(Eatljolir Ciptrrif fExtettfiion ^ n r a t g 
attb 3lta ©hjerta 

T h e Catholic Church Extension Society was organized Octo-
ber 18, 1905, the first meeting being held at the residence of His 
Grace, James E . Quigley, Archbishop of Chicago. T h e wonder 
is that such a society was not instituted many, many years before 
the conditions that now exist in the missionary field. West and 
South, Southwest and Northwest, became so distressing. 

W e l l , there is nothing gained by regretting our inactivity of 
the past as long as we will do what is right in the future. T h u s , 
and thus only can we remedy our past errors — by doubling our 
efforts in the present. 

T h e Society is an organization; organized effort achieves the 
greatest possible good. Individuals no longer are of importance, 
except in so far as they form part and parcel of the organized 
entirety. 

T h e objects of the Catholic Church Extension Society are 
briefly: T o develop the missionary spirit in the clergy and peo-
ple of the United States; to assist in erecting parish buildings in 
poor and needy places; to support priests for poor or poverty-
stricken districts; to send the comfort of Religion to pioneer 
localities; in a word, to preserve the W o r d of Jesus Christ 
among those scattered Catholics in far-off portions of our own 
land, especially in the country districts, and among immigrants. 

But before the missionary spirit can be developed it must be 
aroused, for it has been permitted to lie dormant all too long a 
time. T h e weeds of neglect have choked the life out of the 
flowers of zeal. T h e garden of endeavor must first be cleared 
of the deadwood of inactivity and indifference. 

In the founding of the Catholic Church Extension Society 
only the beginning has been made. T h e good that will come 
from it will be felt in city and town, in village and hamlet, 
along the trackless prairie and plain leading finally to a human 
habitation sheltering human souls. Its final aim is to. do good 
wherever the name of God is sincerely spoken, and to make the 
W o r d of God known where now It is unknown or else for-
gotten. 

This is not a field of labor for one man or a group of men. 
- It is a duty in which you must join, a work that you must share. 

T h e offices of the Catholic Church Extension Society are 
located in the McCormick Building] Chicago, III. 



maim 

Sty? Ittqutor 0 (ènxòt 
A N E A S Y W A Y T O L E A R N 

W H A T T H E C A T H O L I C C H U R C H I S , 

A N D W H A T T H E C A T H O L I C 

C H U R C H T E A C H E S 

BY 

T H E R I G H T R E V . 

R E G I S C A N E V I N , D . D . 

BISHOP O F P I T T S B U R G H 

SECOND EDITION 

P U B L I S H E D BY 

T H E C A T H O L I C C H U R C H EXTENSION S O C I E T Y 
O F T H E UNITED S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A 

C H I C A G O 

1 9 1 3 



N i h i l O b s t a t : 
E . M. DUNNE, S. T . D., Censor. 

I m p r i m a t u r : 
® J A M E S E D W A R D Q U I G L E Y , 

Archbishop of Chicago. 

COPYRIGHT, 1908 
BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY 

OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 
•HICAGO, ILL. 

iftff 



P R E F A C E . 
This booklet aims to present the teachings of the 

Catholic Church in a short and simple form. T h e 
first part is made up of easy lessons in Christian Doc-
trine. T h e second part is a prayer-book, with aa 
explanation of the Mass, and instructions for Con-
fession and Holy Communion. T h e third part con-
tains the profession of Faith, and other points which 
priests usually explain to persons who are preparing 
to enter the Church. 

T h e Inquirer's Guide is intended to open an easy 
way into the Church for those who are not of the fold, 
and to make religion more clear and definite to all 
who study its pages. T h e cost is so little that copies 
can be distributed gratis to non-Catholics, or sold for 
a few cents at missions and at the door of churches. 



m ¡ 

C O N T E N T S 

P A R T FIRST PAGE 
God the Creator | 7 
Original Sin 10 
Actual S i n xz 
Purgatory 12 
The Incarnation 13 
T h e One Church . . . . . . . . . . , > ; . . . . . 16 
T h e Holy Scriptures 17 
T h e Ten Commandments 18 
T h e Commandments of the Church 20 
The Seven Sacraments . . 23 
Confession 26 
Indulgences 29 
Holy Communion . . . 31 
T h e Holy Mass 32 
Matrimony 35 
Sacramentals 35 

P A R T SECOND 
Daily Prayers * . . . . 37 
Morning Prayers 39 
T h e Angelus 41 
Night Prayers 41 
T h e Mass Explained 44 
Mass Prayers 44 
Vespers and Benediction 52 
W a y of the Cross 52 
Litany of the H o l y Name S3 
The Holy Rosary 57 
Litany of the Blessed Virgin / 58 
Prayers for the Dead 6x 
Preparation f o r Confession 62 
Prayers A f t e r Confession 66 
Prayers B e f o r e Communion 67 
Prayers A f t e r Communion 69 

P A R T THIRD 
Reception of a Convert V. í 72 
Profession of Faith ] 72 
Ceremonies of Baptism 74 
Confirmation 77 
Definitions 77 



(Uruitja Ettpri^ne IHfnulii Know 
There is one God, who will reward the good and 

punish the wicked. 
In this one G o d there are three persons: the 

Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 
God the Son was made man and died for us; H e 

rose again and ascended into Heaven. 

o 

A P r a p r f a r Stgfjt 
(To be said by those seeking the truth.) 

