Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Confiteor
I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grevious fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
May the almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me my sins, and bring me to life everlasting. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution, and remission of my sins. Amen.
May the almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me my sins, and bring me to life everlasting. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution, and remission of my sins. Amen.
Hail, Holy Queen
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of they womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, o sweet Virgin Mary. (An indulgence of 5 years. A plenary indulgence once a month under the usual conditions for the daily recitation of this prayer)
The Mysteries of the Rosary
The Five Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation to Our Lady that she was to be the Mother of God.2. The Visitation of St. Elizabeth by Our Blessed Lady.
3. The Birth of Our Divine Lord in a stable at Bethlehem.
4. The Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple.
5. The Finding of the Divine Child in the Temple.
The Five Sorrowful Mysteries
1. The Agony of Our Blessed Lord in the Garden.2. The Scourging of Our Lord at the Pillar.
3. The Crowning of Our Lord with Thorns.
4. The Carrying of the Cross.
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Saviour on the Cross.
The Five Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection of Our Divine Lord from the dead.2. The Ascension of Our Divine Lord into Heaven.
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles.
4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.
5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Heaven.
Prayer to Our Angel Guardian
O Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom his love commits me here;
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
(An indulgence of 300 days).
To whom his love commits me here;
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
(An indulgence of 300 days).
Morning Offering
O my God, I offer Thee all the thoughts, words and actions of this day for thy greater honour and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grace After Meals
We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all thy benefits; who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen. (An indulgence of 300 days).
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which of thy bounty we are about to receive, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Angelus
1. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
Hail Mary, etc.
Let us Pray
And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
Hail Mary, etc.
2. Behold the handmaid of the Lord:
Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary, etc.
3. And the Word was made flesh:
And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may, by his passion and cross, be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the divine assistance always remain with us.
And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
(Indulgence of 10 years).
A Short Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for all my sins, because they offend Thee, who art infinitely good, and I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, never to offend Thee again.
A Short Act of Charity
O my God, I love Thee above all things, because Thou art infinitely good, and for thy sake I love my neighbour as myself.
A Short Act of Hope
O my God, I hope in Thee for all the graces that I need for my eternal salvation and for heaven itself, because Thou art infinitely powerful, good and merciful and because Thou art faithful to thy word.
A Short Act of Faith
O my God, I believe in Thee and in all that Thou teachest through thy Holy Church, because thy word is true.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. (An indulgence of 100 days; with holy water, 300 days).
Part III. Chapter XXIX. SACRAMENTALS
434. What are sacramentals?
Sacramentals are certain objects and actions which the Church uses, in imitation of the sacraments, to obtain from God spiritual and temporal favours.
435. How do sacramentals obtain from God spiritual and temporal favours?
Sacramentals obtain spiritual and temporal favours through the prayers of the Church, and through the acts of devotion which their use inspires.
436. What are the principal favours obtained by sacramentals?
The principal favours obtained by sacramentals are: actual graces, forgiveness of venial sin, remission of the temporal punishment due to forgiven sin, protection against evil spirits, restoration of bodily health, and other temporal blessings.
437. What are the principal kinds of sacramentals?
The principal kinds of sacramentals are consecrations, blessings, exorcisms, and objects blessed by the Church for the use of the faithful.
438. What are the principal consecrations and blessings?
The principal consecrations and blessings are those by which the Church sets aside entirely for religious uses certain things, such as churches, cemeteries and chalices.
439. What are the principal blessings used by the Church to obtain for us spiritual and temporal favours?
The principal blessings used by the Church for the benefit of the faithful are: blessings of the sick, the nuptial blessing, the blessing of a mother after childbirth, and the blessings of houses, food, crops, animals and machinery.
440. What are exorcisms?
Exorcisms are solemn prayers and ceremonies used by the Church to restrain or expel evil spirits.
441. What are the principal objects blessed by the Church for the use of the faithful?
The principal objects blessed by the Church for the use of the faithful are water, palms, ashes, crucifixes, medals, rosaries and scapulars.
442. What are sacred ceremonies?
Sacred ceremonies are actions and words used by the Church to express our worship of God, to prepare the faithful for the proper reception of the sacraments, and to obtain special favours.
443. Which are the principal ceremonies?
The principal ceremonies are those of the Mass and the sacraments, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the reception and profession of religious, sacred processions, and the burying of the dead.
Part III. Chapter XVIII. MATRIMONY
426. What is Matrimony?
Matrimony is the sacrament by which man and woman become husband and wife, and receive the graces to live happily together and to fulfil the duties of the married state.
427. Who can receive the sacrament of Matrimony?
All baptised persons can receive the sacrament of Matrimony, unless forbidden by the law of God or of the Church.
428. Why has the Church the power to make laws concerning marriage?
The Church has the power to make laws concerning marriage, because Christ made the marriage of baptised persons a sacrament.
429. Which are the chief duties of husband and wife?
The chief duties of husband and wife are to be faithful to their marriage promises, to love and help each other, and to provide for the spiritual and temporal welfare of their children.
430. What is necessary for the worthy reception of the sacrament of Matrimony?
To receive worthily the sacrament of Matrimony, it is necessary to be in the state of grace.
431. What is the best preparation for a happy marriage?
The best preparation for a happy marriage is to be chaste, temperate and charitable, to pray to God for guidance in choosing a partner, and to ask the advice of parents and confessor.
432. Can the bond of marriage ever be broken?
When baptised persons have been validly married and have lived together as husband and wife, the bond of their marriage cannot be broken, except by the death of either party.
433. Can the State break the bond of a valid marriage?
The State has no power to break the bond of a valid marriage, and hence civil laws authorising divorce are null and void.
Part III. Chapter XXVII. EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS
414. What is Extreme Unction?
Extreme Unction is a sacrament which gives grace to die well, and is instituted chiefly for the spiritual strength and comfort of dying persons.
415. Is Extreme Unction given to all persons in danger of death?
Extreme Unction is given only to those who have reached the use of reason, and are in danger of death from sickness or old age.
416. What are the special effects of Extreme Unction?
Extreme Unction gives resignation in sickness and strength against temptation; it prepares the soul to enter heaven by the remission of sin and its effects; and it sometimes restores bodily health.
417. Is mortal sin ever remitted through Extreme Unction?
Mortal sin is remitted through Extreme Unction, when the sick person is unable to receive the sacrament of Penance and has imperfect contrition.
418. How should we prepare for Extreme Unction?
We should prepare for Extreme Unction by receiving the sacraments of Penance and the Blessed Eucharist, by making acts of contrition, faith, hope and charity, and by resigning ourselves to the will of God.
419. Who can administer Extreme Unction?
Only the priests of the Church have power to administer Extreme Unction.
420. How is Extreme Unction administered?
Extreme Unction is administered by anointing with oil and by prayer.
421. What is the chief duty of those in charge of the sick?
The chief duty of those in charge of the sick is to call in the priest when a patient is greviously ill, that he may be prepared to receive worthily and in good time the sacraments of Penance, the Blessed Eucharist and Extreme Unction.
422. What is Holy Orders?
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men are made bishops, priests and other ministers of the Church, and are given the graces necessary for their sacred duties.
423. Which are the chief powers given to a priest in Holy Orders?
The chief powers given to a priest are: to offer the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and to forgive sins in the sacrament of Penance.
424. Who can confer Holy Orders?
Only bishops have the power to confer the sacrament of Holy Orders.
425. How should Catholics look upon their priests?
Catholics should reverence their priests as the representatives of Jesus Christ.
Part III. Chapter XXVI. THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
380. What is the sacrament of Penance?
Penance is the sacrament by which sins are forgiven which are committed after Baptism.
381. By whose power are sins forgiven in the sacrament of Penance?
Sins are forgiven in the sacrament of Penance by the power of God, which Christ gave to his apostles and, through them, to the priests of his Church.
382. When did Christ give to his apostles the power to forgive sins?
Christ gave to his apostles the power to forgive sins when He said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost, whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them, and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained (John xx, 23).
383. How does the priest exercise the power of forgiving and retaining sins?
The priest grants absolution from their sins to those who are rightly disposed, and refuses it to those who are not yet rightly disposed.
384. What is absolution?
Absolution is the sentence of pardon given by the priest when he says: I absolve thee from thy sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
385. What must a sinner do to dispose himself to obtain pardon in the sacrament of Penance?
To obtain pardon in the sacrament of penance a sinner must have true contrition for his sins, confess them to the priest, and accept the satisfaction or penance imposed on him.
386. How are we to prepare for the sacrament of Penance?
To prepare for the sacrament of Penance we should pray to God for the grace to receive it worthily, examine our conscience to discover the sins we have committed, and strive earnestly to be truly sorry for them.
387.How should we examine our conscience?
We should examine our conscience by calling to mind the commandments of God and of the Church, and the duties of our state in life, to find out in what things and how often we have sinned by thought, word, deed or omission.
I. Contrition
388. What is contrition?
Contrition is a sincere sorrow and hatred of our sins, because they offend God, with a firm resolution of sinning no more.
389. How many kinds of contrition are there?
There are two kinds of contrition: perfect contrition and imperfect contrition, which is also called attrition.
390. What is perfect contrition?
Contrition is perfect when we are sorry for our sins because they offend God, who is infinitely good in Himself.
391. What is imperfect contrition?
Contrition is imperfect when we are sorry for our sins from some motive less than the pure love of God, such as gratitude to God, or fear of his punishments.
392. What kind of contrition is sufficient in the sacrament of Penance?
To receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, imperfect contrition is sufficient, but we should always strive to have perfect contrition.
393. Can a person in mortal sin regain the state of grace before receiving the sacrament of Penance?
A person in mortal sin can regain the state of grace by making an act of perfect contrition, but he must intend to receive the sacrament, and must confess the sin in his next confession.
394. What qualities must all sorrow have to obtain pardon of sin?
Sorrow for sin must have these four qualities: it must be true sorrow of the heart, it must spring from a supernatural motive, it must extend to all mortal sins committed, and must regard sin as the greatest of all evils.
