Lesson Thirteenth of the Baltimore Catechism No. 2 introduced us to the sacraments. Now, we begin to examine each sacrament, beginning with the first: Baptism.
Baptism is the door to all the other sacraments; it is our entrance into the Christian life. Baptism removes the stain of sin, both original and actual, so that we can enter Heaven, if we live holy lives. While baptism of water is the most common, baptism of blood (martyrdom) and of desire have the same effect.
The questions are numbered consecutively with Lesson Thirteenth. For more information and links to other resources, click on each question below.
A. Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven.
A. Actual sins and all the punishment due to them are remitted by Baptism, if the person baptized be guilty of any.
A. Baptism is necessary to salvation, because without it we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.
A. The priest is the ordinary minister of Baptism; but in case of necessity any one who has the use of reason may baptize.
A. Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to be baptized, and say, while pouring the water: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
A. There are three kinds of Baptism: Baptism of water, of desire, and of blood.
A. Baptism of water is that which is given by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptized, and saying at the same time: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
A. Baptism of desire is an ardent wish to receive Baptism, and to do all that God has ordained for our salvation.
A. Baptism of blood is the shedding of one's blood for the faith of Christ.
A. Baptism of desire or of blood is sufficient to produce the effects of the Baptism of water, if it is impossible to receive the Baptism of water.
