1. What does the church teach concerning unbaptized children and limbo?

Limbo is not mentioned directly in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Modern Catholic Encyclopedia describes it as a “theological concept developed to provide a way of discussing the possibility of salvation for those who have not had an experience of Jesus or the Church.

The “limbo of infants” concerns those children who died before being baptized. The existence of limbo is not a dogma (teaching) of the Church. The most common belief today is that the concept of limbo is unnecessary.

“As regards children who have died without Baptism the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for them. …. Jesus’ tenderness toward children which caused him to say: ‘Let the children come to me, do not hinder them,’ allows us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism.” (#1261 Catechism of the Catholic Church)

It is helpful to note that the Lord commands the disciples to proclaim the Gospels to all nations and to baptize them. We believe that “…Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament. …God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments.” (#1257 Catechism of the Catholic Church)

2. Can a person enter Heaven without Baptism?

The understanding that no one can enter heaven without Baptism has caused much turmoil and confusion. Those who have come to recognize Christ and the means of grace laid out in Christ's Church are bound by their own needs to be baptized and come to the Eucharist. However, the universal change brought about by Christ affects the whole of humanity. It is not for us to determine if an unbaptized person who has lived and reflected gospel values is welcomed into Heaven.

3. What does the Church teach about original sin?

“The doctrine of original sin is, so to speak, the ‘reverse side’ of the Good News that Jesus is the Savior of all, … that all need salvation and that salvation is offered to all through Christ.” (# 389 Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Sin is humankind’s estrangement and alienation from God. Jesus in his life, death, resurrection and ascension repairs this estrangement for all people and for all time. Through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) the initiated are configured to Christ in his dying, rising and ascension. Our estrangement from God is overcome in our own person when we celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation.