechumens and a preparation for the reception of faith in Baptism.
The oil of catechumens is an ointment for those preparing for baptism. The bishop blesses it during the Mass of Chrism.
1225. When is the baptismal water consecrated? (CCC 1238) The baptismal water is consecrated either during Baptism or at the Easter Vigil.
1226. What is the essential rite of Baptism? (CCC 1239) The essential rite of Baptism is the triple immersion of the candidate in the baptismal water, or the pouring of water three times over the candidate’s head, accompanied by the baptismal formula.
1227. What is the baptismal formula in the Latin Church? (CCC 1240) The baptismal formula in the Latin Church is: N., I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
“N.” stands for the baptismal name of the candidate.
1228. What is the baptismal formula in the Eastern Church? (CCC 1240) The baptismal formula in the Eastern Church is: “The servant of God, N., is baptised in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
“N.” stands for the baptismal name of the candidate.
1229. What is the post-baptismal anointing in the West? (CCC 1241) The post-baptismal anointing in the West is an anointing with sacred chrism (perfumed oil) signifying the incorporation of the newly-baptised into Christ priest, prophet and king.
1230. What is the post-baptismal anointing in the East? (CCC 1242) The post-baptismal anointing in the East is the sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation).
1231. What does the white baptismal garment mean? (CCC 1243) The white baptismal garment means that the person baptised has put on Christ.
1232. What does the baptismal candle mean? (CCC 1243) The baptismal candle means that the person baptised has been enlightened by Christ.
1233. How is Holy Communion connected to the rite of infant Baptism? (CCC 1244) Holy Communion is connected to the rite of infant Baptism:
1. in the East: by giving Holy Communion to the newly baptised
2. in the West: by having the child brought to the altar when the Our Father is prayed.
1234. How is Baptism concluded? (CCC 1245) Baptism is concluded by:
1. a solemn blessing
2. the blessing of the mother.
1235. Who can receive Baptism? (CCC 1246) Every person not yet baptised can receive Baptism.
1236. What is the catechumenate? (CCC 1248) The catechumenate is the preparation for Baptism that aims at introducing the candidates into the knowledge of the Liturgy and Faith and the practice of a virtuous life.
1237. Why do little children have need of Baptism? (CCC 1250) Little children have need of Baptism, because they are:
1. born with a fallen human nature
2. tainted by original sin.
1238. Where does the New Testament imply the baptism of infants? (CCC 1252) The New Testament implies the baptism of infants when it reports that whole households received baptism (e.g. Acts 16).
1239. What is the task of godfather and godmother? (CCC 1255) The task of godfather and godmother is to help the newly-baptised to grow in faith on the road of Christian life.
1240. Who can baptise as ordinary minister of Baptism? (CCC 1256) The bishop and priest can baptise as ordinary ministers of Baptism.
In the Latin Church the deacon is also considered to be an ordinary minister of Baptism.
1241. Who can baptise in case of necessity? (CCC 1256) In case of necessity anyone with the required intention, even a non-baptised person, can baptise by using water and the Trinitarian baptismal formula.
The “required intention” is to will to do what the Church does when she baptises.
1242. Who is the most important witness for the necessity of Baptism for salvation? (CCC 1257) The most important witness for the necessity of Baptism for salvation is Jesus Christ Himself.
Jn 3:5: “Unless somebody is born out of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
1243. In what sense is Baptism not absolutely necessary for salvation? (CCC 1257) Baptism is not absolutely necessary for salvation in the sense that God Himself is not bound by His sacraments, although He has bound us to them.
Therefore: Baptism is absolutely necessary for man but not absolutely necessary for God.
1244. What are the three types of Baptism? (CCC 1258) The three types of Baptism are:
1. the Baptism of water
2. the Baptism of blood
3. the Baptism of desire.
1245. What is the Baptism of blood? (CCC 1258) The Baptism of blood is a non-sacramental form of Baptism in the case of an un-baptised who suffers death for the sake of the Faith and thus is baptised by his death for and with Christ.
