cause by Baptism we are united with Christ and incorporated into His Church.
'There is now, therefore, no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus' (Rom. viii. 1).
12. When did Christ give the commandment to baptize?
Before His Ascension, when He said to His Apostles: ' Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost' (Matt, xxviii. 19).
13. Who can validly baptize?
Any person; but, except in cases of necessity, only priests, who have care of souls, are allowed to baptize.
14. Is the Baptism given by non-Catholics also valid?
Yes; it is valid, if they strictly observe in it all that is necessary for Baptism.
When heretics are converted, if it is found, after diligent examination, either that Baptism had not been conferred at all, or else conferred improperly, they must be baptized. If, upon investigation, there remains a reasonable doubt of the validity of their former Baptism, they must be baptized conditionally. If the former Baptism was valid they are not to be baptized again. There are three ways, therefore, of receiving converts into the Church.
I. If Baptism is conferred absolutely, neither abjuration nor absolution follows, since all the past is wiped out by Baptism.
II. If Baptism is repeated conditionally, the following order is to be observed, 1. The Abjuration, or Profession of Faith. 2. Conditional Baptism. 3. Sacramental Confession.
III. If the former Baptism is held to be valid, the Abjuration or Profession of Faith alone is to be made, followed by Absolution from Censures.
15. What sort of water should be used in Baptism?
Any natural water will do for the validity of Baptism. However, when possible, baptismal water, or water blessed for that purpose, should be used.
16. What intention must he have who baptizes?
He must have the intention to baptize indeed — that