O Holy Spirit of G o d , take me as T h y disciple: 
guide me, illuminate me, sanctify me. Bind my 
hands, that they may do no evil;, cover my eyes, that 
they may see it no more; sanctify my heart, that evil 
may not dwell within me. Be Thou my G o d ; be 
T h o u my guide. Whithersoever T h o u leadest me I 
will go; whatsoever Thou forbiddest me I will 
renounce; whatsoever Thou commandest me in T h y 
strength I will do. Lead me then, unto the fulness of 
T h y truth. Amen. 

o 

ICorh's P r a p r 
O u r Father, W h o art in heaven, hallowed be T h y 

name; T h y kingdom come; T h y 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. 



Apoatlra' ffimii 
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of 

heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, 
our Lord, W h o was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 
born of the Virgin M a r y ; suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; H e 
descended into hell; the third day H e rose again 
from the d e a d ; H e ascended into heaven, sitteth at 
the right hand of G o d , the Father Almighty; from 
thence H e 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 ever-
lasting. Amen. 



S t y e i n q u i r e r ' s d i u i t o 

P A R T F I R S T 

C H A P T E R 1 

3la % Cir^ator anh DCnri» of 
f a t t e n ani» lEartlj 

" God said to Moses: I AM WHO AM. He said: 
Thus shalt thou say to the children of Israel: HE 
WHO IS, hath sent me to you." Exodus III, 13-

"Before the mountains were made, or the earth and 
the world was formed; from eternity and to eternity 
Thou art God." Psalm LXXXIX, 2. 

There is one First and Greatest Being, a pure 
Spirit, perfect in every respect, called G o d , W h o 
always was and always will be. A l l other things 
were created out of nothing, by His word only. God 
can do all things. G o d is everywhere present at all 
times; H e knows and sees us, and always watches 
over each one of us. G o d will reward the good and 
punish the wicked. 

Q. Who made the world? 
A . God made the world. 

Q- Who is God? 
A . God is the Creator and Lord of all things. 
Q. Where is Cod? 
A., G o d is everywhere. 
Q- Does Cod see us? 
A . God sees and watches over us. 



IO 
THE INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

C H A P T E R II. 

Qlif? U l F a a e i t © r i t t t i g 
"For there are three that give testimony in heaven; 

the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these 
three are one." St. John V, 7. 

"Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations; baptizing 
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost." St. Matthew XXVIII, 19. 

There is only one true and living G o d , and in the 
one only G o d there are three Persons, called the 
Blessed Trinity. God the Father is the First Person; 
G o d the Son is the Second Person; God the Holy 
Ghost is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. 
Each Person is distinct from the other; each Person 
is equal to the other, because each Person is G o d . 

Q . What means the Blessed Trinity? 
A . Three Persons in one God.-
Q. How ¿0 j}ou call the three Persons? 
A . God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy 

Ghost. 
Q. Are the three Persons three Cods ? 
A . N o ; there is but one God. 

C H A P T E R I I L 

matt 31a ©tu> of (Snit'a GImttttrai 
(A creature is any person or thing that is made out of nothing.) 

"And He said: Let us make man to our image and 
likeness." Genesis I, 26. 

"Now this is eternal life; that they may know Thee, 
the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast 
sent." St. John XVII, 3. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

W e are creatures of G o d , composed of body and 
soul, and made to the image and likeness of our Cre-
ator. This likeness is chiefly in the soul, which is a 
spirit that can know, love, and obey God. T h e soul 
will never die. G o d made us that we might know, 
love and serve H i m in thi.« world, and be happy with 
Him in heaven forever. 

Q. What are you? 
A . One of G o d ' s creatures. 
Q . Why did Cod make you? 
A . T h a t I might know, love and serve H i m in 

this world, and be happy with H i m in heaven.. 
Q . What must r»e do to serve God? 
A . W e must believe in Him, hope in Him, obey 

His law, and love Him with all our hearts. 

C H A P T E R I V . 

© I j e A n g e l a 

"For if God spared not the angels that sinned but 
having cast them down into the place of torments 
delivered them into the chains of hell to be tormented, 
to be reserved unto judgment." 2 St. Peter II, 4. 

"For He hath given His angels charge over thee; 
to keep thee in all thy ways." Psalm XC, 11. 

In the beginning God created a vast number of 
pure spirits without bodies to adore and enjoy Him 
in heaven. These pure spirits, created to worship 
before the throne in heaven, and to be G o d ' s mes-
sengers to men on earth, are called angels. Some of 
the angels refused to serve their Creator, and with their 
leader, Satan, or the devil, were cast out of heaven 



I O T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

and punished in the dreadful torments of hell. T h e 
good angels stood the trial, and were taken into the full 
and everlasting glory of God seen face to face. 