395. Is a purpose of amendment always necessary for forgiveness?
A purpose of amendment, that is, a firm resolution of sinning no more, is always necessary for forgiveness, because we are not truly sorry for sin, unless we are firmly resolved to avoid sin and to take the means necessary for avoiding it.
396. How can we acquire true sorrow for our sins?
We can acquire true sorrow for our sins by thinking of the goodness of God, the love of our Divine Redeemer, as shown in his Passion and Death, the loss of heaven, and the torments of hell.
II. Confession
397. What is confession?
Confession is a declaration of our sins made to a priest in the sacrament of Penance in order to obtain absolution.
398. What sins is a penitent bound to confess?
A penitent is bound to confess all mortal sins, with their number and kind, which have not yet been confessed and forgiven in the sacrament of Penance.
399. Is it wrong to conceal a mortal sin in confession?
To conceal a mortal sin in confession is a grevious sin of sacrilege, and the sins confessed are not forgiven.
400. What must they do who have concealed a mortal sin in confession?
They who have concealed a mortal sin in confession must confess that sin, the sacrilege of which they have been guilty, and all the other mortal sins committed since their last confession.
401. Is a mortal sin forgiven which has been omitted without fault in confession?
Yes, a mortal sin omitted without fault in confession is forgiven, but it must be told in the next confession.
402. Can a person receive the sacrament of Penance who has no mortal sin to confess?
Yes, a person can receive the sacrament of penance if he confesses a sin of his past life, or at least one venial sin for which he is truly sorry.
III. Satisfaction
403. What should we do after receiving the sacrament of Penance?
After receiving the sacrament of Penance, we should give God thanks for having forgiven us our sins and perform the penance or satisfaction imposed by the confessor.
404. What is meant by satisfaction?
By satisfaction we mean the prayers or other good works imposed on the penitent by the confessor to satisfy for the temporal punishment, which is often due to sin after its guilt has been remitted.
405. Does the sacrament of Penance remit all punishment due to sin?
The sacrament of penance remits the eternal punishment due to mortal sin, but it does not always remit the temporal punishment, which God requires as satisfaction for our sins.
406. Why does God require a temporal punishment as a satisfaction for sin already forgiven?
God requires a temporal punishment, in order to repair the offence against his divine majesty, to teach us the evil of sin and to prevent us from sinning again.
407. Does the penance imposed by the confessor satisfy in full for the temporal punishment due to sin?
The penance imposed by the confessor does not always satisfy in full for the temporal punishment, but whatever is wanting can be supplied by our other good works and by indulgences.
408. By what good works can we satisfy for the temporal punishment due to sin?
We can satisfy for the temporal punishment due to sin by any good work performed in the state of grace, especially by prayer, fasting, almsgiving and other works of mercy, and the patient endurance of sufferings.
IV. Indulgences
409. What is an indulgence?
An indulgence is a remission by the Church for the temporal punishment due to sin already forgiven.
410. How many kinds of indulgences are there?
There are two kinds: a plenary indulgence, which remits all the temporal punishment due to our sins, and a partial indulgence, which remits a portion of such punishment.
411. Why can the Church grant indulgences?
The Church can grant indulgences, because she can apply to us the merits of Christ and the saints.
412. What are the conditions necessary for gaining an indulgence?
To gain an indulgence we must be in the state of grace, have at least a general intention of gaining the indulgence, and perform the special works required by the Church.
413. For whom can we gain indulgences?
We can gain indulgences only for ourselves and for the souls in purgatory.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Part III. Chapter XXV. THE BLESSED EUCHARIST
352. What is the Blessed Eucharist?
The Blessed Eucharist is the sacrifice of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, under the appearances of bread and wine.
353. When did Christ institute the Blessed Eucharist?
Christ instituted the Blessed Eucharist at his Last Supper when, taking bread and wine, He said: This is my body; This is my blood; and then, giving power to his disciples to do what He had done, said to them: Do this as a commemoration of me (Matt. xxvi, 28; Matt. xiv, 22; Luke xxii, 19).
354. Have the priests of the Church power to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ?
The priests of the Church have power to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, because they have received this power from Christ through the apostles and their successors in every age.
I. The Real Presence
355. What do we mean by the Real Presence?
By the Real Presence we mean that our Lord Jesus Christ is really, truly and substantially present in the Blessed Eucharist.
356. Is Jesus Christ present, whole and entire, under the appearances of bread and wine?
Jesus Christ is present, whole and entire, body and blood, soul and divinity, under the appearance of bread, and under the appearance of wine.
357. What do we mean by the appearances of bread and wine?
By the appearances of bread and wine we mean the taste, colour and form of bread and wine, which still remain after the substance of the bread and wine has been changed into the body and blood of Christ.
358. How do the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ?
The bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ by the power of God, to whom nothing is impossible.
359. When does a priest change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ?
The priest changes bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ at the consecration of the Mass, when he repeats the words of Christ: This is my body; This is my blood.
360. Why did Christ institute the Eucharist?
Christ instituted the Blessed Eucharist in order that we might have an acceptable sacrifice to offer to God, and a heavenly food to nourish our souls.
II. The Sacrifice of the Mass
361. What is the sacrifice of the Blessed Eucharist usually called?
The sacrifice of the Blessed Eucharist is usually called the Mass.
362. What is a sacrifice?
A sacrifice is the offering of a victim to God, by a priest, to acknowledge that he is the supreme Lord over us and over all things.
363. Did Christ when on earth offer a sacrifice to God?
Yes, Christ offered Himself as a victim for us to his heavenly Father, at the Last Supper and on the Cross.
364. What is the Mass?
The Mass is the sacrifice of the New Law, in which Christ, through the ministry of the priest, offers Himself for us as a victim to his heavenly Father.
365. Is the Mass the same sacrifice as that of the Cross?
The Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the Cross, though offered in a different manner.
366. How is the Mass the same sacrifice as that of the Cross?
The Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the Cross, because the same Christ who offered Himself a bleeding victim on the Cross, offers Himself in an unbloody manner by the hands of his priests in the Mass.
367. What are the purposes for which Mass is offered?
The purposes for which Mass is offered are: to adore God, to thank Him for his benefits, to make satisfaction for our sins, and to obtain from Him other graces and blessings.
368. What is the best manner of assisting at Mass?
The best manner of assisting at Mass is to offer it to God with the priest for the purposes for which it is said, to meditate on Christ's sufferings, and to receive Holy Communion.
III. The Sacrament of the Blessed Eucharist
369. What is the sacrament of the Blessed Eucharist?
The sacrament of the Blessed Eucharist is the sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which are given us for our spiritual food under the appearances of bread and wine.
370. How should we show our devotion to our Divine Lord in the sacrament of the Blessed Eucharist?
We should show our devotion to our Divine Lord, by visiting Him frequently in our churches, by attending Benediction, but above all by receiving Him in Holy Communion.
371. Should we often receive Holy Communion?
We should often receive Holy Communion, because in it we receive Jesus Christ, the heavenly food which is so necessary for the spritual life of our souls.
372. What does our Divine Lord say of those who receive Holy Communion worthily?
Our Divine Lord says: He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood hath life everlasting, and I will raise him up on the last day (John vi, 55).
373. What is necessary in order to receive Holy Communion worthily?
To receive Holy Communion worthily we must be in the state of grace, be fasting from midnight, and have the right intention.
374. If a person is in mortal sin what must he do before receiving Holy Communion?
Before receiving Holy Communion, a person in mortal sin must obtain pardon in the sacrament of Penance, and not merely by an act of perfect contrition.
375. Is it ever lawful to receive Holy Communion without having fasted from midnight?
Only those who are in danger of death, or who have been ill in bed for at least a month, may receive Holy Communion without having fasted from midnight.
376. What is the right intention for receiving Holy Communion?
We should receive Holy Communion for the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and the spiritual strength of our souls, and not for vainglory or human respect.
377. How should we prepare ourselves for Holy Communion?
We should make fervent acts of faith, hope and love to our Lord Jesus Christ, whom we are about to receive.
378. What should we do after Holy Communion?
After Holy Communion we should spend some time in adoring our Divine Lord, in thanking Him for having come to us, and in asking Him for the graces and blessings which we need.
379. Is it a mortal sin to receive Holy Communion unworthily?
Yes, for whosoever receives unworthily is guilty of sacrilege against the body and blood of the Lord (I. Cor. xi, 27).
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Part III. Chapter XXIV. BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION
340. What is Baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament which first gives to our souls the new life of sanctifying grace, cleanses us from original sin, makes us children of God, members of the Church of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of heaven.
341. Does baptism remit actual sins already committed?
Baptism remits actual sins already committed and all the punishments due to them, if the person receiving it has true sorrow for his sins.
342. Who can give the sacrament of Baptism?
Every person has the power to give Baptism, but, except in case of necessity, only a priest can lawfully give it.
343. How does a person give Baptism?
A person gives Baptism by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptised, saying at the same time: I baptise thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
344. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
Baptism is necessary for salvation, because our Divine Lord has said: Unless a man be born again of water and of the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John iii, 5).
345. Can persons be saved who have not received the sacrament of Baptism?
They who have not received the sacrament of Baptism can be saved by martyrdom, which is called Baptism of blood, or by perfect contrition, which is called Baptism of desire.
346. What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament through which the Holy Ghost is given to us, with his graces and his seven gifts, to make us strong and perfect christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
347. Who has the power to give Confirmation?
The bishop is the ordinary minister of Cnfirmation, but, in his absence, the parish priest can give it to a person in danger of death.
348. How does the bishop give Confirmation?
The bishop gives Confirmation by the imposition of hands, making the sign of the cross with chrism on the forehead of the person to be confirmed, and saying: I sign thee with the sign of the Cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
349. Why does the bishop give those he confirms a stroke on the cheek?
The bishop gives those he confirms a stroke on the cheek to remind them that they are soldiers of Christ, and that for his sake they must be ready to suffer anything, even death itself, rather than deny the faith.
