The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism #2

Front 1

1. Who made us?

Back 1

God made us.

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2. Who is God?

Back 2

God is the Supreme Being, infinitely perfect, who made all things and keeps them in existence.

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3. Why did God make us?

Back 3

God made us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness in heaven.

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4. What must we do to gain the happiness of heaven?

Back 4

To gain the happiness of heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this world.

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5. From whom do we learn to know, love, and serve God?

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We learn to know, love, and serve God from Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who teaches us through the Catholic Church.

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6. Where do we find the chief truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church?

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We find the chief truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church in the Apostles' Creed.

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7. Say the Apostles' Creed.

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I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen

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8. What do we mean when we say that God is the Supreme Being?

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When we say that God is the Supreme Being we mean that He is above all creatures, the self-existing and infinitely perfect Spirit.

Hint 8

I am the First, and I am the Last, and besides me there is no God. (Isaiah 44:6)

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9. What is a spirit?

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A spirit is a being that has understanding and free will, but no body, and will never die.

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10. What do we mean when we say that God is self-existing?

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When we say that God is self-existing we mean that He does not owe His existence to any other being.

Hint 10

I am who am. (Exodus 3:14)

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11. What do we mean when we say that God is infinitely perfect?

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When we say that God is infinitely perfect we mean that He has all perfections without limit.

Hint 11

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and of his greatness there is no end. (Psalm 144:3)

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12. What are some of the perfections of God?

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Some of the perfections of God are: God is eternal, all-good, all-knowing, all-present, and almighty.

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13. What do we mean when we say that God is eternal?

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When we say that God is eternal we mean that He always was and always will be, and always remains the same.

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14. What do we mean when we say that God is all-good?

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When we say that God is all-good we mean that He is infinitely lovable in Himself, and that from His fatherly love every good comes to us.

Hint 14

For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done with faithfulness. He loveth mercy and judgment: the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord. (Psalm 32:4-5)

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15. What do we mean when we say that God is all-knowing?

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When we say that God is all-knowing we mean that He knows all things, past, present, and future, even our most secret thoughts, words, and actions.

Hint 15

Behold, O Lord, thou hast known all things, the last and those of old: thou hast formed me, and hast laid thy hand upon me. Thy knowledge is become wonderful to me: it is high, and I cannot reach it. (Psalm 138:5-6)

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16. What do we mean when that God Is all-present?

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When we say that God is all-present we mean that He is everywhere.

Hint 16

Whither may I go from thy spirit, or whither may I flee from they face? (Psalm 138:7)

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17. If God is everywhere, why do we not see Him?

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Although God is everywhere, we do not see Him because He is a spirit and cannot be seen with our eyes.

Hint 17

God is a spirit; and they that adore him must adore him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

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18. Does God see us?

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God sees us and watches over us with loving care.

Hint 18

Be not solicitous therefore, saying: "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "Wherewith will we be clothed?" For after all these things do the heathens seek. For your heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. (Matthew 6:31:32)

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19. What is God's loving care for us called?

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God's loving care for us is called Divine Providence.

Hint 19

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7)

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20. What do we mean when we say that God is almighty?

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When we say that God is almighty we mean that He can do all things.

Hint 20

For nothing shall be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

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21. Is God all-wise, all-holy, all-merciful, and all-just?

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Yes, God is all-wise, all-holy, all-merciful, and all-just.

Hint 21

The Lord is just in all his ways, and holy in all his works. (Psalm 144:17)

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22. Can we know by our natural reason that there is a God?

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We can know by our natural reason that there is a God, for natural reason tells us that the world we see about us could have been made only by a self-existing Being, all-wise and almighty.

Hint 22

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and injustice of those men that detain the truth of God in injustice; because that which is known of God is manifest in them. For God hath manifested it unto them. (Romans 1:18-19)

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23. Can we know God in any other way than by our natural reason?

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Besides knowing God by our natural reason, we can also know Him from supernatural revelation --that is, from the truths, found in Sacred Scripture and in Tradition, which God Himself has revealed to us.

Hint 23

All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice. (2 Timothy 3:16)

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23A. What do we mean when we say that God has revealed these truths to us?

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When we say that God has revealed these truths to us we mean that He has made them known to certain persons, to be announced to their fellow men as the word of God.

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23B. What is the Bible?

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The Bible is the written word of God, committed to His Church for the instruction and sanctification of mankind.

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23C. What do we mean when we say that the entire Bible is inspired?

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When we say that the entire Bible is inspired we mean that its principal author is God, though it was written by men whom God enlightened and moved to write all those things, and only those things, that He wished to be written.

Hint 26

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 1:3)

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23D. How is the Bible divided?

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The Bible is divided into the Old Testament, written before the coming of Jesus Christ, and the New Testament, written after His ascension into heaven.

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23E. Are all the passages of the Bible to be understood according to our modern manner of expression?

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No; some of the passages of the Bible are not to be understood according to our modern manner of expression, since they contain certain figures of speech, parables, and literary forms used by the people of ancient times but not employed in the present.

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23F. How can we know the true meaning of the Bible?

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We can know the true meaning of the Bible from the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, which has received from Jesus Christ the right and the duty to teach and to explain all that God has revealed.

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23G. Are Catholics encouraged by the Church to read the Bible?

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Yes; Catholics are encouraged by the Church to read the Bible, especially the Gospels, which tell about the earthly life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man.

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23H. What is the chief message of the New Testament?

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The chief message of the New Testament is the joyful announcement of our salvation through Jesus Christ.

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23I. What is Divine Tradition?

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Divine Tradition is the unwritten word of God -- that is, truths revealed by God, though not written in the Bible, and given to the Church through word of mouth by Jesus Christ or by the apostles under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

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23J. Has Divine Tradition ever been committed to writing?

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Divine Tradition has been committed to writing, especially by saintly writers called Fathers, who lived in the early centuries but were not inspired, as were those who wrote the Bible.

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23K. Has Divine Tradition the same force as the Bible?

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Yes; Divine Tradition has the same force as the Bible, since it too contains God's revelation to men.

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23L. By what kind of act do we believe the doctrines contained in the Bible and in Divine Tradition?

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We believe the doctrines contained in the Bible and Divine Tradition by an act of divine faith, which means that we accept them on the authority of God, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.

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24. Is there only one God?

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Yes, there is only one God.

Hint 36

I am the Lord, and there is none else: there is no God besides me. (Isaiah 45:5)

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25. How many Persons are there in God?

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In God there are three Divine Persons -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Hint 37

Going, therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19)

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26. Is the Father God?

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The Father is God and the first Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Hint 38

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 1:3)

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27. Is the Son God?

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The Son is God and the second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Hint 39

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

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28. Is the Holy Ghost God?

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The Holy Ghost is God and the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Hint 40

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (I Corinthians 3:16)

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29. What do we mean by the Blessed Trinity?

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By the Blessed Trinity we mean, one and the same God in three Divine Persons.

Hint 41

Going, therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19)

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30. Are the three Divine Persons really distinct from one another?

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The three Divine Persons are really distinct from one another.

Hint 42

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove, upon him. And a voice came from heaven: "Thou art my beloved Son. In thee I am well pleased." (Luke 3:22)

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31. Are the three Divine Persons perfectly equal to one another?

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The three Divine Persons are perfectly equal to one another, because all are one and the same God.

Hint 43

I and the Father are one. (John 10:30)

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32. How are the three Divine Persons, though really distinct from one another, one and the same God?

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The three Divine Persons, though really distinct from one another, are one and the same God because all have one and the same Divine nature.

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33. Can we fully understand how the three Divine Persons, though really distinct from one another, are one and the same God?

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We cannot fully understand how the three Divine Persons, though really distinct from one another, are one and the same God because this is a supernatural mystery.

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34. What is a supernatural mystery?

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A supernatural mystery is a truth which we cannot fully understand, but which we firmly believe because we have God's word for it.

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35. What do we mean when we say that God is the Creator of heaven and earth?

Back 47

When we say that God is the Creator of heaven and earth we mean that He made all things from nothing by His almighty power.

Hint 47

I am the Lord God, that make all things, that alone stretch out the heavens, that establish the earth. (Isaiah 44:24)

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36. Which are the chief creatures of God?

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The chief creatures of God are angels and men.

Hint 48

Thou hast made him a little less than the angels; thou hast crowned him with glory and honor; and thou hast set him over the works of thy hands. (Psalm 8:6-7)

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37. What are angels?

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Angels are created spirits, without bodies, having understanding and free will.

Hint 49

Thousands and thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times a hundred thousand stood before him. (Daniel 7:10)

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38. What gifts did God bestow on the angels when He created them?

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When God created the angels He bestowed on them great wisdom, power, and holiness.

Hint 50

O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord. (Daniel 3:58)

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39. Did all the angels remain faithful to God?

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Not all the angels remained faithful to God; some of them sinned.

Hint 51

And there was a battle in heaven; Michael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels. And they did not prevail, neither was their place found any more in heaven. (Apocalypse 12:7)

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40. What happened to the angels who remained faithful to God?

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The angels who remained faithful to God entered into the eternal happiness of heaven, and these are called good angels.

Hint 52

See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you, their angels in heaven always behold the face of my Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

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41. What do the good angels do in heaven?

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In heaven the good angels see, love, and adore God.

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42. How do the good angels help us?

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The good angels help us by praying for us, by acting as messengers from God to us, and by serving as our guardian angels.

Hint 54

For to his angels he has given thee in trust, to keep thee in all thy ways. In their hands they shall bear thee up, lest thou dash they foot against a stone. (Psalm 90:11-12)

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43. How do our guardian angels help us?

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Our guardian angels help us by praying for us, by protecting us from harm, and by inspiring us to do good.

Hint 55

When thou didst pray with thy tears, and didst bury the dead, and didst leave thy dinner, and hide the dead by day in thy house, and bury them by night, I offered thy prayer to the Lord. (Tobias 12:12)

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44. What happened to the angels who did not remain faithful to God?

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The angels who did not remain faithful to God were cast into hell, and these are called bad angels, or devils.

Hint 56

Depart from me, accursed ones, into the everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41)

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45. What is the chief way in which the bad angels try to harm us?

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The chief way in which the bad angels try to harm us is by tempting us to sin.

Hint 57

Put on the armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

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46. Do all temptations come from the bad angels?

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Some temptations come from the bad angels; but other temptations come from ourselves and from the persons and things about us.

Hint 58

Do not love the world, or the things that are in the world. (I John 2:15)

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47. Can we always resist temptations?

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We can always resist temptations, because no temptation can force us into sin, and because God will always help us if we ask Him.

Hint 59

And he has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for thee." (I Corinthians 12:9)

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48. What is man?

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Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made to the image and likeness of God.

Hint 60

And God created man to his own image. (Genesis 2:7)

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49. Is this likeness to God in the body or in the soul?

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This likeness to God is chiefly in the soul.

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50. How is the soul like God?

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The soul is like God because it is a spirit having understanding and free will, and is destined to live forever.

Hint 62

And the dust return into its earth, from whence it was, and the spirit return to God, who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)

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51. Who were the first man and woman?

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The first man and woman were Adam and Eve, the first parents of the whole human race.

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52. What was the chief gift bestowed on Adam and Eve by God?

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The chief gift bestowed on Adam and Eve by God was sanctifying grace, which made them children of God and gave them the right to heaven.

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53. What other gifts were bestowed on Adam and Eve by God?

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The other gifts bestowed on Adam and Eve by God were happiness in the Garden of Paradise, great knowledge, control of the passions by reason, and freedom from suffering and death.

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54. What commandment did God give Adam and Eve?

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God gave Adam and Eve the commandment not to eat of the fruit of a certain tree that grew in the Garden of Paradise.

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55. Did Adam and Eve obey the commandment of God?

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Adam and Eve did not obey the commandment of God, but ate of the forbidden fruit.

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56. What happened to Adam and Eve on account of their sin?

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On account of their sin Adam and Eve lost sanctifying grace, the right to heaven, and their special gifts; they became subject to death, to suffering, and to a strong inclination to evil, and they were driven from the Garden of Paradise.

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57. What has happened to us on account of the sin of Adam?

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On account of the sin of Adam, we, his descendants, come into the world deprived of sanctifying grace and inherit his punishment, as we would have inherited his gifts had he been obedient to God,

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58. What is this sin in us called?

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This sin in us is called original.

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59. Why is this sin called original?

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This sin is called original because it comes down to us through our origin, or descent, from Adam.

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60. What are the chief punishments of Adam which we inherit through original sin?

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The chief punishments of Adam which we inherit through original sin are: death, suffering, ignorance, and a strong inclination to sin.

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61. Is God unjust in punishing us on account of the sin of Adam?