1246. What is the Baptism of desire? (CCC 1259-1260) The Baptism of desire is a non-sacramental form of Baptism that concerns those who die before they can receive Baptism and who may reach salvation through:
1. an explicite or implicte desire to receive Baptism
2. repentance for their sins
3. charity.
1247. What is with the salvation of catechumens who die before receiving Baptism? (CCC 1259) Catechumens who die before receiving Baptism are assured salvation by their explicit desire to receive the sacrament, together with repentance for their sins and charity.
A “catechumen” is a candidate for Baptism.
1248. Can a man ignorant of Christ be saved? (CCC 1260) A man ignorant of Christ but (1) seeking the truth and (2) doing God’s will in accordance with his understanding of it, can be saved.
This teaching is based on a supposition not on an explicite doctrine.
1249. Why is the Church very concerned about little children dying without Baptism? (CCC 1261) The Church is very concerned about little children dying without Baptism, because they cannot desire Baptism and thus the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God.
“Baptism of desire” supposes reason and will, which are not yet operative in little children.
1250. What are the two principal effects of the grace of Baptism? (CCC 1262) The two principal effects of the grace of Baptism are:
1. purification from sin
2. new birth in the Holy Spirit.
1251. What does Baptism forgive? (CCC 1263) Baptism forgives:
1. original sin
2. personal sin
3. all punishment for sin.
1252. What temporal consequences of original sin remain after Baptism? (CCC 1264) The temporal consequences of original sin remaining after Baptism are:
1. the two wounds of the body (suffering, death)
2. the four wounds of the soul (concupiscence, weakness, ignorance, malice).
1253. What is concupiscence? (CCC 1264) Concupiscence is an inclination to sin.
Concupiscence is also called “the tinder for sin” (Latin: fomes peccati).
1254. What grace is conferred by Baptism? (CCC 1265) The grace conferred by Baptism is sanctifying grace.
Sanctifying grace is the gift of His life that God, by the Holy Spirit, infuses into the soul to heal and sanctify it.
1255. What three realities are conferred in Baptism together with sanctifying grace? (CCC 1266) The three realities conferred in Baptism together with sanctifying grace are:
1. the theological virtues
2. the gifts of the Holy Spirit
3. a growth in goodness through the moral virtues.
1256. Into what does Baptism incorporate the baptised? (CCC 1267) Baptism incorporates the baptised into the Church.
1257. How does 1 Pet 2 express the incorporation of the baptised into the Church? (CCC 1268) 1 Pet 2 expresses the incorporation of the baptised into the Church by saying that they have become “living stones” to be “built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood”.
1258. What are the rights of the baptised? (CCC 1269) The rights of the baptised are:
1. to receive the sacraments
2. to be nourished with the Word of God
3. to be sustained by the other spiritual helps of the Church.
1259. What are the duties of the baptised? (CCC 1269-1270) The duties of the baptised are:
1. to obey and submit to the clergy
2. to profess the Faith before the world.
1260. How does Baptism constitute a sacramental bond with non-Catholics? (CCC 1271) Baptism constitutes a sacramental bond with non-Catholics by putting those baptised outside the Church in a certain, though imperfect, communion with her.
1261. How does Baptism irriversibly incorporate into Christ? (CCC 1272) Baptism irriversibly incorporates into Christ by sealing the baptised with an indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ.
1262. Can the spiritual mark of Baptism ever be erased? (CCC 1272) No, the spiritual mark of Baptism cannot be erased forever.
1263. What is the function of the indelible spiritual mark conferred by Baptism? (CCC 1273) The function of the indelible spiritual mark conferred by Baptism is to consecrate the baptised:
1. to participate in the Divine worship
2. to exercise his baptismal priesthood in life.
1264. Why is the indelible spiritual mark of Baptism also called “seal of the Lord”? (CCC 1274) The indelible spiritual mark of Baptism is also called “seal of the Lord” (Latin: Dominicus character), in order to refer to the day of redemption when the Lord comes.