350. What is necessary to receive Confirmation worthily?
To receive Confirmation worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace; and they who have reached the use of reason should be sufficiently instructed in christian doctrine.
351. What is the special grace given in Confirmation?
Confirmation gives us a special help to profess our faith with fortitude and to die rather than deny it.
Baptism is the sacrament which first gives to our souls the new life of sanctifying grace, cleanses us from original sin, makes us children of God, members of the Church of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of heaven.
341. Does baptism remit actual sins already committed?
Baptism remits actual sins already committed and all the punishments due to them, if the person receiving it has true sorrow for his sins.
342. Who can give the sacrament of Baptism?
Every person has the power to give Baptism, but, except in case of necessity, only a priest can lawfully give it.
343. How does a person give Baptism?
A person gives Baptism by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptised, saying at the same time: I baptise thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
344. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
Baptism is necessary for salvation, because our Divine Lord has said: Unless a man be born again of water and of the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John iii, 5).
345. Can persons be saved who have not received the sacrament of Baptism?
They who have not received the sacrament of Baptism can be saved by martyrdom, which is called Baptism of blood, or by perfect contrition, which is called Baptism of desire.
346. What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament through which the Holy Ghost is given to us, with his graces and his seven gifts, to make us strong and perfect christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
347. Who has the power to give Confirmation?
The bishop is the ordinary minister of Cnfirmation, but, in his absence, the parish priest can give it to a person in danger of death.
348. How does the bishop give Confirmation?
The bishop gives Confirmation by the imposition of hands, making the sign of the cross with chrism on the forehead of the person to be confirmed, and saying: I sign thee with the sign of the Cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
349. Why does the bishop give those he confirms a stroke on the cheek?
The bishop gives those he confirms a stroke on the cheek to remind them that they are soldiers of Christ, and that for his sake they must be ready to suffer anything, even death itself, rather than deny the faith.
350. What is necessary to receive Confirmation worthily?
To receive Confirmation worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace; and they who have reached the use of reason should be sufficiently instructed in christian doctrine.
351. What is the special grace given in Confirmation?
Confirmation gives us a special help to profess our faith with fortitude and to die rather than deny it.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Part III. Chapter XXIII. THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL
332. What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is a sensible or outward sign instituted by Christ to signify grace and confer it on our souls.
333. Whence have the sacraments the power of giving grace?
The sacraments have the power of giving grace from the merits of Christ, which they apply to our souls.
334. Do the sacraments always give grace?
To those who receive them worthily the sacraments always give sanctifying grace, and a special help to attain the purpose for which each sacrament has been instituted.
335. How many sacraments are there?
There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
336. Which are the sacraments of the dead?
Baptism and Penance are called the sacraments of the dead, because they forgive sin, and thus give the life of grace to souls that are dead in sin.
337. Which are the sacraments of the living?
All the other sacraments are called sacraments of the living, because they were instituted to give increase of spiritual life to souls already in the state of grace.
338. Which sacraments can be received only once?
Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders can be received only once, because they imprint on the soul a character or spiritual mark which lasts forever.
339. Is it a great sin to receive a sacrament unworthily?
It is a mortal sin of sacrilege to receive a sacrament unworthily.
A sacrament is a sensible or outward sign instituted by Christ to signify grace and confer it on our souls.
333. Whence have the sacraments the power of giving grace?
The sacraments have the power of giving grace from the merits of Christ, which they apply to our souls.
334. Do the sacraments always give grace?
To those who receive them worthily the sacraments always give sanctifying grace, and a special help to attain the purpose for which each sacrament has been instituted.
335. How many sacraments are there?
There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
336. Which are the sacraments of the dead?
Baptism and Penance are called the sacraments of the dead, because they forgive sin, and thus give the life of grace to souls that are dead in sin.
337. Which are the sacraments of the living?
All the other sacraments are called sacraments of the living, because they were instituted to give increase of spiritual life to souls already in the state of grace.
338. Which sacraments can be received only once?
Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders can be received only once, because they imprint on the soul a character or spiritual mark which lasts forever.
339. Is it a great sin to receive a sacrament unworthily?
It is a mortal sin of sacrilege to receive a sacrament unworthily.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
PART III. Chapter XXII. PRAYER: THE LORD'S PRAYER AND THE HAIL MARY
313. What is necessary to enable us to keep the commandments?
To keep the commandments we need the grace of God, which is obtained chiefly by prayer and the sacraments.
314. What is prayer?
Prayer is a raising up of the mind and heart to God, to adore and praise Him, to thank Him for his favours, to beg his grace and blessings, and to obtain pardon of our sins.
315. When should we pray?
We should pray very often, but especially on Sundays and holy-days, every morning and every night, and in all dangers, temptations and afflictions.
316. How should we pray?
We should pray with a humble and contrite heart, with attention and perseverance, with confidence in God's goodness and resignation to his will, and in the name of Jesus Christ.