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God is not unjust in punishing us on account of the sin of Adam, because original sin does not take away from us anything to which we have a strict right as human beings, but only the free gifts which God in His goodness would have bestowed on us if Adam had not sinned.

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62. Was any human person ever preserved from original sin?

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The Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved from original sin in view of the merits of her Divine Son, and this privilege is called her Immaculate Conception.

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63. Is original sin the only kind of sin?

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Original sin is not the only kind of sin; there is another kind, called actual sin, which we ourselves commit.

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64. What is actual sin?

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Actual sin is any willful thought, desire, word, action, or omission forbidden by the law of God.

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65. How many kinds of actual sin are there?

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There are two kinds of actual sin: mortal sin and venial sin.

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66. What is mortal sin?

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Mortal sin is a grievous offense against the law of God.

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67. Why is this sin called mortal?

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This sin is called mortal, or deadly, because it deprives the sinner of sanctifying grace, the supernatural life of the soul.

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68. Besides depriving the sinner of sanctifying grace, what else does mortal sin do to the soul?

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Besides depriving the sinner of sanctifying grace, mortal sin makes the soul an enemy of God, takes away the merit of all its good actions, deprives it of the right to everlasting happiness in heaven, and makes it deserving of everlasting punishment in hell.

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69. What three things are necessary to make a sin mortal?

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To make a sin mortal these three things are needed: first, the thought, desire, word, action, or omission must be seriously wrong or considered seriously wrong; second, the sinner, must be mindful of the serious wrong; third, the sinner must fully consent to it.

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70. What is venial sin?

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Venial sin is a less serious offense against the law of God, which does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace, and which can be pardoned even without sacramental confession.

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71. How can a sin be venial?

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A sin can be venial in two ways: first, when the evil done is not seriously wrong; second, when the evil done is seriously wrong, but the sinner sincerely believes it is only slightly wrong, or does not give full consent to it.

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72. How does venial sin harm us?

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Venial sin harms us by making us less fervent in the service of God, by weakening our power to resist mortal sin, and by making us deserving of God's punishments in this life or in purgatory.

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73. How can we keep from committing sin?

Back 85

We can keep from committing sin by praying and by receiving the sacraments; by remembering that God is always with us; by recalling that our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost; by keeping occupied with work or play; by promptly resisting the sources of sin within us; by avoiding the near occasions of sin.

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74. What are the chief sources of actual sin?

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The chief sources of actual sin are: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth, and these are commonly called capital sins.

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75. Why are these called capital sins?

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They are called capital sins, not because they, in themselves, are the greatest sins, but because they are the chief reasons why men commit sin.

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The Father is God and the first Person of the Blessed Trinity.

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 1:3)

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76. What are the near occasions of sin?

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The near occasions of sin are all persons, places, or things that may easily lead us into sin.

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77. Did God abandon man after Adam fell into sin?

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God did not abandon man after Adam fell into sin, but promised to send into the world a Saviour to free man from his sins and to reopen to him the gates of heaven.

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78. Who is the Saviour of all men?

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The Saviour of all men is Jesus Christ.

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79. What is the chief teaching of the Catholic Church about Jesus Christ?

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The chief teaching of the Catholic Church about Jesus Christ is that He is God made man.

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80. Why is Jesus Christ God?

Back 93

Jesus Christ is God, because He is the only Son of God, having the same Divine nature as His Father.

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81. Why is Jesus Christ man?

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Jesus Christ is man, because He is the son of the Blessed Virgin Mary and has a body and soul like ours.

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82. Is Jesus Christ more than one Person?

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No, Jesus Christ is only one Person; and that Person is the second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

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83. How many natures has Jesus Christ?

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Jesus Christ has two natures: the nature of God and the nature of man.

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84. Was the Son of God always man?

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The Son of God was not always man, but became man at the time of the Incarnation.

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85. What is meant by the Incarnation?

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By the Incarnation is meant that the Son of God, retaining His Divine nature, took to Himself a human nature, that is, a body and soul like ours.

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86. How was the Son of God made man?

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The Son of God was conceived and made man by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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87. When was the Son of God conceived and made man?

Back 100

The Son of God was conceived and made man on Annunciation Day, the day on which the Angel Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the Mother of God.

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88. Is Saint Joseph the father of Jesus Christ?

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Jesus Christ had no human father, but Saint Joseph was the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the guardian, or foster father, of Christ.

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89. When was Christ born?

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Christ was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Christmas Day, in Bethlehem, more than nineteen hundred years ago.

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89A. How many years did Jesus Christ live on earth?

Back 103

Jesus Christ lived on earth about thirty-three years.

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89B. How did Jesus Christ spend His life on earth?

Back 104

Jesus Christ spent His childhood, youth and early manhood in the home of His mother Mary and His foster father Joseph, working as a carpenter in the village of Nazareth in Palestine; He spent His last years in the work of His public ministry.

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89C. What work did Jesus Christ perform in the course of His public ministry?

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In the course of His public ministry Jesus Christ gave us an example of great virtue, preached the message of salvation, proved the truth of His message through miracles and prophecies, and established the Church with its sacrifice and sacraments for the salvation of men until the end of time.

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90. What is meant by the Redemption?

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By the Redemption is meant that Jesus Christ, as the Redeemer of the whole human race, offered His sufferings and death to God as a fitting sacrifice in satisfaction for the sins of men, and regained for them the right to be children of God and heirs of heaven.

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91. What were the chief sufferings of Christ?

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The chief sufferings of Christ were His bitter agony of soul, His bloody sweat, His cruel scourging, His crowning with thorns, His crucifixion, and His death on the cross.

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92. When did Christ die?

Back 108

Christ died on Good Friday.

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93. Where did Christ die?

Back 109

Christ died on Golgotha, a place outside the city of Jerusalem.

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94. What do we learn from the sufferings and death of Christ?

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From the sufferings and death of Christ we learn God's love for man and the evil of sin, for which God, who is all-just, demands such great satisfaction.

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95. What do we mean when we say in the Apostles' Creed that Christ descended into hell?

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When we say that Christ descended into hell we mean that, after He died, the soul of Christ descended into a place or state of rest, called limbo, where the souls of the just were waiting for Him.

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96. Why did Christ go to limbo?

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Christ went to limbo to announce to the souls waiting there the joyful news that He had reopened heaven to mankind.

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97. Where was Christ's body while His soul was In limbo?

Back 113

While His soul was in limbo, Christ's body was in the holy sepulchre.

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98. When did Christ rise from the dead?

Back 114

Christ rose from the dead, glorious and immortal, on Easter Sunday, the third day after His death.

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99. Why did Christ rise from the dead?

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Christ rose from the dead to show that He is true God and to teach us that we, too, shall rise from the dead.

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100. Will all men rise from the dead?

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All men will rise from the dead, but only those who have been faithful to Christ will share in His glory.

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101. When did Christ ascend into heaven?

Back 117

Christ ascended, body and soul, into heaven on Ascension Day, forty days after His Resurrection.

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102. Why did Christ remain on earth forty days after His Resurrection?

Back 118

Christ remained on earth forty days after His Resurrection to prove that He had truly risen from the dead and to complete the instruction of the apostles.

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103. What do we mean when we say that Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty?

Back 119

When we say that Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, we mean that Our Lord as God is equal to the Father, and that as man He shares above all the saints in the glory of His Father and exercises for all eternity the supreme authority of a king over all creatures.

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104. What do we mean when we say that Christ will come from thence to judge the living and the dead?

Back 120

When we say that Christ will come from thence to judge the living and the dead, we mean that on the last day Our Lord will come to pronounce a sentence of eternal reward or of eternal punishment on everyone who has ever lived in this world.

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105. Who is the Holy Ghost?

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The Holy Ghost is God and the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

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106. From whom does the Holy Ghost proceed?

Back 122

The Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father and the Son.

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107. Is the Holy Ghost equal to the Father and the Son?

Back 123

The Holy Ghost is equal to the Father and the Son, because He is God.

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108. What does the Holy Ghost do for the salvation of mankind?

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The Holy Ghost dwells in the Church as the source of its life and sanctifies souls through the gift of grace.

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109. What is grace?

Back 125

Grace is a supernatural gift of God bestowed on us through the merits of Jesus Christ for our salvation.

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110. How many kinds of grace are there?

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There are two kinds of grace: sanctifying grace and actual grace.

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111. What is sanctifying grace?

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Sanctifying grace is that grace which confers on our souls a new life, that is, a sharing in the life of God Himself.

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112. What are the chief effects of sanctifying grace?

Back 128

The chief effects of sanctifying grace are: first, it makes us holy and pleasing to God; second, it makes us adopted children of God; third, it makes us temples of the Holy Ghost; fourth, it gives us the right to heaven.

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113. What is actual grace?

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Actual grace is a supernatural help of God which enlightens our mind and strengthens our will to do good and to avoid evil.

Front 130

114. Can we resist the grace of God?

Back 130

We can resist the grace of God, for our will is free, and God does not force us to accept His grace.

Front 131

115. Why is sanctifying grace necessary for salvation?

Back 131

Sanctifying grace is necessary for salvation because it is the supernatural life, which alone enables us to attain the supernatural happiness of heaven.

Front 132

116. Is actual grace necessary for all who have attained the use of reason?

Back 132

Actual grace is necessary for all who have attained the use of reason, because without it we cannot long resist the power of temptation or perform other actions which merit a reward in heaven.

Front 133

117. What are the principal ways of obtaining grace?

Back 133

The principal ways of obtaining grace are prayer and the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist.

Front 134

118. How can we make our most ordinary actions merit a heavenly reward?

Back 134

We can make our most ordinary actions merit a heavenly reward by doing them for the love of God and by keeping ourselves in the state of grace.

Front 135

119. What are the chief supernatural powers that are bestowed on our souls with sanctifying grace?

Back 135

The chief supernatural powers that are bestowed on our souls with sanctifying grace are the three theological virtues and the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Front 136

120. Why are these virtues called theological virtues?

Back 136

These virtues are called theological virtues because they have God for their proper object.

Front 137

121. What are the three theological virtues?

Back 137

The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity.

Front 138

122. What is faith?

Back 138

Faith is the virtue by which we firmly believe all the truths God has revealed, on the word of God revealing them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.

Front 139

123. What is hope?

Back 139

Hope is the virtue by which we firmly trust that God, who is all-powerful and faithful to His promises, will in His mercy give us eternal happiness and the means to obtain it.

Front 140

124. What is charity?

Back 140

Charity is the virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.

Front 141

125. Which are the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost?

Back 141

The seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Front 142

126. How do the gifts of the Holy Ghost help us?

Back 142

The gifts of the Holy Ghost help us by making us more alert to discern and more ready to do the will of God.

Front 143

127. Which are some of the effects in us of the gifts of the Holy Ghost?

Back 143

Some of the effects in us of the gifts of the Holy Ghost are the fruits of the Holy Ghost and the beatitudes.

Front 144

128. Which are the twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost?

Back 144

The twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost are: charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity.

Front 145

129. Which are the eight beatitudes?

Back 145

The eight beatitudes are: 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth. 3. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied. 5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 6. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 8. Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Front 146

130. Are there any other virtues besides the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity?

Back 146

Besides the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity there are other virtues, called moral virtues.

Front 147

131. Why are these virtues called moral virtues?

Back 147

These virtues are called moral virtues because they dispose us to lead moral, or good lives, by aiding us to treat persons and things in the right way, that is, according to the will of God.

Front 148

132. Which are the chief moral virtues?

Back 148

The chief moral virtues are: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance; these are called cardinal virtues.

Front 149

133. Why are these virtues called cardinal virtues?

Back 149

These virtues are called cardinal virtues because they are like hinges on which hang all the other moral virtues and our whole moral life. The word "cardinal" is derived from the Latin word "cardo" meaning hinge.

Front 150

134. How do prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance dispose us to lead good lives?

Back 150

Prudence disposes us in all circumstances to form right judgments about what we must do or not do. Justice disposes us to give everyone what belongs to him. Fortitude disposes us to do what is good in spite of any difficulty. Temperance disposes us to control our desires and to use rightly the things which please ourselves.

Front 151

135. Which are some of the other moral virtues?

Back 151

Some of the other moral virtues are: Filial piety and patriotism, which dispose us to honor, love, and respect our parents and our country. Obedience, which disposes us to do the will of our superiors. Veracity, which disposes us to tell the truth. Liberality, which disposes us rightly to use worldly goods. Patience, which disposes us to bear up under trials and difficulties. Humility, which disposes us to acknowledge our limitations. Chastity, or purity, which disposes us to be pure in soul and body. Besides these, there are many other moral virtues.

