Baptism
100.
What
is Baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament that gives our souls the new life of
sanctifying grace by which we become children of God and heirs of
heaven.
Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and
the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
101.
What
sins does Baptism take away?
Baptism takes away original sin; and also actual sin and all the
punishment due to them, if the person baptized be guilty of any
actual sins and truly sorry for them.
Get
up and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.
(Acts 22:16)
102.
What
are the effects of the character imprinted on the soul by Baptism?
The
effects of the character imprinted on the soul by Baptism are that
we become members of the Church, subject to its laws, and capable of
receiving other sacraments.
103.
Who
can administer Baptism?
The
deacon, priest or bishop is the usual minister of Baptism, but if
there is danger that someone will die without Baptism, anyone else
may and should baptize.
104.
How
would you give Baptism?
I
would give Baptism by pouring ordinary water on the forehead of the
person to be baptized, saying while pouring it: "I baptize thee in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
105.
Why
is Baptism necessary for the salvation of all?
Baptism is necessary for the salvation of all because Christ has
said: "Unless a man be born again of water and the spirit, he cannot
enter into the kingdom of God."
Now
they who received his word were baptized, and there were added that
day about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)
106.
How
can those be saved who through no fault of their own have not
received the sacrament of Baptism?
Those who through no fault of their own have not received the
sacrament of Baptism can be saved through what is called baptism of
blood or baptism of desire.
107.
How
does an unbaptized person receive the baptism of blood?
An
unbaptized person receives the baptism of blood when he suffers
martyrdom for the faith of Christ.
Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for
his friends. (John 15:13)
108.
How
does an unbaptized person receive the baptism of desire?
An
unbaptized person receives the baptism of desire when they love God
above all things and desires to do all that is necessary for
salvation.
If
anyone love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)
109.
When
should children be baptized?
Children should be baptized as soon as possible after birth.
110.
What
do we promise through our godparents in Baptism?
We promise through our godparents in Baptism to renounce the devil
and to live according to the teachings of Christ and of His Church.
111.
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.
112.
What
is the duty of a godparent after Baptism?
The duty of a godparent after Baptism is to see that the child is
brought up a good Catholic, if this is not done by the parents.
113.
Who
should be chosen as godparents for Baptism?
Usually
Catholics who know their faith and live up to the duties of their
religion should be chosen as godparents for Baptism.