317. What prayers are most recommended to us?
The prayers most recommended to us are the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor, and acts of contrition, faith, hope and charity.
318. Who made the Our Father?
Our Lord Jesus Christ made the Our Father, and therefore it is called the Lord's Prayer.
319. Whom do we mean by Our Father when we say the Lord's Prayer?
By Our Father in the Lord's Prayer we mean Almighty God, who is the common Father of all.
320. What do we mean when we say hallowed be Thy name?
When we say hallowed be thy name, we pray that God's name may be praised and glorified.
321. What do we mean when we say thy kingdom come?
When we say thy kingdom come, we pray that God by his grace may reign in the hearts of all men in this life, and that they may reign for ever with Him in the next.
322. What do we mean when we say thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven?
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 the angels and saints do in heaven.
323. What do we mean when we say give us this day our daily bread?
When we say give us this day our daily bread, we ask God for all things necessary and useful for soul and body.
324. What do we mean when we say forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us?
When we say forgive us our trespasses, we ask God to forgive us our offences against Him, as we forgive those who offend us.
325. What does Our Divine Lord say of those who will not forgive offences?
Our Divine Lord says: If you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your offences (Matt. vi, 15).
326. What do we mean when we say lead us not into temptation?
When we say lead us not into temptation, we ask God to preserve us from temptation, and to strengthen us in all our trials.
327. What do we mean when we say deliver us from evil?
When we say deliver us from evil, we ask God to keep us from all evil of soul and body, and particularly from sin.
328. Who made the Hail Mary?
The angel Gabriel and St. Elizabeth made the first part of the Hail Mary, and the Church made the second part.
329. Why do we so frequently repeat the Hail Mary?
We frequently repeat the Hail Mary to recall the mystery of the Incarnation, to honour the Mother of God, and to obtain her assistance, especially at the hour of death.
330. What is the Rosary?
The Rosary is a prayer in honour of the Blessed Virgin, in which we repeat in a fixed order the Our Father and Hail Mary, and meditate on the chief mysteries of the Redemption.
331. Does the Church recommend the Rosary?
Yes, the Church strongly recommends the Rosary and especially the practice of reciting it in common as the prayer of the christian family.
To keep the commandments we need the grace of God, which is obtained chiefly by prayer and the sacraments.
314. What is prayer?
Prayer is a raising up of the mind and heart to God, to adore and praise Him, to thank Him for his favours, to beg his grace and blessings, and to obtain pardon of our sins.
315. When should we pray?
We should pray very often, but especially on Sundays and holy-days, every morning and every night, and in all dangers, temptations and afflictions.
316. How should we pray?
We should pray with a humble and contrite heart, with attention and perseverance, with confidence in God's goodness and resignation to his will, and in the name of Jesus Christ.
317. What prayers are most recommended to us?
The prayers most recommended to us are the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor, and acts of contrition, faith, hope and charity.
318. Who made the Our Father?
Our Lord Jesus Christ made the Our Father, and therefore it is called the Lord's Prayer.
319. Whom do we mean by Our Father when we say the Lord's Prayer?
By Our Father in the Lord's Prayer we mean Almighty God, who is the common Father of all.
320. What do we mean when we say hallowed be Thy name?
When we say hallowed be thy name, we pray that God's name may be praised and glorified.
321. What do we mean when we say thy kingdom come?
When we say thy kingdom come, we pray that God by his grace may reign in the hearts of all men in this life, and that they may reign for ever with Him in the next.
322. What do we mean when we say thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven?
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 the angels and saints do in heaven.
323. What do we mean when we say give us this day our daily bread?
When we say give us this day our daily bread, we ask God for all things necessary and useful for soul and body.
324. What do we mean when we say forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us?
When we say forgive us our trespasses, we ask God to forgive us our offences against Him, as we forgive those who offend us.
325. What does Our Divine Lord say of those who will not forgive offences?
Our Divine Lord says: If you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your offences (Matt. vi, 15).
326. What do we mean when we say lead us not into temptation?
When we say lead us not into temptation, we ask God to preserve us from temptation, and to strengthen us in all our trials.
327. What do we mean when we say deliver us from evil?
When we say deliver us from evil, we ask God to keep us from all evil of soul and body, and particularly from sin.
328. Who made the Hail Mary?
The angel Gabriel and St. Elizabeth made the first part of the Hail Mary, and the Church made the second part.
329. Why do we so frequently repeat the Hail Mary?
We frequently repeat the Hail Mary to recall the mystery of the Incarnation, to honour the Mother of God, and to obtain her assistance, especially at the hour of death.
330. What is the Rosary?
The Rosary is a prayer in honour of the Blessed Virgin, in which we repeat in a fixed order the Our Father and Hail Mary, and meditate on the chief mysteries of the Redemption.
331. Does the Church recommend the Rosary?
Yes, the Church strongly recommends the Rosary and especially the practice of reciting it in common as the prayer of the christian family.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Part II. Chapter XXI. THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH (continued)
299. Repeat the third commandment of the Church?
The third commandment of the Church is: to confess our sins at least once a year.