Front 152

136. What is the Church?

Back 152

The Church is the congregation of all baptized persons united in the same true faith, the same sacrifice, and the same sacraments, under the authority of the Sovereign Pontiff and the bishops in communion with him.

Front 153

137. Who founded the Church?

Back 153

Jesus Christ founded the Church.

Front 154

138. Why did Jesus Christ found the Church?

Back 154

Jesus Christ founded the Church to bring all men to eternal salvation.

Front 155

139. How is the Church enabled to lead men to salvation?

Back 155

The Church is enabled to lead men to salvation by the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, who gives it life.

Front 156

140. When was the dwelling of the Holy Ghost in the Church first visibly manifested?

Back 156

The dwelling of the Holy Ghost in the Church was first visibly manifested on Pentecost Sunday, when He came down upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire.

Front 157

141. How long will the Holy Ghost dwell in the Church?

Back 157

The Holy Ghost will dwell in the Church until the end of time.

Front 158

142. Who sent the Holy Ghost to dwell in the Church?

Back 158

God the Father and God the Son sent the Holy Ghost to dwell in the Church.

Front 159

143. What does the indwelling of the Holy Ghost enable the Church to do?

Back 159

The indwelling of the Holy Ghost enables the Church to teach, to sanctify, and to rule the faithful in the name of Christ.

Front 160

144. What is meant by teaching, sanctifying, and ruling in the name of Christ?

Back 160

By teaching, sanctifying, and ruling in the name of Christ is meant that the Church always does the will of its Divine Founder, who remains forever its invisible Head.

Front 161

145. To whom did Christ give the power to teach, to sanctify, and to rule the members of His Church?

Back 161

Christ gave the power to teach, to sanctify, and to rule the members of His Church to the apostles, the first bishops of the Church.

Front 162

146. Did Christ intend that this power should be exercised by the apostles alone?

Back 162

No, Christ intended that this power should be exercised also by their successors, the bishops of the Church.

Front 163

147. Did Christ give special power in His Church to any one of the apostles?

Back 163

Christ gave special power in His Church to Saint Peter by making him the head of the apostles and the chief teacher and ruler of the entire Church.

Front 164

148. Did Christ intend that the special power of chief teacher and ruler of the entire Church should be exercised by Saint Peter alone?

Back 164

Christ did not intend that the special power of chief teacher and ruler of the entire Church should be exercised by Saint Peter alone, but intended that this power should be passed down to his successor, the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, who is the Vicar of Christ on earth and the visible head of the Church.

Front 165

149. Who assist the bishops in the care of souls?

Back 165

The priests, especially parish priests, assist the bishops in the care of souls.

Front 166

150. Who are the laity of the Church?

Back 166

The laity of the Church are all its members who do not belong to the clerical or to the religious state.

Front 167

151. How can the laity help the Church in her care of souls?

Back 167

The laity can help the Church in her care of souls by leading lives that will reflect credit on the Church, and by cooperating with their bishops and priests, especially through Catholic Action.

Front 168

151A. What is Catholic Action?

Back 168

Catholic Action is the active participation of the laity in the apostolate of the Church under the guidance of the hierarchy.

Front 169

151B. In what ways can the laity participate actively in the apostolate of the Church?

Back 169

The laity can participate actively in the apostolate of the Church when they arouse the interest of non-Catholics in the Catholic faith; promote high standards in the press, motion pictures, radio and television; participate in the work of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; take part in the activities of Catholic societies and organizations; represent, under proper direction, the Church's position in speaking and writing; and go as lay missionaries to foreign lands.

Front 170

152. Which is the one true Church established by Christ?

Back 170

The one true Church established by Christ is the Catholic Church.

Front 171

153. How do we know that the Catholic Church is the one true Church established by Christ?

Back 171

We know that the Catholic Church is the one true Church established by Christ because it alone has the marks of the true Church.

Front 172

154. What do we mean by the marks of the Church?

Back 172

By the marks of the Church we mean certain clear signs by which all men can recognize it as the true Church founded by Jesus Christ.

Front 173

155. What are the chief marks of the Church?

Back 173

The chief marks of the Church are four: It is one, holy, catholic or universal, and apostolic.

Front 174

156. Why is the Catholic Church one?

Back 174

The Catholic Church is one because all its members, according to the will of Christ, profess the same faith, have the same sacrifice and sacraments, and are united under one and the same visible head, the Pope.

Front 175

157. Why is the Catholic Church holy?

Back 175

The Catholic Church is holy because it was founded by Jesus Christ, who is all-holy, and because it teaches, according to the will of Christ, holy doctrines, and provides the means of leading a holy life, thereby giving holy members to every age.

Front 176

158. Why is the Catholic Church catholic or universal?

Back 176

The Catholic Church is catholic or universal because, destined to last for all time, it never fails to fulfill the divine commandment to teach all nations all the truths revealed by God.

Front 177

159. Why is the Catholic Church apostolic?

Back 177

The Catholic Church is apostolic because it was founded by Christ on the apostles and, according to His divine will, has always been governed by their lawful successors.

Front 178

160. How do we know that no other church but the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ?

Back 178

We know that no other church but the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ because no other church has these four marks.

Front 179

161. What are the chief attributes of the Catholic Church?

Back 179

The chief attributes of the Catholic Church are authority, infallibility, and indefectibility. They are called attributes because they are qualities perfecting the nature of the Church.

Front 180

162. What is meant by the authority of the Catholic Church?

Back 180

By the authority of the Catholic Church is meant that the Pope and the bishops, as the lawful successors of the apostles, have power from Christ Himself to teach, to sanctify, and to govern the faithful in spiritual matters.

Front 181

163. What is meant by the infallibility of the Catholic Church?

Back 181

By the infallibility of the Catholic Church is meant that the Church, by the special assistance of the Holy Ghost, cannot err when it teaches or believes a doctrine of faith or morals.

Front 182

164. When does the Church teach infallibly?

Back 182

The Church teaches infallibly when it defines, through the Pope alone, as the teacher of all Christians, or through the Pope and the bishops, a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by all the faithful.

Front 183

165. What is meant by the indefectibility of the Catholic Church?

Back 183

By the indefectibility of the Catholic Church is meant that the Church, as Christ founded it, will last until the end of time.

Front 184

166. Are all obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved?

Back 184

All are obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved.

Front 185

167. What do we mean when we say, "Outside the Church there is no salvation?"

Back 185

When we say, "Outside the Church there is no salvation," we mean that Christ made the Catholic Church a necessary means of salvation and commanded all to enter it, so that a person must be connected with the Church in some way to be saved.

Front 186

168. How can persons who are not members of the Catholic Church be saved?

Back 186

Persons who are not members of the Catholic Church can be saved if, through no fault of their own, they do not know that the Catholic Church is the true Church, but they love God and try to do His will, for in this way they are connected with the Church by desire.

Front 187

169. Why is the Catholic Church called the Mystical Body of Christ?

Back 187

The Catholic Church is called the Mystical Body of Christ because its members are united by supernatural bonds with one another and with Christ, their Head, thus resembling the members and head of the living human body.

Front 188

169A. What conditions are necessary in order that a person be a member of the Mystical Body in the full sense?

Back 188

In order that a person be a member of the Mystical Body in the full sense, it is necessary that he be baptized, that he profess the Catholic faith, and that he neither separate himself from the Mystical Body nor be excluded by lawful authority.

Front 189

169B. How does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body?

Back 189

A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by open and deliberate heresy, apostasy or schism.

Front 190

169C. How does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by heresy?

Back 190

A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by heresy when he openly rejects or doubts some doctrine proposed by the Catholic Church as a truth of divine-Catholic faith, though still professing himself a Christian.

Front 191

169D. When does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by apostasy?

Back 191

A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by apostasy when he openly rejects the entire Christian faith.

Front 192

169E. When does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by schism?

Back 192

A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by schism when he openly refuses obedience to the lawful authorities of the Church, particularly to the Pope.

Front 193

169F. When is a baptized person separated from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by lawful authority?

Back 193

A baptized person is separated from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by lawful authority when he incurs one of the more severe forms of excommunication.

Front 194

170. What is meant by "the communion of saints" in the Apostles' Creed?

Back 194

By "the communion of saints" is meant the union of the faithful on earth, the blessed in heaven, and the souls in purgatory, with Christ as their Head.

Front 195

171. Through the communion of saints, what can the blessed in heaven do for the souls in purgatory and the faithful on earth?

Back 195

Through the communion of saints, the blessed in heaven can help the souls in purgatory and the faithful on earth by praying for them.

Front 196

172. Should the faithful on earth, through the communion of saints, honor the blessed in heaven and pray to them?

Back 196

The faithful on earth, through the communion of saints, should honor the blessed in heaven and pray to them, because they are worthy of honor and as friends of God will help the faithful on earth.

Front 197

173. Can the faithful on earth, through the communion of saints, relieve the sufferings of the souls in purgatory?

Back 197

The faithful on earth, through the communion of saints, can relieve the sufferings the souls in purgatory by prayer, fasting, and other good works, by indulgences, and by having Masses offered for them.

Front 198

174. Can the faithful on earth help one another?

Back 198

The faithful on earth, as members of the Mystical Body of Christ, can help one another by practicing supernatural charity and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Front 199

175. What is meant in the Apostles' Creed by "the forgiveness of sins"?

Back 199

By "the forgiveness of sins" in the Apostles' Creed is meant that God has given to the Church, through Jesus Christ, the power to forgive sins, no matter how great or how many they are, if sinners truly repent.

Front 200

176. What is meant by "the resurrection of the body"?

Back 200

By "the resurrection of the body" is meant that at the end of the world the bodies of all men will rise from the earth and be united again to their souls, nevermore to be separated.

Front 201

177. Why will the bodies of the just rise?

Back 201

The bodies of the just will rise to share forever in the glory of their souls.

Front 202

178. Has the body of any human person ever been raised from the dead and taken into heaven?

Back 202

By the special privilege of her Assumption, the body of the Blessed Virgin Mary, united to her immaculate soul, was glorified and taken into heaven.

Front 203

179. Why will the bodies of the damned also rise?

Back 203

The bodies of the damned will also rise to share in the eternal punishment of their souls.

Front 204

180. What is the judgment called which will be passed on all men immediately after the general resurrection?

Back 204

The judgment which will be passed on all men immediately after the general resurrection is called the general judgment.

Front 205

181. What is the judgment called which will be passed on each one of us immediately after death?

Back 205

The judgment which will be passed on each one of us immediately after death is called the particular judgment.

Front 206

182. If everyone is judged immediately after death, why will there be a general judgment?

Back 206

Although everyone is judged immediately after death, it is fitting that there be a general judgment in order that the justice, wisdom, and mercy of God may be glorified in the presence of all.

Front 207

183. What are the rewards or punishments appointed for men after the particular judgment?

Back 207

The rewards or punishments appointed for men after the particular judgment are heaven, purgatory, or hell.

Front 208

184. Who are punished in purgatory?

Back 208

Those are punished for a time in purgatory who die in the state of grace but are guilty of venial sin, or have not fully satisfied for the temporal punishment due to their sins.

Front 209

185. Who are punished in hell?

Back 209

Those are punished in hell who die in mortal sin; they are deprived of the vision of God and suffer dreadful torments, especially that of fire, for all eternity.

Front 210

186. Who are rewarded in heaven?

Back 210

Those are rewarded in heaven who have died in the state of grace and have been purified in purgatory, if necessary, from all venial sin and all debt of temporal punishment; they see God face to face and share forever in His glory and happiness.

Front 211

187. What is meant by the word "Amen," with which we end the Apostles' Creed?

Back 211

By the word "Amen," with which we end the Apostles' Creed, is meant "So it is," or "So be it"; the word expresses our firm belief in all the doctrines that the Creed contains.

Front 212

188. Besides believing what God has revealed, what else must we do to be saved?

Back 212

Besides believing what God has revealed, we must keep His law.

Front 213

189. Which are the two great commandments that contain the whole law of God?

Back 213

The two great commandments that contain the whole law of God are: first, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength; second, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Front 214

190. What must we do to love God, our neighbor, and ourselves?

Back 214

To love God, our neighbor, and ourselves we must keep the commandments of God and of the Church, and perform the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Front 215

191. Which are the chief corporal works of mercy?

Back 215

The chief corporal works of mercy are seven: 1. To feed the hungry. 2. To give drink to the thirsty. 3. To clothe the naked. 4. To visit the imprisoned. 5. To shelter the homeless. 6. To visit the sick. 7. To bury the dead.

Front 216

192. Which are the chief spiritual works of mercy?

Back 216

The chief spiritual works of mercy are seven: 1. To admonish the sinner. 2. To instruct the ignorant. 3. To counsel the doubtful. 4. To comfort the sorrowful. 5. To bear wrongs patiently. 6. To forgive all injuries. 7. To pray for the living and the dead.

