punishment, as in Baptism, in which grace
is conferred more copiously.
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QUESTION 71

OF THE PREPARATIONS THAT ACCOMPANY BAPTISM
(In Four Articles)

We have now to consider the preparations that accompany Baptism:
concerning which there are four points of inquiry:

(1) Whether catechism should precede Baptism?

(2) Whether exorcism should precede Baptism?

(3) Whether what is done in catechizing and exorcizing, effects
anything, or is a mere sign?

(4) Whether those who are to be baptized should be catechized or
exorcized by priests?
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FIRST ARTICLE [III, Q. 71, Art. 1]

Whether Catechism Should Precede Baptism?

Objection 1: It seems that catechism should not precede Baptism. For
by Baptism men are regenerated unto the spiritual life. But man
begins to live before being taught. Therefore man should not be
catechized, i.e. taught, before being baptized.

Obj. 2: Further, Baptism is given not only to adults, but also to
children, who are not capable of being taught, since they have not
the use of reason. Therefore it is absurd to catechize them.

Obj. 3: Further, a man, when catechized, confesses his faith. Now a
child cannot confess its faith by itself, nor can anyone else in its
stead; both because no one can bind another to do anything; and
because one cannot know whether the child, having come to the right
age, will give its assent to faith. Therefore catechism should not
precede Baptism.

_On the contrary,_ Rabanus says (De Instit. Cleric. i): "Before
Baptism man should be prepared by catechism, in order that the
catechumen may receive the rudiments of faith."

_I answer that,_ As stated above (Q. 70, A. 1), Baptism is the
Sacrament of Faith: since it is a profession of the Christian faith.
Now in order that a man receive the faith, he must be instructed
therein, according to Rom. 10:14: "How shall they believe Him, of
Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a
preacher?" And therefore it is fitting that catechism should precede
Baptism. Hence when our Lord bade His disciples to baptize, He made
teaching to precede Baptism, saying: "Go ye . . . and teach all
nations, baptizing them," etc.

Reply Obj. 1: The life of grace unto which a man is regenerated,
presupposes the life of the rational nature, in which man is capable
of receiving instruction.

Reply Obj. 2: Just as Mother Church, as stated above (Q. 69, A. 6, ad
3), lends chi