Q. 647.  What are the chief ceremonies used in solemn baptism, and what do they signify?  A. The chief ceremonies used in solemn baptism are:  (1) A profession of faith and renouncement of the devil to signify our worthiness; (2) The placing of salt in the mouth to signify the wisdom imparted by faith; (3) The holding of the priest’s stole to signify our reception into the Church; (4) The anointing to signify the strength given by the Sacrament; (5) The giving of the white garment or cloth to signify our sinless state after baptism; and (6) The giving of the lighted candle to signify the light of faith and fire of love that should dwell in our souls.

Q. 648.  Should one who, in case of necessity, has been baptized with private baptism, be afterwards brought to the Church to have the ceremonies of solemn baptism completed?  A. One who, in case of necessity, has been baptized with private baptism should afterwards be brought to the Church to have the ceremonies of solemn baptism completed, because these ceremonies are commanded by the Church and bring down blessings upon us.

Q. 649.  Is solemn baptism given with any special kind of water?  A. Solemn baptism is given with consecrated water; that is, water mixed with holy oil and blessed for baptism on Holy Saturday and on the Saturday before Pentecost.  It is always kept in the baptismal font in the baptistry—­a place near the door of the Church set apart for baptism.

Q. 650. {159} What is Baptism of desire?  A. Baptism of desire is an ardent wish to receive Baptism, and to do all that God has ordained for our salvation.

Q. 651. {160} What is Baptism of blood? 
A. Baptism of blood is the shedding of one’s blood for the faith of
Christ.

Q. 652.  What is the baptism of blood most commonly called?  A. The baptism of blood is most commonly called martyrdom, and those who receive it are called martyrs.  It is the death one patiently suffers from the enemies of our religion, rather than give up Catholic faith or virtue.  We must not seek martyrdom, though we must endure it when it comes.

Q. 653. {161} Is Baptism of desire or of blood sufficient to produce the effects of Baptism of water?  A. Baptism of desire or of blood is sufficient to produce the effects of the Baptism of water, if it is impossible to receive the Baptism of water.

Q. 654.  How do we know that the baptism of desire or of blood will save us when it is impossible to receive the baptism of water?  A. We know that baptism of desire or of blood will save us when it is impossible to receive the baptism of water, from Holy Scripture, which teaches that love of God and perfect contrition can secure the remission of sins; and also that Our Lord promises salvation to those who lay down their life for His sake or for His teaching.

Q. 655. {162} What do we promise in Baptism?  A. In Baptism we promise to renounce the devil, with all his works and pomps.