Front 217

193. Is everyone obliged to perform the works of mercy?

Back 217

Everyone is obliged to perform the works of mercy, according to his own ability and the need of his neighbor.

Front 218

194. Are all the ordinary deeds done every day to relieve the corporal or spiritual needs of others true works of mercy?

Back 218

All the ordinary deeds done every day to relieve the corporal or spiritual needs of others are true works of mercy, if done in the name of Christ.

Front 219

195. Which are the commandments of God?

Back 219

The commandments of God are these ten: 1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me. 2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 3. Remember thou keep holy the Lord's day. 4. Honor thy father and thy mother. 5. Thou shalt not kill. 6. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 7. Thou shalt not steal. 8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.

Front 220

196. Should we be satisfied merely to keep the commandments God?

Back 220

We should not be satisfied merely to keep the commandments of God, but should always be ready to do good deeds, even when they are not commanded.

Front 221

197. What does Our Savior especially recommend that is not strictly commanded by the law of God?

Back 221

Our Savior especially recommends the observance of the Evangelical Counsels -- voluntary poverty, perpetual chastity, and perfect obedience.

Front 222

198. What is the first commandment of God?

Back 222

The first commandment of God is: I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.

Front 223

199. What are we commanded by the first commandment?

Back 223

By the first commandment we are commanded to offer to God alone the supreme worship that is due Him.

Front 224

200. How do we worship God?

Back 224

We worship God by acts of faith, hope, and charity, and by adoring Him and praying to Him.

Front 225

201. What does faith oblige us to do?

Back 225

Faith obliges us: first, to make efforts to find out what God has revealed; second, to believe firmly what God has revealed; third, to profess our faith openly whenever necessary.

Front 226

202. What does hope oblige us to do?

Back 226

Hope obliges us to trust firmly that God will give us eternal life and the means to obtain it.

Front 227

203. What does charity oblige us to do?

Back 227

Charity obliges us to love God above all things because He is infinitely good, and to love our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.

Front 228

204. How can a Catholic best safeguard his faith?

Back 228

A Catholic can best safeguard his faith by making frequent acts of faith, by praying for a strong faith, by studying his religion very earnestly, by living a good life, by good reading, by refusing to associate with the enemies of the Church, and by not reading books and papers opposed to the Church and her teaching.

Front 229

205. How does a Catholic sin against faith?

Back 229

A Catholic sins against faith by apostasy, heresy, indifferentism, and by taking part in non-Catholic worship.

Front 230

206. Why does a Catholic sin against faith by taking part in non-Catholic worship.

Back 230

A Catholic sins against faith by taking part in non-Catholic worship when he intends to identify himself with a religion he knows is defective.

Front 231

207. What are the sins against hope?

Back 231

The sins against hope are presumption and despair.

Front 232

208. When does a person sin by presumption?

Back 232

A person sins by presumption when he trusts that he can be saved by his own efforts without God's help, or by God's help without his own efforts.

Front 233

209. When does a person sin by despair?

Back 233

A person sins by despair when he deliberately refuses to trust that God will give him the necessary help to save his soul.

Front 234

210. What are the chief sins against charity?

Back 234

The chief sins against charity are hatred of God and of our neighbor, envy, sloth, and scandal.

Front 235

211. Besides the sins against faith, hope, and charity, what other sins does the first commandment forbid?

Back 235

Besides the sins against faith, hope, and charity, the first commandment forbids also superstition and sacrilege.

Front 236

212. When does a person sin by superstition?

Back 236

A person sins by superstition when he attributes to a creature a power that belongs to God alone, as when he makes use of charms or spells, believes in dreams or fortune-telling, or goes to spiritists.

Front 237

213. When does a person sin by sacrilege?

Back 237

A person sins by sacrilege when he mistreats sacred persons, places, or things.

Front 238

214. Does the first commandment forbid us to honor the saints in heaven?

Back 238

The first commandment does not forbid us to honor the saints in heaven, provided we do not give them the honor that belongs to God alone.

Front 239

215. Why do we honor the saints in heaven?

Back 239

We honor the saints in heaven because they practiced great virtue when they were on earth, and because in honoring those who are the chosen friends of God we honor God Himself.

Front 240

216. How can we honor the saints?

Back 240

We can honor the saints: first, by imitating their holy lives; second, by praying to them; third, by showing respect to their relics and images.

Front 241

217. When we pray to the saints what do we ask them to do?

Back 241

When we pray to the saints we ask them to offer their prayers to God for us.

Front 242

218. How do we know that the saints will pray for us?

Back 242

We know that the saints will pray for us because they are with God and have great love for us.

Front 243

219. Why do we honor relics?

Back 243

We honor relics because they are the bodies of the saints or objects connected with the saints or with Our Lord.

Front 244

220. When does the first commandment forbid the making or the use of statues and pictures?

Back 244

The first commandment forbids the making or the use of statues and pictures only when they promote false worship.

Front 245

222. Do we honor Christ and the saints when we pray before the crucifix, relics, and sacred images?

Back 245

We honor Christ and the saints when we pray before the crucifix, relics, and sacred images because we honor the persons they represent; we adore Christ and venerate the saints.

Front 246

223. Do we pray to the crucifix or to the images and relics of the saints?

Back 246

We do not pray to the crucifix or to the images and relics of the saints, but to the persons they represent.

Front 247

224. What is the second commandment of God?

Back 247

The second commandment of God is: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

Front 248

225. What are we commanded by the second commandment?

Back 248

By the second commandment we are commanded always to speak with reverence of God, of the saints, and of holy things, and to be truthful in taking oaths and faithful to them and to our vows.

Front 249

226. What is an oath?

Back 249

An oath is the calling on God to witness the truth of what we say.

Front 250

227. What things are necessary to make an oath lawful?

Back 250

To make an oath lawful, three things are necessary: first, we must have a good reason for taking an oath; second, we must be convinced that what we say under oath is true; third, we must not swear, that is, take an oath, to do what is wrong.

Front 251

228. What great sin does a person commit who deliberately calls on God to bear witness to a lie?

Back 251

A person who deliberately calls on God to bear witness to a lie commits the very grievous sin of perjury.

Front 252

229. What is a vow?

Back 252

A vow is a deliberate promise made to God by which a person binds himself under pain of sin to do something that is especially pleasing to God.

Front 253

230. What is meant by taking God's name in vain?

Back 253

By taking God's name in vain is meant that the name of God or the holy name of Jesus Christ is used without reverence; for example, to express surprise or anger.

Front 254

231. Is it a sin to take God's name in vain?

Back 254

It is a sin to take God's name in vain; ordinarily, it is a venial sin.

Front 255

232. What is cursing?

Back 255

Cursing is the calling down of some evil on a person, place, or thing.

Front 256

233. What is blasphemy?

Back 256

Blasphemy is insulting language which expresses contempt for God, either directly or through His saints and holy things.

Front 257

234. What is the third commandment of God?

Back 257

The third commandment of God is: Remember thou keep holy the Lord's day.

Front 258

235. Why does the Church command us to keep Sunday as the Lord's day?

Back 258

The Church commands us to keep Sunday as the Lord's day, because on Sunday Christ rose from the dead, and on Sunday the Holy Ghost descended upon the apostles.

Front 259

236. What are we commanded by the third commandment?

Back 259

By the third commandment we are commanded to worship God in a special manner on Sunday, the Lord's day.

Front 260

237. How does the Church command us to worship God on Sunday?

Back 260

The Church commands us to worship God on Sunday by assisting at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Front 261

238. What is forbidden by the third commandment of God?

Back 261

By the third commandment of God all unnecessary servile work on Sunday is forbidden.

Front 262

239. What is servile work?

Back 262

Servile work is that which requires labor of body rather than of mind.

Front 263

240. When is servile work allowed on Sunday?

Back 263

Servile work is allowed on Sunday when the honor of God, our own need, or that of our neighbor requires it.

Front 264

241. What is the fourth commandment of God?

Back 264

The fourth commandment of God is: Honor thy father and thy mother.

Front 265

242. What are we commanded by the fourth commandment?

Back 265

By the fourth commandment we are commanded to respect and love our parents, to obey them in all that is not sinful, and to help them when they are in need.

Front 266

243. Does the fourth commandment oblige us to respect and to obey others besides our parents?

Back 266

Besides our parents, the fourth commandment obliges us to respect and obey all our lawful superiors.

Front 267

244. What duty have parents toward their children and superiors toward those under their care?

Back 267

Parents must provide for the spiritual and bodily welfare of their children; superiors, according to their varying degrees of responsibility, must care for those entrusted to them.

Front 268

245. What are the duties of a citizen toward his country?

Back 268

A citizen must love his country, be sincerely interested in its welfare, and respect and obey its lawful authority.

Front 269

246. How does a citizen show a sincere interest in his country's welfare?

Back 269

A citizen shows a sincere interest in his country's welfare by voting honestly and without selfish motives, by paying just taxes, and by defending his country's rights when necessary.

Front 270

247. Why must we respect and obey the lawful authority of our country?

Back 270

We must respect and obey the lawful authority of our country because it comes from God, the Source of all authority.

Front 271

248. Why are we obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship?

Back 271

We are obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship because right reason requires citizens to work together for the public welfare of the country.

Front 272

249. What are the chief duties of those who hold public office?

Back 272

The chief duties of those who hold public office are to be just to all in exercising their authority and to promote the general welfare.

Front 273

250. What does the fourth commandment forbid?

Back 273

The fourth commandment forbids disrespect, unkindness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors.

Front 274

251. What is the fifth commandment of God?

Back 274

The fifth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not kill.

Front 275

252. What are we commanded by the fifth commandment?

Back 275

By the fifth commandment we are commanded to take proper care of our own spiritual and bodily well-being and that of our neighbor.

Front 276

253. What does the fifth commandment forbid?

Back 276

The fifth commandment forbids murder and suicide, and also fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, drunkenness, reckless driving, and bad example.

Front 277

254. What is the sixth commandment of God?

Back 277

The sixth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Front 278

255. What are we commanded by the sixth commandment?

Back 278

By the sixth commandment we are commanded to be pure and modest in our behavior.

Front 279

256. What does the sixth commandment forbid?

Back 279

The sixth commandment forbids all impurity and immodesty in words, looks, and actions, whether alone or with others.

Front 280

257. What are the chief dangers to the virtue of chastity?

Back 280

The chief dangers to the virtue of chastity are: idleness, sinful curiosity, bad companions, drinking, immodest dress, and indecent books, plays, and motion pictures.

Front 281

258. What are the chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity?

Back 281

The chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity are to avoid carefully all unnecessary dangers, to seek God's help through prayer, frequent confession, Holy Communion, and assistance at Holy Mass, and to have a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

Front 282

259. What is the seventh commandment of God?

Back 282

The seventh commandment of God is: Thou shalt not steal.

Front 283

260. What are we commanded by the seventh commandment?

Back 283

By the seventh commandment we are commanded to respect what belongs to others, to live up to our business agreements, and to pay our just debts.

Front 284

261. What does the seventh commandment forbid?

Back 284

Besides stealing, the seventh commandment forbids cheating, unjust keeping of what belongs to others, unjust damage to the property of others, and the accepting of bribes by public officials.

Front 285

262. Are we obliged to restore to the owner stolen goods, or their value?

Back 285

We are obliged to restore to the owner stolen goods, or their value, whenever we are able.

Front 286

263. Are we obliged to repair damage unjustly done to the property of others?

Back 286

We are obliged to repair damage unjustly done to the property of others, or to pay the amount of the damage, as far as we are able.

Front 287

264. What is the eighth commandment of God?

Back 287

The eighth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Front 288

265. What are we commanded by the eighth commandment?

Back 288

By the eighth commandment we are commanded to speak the truth in all things, but especially in what concerns the good name and honor of others.

Front 289

266. What does the eighth commandment forbid?

Back 289

The eighth commandment forbids lies, rash judgment, detraction, calumny, and the telling of secrets we are bound to keep.

Front 290

267. When does a person commit the sin of rash judgment?

Back 290

A person commits the sin of rash judgment when, without sufficient reason, he believes something harmful to another's character.

Front 291

268. When does a person commit the sin of detraction?

Back 291

A person commits the sin of detraction when, without a good reason, he makes known the hidden faults of another.

Front 292

269. When does a person commit the sin of calumny or slander?

Back 292

A person commits the sin of calumny or slander when by lying he injures the good name of another.

Front 293

270. When are we obliged to keep a secret?

Back 293

We are obliged to keep a secret when we have promised to do so, when our office requires it, or when the good of another demands it.

