Q. 1. What does baptism by ablution mean? I never heard this term before.

A. 1. "Ablution" comes from the Latin word "ablutio" which means washing away or cleansing. It refers to a spiritual cleaning.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the Sacrament of Baptism, which consists of pouring water over the person's head, is called the Sacrament of Baptism by ablution because it washes away the original sin and all the sins committed since birth, if applicable.

Ablution is not limited to the Sacrament of Baptism. There are a number of instances where ablution applies. You find it in the ritual washing of the thumbs and index fingers of the celebrant at Mass; the cleansing of the chalice used during Mass and during the washing of feet in the Holy Thursday ceremony.