Unit 1: Lesson 11

The Need for and the Effects of the 

Sacrament of Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is essential for salvation and is the ordinary means of salvation.

Catechism Connections:

CCC 1257-1274

Lesson Topics:

Sacraments of Initiation

Sacrament Signs

Effects

Symbols

LESSON VOCABULARY:

Baptism of Blood: 

If a person dies for his belief in God and His Church without having been baptized, he will receive the graces of Baptism because of his death for Christ. (1281)

Baptism of Desire: 

A Catechumen, or a person who is preparing to be baptized, who dies before receiving Baptism is assured salvation through his or her desire for Baptism, repentance for sin, and charity. The Church also teaches that those who die without knowing about the Gospel of Christ and of His Church but who did God’s will according to their understanding of it can be saved, because it can be supposed that they would have desired Baptism if they had known it was necessary. (1281)