Front 294

271. What must a person do who has sinned by detraction or calumny, or has told a secret he is bound to keep?

Back 294

A person who has sinned by detraction or calumny, or who has told a secret he is bound to keep, must repair the harm he has done to his neighbor, as far as he is able.

Front 295

272. What is the ninth commandment of God?

Back 295

The ninth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.

Front 296

273. What are we commanded by the ninth commandment?

Back 296

By the ninth commandment we are commanded to be pure in thought and desire.

Front 297

274. Are mere thoughts about impure things always sinful in themselves?

Back 297

Mere thoughts about impure things are not always sinful in themselves, but such thoughts are dangerous.

Front 298

275. When do thoughts about impure things become sinful?

Back 298

Thoughts about impure things become sinful when a person thinks of an unchaste act and deliberately takes pleasure in so thinking, or when unchaste desire or passion is aroused and consent is given to it.

Front 299

276. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment?

Back 299

The ninth commandment forbids all thoughts and desires contrary to chastity.

Front 300

277. What is the tenth commandment of God?

Back 300

The tenth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.

Front 301

278. What does the tenth commandment forbid?

Back 301

The tenth commandment forbids all desire to take or to keep unjustly what belongs to others, and also forbids envy at their success.

Front 302

279. Whence has the Catholic Church the right to make laws?

Back 302

The Catholic Church has the right to make laws from Jesus Christ, who said to the apostles, the first bishops of His Church: "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven."

Front 303

280. By whom is this right to make laws exercised?

Back 303

This right to make laws is exercised by the bishops, the successors of the apostles, and especially by the Pope, who as the successor of the chief of the apostles, Saint Peter, has the right to make laws for the Universal Church.

Front 304

281. Which are the chief commandments, or laws, of the Church?

Back 304

The chief commandments, or laws, of the Church are these six: 1. To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holydays of obligation. 2. To fast and to abstain on the days appointed. 3. To confess our sins at least once a year. 4. To receive Holy Communion during the Easter time. 5. To contribute to the support of the Church. 6. To observe the laws of the Church concerning marriage.

Front 305

282. What sin does a Catholic commit who through his own fault misses Mass on a Sunday or holyday of obligation?

Back 305

A Catholic who through his own fault misses Mass on a Sunday or holyday of obligation commits a mortal sin.

Front 306

283. Which are the holydays of obligation in the United States?

Back 306

The holydays of obligation in the United States are these six: Christmas Day (December 25) The Octave of the Nativity (January 1) Ascension Thursday (40 days after Easter) The Assumption (August 15) All Saints' Day (November 1) The Immaculate Conception (December 8)

Front 307

284. What else does the Church oblige us to do on holydays of obligation?

Back 307

The Church obliges us to abstain from servile work on holydays of obligation, just as on Sundays, as far as we are able.

Front 308

285. Why were holydays instituted by the Church?

Back 308

Holydays were instituted by the Church to remind us of the mysteries of our religion and of the important events in the lives of Christ and of His Blessed Mother, and to recall to us the virtues and the rewards of the saints.

Front 309

286. What is a fast day?

Back 309

A fast day is a day on which only one full meal is allowed, but in the morning and evening some food may be taken, the quantity and quality of which are determined by approved local custom.

Front 310

287. Who are obliged to observe the fast days of the Church?

Back 310

All baptized persons between the ages of twenty-one and fifty-nine are obliged to observe the fast days of the Church, unless they are excused or dispensed.

Front 311

288. What is a day of abstinence?

Back 311

A day of abstinence is a day on which we are not allowed the use of meat.

Front 312

289. Who are obliged to observe the abstinence days of the Church?

Back 312

All Catholics who have passed their fourteenth birthday and have attained the use of reason are obliged to observe the abstinence days of the Church, unless excused or dispensed.

Front 313

290. Why does the Church command us to fast and to abstain?

Back 313

The Church commands us to fast and to abstain in order that we may control the desires of the flesh, raise our minds more freely to God, and make satisfaction for sin.

Front 314

291.Why does the Church make Fridays of Lent days of abstinence?

Back 314

The Church makes Fridays of Lent days of abstinence in order that we may do penance for our sins, and also in order that we may prepare ourselves more worthily for Good Friday, when we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ.

Front 315

292. How can we know the days appointed for fast or abstinence?

Back 315

We can know the days appointed for fast or abstinence from the instructions of our bishops and priests.

Front 316

293. What is meant by the commandment to confess our sins at least once a year?

Back 316

By the commandment to confess our sins at least once a year is meant that we are strictly obliged to make a good confession within the year, if we have a mortal sin to confess.

Front 317

294. Why should we go to confession frequently?

Back 317

We should go to confession frequently because frequent confession greatly helps us to overcome temptation, to keep in the state of grace, and to grow in virtue.

Front 318

295. What sin does a Catholic commit who neglects to receive Holy Communion worthily during the Easter time?

Back 318

A Catholic who neglects to receive Holy Communion worthily during the Easter time commits a mortal sin.

Front 319

296. What is the Easter time in the United States?

Back 319

The Easter time in the United States begins on the first Sunday of Lent and ends on Trinity Sunday.

Front 320

297. What is meant by the commandment to contribute to the support of the Church?

Back 320

By the commandment to contribute to the support of the Church is meant that each of us is obliged to bear his fair share of the financial burden of the Holy See, of the diocese, and of the parish.

Front 321

298. What is the ordinary law of the Church to be observed at the wedding of a Catholic?

Back 321

The ordinary law of the Church to be observed at the wedding of a Catholic is this: A Catholic can contract a true marriage only in the presence of an authorized priest and two witnesses.

Front 322

299. Does the Church forbid Catholics to contract marriage with certain persons?

Back 322

The Church does forbid Catholics to contract marriage with certain persons, and the following are examples: first, a marriage with a non-Catholic; this is a mixed marriage; second, a marriage with a second cousin, or any relative closer than a second cousin.

Front 323

300. Why does the Church forbid Catholics to marry non-Catholics?

Back 323

The Church forbids Catholics to marry non-Catholics because mixed marriages often bring about family discord, loss of faith on the part of the Catholic, and neglect of the religious training of the children.

Front 324

301. Does the Church ever permit mixed marriages or marriages between close relatives?

Back 324

For grave reasons the Church sometimes permits mixed marriages or marriages between close relatives; such a permission is called a dispensation.

Front 325

302. Does the Church allow Catholics to marry during Lent and Advent?

Back 325

The Church allows Catholics to marry during Lent and Advent, though they should do so without much festivity. A Nuptial Mass is now allowed during these seasons.

Front 326

303. What is a Nuptial Mass?

Back 326

A Nuptial Mass is a Mass which has special prayers to beg God's blessing on the married couple.

Front 327

304. What is a sacrament?

Back 327

A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

Front 328

305. How many sacraments are there?

Back 328

There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Front 329

306. From whom do the sacraments receive their power to give grace?

Back 329

The sacraments receive their power to give grace from God, through the merits of Jesus Christ.

Front 330

307. Do the sacraments give sanctifying grace?

Back 330

The sacraments do give sanctifying grace.

Front 331

308. Does each of the sacraments also give a special grace?

Back 331

Each of the sacraments also gives a special grace, called sacramental grace, which helps one to carry out the particular purpose of that sacrament.

Front 332

309. Do the sacraments always give grace?

Back 332

The sacraments always give grace if we receive them with the right dispositions.

Front 333

310. Why are Baptism and Penance called sacraments of the dead?

Back 333

Baptism and Penance are called sacraments of the dead because their chief purpose is to give the supernatural life of sanctifying grace to souls spiritually dead through sin.

Front 334

311. Why are Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony called sacraments of the living?

Back 334

Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony are called sacraments of the living because their chief purpose is to give more grace to souls already spiritually alive through sanctifying grace.

Front 335

312. What sin does one commit who knowingly receives a sacrament of the living in mortal sin?

Back 335

He who knowingly receives a sacrament of the living in mortal sin commits a mortal sin of sacrilege, because he treats a sacred thing with grave irreverence.

Front 336

313. Which are the sacraments that can be received only once?

Back 336

The sacraments that can be received only once are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Front 337

314. Why can Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders be received only once?

Back 337

Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders can be received only once because they imprint on the soul a spiritual mark, called a character, which lasts forever.

Front 338

315. What is Baptism?

Back 338

Baptism is the sacrament that gives our souls the new life of sanctifying grace by which we become children of God and heirs of heaven.

Front 339

316. What sins does Baptism take away?

Back 339

Baptism takes away original sin; and also actual sin and all the punishment due to them, if the person baptized be guilty of any actual sins and truly sorry for them.

Front 340

317. What are the effects of the character imprinted on the soul by Baptism?

Back 340

The effects of the character imprinted on the soul by Baptism are that we become members of the Church, subject to its laws, and capable of receiving other sacraments.

Front 341

318. Who can administer Baptism?

Back 341

The priest is the usual minister of Baptism, but if there is danger that someone will die without Baptism, anyone else may and should baptize.

Front 342

319. How would you give Baptism?

Back 342

I would give Baptism by pouring ordinary water on the forehead of the person to be baptized, saying while pouring it: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Front 343

320. Why is Baptism necessary for the salvation of all men?

Back 343

Baptism is necessary for the salvation of all men because Christ has said: "Unless a man be born again of water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Front 344

321. How can those be saved who through no fault of their own have not received the sacrament of Baptism?

Back 344

Those who through no fault of their own have not received the sacrament of Baptism can be saved through what is called baptism of blood or baptism of desire.

Front 345

322. How does an unbaptized person receive the baptism of blood?

Back 345

An unbaptized person receives the baptism of blood when he suffers martyrdom for the faith of Christ.

Front 346

323. How does an unbaptized person receive the baptism of desire?

Back 346

An unbaptized person receives the baptism of desire when he loves God above all things and desires to do all that is necessary for his salvation.

Front 347

324. When should children be baptized?

Back 347

Children should be baptized as soon as possible after birth.

Front 348

325. What sin do Catholic parents commit who put off for a long time, or entirely neglect, the Baptism of their children?

Back 348

Catholic parents who put off for a long time, or entirely neglect, the Baptism of their children, commit a mortal sin.

Front 349

326. What do we promise through our godparents in Baptism?

Back 349

We promise through our godparents in Baptism to renounce the devil and to live according to the teachings of Christ and of His Church.

Front 350

327. Why is the name of a saint given in Baptism?

Back 350

The name of a saint is given in Baptism in order that the person baptized may imitate his virtues and have him for a protector.

Front 351

328. What is the duty of a godparent after Baptism?

Back 351

The duty of a godparent after Baptism is to see that the child is brought up a good Catholic, if this is not done by the parents.

Front 352

329. Who should be chosen as godparents for Baptism?

Back 352

Only Catholics who know their faith and live up to the duties of their religion should be chosen as godparents for Baptism.

Front 353

330. What is Confirmation?

Back 353

Confirmation is the sacrament through which the Holy Ghost comes to us in a special way and enables us to profess our faith as strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.

Front 354

331. Who is the usual minister of Confirmation?

Back 354

The bishop is the usual minister of Confirmation.

Front 355

332. What does the bishop do when he gives Confirmation?

Back 355

The bishop extends his hands over those who are to be confirmed, prays that they may receive the Holy Ghost, and, while laying his hand on the head of each person, anoints the forehead with holy chrism in the form of a cross.

Front 356

333. What does the bishop say in anointing the person he confirms?

Back 356

In anointing the person he confirms, the bishop says: "I sign you with the sign of the cross and I confirm you with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Front 357

334. What is holy chrism?

Back 357

Holy chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balm, blessed by the bishop on Holy Thursday.

Front 358

335. What does the anointing of the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross signify.

Back 358

The anointing of the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross signifies that the Catholic who is confirmed must always be ready to profess his faith openly and to practice it fearlessly.

Front 359

336. Why does the bishop give the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek?

Back 359

The bishop gives the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek to remind him that he must be ready to suffer everything, even death, for the sake of Christ.

Front 360

337. What are the effects of Confirmation?

Back 360

Confirmation increases sanctifying grace, gives its special sacramental grace, and imprints a lasting character on the soul.

Front 361

338. What does the sacramental grace of Confirmation help us to do?

Back 361

The sacramental grace of Confirmation helps us to live our faith loyally and to profess it courageously.

Front 362

339. What is the character of Confirmation?

Back 362

The character of Confirmation is a spiritual and indelible sign which marks the Christian as a soldier in the army of Christ.

Front 363

340. What is necessary to receive Confirmation properly?

Back 363

To receive Confirmation properly it is necessary to be in the state of grace, and to know well the chief truths and duties of our religion.

