Do Catholics have a "profession of faith" in Jesus Christ before baptism? I was looking through one of the older catechism books and I seem to recall it mentioning that a profession of faith in Jesus generally precedes a baptism.  Is this true?
Do Catholics have a “profession of faith” in Jesus Christ before baptism in older catechisms?

The short answer is yes.

The Baltimore Catechism states:


  Q. 647. What are the chief ceremonies used in solemn baptism, and what do they signify?
  
  A. The chief ceremonies used in solemn baptism are:
  
  
  A profession of faith and renouncement of the devil to signify our worthiness;
  The placing of salt in the mouth to signify the wisdom imparted by faith;
  The holding of the priest's stole to signify our reception into the Church;
  The anointing to signify the strength given by the Sacrament;
  The giving of the white garment or cloth to signify our sinless state after baptism; and
  The giving of the lighted candle to signify the light of faith and fire of love that should dwell in our souls.