The Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine

Baptism

What is Baptism?: Baptism is a Sacrament which frees us from original sin, makes us children of God, brethren of Christ, and co-heirs with Him of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Does Baptism ever remit actual sin?: Baptism remits actual sin whenever the person baptized is guilty of any.
Is Baptism necessary for Salvation?: Baptism is necessary for Salvation, for Christ says: "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost he shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." - John 3:5
Who can baptize?: Any person, having the use of reason, can baptize.
Who is the ordinary minister of baptism?: The Parish-Priest is the ordinary minister of baptism.
When should a lay person baptize?: A lay person should baptize when there is danger of death before a priest can arrive.
How is baptism given?: Baptism is given by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptized and saying whilst pouring: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,..." - Matthew 28:19
What should be done if a child, that has received private baptism, recovers?: When a child, that has received private baptism, recovers, it should be brought to the Church that the Pastor may supply the canonical Prayers and Exorcisms.
How can the Baptism of Water be supplied?: The Baptism of Water can be supplied by the Baptism of Desire and the Baptism of Blood.
What is the Baptism of Desire?: The Baptism of Desire is the desire of Baptism of Water, which is included in an act of perfect love of God.
What is the Baptism of Blood?: The Baptism of Blood is the shedding of one's blood for Christ's sake, as many of the early martyrs did.
What do we promise in Baptism?: In Baptism we promise,

1) To renounce Satan, all his works and pomps;

2) To be ever faithful to Jesus Christ and His Church.
What are the works and pomps of Satan?: The works and pomps of Satan are sin and its Proximate Occasions.
Why are Sponsors given in Baptism?: Sponsors are given in Baptism,

1) That they may make the necessary promises when a child is baptized;

2) That they may watch over the spiritual welfare of the baptized person.
What impediment to marriage is contracted by Baptism?: By Baptism the impediment of Spiritual Affinity is contracted, which forbids marriage between the sponsors and the person baptizing on the one side, and the person baptized and his parents on the other.
Why is the name of a saint given in Baptism?: The name of a saint is given in Baptism to place the person baptized under the special protection of that saint, and to encourage him to imitate the virtues of that saint.