Choose a topic from Part 3a:

71. Preparation for Baptism

1. Instruction is to precede baptism, for our Lord said(Matt. 28:19): "Going therefore, teach ye all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and ofthe Holy Ghost." Infants who are incapable of receivingpersonal instruction, are baptized in the faith of theChurch. Yet the sponsor for an infant promises to use his bestefforts to see that the child will be duly instructed.

2. Exorcism, which is the casting out of evil spirits,should precede baptism. For the devil is the enemy of man'ssalvation, and he has a certain power over man in the fact that manis subject to sin.

3. The exorcism casts out demons lest they impede thesalvation of the person baptized. In the ritual employed by theChurch for solemn baptism, this exorcism is prescribed.

4. It is the work of priests to instruct and exorcisethose preparing for baptism, and afterwards to baptize them.

"A tree that is cultivated and guarded through the care of its owner produces its fruit at the expected time. "
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel."
Thomas á Kempis

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"Whoever wants to stand alone without the support of a master and guide will be like the tree that stands alone in a field without a proprietor. No matter how much the tree bears, passers-by will pick the fruit before it ripens. "
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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