300. Who are bound by the law of yearly confession?
They who have committed mortal sin are bound by the law of yearly confession.
301. Do they who make a bad confession satisfy the law of yearly confession?
They who make a bad confession fail to satisfy the law of yearly confession, and also commit the sin of sacrilege.
302. Repeat the fourth commandment of the Church?
The fourth commandment of the Church is: to receive worthily the Blessed Eucharist at Easter-time.
303. Who are bound to receive the Blessed eucharist at Easter-time?
All who have reached the use of reason are bound to receive worthily the Blessed Eucharist at Easter-time, that is, in Ireland, from Ash Wednesday to Trinity Sunday.
304. Is it a sin not to receive the Blessed Eucharist at Easter-time?
It is a mortal sin to neglect one's Easter duty, that is, not to receive worthily the Blessed Eucharist at Easter-time.
305. Repeat the fifth commandment of the Church?
The fifth commandment of the Church is: to contribute to the support of our pastors.
306. Who are bound to contribute to the support of our pastors?
All the faithful, according to their means, are bound to contribute to the support of their pastors.
307. Why does the Church oblige us to contribute to the support of our pastors?
The Church obliges us to contribute to the support of our pastors, in order that they may be able to devote themselves to our spiritual care, and because the Lord ordained that they who preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel (I Cor. ix, 14).
308. Repeat the sixth commandment of the Church?
The sixth commandment of the Church is: to observe the marriage laws of the Church.
309. How must a marriage of a Catholic be celebrated?
A marriage of a Catholic must be celebrated in the presence of an authorised priest and two witnesses, otherwise it will be no true marriage in the eyes of God and of His Church.
310. Is a marriage of a Catholic in a registry office, or before a non-Catholic minister, a true marriage?
A marriage of a Catholic in a registry office, or before a non-Catholc minister, is not a true marriage, and a Catholc who lives as husband or wife after such a marriage, is living in sin.
311. Does the Church forbid marriage between certain persons?
Yes, the Church forbids marriage between certain persons, as, for instance, between near relatives, or between a Catholic and a non-Catholic.
312. Why does the Church forbid marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic?
The Church forbids marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic, because such mixed marriages are a danger to the faith of the Catholic party, break the unity of the home, and make difficult the Catholic upbringing of the children.
The third commandment of the Church is: to confess our sins at least once a year.
300. Who are bound by the law of yearly confession?
They who have committed mortal sin are bound by the law of yearly confession.
301. Do they who make a bad confession satisfy the law of yearly confession?
They who make a bad confession fail to satisfy the law of yearly confession, and also commit the sin of sacrilege.
302. Repeat the fourth commandment of the Church?
The fourth commandment of the Church is: to receive worthily the Blessed Eucharist at Easter-time.
303. Who are bound to receive the Blessed eucharist at Easter-time?
All who have reached the use of reason are bound to receive worthily the Blessed Eucharist at Easter-time, that is, in Ireland, from Ash Wednesday to Trinity Sunday.
304. Is it a sin not to receive the Blessed Eucharist at Easter-time?
It is a mortal sin to neglect one's Easter duty, that is, not to receive worthily the Blessed Eucharist at Easter-time.
305. Repeat the fifth commandment of the Church?
The fifth commandment of the Church is: to contribute to the support of our pastors.
306. Who are bound to contribute to the support of our pastors?
All the faithful, according to their means, are bound to contribute to the support of their pastors.
307. Why does the Church oblige us to contribute to the support of our pastors?
The Church obliges us to contribute to the support of our pastors, in order that they may be able to devote themselves to our spiritual care, and because the Lord ordained that they who preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel (I Cor. ix, 14).
308. Repeat the sixth commandment of the Church?
The sixth commandment of the Church is: to observe the marriage laws of the Church.
309. How must a marriage of a Catholic be celebrated?
A marriage of a Catholic must be celebrated in the presence of an authorised priest and two witnesses, otherwise it will be no true marriage in the eyes of God and of His Church.
310. Is a marriage of a Catholic in a registry office, or before a non-Catholic minister, a true marriage?
A marriage of a Catholic in a registry office, or before a non-Catholc minister, is not a true marriage, and a Catholc who lives as husband or wife after such a marriage, is living in sin.
311. Does the Church forbid marriage between certain persons?
Yes, the Church forbids marriage between certain persons, as, for instance, between near relatives, or between a Catholic and a non-Catholic.
312. Why does the Church forbid marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic?
The Church forbids marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic, because such mixed marriages are a danger to the faith of the Catholic party, break the unity of the home, and make difficult the Catholic upbringing of the children.
Part II. Chapter XX. THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH
282. Are we bound by any other commandments besides the ten commandments of God?
Besides the ten commandments of God, we are also bound by the commandments of the Church, which are chiefly six.
283. Which are the chief commandments of the Church?
The chief commandments of the Church are:
First: To hear Mass on Sundays and holy-days of obligation.
Second: To fast and abstain on the days appointed.
