The Sacrament of Baptism: Vocabulary from the Catechism of the Council of Trent

A set of 35 vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, ministers, sponsors, effects, and ceremonies of the Sacrament of Baptism as presented in the Catechism of the Council of Trent.

Baptism

"The Sacrament of regeneration by water in the word": the sacrament by which we are washed from sin and reborn as children of God and members of Christ.

Regeneration

Spiritual rebirth. By Baptism we are "regenerated in Christ," born again to a new life of grace, just as by natural birth we are born to life in the flesh.

Matter

The physical element of a sacrament. The matter of Baptism is "any sort of natural water," whether from the sea, a river, a well, or a spring.

Form

The words that, joined to the matter, make the sacrament: "I baptise thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The text says "name," not "names," because the three Persons share one divine nature.

Ablution

The washing with water. Baptism is not the water itself but the ablution joined to the sacred words: "the word is joined to the element, and it becomes a Sacrament."

Immersion

Administering Baptism by plunging the person into the water.

Infusion

Administering Baptism by pouring water over the person; the usual method. The head is the principal place of the washing.

Aspersion

Administering Baptism by sprinkling water on the person.

Chrism

Consecrated oil of olive and balsam. It is added in solemn Baptism because it "more fully signifies the effect of Baptism," and the newly baptized is anointed with it on the crown of the head.

Ordinary minister

Those who baptize "by right of office": bishops and priests. (Today the Church also counts deacons as ordinary ministers.)

Extraordinary minister

In the Catechism of Trent, a deacon, who could baptize solemnly only with the permission of a bishop or priest.

Minister in case of necessity

When death threatens, anyone may baptize, layman or woman, even an unbeliever, provided he uses the right matter and form and intends "to do what the Catholic Church does."

Intention

The will to do what the Church does. It is required of the minister for the sacrament to be valid, and an adult receiving Baptism must also intend to receive it.

Sponsors (godparents)

Those who present the person for Baptism, formerly called "receivers" or "sureties," now godfathers and godmothers. They take on a lasting duty to instruct the child and see that he lives what they promised in his name. The Church allows one godfather, one godmother, or one of each.

Spiritual affinity

A spiritual relationship formed between the baptized and the minister and sponsors. In the Catechism of Trent it was an impediment that made marriage between them invalid. (This impediment no longer exists in current canon law.)

Catechumen

An adult preparing for Baptism who spends a period of time being instructed in the Faith and tested in a Christian way of life.

Original sin

The sin inherited from Adam, contracted "by the generation of the flesh." Baptism takes it away completely.

Actual sin

Personal sin committed by one's own free choice. In an adult, Baptism forgives all actual sins committed before Baptism, however great.

Remission of punishment

Baptism removes not only sin but all the punishment due to sin before God, though it does not free a person from penalties imposed by civil law.

Works of satisfaction

Penances performed to make up for sin. They are not to be imposed on the newly baptized, since Baptism has already removed all punishment due to sin.

Concupiscence

The inclination to sin, or "fuel of sin," that remains after Baptism as a result of original sin. It is not itself sin, but it is a struggle that the baptized must resist with God's help.

Grace

Sanctifying grace: "a divine quality inherent in the soul," like "a brilliant light," that makes the soul holy and pleasing to God. Baptism pours it into the soul.

Infused virtues

Virtues, above all faith, hope, and charity, that God pours into the soul together with grace at Baptism.

Incorporation with Christ

Through Baptism the believer is united to Christ "as members to their Head" and becomes part of His Body, the Church.

Sacramental character

The spiritual seal or mark that Baptism impresses on the soul, one "that can never be effaced." Because of it, Baptism can never be repeated.

Conditional baptism

Baptism given only when there is real doubt whether a person was already validly baptized, using the words "If thou art not yet baptised, I baptise thee…" Giving it without careful inquiry is a sacrilege.

Exorcism

Sacred prayers and words "used to expel the devil, to weaken and crush his power," said over the person before Baptism.

Blessed salt

Salt placed in the mouth, signifying freedom from "the corruption of sin" and a "relish for good works." (This rite is no longer part of the current rite of Baptism.)

Sign of the cross

The cross traced on the forehead, eyes, breast, shoulders, and ears, so that "the senses of the person baptised are opened and strengthened."

Spittle (saliva rite)

The priest touches the nostrils and ears with saliva, imitating Christ's healing of the blind man, to signify that "a light is let in on the mind." (Today this is the Ephphatha rite, done by touch.)

Renunciation of Satan

The threefold promise made at the font: "Dost thou renounce Satan, and all his works, and all his pomps?"

Profession of faith

The person, or the sponsors for an infant, professes belief in the articles of the Creed before being baptized.

White garment

A white robe or cloth given after Baptism with the words, "Receive this white garment, which mayest thou carry unstained"; it symbolizes the innocence of the soul and the glory of the resurrection.

Lighted candle

A burning candle given to the newly baptized, signifying the faith "inflamed by charity" received in Baptism, which must be "fed and augmented by the exercise of good works."

Baptismal name

The name given at Baptism, taken from a saint, so that the baptized may imitate the saint's holiness and ask for the saint's intercession.