Front 364

341. After we have been confirmed, why should we continue to study our religion even more earnestly than before?

Back 364

After we have been confirmed, we should continue to study our religion even more earnestly than before, so that we may be able to explain and defend our faith, and thus cooperate with the grace of Confirmation.

Front 365

342. Why should all Catholics be confirmed?

Back 365

All Catholics should be confirmed in order to be strengthened against the dangers to salvation and to be prepared better to defend their Catholic faith.

Front 366

343. What is the Holy Eucharist?

Back 366

The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice. In the Holy Eucharist, under the appearances of bread and wine, the Lord Christ is contained, offered, and received.

Front 367

344. When did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist?

Back 367

Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the night before He died.

Front 368

345. Who were present when Our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist?

Back 368

When Our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist the apostles were present.

Front 369

346. How did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist?

Back 369

Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist in this way: He took bread, blessed and broke it, and giving it to His apostles, said: "Take and eat; this is My body"; then He took a cup of wine, blessed it, and giving it to them, said: "All of you drink of this; for this is My blood of the new covenant which is being shed for many unto the forgiveness of sins"; finally, He gave His apostles the commission: "Do this in remembrance of Me."

Front 370

347. What happened when Our Lord said: "This is My body . . . this is My blood"?

Back 370

When Our Lord said, "This is My body," the entire substance of the bread was changed into His body; and when He said, "This is My blood," the entire substance of the wine was changed into His blood.

Front 371

348. Did anything of the bread and wine remain after their substance had been changed into Our Lord's body and blood?

Back 371

After the substance of the bread and wine had been changed into Our Lord's body and blood, there remained only the appearances of bread and wine.

Front 372

349. What do we mean by the appearances of bread and wine?

Back 372

By the appearances of bread and wine we mean their color, taste, weight, shape, and whatever else appears to the senses.

Front 373

350. What is the change of the entire substance of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ called?

Back 373

The change of the entire substance of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is called Transubstantiation.

Front 374

351. Is Jesus Christ whole and entire both under the appearances of bread and under the appearances of wine?

Back 374

Jesus Christ is whole and entire both under the appearances of bread and under the appearances of wine.

Front 375

352. How was Our Lord able to change bread and wine into His body and blood?

Back 375

Our Lord was able to change bread and wine into His body and blood by His almighty power.

Front 376

353. Does this change of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ continue to be made in the Church?

Back 376

The change of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ continues to be made in the Church by Jesus Christ, through the ministry of His priests.

Front 377

354. When did Christ give His priests the power to change bread and wine into His body and blood?

Back 377

Christ gave His priests the power to change bread and wine into His body and blood when He made the apostles priests at the Last Supper by saying to them: "Do this in remembrance of Me."

Front 378

355. How do priests exercise their power to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ?

Back 378

Priests exercise their power to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ by repeating at the Consecration of the Mass the words of Christ: "This is My Body ... this is My blood."

Front 379

356. Why does Christ give us His own body and blood in the Holy Eucharist?

Back 379

Christ gives us His own body and blood in the Holy Eucharist: first, to be offered as a sacrifice commemorating and renewing for all time the sacrifice of the cross; second, to be received by the faithful in Holy Communion; third, to remain ever on our altars as the proof of His love for us, and to be worshiped by us.

Front 380

357. What is the Mass?

Back 380

The Mass is the sacrifice of the New Law in which Christ, through the ministry of the priest, offers Himself to God in an unbloody manner under the appearances of bread and wine.

Front 381

358. What is a sacrifice?

Back 381

A sacrifice is the offering of a victim by a priest to God alone, and the destruction of it in some way to acknowledge that He is the Creator of all things.

Front 382

359. Who is the principal priest in every Mass?

Back 382

The principal priest in every Mass is Jesus Christ, who offers to His heavenly Father, through the ministry of His ordained priest, His body and blood which were sacrificed on the cross.

Front 383

360. Why is the Mass the same sacrifice as the sacrifice of the cross?

Back 383

The Mass is the same sacrifice as the sacrifice of the cross because in the Mass the victim is the same, and the principal priest is the same, Jesus Christ.

Front 384

361. What are the purposes for which the Mass is offered?

Back 384

The purposes for which the Mass is offered are: first, to adore God as our Creator and Lord; second, to thank God for His many favors; third, to ask God to bestow His blessings on all men; fourth, to satisfy the justice of God for the sins committed against Him.

Front 385

362. Is there any difference between the sacrifice of the cross and the Sacrifice of the Mass?

Back 385

The manner in which the sacrifice is offered is different. On the cross Christ physically shed His blood and was physically slain, while in the Mass there is no physical shedding of blood nor physical death, because Christ can die no more; on the cross Christ gained merit and satisfied for us, while in the Mass He applies to us the merits and satisfaction of His death on the cross.

Front 386

363. How should we assist at Mass?

Back 386

We should assist at Mass with reverence, attention, and devotion.

Front 387

364. What is the best method of assisting at Mass?

Back 387

The best method of assisting at Mass is to unite with the priest in offering the Holy Sacrifice, and to receive Holy Communion.

Front 388

364A. How can we best unite with the priest in offering the Holy Sacrifice?

Back 388

We can best unite with the priest in offering the Holy Sacrifice by joining in mind and heart with Christ, the principal Priest and Victim, by following the Mass in a missal, and by reciting or chanting the responses.

Front 389

365. Who said the first Mass?

Back 389

Our Divine Savior said the first Mass, at the Last Supper, the night before He died.

Front 390

366. What is Holy Communion?

Back 390

Holy Communion is the receiving of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Front 391

367. What is necessary to receive Holy Communion worthily?

Back 391

To receive Holy Communion worthily it is necessary to be free from mortal sin, to have a right intention, and to obey the Church's laws on the fast required before Holy Communion out of reverence for the body and blood of Our Divine Lord. However, there are some cases in which Holy Communion may be received without fasting.

Front 392

368. Does he who knowingly receives Holy Communion in mortal sin receive the body and blood of Christ and His graces?

Back 392

He who knowingly receives Holy Communion in mortal sin receives the body and blood of Christ; but he does not receive His graces and he commits a grave sin of sacrilege.

Front 393

369. What should we do to receive more abundantly the graces of Holy Communion?

Back 393

To receive more abundantly the graces of Holy Communion we should strive to be most fervent and to free ourselves from deliberate venial sin.

Front 394

370. Does the Church now command us to fast from midnight before Holy Communion?

Back 394

The Church does not now command us to fast from midnight before Holy Communion, as it did formerly. The laws enacted by Pope Pius XII now regulate this matter by the number of hours we must fast.

Front 395

371. When may Holy Communion be received without fasting?

Back 395

Holy Communion may be received without fasting when one is in danger of death, or when it is necessary to save the Blessed Sacrament from insult or injury.

Front 396

372. What are the laws enacted by Pope Pius XII regarding the fast required before Holy Communion?

Back 396

The laws enacted by Pope Pius XII regarding the fast required before Holy Communion are the following: 1. Water may be taken at any time before Holy Communion without breaking the fast. 2. Sick persons, though not confined to bed, may receive Holy Communion after taking medicine or nonalcoholic drinks. A priest's permission is not necessary. 3. All Catholics may receive Holy Communion after fasting one hour from food and drink including even alcoholic beverages in moderation. This rule applies to Holy Communion at midnight Mass as well as at Masses celebrated in the morning, afternoon or evening. A priest's permission is not needed. 4. One may not receive Holy Communion a second time on the same day, unless the danger of death arises, when he can receive the Blessed Sacrament as Viaticum. But one who has received the Holy Eucharist at the midnight Mass of Christmas or at the Mass of the Easter Vigil may receive again in the course of the day. These rules show the Church's desire that all Catholics partake of the Holy Eucharist frequently.

Front 397

373. How should we prepare ourselves for Holy Communion?

Back 397

We should prepare ourselves for Holy Communion by thinking of Our Divine Redeemer whom we are about to receive, and by making fervent acts of faith, hope, love, and contrition.

Front 398

374. What should we do after Holy Communion?

Back 398

After Holy Communion we should spend some time adoring Our Lord, thanking Him, renewing our promises of love and of obedience to Him, and asking Him for blessings for ourselves and others.

Front 399

375. What are the chief effects of a worthy Holy Communion?

Back 399

The chief effects of a worthy Holy Communion are: first, a closer union with Our Lord and a more fervent love of God and of our neighbor; second, an increase of sanctifying grace; third, preservation from mortal sin and the remission of venial sin; fourth, the lessening of our inclinations to sin and the help to practice good works.

Front 400

376. When are we obliged to receive Holy Communion?

Back 400

We are obliged to receive Holy Communion during Easter time each year and when in danger of death.

Front 401

377. Why is it well to receive Holy Communion often, even daily?

Back 401

It is well to receive Holy Communion often, even daily, because this intimate union with Jesus Christ, the Source of all holiness and the Giver of all graces, is the greatest aid to a holy life.

Front 402

378. How should we show our gratitude to Our Lord for remaining always on our altars in the Holy Eucharist?

Back 402

We should show our gratitude to Our Lord for remaining always on our altars in the Holy Eucharist by visiting Him often, by reverence in church, by assisting every day at Mass when this is possible, by attending parish devotions, and by being present at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Front 403

379. What is the sacrament of Penance?

Back 403

Penance is the sacrament by which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven through the absolution of the priest.

Front 404

380. Whence has the priest the power to forgive sins?

Back 404

The priest has the power to forgive sins from Jesus Christ, who said to His apostles and to their successors in the priesthood: "Receive the Holy Ghost; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

Front 405

381. With what words does the priest forgive sins?

Back 405

The priest forgives sins with the words: "I absolve thee from thy sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Front 406

382. What are the effects of the sacrament of Penance, worthily received?

Back 406

The effects of the sacrament of Penance, worthily received, are: first, the restoration or increase of sanctifying grace; second, the forgiveness of sins; third, the remission of the eternal punishment, if necessary, and also of part, at least, of the temporal punishment, due to our sins; fourth, the help to avoid sin in future; fifth, the restoration of the merits of our good works if they have been lost by mortal sin.

Front 407

383. What else does the sacrament of Penance do for us?

Back 407

The sacrament of Penance also gives us the opportunity to receive spiritual advice and instruction from our confessor.

Front 408

384. What must we do to receive the sacrament of Penance worthily?

Back 408

To receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, we must: first, examine our conscience; second, be sorry for our sins; third, have the firm purpose of not sinning again;@fourth, confess our sins to the priest; fifth, be willing to perform the penance the priest gives us.

Front 409

385. What is an examination of conscience?

Back 409

An examination of conscience is a sincere effort to call to mind all the sins we have committed since our last worthy confession.

Front 410

386. What should we do before our examination of conscience?

Back 410

Before our examination of conscience we should ask God's help to know our sins and to confess them with sincere sorrow.

Front 411

387. How can we make a good examination of conscience?

Back 411

We can make a good examination of conscience by calling to mind the commandments of God and of the Church, and the particular duties of our state of life, and by asking ourselves how we may have sinned with regard to them.

Front 412

388. What is contrition?

Back 412

Contrition is sincere sorrow for having offended God, and hatred for the sins we have committed, with a firm purpose of sinning no more.

Front 413

389. Will God forgive us any sin unless we have true contrition for it?

Back 413

God will not forgive us any sin, whether mortal or venial, unless we have true contrition for it.

Front 414

390. When is sorrow for sin true contrition?

Back 414

Sorrow for sin is true contrition when it is interior, supernatural supreme, and universal.

Front 415

391. When is our sorrow interior?

Back 415

Our sorrow is interior when it comes from our heart, and not merely from our lips.

Front 416

392. When is our sorrow supernatural?

Back 416

Our sorrow is supernatural when, with the help of God's grace, it arises from motives which spring from faith and not merely from natural motives.

Front 417

393. When is our sorrow supreme?

Back 417

Our sorrow is supreme when we hate sin above every other evil, and are willing to endure any suffering rather than offend God in the future by sin.

Front 418

394. When is our sorrow universal?

Back 418

Our sorrow is universal when we are sorry for every mortal sin which we may have had the misfortune to commit.

Front 419

395. Should we always try to have sorrow for all our venial sins when receiving the sacrament of Penance?

Back 419

We should try to have sorrow for all our venial sins when receiving the sacrament of Penance, and, when we have only venial sins to confess, we must have sorrow for at least one of them or for some sin of our past life which we confess.

Front 420

396. Why should we have contrition for mortal sin?

Back 420

We should have contrition for mortal sin because it is the greatest of all evils, gravely offends God, keeps us out of heaven, and condemns us forever to hell.

Front 421

397. Why should we have contrition for venial sin?

Back 421

We should have contrition for venial sin because it is displeasing to God, merits temporal punishment, and may lead to mortal sin.

