Pius X Catechism – The Rite of Baptism and the Disposition of the Adult who Receives It

Location: The Sacraments > Baptism > The Rite of Baptism and the Disposition of the Adult who Receives It

Q1: How is Baptism given?

A1: Baptism is given by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptised – and if it cannot be poured on the head, then on some other principal part of the body – saying at the same time: ‘I baptise thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.’

Q2: If one were to pour the water and another to pronounce the words would the person be baptised?

A2: If one poured the water and another said the words the person would not be baptised; because it is necessary that the person who pours the water should pronounce the words.

Q3: When in doubt whether the person is dead, is it right to omit baptising him?

A3: When in doubt whether the person is dead, he should be baptised conditionally, saying: ‘If thou art alive I baptise thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.’

Q4: When should infants be brought to the Church to be baptised?

A4: Infants should be brought to the Church to be baptised as soon as possible.

Q5: Why such anxiety to have infants receive Baptism?

A5: There should be the greatest anxiety to have infants baptised because, on account of their tender age, they are exposed to many dangers of death, and cannot be saved without Baptism.

Q6: Do parents sin, then, who, through negligence, allow their children to die without Baptism, or who defer it?

A6: Yes, fathers and mothers who, through negligence, allow their children to die without Baptism sin grievously, because they deprive their children of eternal life; and they also sin grievously by putting off Baptism for a long time, because they expose them to danger of dying without having received it.

Q7: When the person who is being baptised is an adult, what dispositions should he have?

A7: An adult who is being baptised, besides faith, should have at least imperfect contrition for the mortal sins he may have committed.

Q8: If an adult in mortal sin was baptised without such sorrow, what would he receive?

A8: If an adult was baptised in mortal sin without such sorrow he would receive the character of Baptism, but not the remission of his sins nor sanctifying grace. And these two effects would be suspended, until the obstacle is removed by perfect contrition or by the sacrament of Penance.