[VRWCmember]

The Church’s teaching on the necessity of baptism for salvation has not changed. Christ Himself, after His Resurrection, couldn’t have spoken more clearly about the need for baptism, when He commanded the Apostles to go forth and baptize...

When was the thief on the cross baptized?

[melissa_in_ga]

The thief on the cross, sometimes referred to as “Dismas”, was possibly Jewish, therefore he held to the Old Covenant and was circumscised at 8 days old. However, his true belief in Jesus came to light when he asked to be remembered when Jesus entered his kingdom. This faith alone was enough at that time to ensure his salvation.

[NYer]

When was the thief on the cross baptized?

On the cross ... baptism of desire.

[Carpe Cerevisi]

How do you know the thief on the cross WASN’T baptized?

[Mad Dawg]

The Church’s teaching on the necessity of baptism for salvation has not changed.

The phrase in the catechism is "ordinarily necessary". Instances of salvation without baptism are envisioned.

[the invisib1e hand]

When was the thief on the cross baptized?

The thief on the cross encountered Jesus face to face during His crucifixion. To give some acknowledgment that such a conversion is unusual wouldn't be unreasonable.

Then, of course, there are the rest of us.