Front 422

398. How many kinds of contrition are there?

Back 422

There are two kinds of contrition: perfect contrition and imperfect contrition.

Front 423

399. When is our contrition perfect?

Back 423

Our contrition is perfect when we are sorry for our sins because sin offends God, whom we love above all things for His own sake.

Front 424

400. When is our contrition imperfect?

Back 424

Our contrition is imperfect when we are sorry for our sins because they are hateful in themselves or because we fear God's punishment.

Front 425

401. To receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, what kind of contrition is sufficient?

Back 425

To receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, imperfect contrition is sufficient.

Front 426

402. Should we always try to have perfect contrition in the sacrament of Penance?

Back 426

We should always try to have perfect contrition in the sacrament of Penance because perfect contrition is more pleasing to God, and because with His help we can always have it.

Front 427

403. How can a person in mortal sin regain the state of grace before receiving the sacrament of Penance?

Back 427

A person in mortal sin can regain the state of grace before receiving the sacrament of Penance by making an act of perfect contrition with the sincere purpose of going to confession.

Front 428

404. What should we do if we have the misfortune to commit a mortal sin?

Back 428

If we have the misfortune to commit a mortal sin, we should ask God's pardon and grace at once, make an act of perfect contrition, and go to confession as soon as we can.

Front 429

405. May we receive Holy Communion after committing a mortal sin if we merely make an act of perfect contrition?

Back 429

We may not receive Holy Communion after committing a mortal sin if we merely make an act of perfect contrition; one who has sinned grievously must go to confession before receiving Holy Communion.

Front 430

406. What is the firm purpose of sinning no more?

Back 430

The firm purpose of sinning no more is the sincere resolve not only to avoid sin but to avoid as far as possible the near occasions of sin.

Front 431

407. What purpose of amendment must a person have if he has only venial sins to confess?

Back 431

If a person has only venial sins to confess, he must have the purpose of avoiding at least one of them.

Front 432

408. What is confession?

Back 432

Confession is the telling of our sins to an authorized priest for the purpose of obtaining forgiveness.

Front 433

409. Why must we confess our sins?

Back 433

We must confess our sins because Jesus Christ obliges us to do so in these words, spoken to the apostles and to their successors in the priesthood: "Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

Front 434

410. How do these words of Christ oblige us to confess our sins?

Back 434

These words of Christ oblige us to confess our sins because the priest cannot know whether he should forgive or retain our sins unless we tell them to him.

Front 435

411. Is it necessary to confess every sin?

Back 435

It is necessary to confess every mortal sin which has not yet been confessed and forgiven; it is not necessary to confess our venial sins, but it is better to do so.

Front 436

412. What are the chief qualities of a good confession?

Back 436

The chief qualities of a good confession are three: it must be humble, sincere, and entire.

Front 437

413. When is our confession humble?

Back 437

Our confession is humble when we accuse ourselves of our sins with a conviction of guilt for having offended God.

Front 438

414. When is our confession sincere?

Back 438

Our confession is sincere when we tell our sins honestly and frankly.

Front 439

415. When is our confession entire?

Back 439

Our confession is entire when we confess at least all our mortal sins, telling their kind, the number of times we have committed each sin, and any circumstances changing their nature.

Front 440

416. What are we to do if without our fault we forget to confess a mortal sin?

Back 440

If without our fault we forget to confess a mortal sin, we may receive Holy Communion, because we have made a good confession and the sin is forgiven; but we must tell the sin in confession if it again comes to our mind.

Front 441

417. What happens if we knowingly conceal a mortal sin in confession?

Back 441

If we knowingly conceal a mortal sin in confession, the sins we confess are not forgiven; moreover, we commit a mortal sin of sacrilege.

Front 442

418. What must a person do who has knowingly concealed a mortal sin in confession?

Back 442

A person who has knowingly concealed a mortal sin in confession must confess that he has made a bad confession, tell the sin he has concealed, mention the sacraments he has received since that time, and confess all the mortal sins he has committed since his last good confession.

Front 443

419. Why should a sense of shame and fear of telling our sins to the priest never lead us to conceal a mortal sin in confession?

Back 443

A sense of shame and fear of telling our sins to the priest should never lead us to conceal a mortal sin in confession because this is a grave sacrilege, and also because the priest, who represents Christ Himself, is bound by the seal of the sacrament of Penance never to reveal anything that has been confessed to him.

Front 444

420. Why does the priest give us a penance after confession?

Back 444

The priest gives us a penance after confession that we may make some atonement to God for our sins, receive help to avoid them in the future, and make some satisfaction for the temporal punishment due to them.

Front 445

421. What kinds of punishment are due to sin?

Back 445

Two kinds of punishment are due to sin: the eternal punishment of hell, due to unforgiven mortal sins, and temporal punishment, lasting only for a time, due to venial sins and also to mortal sins after they have been forgiven.

Front 446

422. Does the sacrament of Penance, worthily received, always take away all punishment?

Back 446

The sacrament of Penance, worthily received, always takes away all eternal punishment; but it does not always take away all temporal punishment.

Front 447

423. Why does God require temporal punishment for sin?

Back 447

God requires temporal punishment for sin to satisfy His justice, to teach us the great evil of sin, and to warn us not to sin again.

Front 448

424. Where do we pay the debt of our temporal punishment?

Back 448

We pay the debt of our temporal punishment either in this life or in purgatory.

Front 449

425. What are the chief means of satisfying the debt of our temporal punishment, besides the penance imposed after confession?

Back 449

Besides the penance imposed after confession, the chief means of satisfying the debt of our temporal punishment are: prayer, attending Mass, fasting, almsgiving, the works of mercy, the patient endurance of sufferings, and indulgences.

Front 450

426. Before entering the confessional, how should we prepare ourselves for a good confession?

Back 450

Before entering the confessional, we should prepare ourselves for a good confession by taking sufficient time not only to examine our conscience but, especially, to excite in our hearts sincere sorrow for our sins and a firm purpose not to commit them again.

Front 451

427. How should we begin our confession?

Back 451

We should begin our confession in this manner: Entering the confessional, we kneel, and making the sign of the cross we say to the priest: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned"; and then we tell how long it has been since our last confession.

Front 452

428. After telling the time of our last confession, what do we confess?

Back 452

After telling the time of our last confession, if we have committed any mortal sins since that time we must confess them, and also any that we have forgotten in previous confessions, telling the nature and number of each; we may also confess any venial sins we wish to mention.

Front 453

429. What should we do if we cannot remember the exact number of our mortal sins?

Back 453

If we cannot remember the exact number of our mortal sins, we should tell the number as nearly as possible, or say how often we have committed the sins in a day, a week, a month, or a year.

Front 454

430. What should we do when we have committed no mortal sin since our last confession?

Back 454

When we have committed no mortal sin since our last confession, we should confess our venial sins or some sin told in a previous confession, for which we are again sorry, in order that the priest may give us absolution.

Front 455

431. How should we end our confession?

Back 455

We should end our confession by saying: "I am sorry for these and all the sins of my past life, especially for ..."; and then it is well to tell one or several of the sins which we have previously confessed and for which we are particularly sorry.

Front 456

432. What should we do after confessing our sins?

Back 456

After confessing our sins, we should answer truthfully any question the priest asks, seek advice if we feel that we need any, listen carefully to the spiritual instruction and counsel of the priest, and accept the penance he gives us.

Front 457

433. What should we do when the priest is giving us absolution?

Back 457

When the priest is giving us absolution, we should say from our heart the act of contrition in a tone to be heard by him.

Front 458

434. What should we do after leaving the confessional?

Back 458

After leaving the confessional we should return thanks to God for the sacrament we have received, beg Our Lord to supply for the imperfections of our confession, and promptly and devoutly perform our penance.

Front 459

435. What is an indulgence?

Back 459

An indulgence is the remission granted by the Church of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven.

Front 460

436. How many kinds of indulgences are there?

Back 460

There are two kinds of indulgences, plenary and partial.

Front 461

437. What is a plenary indulgence?

Back 461

A plenary indulgence is the remission of all the temporal punishment due to our sins.

Front 462

438. What is a partial indulgence?

Back 462

A partial indulgence is the remission of part of the temporal punishment due to our sins.

Front 463

439. How does the Church by means of indulgences remit the temporal punishment due to sin?

Back 463

The Church by means of indulgences remits the temporal punishment due to sin by applying to us from her spiritual treasury part of the infinite satisfaction of Jesus Christ and of the superabundant satisfaction of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saints.

Front 464

440. What is the superabundant satisfaction of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saints?

Back 464

The superabundant satisfaction of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saints is that which they gained during their lifetime but did not need, and which the Church applies to their fellow members of the communion of saints.

Front 465

441. What must we do to gain an indulgence for ourselves?

Back 465

To gain an indulgence for ourselves we must be in the state of grace, have at least a general intention of gaining the indulgence, and perform the works required by the Church.

Front 466

442. Can we gain indulgences for others?

Back 466

We cannot gain indulgences for other living persons, but we can gain them for the souls in purgatory, since the Church makes most indulgences applicable to them.

Front 467

443. What is Extreme Unction?

Back 467

Extreme Unction is the sacrament which, through the anointing with blessed oil by the priest, and through his prayer, gives health and strength to the soul and sometimes to the body when we are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age.

Front 468

444. Who should receive Extreme Unction?

Back 468

All Catholics who have reached the use of reason and are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age should receive Extreme Unction.

Front 469

445. What are the effects of the sacrament of Extreme Unction?

Back 469

The effects of the sacrament of Extreme Unction are: first, an increase of sanctifying grace; second, comfort in sickness and strength against temptation; third, preparation for entrance into heaven by the remission of our venial sins and the cleansing of our souls from the remains of sin; fourth, health of body when it is good for the soul.

Front 470

446. When does Extreme Unction take away mortal sin?

Back 470

Extreme Unction takes away mortal sin when the sick person is unconscious or otherwise unaware that he is not properly disposed, but has made an act of imperfect contrition.

Front 471

447. How should we prepare ourselves to receive Extreme Unction worthily?

Back 471

We should prepare ourselves to receive Extreme Unction worthily by a good confession, by acts of faith, hope, charity, and, especially, by resignation to the will of God.

Front 472

448. Who can administer Extreme Unction?

Back 472

Only a priest can administer Extreme Unction.

Front 473

449. When is it advisable to call the priest to visit the sick?

Back 473

It is advisable to call the priest to visit the sick in any serious illness, even though there be no apparent danger of death, as it is the duty of the priest to visit the sick and to administer to them the sacraments they need.

Front 474

450. In case of sudden or unexpected death, should a priest be called?

Back 474

In case of sudden or unexpected death a priest should be called always, because absolution and Extreme Unction can be given conditionally for some time after apparent death.

Front 475

451. What is Holy Orders?

Back 475

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men receive the power and grace to perform the sacred duties of bishops, priests, and other ministers of the Church.

Front 476

452. What are some of the requirements that a man may receive Holy Orders worthily?

Back 476

That a man may receive Holy Orders worthily it is necessary:@first, that he be in the state of grace and be of excellent character; second, that he have the prescribed age and learning; third, that he have the intention of devoting his life to the sacred ministry; fourth, that he be called to Holy Orders by his bishop.

Front 477

452A. What is meant essentially by a vocation to the priesthood?

Back 477

By a vocation to the priesthood is meant essentially that invitation to receive Holy Orders given by the proper ecclesiastical superior to a man who, after a sufficient period of preparation and trial, gives signs that he has been called by God to the priesthood.

Front 478

452B. What are the chief signs that a man has been called by God to the priesthood?

Back 478

The chief signs that a man has been called by God to the priesthood are: a sincere desire to become a priest, a virtuous life, and sufficient bodily health and intellectual ability to enable him to make the required studies and to perform the duties of the priestly life.

Front 479

452C. Do religious brothers and sisters receive the sacrament of Holy Orders?

Back 479

No; religious brothers and sisters do not receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, but they have received from God a vocation to dedicate their lives to His service.

Front 480

453. What are the effects of ordination to the priesthood?

Back 480

The effects of ordination to the priesthood are: first, an increase of sanctifying grace; second, sacramental grace, through which the priest has God's constant help in his sacred ministry; third, a character, lasting forever, which is a special sharing in the priesthood of Christ and which gives the priest special supernatural powers.

Front 481

454. What are the chief supernatural powers of the priest?

Back 481

The chief supernatural powers of the priest are: to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and to forgive sins in the sacrament of Penance.

Front 482

455. Why should Catholics show reverence and honor to the priest?

Back 482

Catholics should show reverence and honor to the priest because he is the representative of Christ Himself and the dispenser of His mysteries.