Third: To confess our sins at least once a year.
Fourth: To receive worthily the Blesses Eucharist at Easter time.
Fifth: To contribute to the support of our pastors.
Sixth: To observe the marriage laws of the Church.
284. Who gave the Church the power to make commandments?
Christ gave the Church the power to make commandments when He said to his apostles: Whatsoever you shall bid upon earth shall be bound also in heaven (Matt. xviii, 18).
285. Has the Church power to dispense in her commandments?
The Church has power to dispense in her commandments, because the spiritual good of her children sometimes requires it (Luke xiii, 15; Matt. xvi. 19).
286. Repeat the first commandment of the Church?
The first commandment of the Church is: to hear Mass on Sundays and holy-days of obligation.
287. What sin do they commit who do not assist at Mass on a Sunday or holy-day of obligation?
They who, through their own fault, do not assist at Mass on a Sunday or holy-day of obligation commit a mortal sin.
288. Why were holy-days instituted by the Church?
Holy-days were instituted by the Church to recall to our minds the great mysteries of religion and the virtues and rewards of the saints.
289. Are we bound to abstain from unnecessary servile work on holy-days?
We are bound to abstain from unnecessary servile work on holy-days, except where lawful custom has removed the obligation.
290. Repeat the second commandment of the Church?
The second commandment of the Church is: to fast and abstain on the days appointed.
291. What are fast days?
Fast days are days on which we are allowed to eat only one full meal.
292. Is any other food allowed on fast days beside the one full meal?
Besides the one full meal we are also allowed a smaller meal in the morning and the evening, in accordance with approved custom.
293. Who are bound to observe fast days?
All those between the ages of twenty-one and sixty are bound to observe fast days, unless they are excused or dispensed.
294. On what days are we bound to fast?
We are bound to fast on the weekdays of Lent, the Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays of Quarter-Tense, and certain vigils.
295. What are days of abstinence?
Days of abstinence are days on which we are forbidden the use of flesh-meat and its products.
296. Who are bound to observe days of abstinence?
Those who have completed their seventh year are bound to observe days of abstinence.
297. Why does the Church command us to fast and abstain?
The Church commands us to fast and abstain, in order that, by mortifying ourselves, we may do penance for our sins and be better able to control our passions.
298. Why does the Church appoint Friday as a day of abstinence?
The Church appoints Friday as a day of abstinence to remind us of our Saviour's death on Good Friday.
Besides the ten commandments of God, we are also bound by the commandments of the Church, which are chiefly six.
283. Which are the chief commandments of the Church?
The chief commandments of the Church are:
First: To hear Mass on Sundays and holy-days of obligation.
Second: To fast and abstain on the days appointed.
Third: To confess our sins at least once a year.
Fourth: To receive worthily the Blesses Eucharist at Easter time.
Fifth: To contribute to the support of our pastors.
Sixth: To observe the marriage laws of the Church.
284. Who gave the Church the power to make commandments?
Christ gave the Church the power to make commandments when He said to his apostles: Whatsoever you shall bid upon earth shall be bound also in heaven (Matt. xviii, 18).
285. Has the Church power to dispense in her commandments?
The Church has power to dispense in her commandments, because the spiritual good of her children sometimes requires it (Luke xiii, 15; Matt. xvi. 19).
286. Repeat the first commandment of the Church?
The first commandment of the Church is: to hear Mass on Sundays and holy-days of obligation.
287. What sin do they commit who do not assist at Mass on a Sunday or holy-day of obligation?
They who, through their own fault, do not assist at Mass on a Sunday or holy-day of obligation commit a mortal sin.
288. Why were holy-days instituted by the Church?
Holy-days were instituted by the Church to recall to our minds the great mysteries of religion and the virtues and rewards of the saints.
289. Are we bound to abstain from unnecessary servile work on holy-days?
We are bound to abstain from unnecessary servile work on holy-days, except where lawful custom has removed the obligation.
290. Repeat the second commandment of the Church?
The second commandment of the Church is: to fast and abstain on the days appointed.
291. What are fast days?
Fast days are days on which we are allowed to eat only one full meal.
292. Is any other food allowed on fast days beside the one full meal?
Besides the one full meal we are also allowed a smaller meal in the morning and the evening, in accordance with approved custom.
293. Who are bound to observe fast days?
All those between the ages of twenty-one and sixty are bound to observe fast days, unless they are excused or dispensed.
294. On what days are we bound to fast?
We are bound to fast on the weekdays of Lent, the Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays of Quarter-Tense, and certain vigils.
295. What are days of abstinence?
Days of abstinence are days on which we are forbidden the use of flesh-meat and its products.
296. Who are bound to observe days of abstinence?
Those who have completed their seventh year are bound to observe days of abstinence.
297. Why does the Church command us to fast and abstain?
The Church commands us to fast and abstain, in order that, by mortifying ourselves, we may do penance for our sins and be better able to control our passions.
298. Why does the Church appoint Friday as a day of abstinence?
The Church appoints Friday as a day of abstinence to remind us of our Saviour's death on Good Friday.
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