Front 483

456. Who is the minister of the sacrament of Holy Orders?

Back 483

The bishop is the minister of the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Front 484

457. What is the sacrament of Matrimony?

Back 484

Matrimony is the sacrament by which a baptized man and a baptized woman bind themselves for life in a lawful marriage and receive the grace to discharge their duties.

Front 485

458. What are the chief duties of husband and wife in the married state?

Back 485

The chief duties of husband and wife in the married state are to be faithful to each other, and to provide in every way for the welfare of the children God may give them.

Front 486

459. Why does the bond of the sacrament of Matrimony last until the death of husband or wife?

Back 486

The bond of the sacrament of Matrimony lasts until the death of husband or wife because Christ has said: "What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder."

Front 487

460. What is meant by the unity of the sacrament of Matrimony?

Back 487

By the unity of the sacrament of Matrimony is meant that the husband cannot during the life of his wife have another wife, nor the wife during the life of her husband have another husband.

Front 488

461. Why is every true marriage between a baptized man and a baptized woman a sacrament?

Back 488

Every true marriage between a baptized man and a baptized woman is a sacrament because Christ Himself raised every marriage of this kind to the dignity of a sacrament.

Front 489

462. Why has the Catholic Church alone the right to make laws regulating the marriages of baptized persons?

Back 489

The Catholic Church alone has the right to make laws regulating the marriages of baptized persons because the Church alone has authority over the sacraments and over sacred matters affecting baptized persons.

Front 490

463. What authority has the State regarding the marriages of baptized persons?

Back 490

Regarding the marriages of baptized persons, the State has the authority to make laws concerning their effects that are merely civil.

Front 491

464. What is necessary to receive the sacrament of Matrimony worthily?

Back 491

To receive the sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, to know the duties of married life, and to obey the marriage laws of the Church.

Front 492

465. In whose presence do the laws of the Church require a Catholic to be married?

Back 492

The laws of the Church require a Catholic to be married in the presence of the parish priest, or the bishop of the diocese, or a priest delegated by either of them, and before two witnesses.

Front 493

466. What are the chief effects of the sacrament of Matrimony?

Back 493

The chief effects of the sacrament of Matrimony are: first, an increase of sanctifying grace; second, the special help of God for husband and wife to love each other faithfully, to bear with each other's faults, and to bring up their children properly.

Front 494

467. What should Catholics do to prepare for a holy and happy marriage?

Back 494

To prepare for a holy and happy marriage, Catholics should: first, pray that God may direct their choice; second, seek the advice of their parents and confessors; third, practice the virtues, especially chastity: fourth, frequently receive the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist.

Front 495

468. How can Catholics best obtain God's blessing for their marriage?

Back 495

Catholics can best obtain God's blessing for their marriage by being married at a Nuptial Mass and by receiving Holy Communion devoutly.

Front 496

469. What are sacramentals?

Back 496

Sacramentals are holy things or actions of which the Church makes use to obtain for us from God, through her intercession, spiritual and temporal favors.

Front 497

470. How do the sacramentals obtain favors from God?

Back 497

The sacramentals obtain favors from God through the prayers of the Church offered for those who make use of them, and through the devotion they inspire.

Front 498

471. What are the chief benefits obtained by the use of the sacramentals?

Back 498

The chief benefits obtained by the use of the sacramentals are: first, actual graces; second, the forgiveness of venial sins; third, the remission of temporal punishment; fourth, health of body and material blessings; fifth, protection from evil spirits.

Front 499

472. Which are the chief kinds of sacramentals?

Back 499

The chief kinds of sacramentals are: first, blessings given by priests and bishops;second, exorcisms against evil spirits; third, blessed objects of devotion.

Front 500

473. Which are the blessed objects of devotion most used by Catholics?

Back 500

The blessed objects of devotion most used by Catholics are: holy water, candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, medals, rosaries, scapulars, and images of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, and the saints.

Front 501

474. How should we make use of sacramentals?

Back 501

We should make use of the sacramentals with faith and devotion, and never make them objects of superstition.

Front 502

475. What is prayer?

Back 502

Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God.

Front 503

476. Why do we pray?

Back 503

We pray: first, to adore God, expressing to Him our love and loyalty; second, to thank Him for His favors; third, to obtain from Him the pardon of our sins and the remission of their punishment; fourth, to ask for graces and blessings for ourselves and others.

Front 504

477. How should we pray?

Back 504

We should pray: first, with attention; second, with a conviction of our own helplessness and our dependence upon God; third, with a great desire for the graces we beg of Him; fourth, with loving trust in His goodness; fifth, with perseverance.

Front 505

478. For whom should we pray?

Back 505

We should pray especially for ourselves, for our parents, relatives, friends, and enemies, for sinners, for the souls in purgatory, for the Pope, bishops, and priests of the Church, and for the officials of our country.

Front 506

479. How do we know that God always hears our prayers if we pray properly?

Back 506

We know that God always hears our prayers if we pray properly because Our Lord has promised: "If you ask the Father anything in My name, He will give it to you."

Front 507

480. Why do we not always obtain what we pray for?

Back 507

We do not always obtain what we pray for, either because we have not prayed properly or because God sees that what we are asking would not be for our good.

Front 508

481. Are distractions in our prayers always displeasing to God?

Back 508

Distractions in our prayers are not displeasing to God, unless they are willful.

Front 509

482. How many kinds of prayer are there?

Back 509

There are two kinds of prayer: mental prayer and vocal prayer.

Front 510

483. What is mental prayer?

Back 510

Mental prayer is that prayer by which we unite our hearts with God while thinking of His holy truths.

Front 511

484. What is vocal prayer?

Back 511

Vocal prayer is that prayer which comes from the mind and heart and is spoken by the lips.

Front 512

485. May we use our own words in praying to God?

Back 512

We may use our own words in praying to God, and it is well to do so often.

Front 513

486. What are the prayers that every Catholic should know by heart?

Back 513

The prayers that every Catholic should know by heart are: the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor, the Glory be to the Father, and the acts of faith, hope, charity, and contrition.

Front 514

487. How do we usually begin and end our prayers?

Back 514

We usually begin and end our prayers with the sign of the cross.

Front 515

488. Why do we make the sign of the cross?

Back 515

We make the sign of the cross to express two important mysteries of the Christian religion, the Blessed Trinity and the Redemption.

Front 516

489. How are these mysteries expressed by the sign of the cross?

Back 516

When we say "In the name," we express the truth that there is only one God; when we say "of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," we express the truth that there are three distinct Persons in God; and when we make the form of the cross on ourselves, we express the truth that the Son of God, made man, redeemed us by His death on the cross.

Front 517

490. Why is the Our Father the best of all prayers?

Back 517

The Our Father is the best of all prayers because it is the Lord's Prayer, taught us by Jesus Christ Himself, and because it is a prayer of perfect and unselfish love.

Front 518

491. Why is the Our Father a prayer of perfect and unselfish love?

Back 518

The Our Father is a prayer of perfect and unselfish love because in saying it we offer ourselves entirely to God and ask from Him the best things, not only for ourselves but also for our neighbor.

Front 519

492. Why do we address God as "Our Father who art in heaven"?

Back 519

We address God as "Our Father who art in heaven" because we belong to Him, our loving Father, who created us and watches over us, who adopts us through sanctifying grace as His children, and who destines us to live forever with Him in heaven, our true home.

Front 520

493. For what do we pray when we say "hallowed be Thy name"?

Back 520

When we say "hallowed be Thy name," we pray that God may be known and honored by all men.

Front 521

494. For what do we pray when we say "Thy kingdom come"?

Back 521

When we say "Thy kingdom come," we pray that the kingdom of God's grace may be spread throughout the world, that all men may come to know and to enter the true Church and to live as worthy members of it, and that, finally, we all may be admitted to the kingdom of God's glory.

Front 522

495. For what do we pray when we say "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven"?

Back 522

When we say "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," we pray that all men may obey God on earth as willingly as the saints and angels obey Him in heaven.

Front 523

496. For what do we pray when we say "Give us this day our daily bread"?

Back 523

When we say "Give us this day our daily bread," we pray that God will give us each day all that is necessary to support the material life of our bodies and the spiritual life of our souls.

Front 524

497. For what do we pray when we say "and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us"?

Back 524

When we say "and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," we pray that God will pardon the sins by which we have offended Him, and we tell Him that we pardon our fellow men who have offended us.

Front 525

498. For what do we pray when we say "and lead us not into temptation"?

Back 525

When we say "and lead us not into temptation," we pray that God will always give us the grace to overcome the temptations to sin which come to us from the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Front 526

499. For what do we pray when we say "but deliver us from evil"?

Back 526

When we say "but deliver us from evil," we pray that God will always protect us from harm, and especially from harm to our souls.

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I. How does our reason point out the truth of the Catholic religion?

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Our reason points out the truth of the Catholic religion by these principles: first, there is a God; second, the soul of man is immortal; third, all men are obliged to practice religion; fourth, the religion God has revealed through Christ is worthy of belief; fifth, Christ established a Church which all are obliged to join; sixth, the only true Church of Christ is the Catholic Church.

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II. How can we prove that there is a God?

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We can prove that there is a God because this vast universe could not have come into existence, nor be so beautiful and orderly, except by the almighty power and the wisdom of an eternal and intelligent Being.

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III. How can we prove that the soul of man is immortal?

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We can prove that the soul of man is immortal because man's acts of intelligence are spiritual; therefore, his soul must be a spiritual being, not dependent on matter, and hence not subject to decay or death.

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IV. How we prove that all men are obliged to practice religion?

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We can prove that all men are obliged to practice religion because all men are entirely dependent on God and must recognize that dependence by honoring Him and praying to Him.

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V. How can we prove that the religion God has revealed through Christ is worthy of belief?

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We can prove that the religion God has revealed through Christ is worthy of belief, because: first, Jesus Christ, announcing Himself as the ambassador and the true Son of God, whose coming was foretold by the prophets, preached doctrines which He said all must believe; second, Christ worked wonderful miracles, which show that the God of truth approved His teachings.

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VI. How can we prove that Christ established a Church which all are obliged to join?

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We can prove that Christ established a Church which all are obliged to join, because: first, He gathered about Him a group of disciples, and called it His Church; second, He promised that this Church would last until the end of time; third, He declared that all men must believe and be baptized, that is, join His Church, in order to be saved.

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VII. How can we prove that the only true Church of Christ is the Catholic Church?

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We can prove that the only true Church of Christ is the Catholic Church because: first, only the Catholic Church possesses the marks of the Church established by Christ, that is, unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity; second, the history of the Catholic Church gives evidence of miraculous strength, permanence, and unchangeableness, thus showing the world that it is under the special protection of God.

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VIII. Whence do we chiefly derive our historical knowledge of Jesus Christ, His life and teachings, and of the Church He established?

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We derive our historical knowledge of Jesus Christ, His life and teachings, and of the Church He established chiefly from the books of the Bible. which can be proved to be reliable historical records.

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IX. What else are the books of the Bible besides being reliable historical records?

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Besides being reliable historical records, the books of the Bible are the inspired word of God, that is, written by men with such direct assistance of the Holy Ghost as to make God their true Author.

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X. How is the Bible divided?

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The Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament; the Old Testament being the inspired books written before the time of Jesus Christ, and the New Testament the inspired books written after His coming.

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XI. Are all the truths revealed for us by God found in the Bible?

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Not all the truths revealed for us by God are found in the Bible; some are found only in Divine Tradition.

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XII. What is meant by Divine Tradition?

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By Divine Tradition is meant the revealed truths taught by Christ and His apostles, which were given to the Church only by word of mouth and not through the Bible, though they were put in writing, principally by the Fathers of the Church.

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XIII. Why must Divine Tradition be believed as firmly as the Bible?

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Divine Tradition must be believed as firmly as the Bible because it also contains the word of God.

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XIV. How can we know the true meaning of the doctrines contained in the Bible and in Divine Tradition?

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We can know the true meaning of the doctrines contained in the Bible and in Divine Tradition from the Catholic Church, which has been authorized by Jesus Christ to explain His doctrines, and which is preserved from error in its teachings by the special assistance of the Holy Ghost.

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XV. How can we best show our gratitude to God for making us members of the only true Church of Jesus Christ?

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We can best show our gratitude to God for making us members of the only true Church of Jesus Christ by often thanking God for this great favor, by leading edifying and practical Catholic lives, by trying to lead others to the true faith, and by helping the missions.

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XVI. How can we help the missions?

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We can help the missions: first, by praying for the missions, home and foreign, and for missionaries that they may fulfill the command of Christ: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations"; second, by knowing the missions and making them known to others; third, by making sacrifices for the missions, that is, by helping to support them and by personal service; fourth, by fostering vocations of self-sacrificing young men and women for every need of the missions.