Angels that watch over men with special care are 
called guardian angels. 

Q . What are angels ? 
A . P u r e spirits, without bodies, created to adore 

and enjoy G o d in heaven. 
Q. What are the fallen angels called? 
A . Devils or evil spirits. 
Q . What are ihe angels that have care of us 

called ? 
A . Our guardian angels. 

C H A P T E R V . 

Sty? ¿Fall nf iUmt 
" Wherefore as by one man sin entered into this 

world, and1 by sin death: and so death passed upon all 
men, in whom all have sinned." Romans V, 12. 

"And as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be 
made alive.", 1 Corinthians XV, 21. 

T h e first man was A d a m , and the first woman, Eve. 
God created them in a state of holiriess and gave them 
the use of all the fruits of the earth except that of one 
tree. T h e devil, envying the happiness of our first 
parents, took the form 6f a serpent and tempted Eve 
to eat the forbidden fruit. Through Eve A d a m was 
tempted, and in this way the first man and woman lost 
their holiness and innocence, and fell under the devil's 
power by eating the forbidden fruit. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

^ This was original sin. A l l mankind need a 
Redeemer, or Saviour, to save them from hell; because 
all come from A d a m , and all, except the Blessed 
Virgin Mary, begin life in the guilt of original sin. 

T h e Immaculate Conception means that God pre-
served the Blessed Virgin from every stain of original 
sin. 

Q . Who mere our first parents ? 
A . A d a m , the first man, and Eve, the first 

woman. 
Q. Did Adam and Eve obey Cod? 
A . N o ; they sinned by eating the forbidden fruit. 
Q. Who tempted them? 
A . T h e devil in the form of a serpent. 
Q . HOT» do you call the sin of our first parents? 
A . Original sin. 
Q . Has Adam's sin done us any harm? 
A . Y e s ; we all share in the sin and its punish-

ments. 

C H A P T E R V I . 

Artual 
"His own iniquities catch the wicked: and he is fast 

bound with the ropes of his own sins." Proverbs V, 22. 
"He that commiteth sin is of the dezril." I St. John 

III, 8. 
" There• is a sin unto death." "A sin which is not to 

death." i£t. John V, 16. 
Original sin is not the only kind of sin. W e our-

selves can commit sin by breaking the known law of 
God, in thought, word, deed or omission, and such sins 
are called actual sins. 



IO 
T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Those who die in mortal, that is, in grievous sin, are 
cast into hell forever. Those who die in venial sin, 
that is, in lesser sins, suffer for a time in purgatory 
before they can go to heaven. 

Q. What is actual sin? 
A . A n y wilful thought, word, deed, or omission 

against the law of G o d . 
Q. HOT» MANS kinds of actual sin are there? 
A . T w o : mortal and venial. 
Q. Where shall they go mho die in mortal sin? 
A . T o hell for all eternity. 
Q. Where shall they go who die in venial sin ? 
A . T o purgatory, for a time. 

C H A P T E R V I I . 

Purgatorg 
"It is, therefore, a holy and, wholesome thought to 

p.ray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their 
sins." II Machabees XII, 46. 

"Amen, I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence 
till thou repay the last farthing." St. Matthew V, 26. 

Purgatory is a place of punishment where some 
souls suffer for a time, after death, before they enter 
heaven. Souls that depart this life in venial sin, or 
have not done full penance for repented and forgiven 
sins, must be punished in Purgatory before they can be 
happy with God forever. T h e Holy Scripture declares 
that nothing defiled shall enter heaven; that God will 
render to every man according to his works; that some 
shall be saved, " yet sn as by fire." This leads us to 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

believe that some sins may be forgiven, and some 
repentant sinners must pay the last farthing of their 
debt in a place of punishment, which we call Purga-
tory. 

Q . What is Purgatory? 
A . A place of punishment after death where souls, 

free from the guilt of mortal sin. are purified from 
venial sin arid other stains which may defile them. 

Q. Should Tee pray for the souls in Purgatory? 
A . Yes. " It is a holy and wholesome thought 

to pray for the dead.' 

C H A P T E R V I I I . 

©if? ifnnmtatum of % i w t 
"And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be 

blessed." Genesis III, 15. 
" Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and 

his name shall be called Emmanuel." Isaias VII, 14. 
" This day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the 

Lord, in the city of David." St. Luke II, 10. 

Four thousand years after the fall of A d a m , Jesus 
Christ, the Redeemer, came to atone for sin and to save 
us from hell. 

Jesus Christ is true God and true man. H e is God 
the Son, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 
W h o , by the power of the Holy Ghost, took a body 
and soul like ours and became the child of the Blessed 
Virgin Mary. 

H e was born on Christmas day in a stable at Bethle-
hem. H e grew up under the care of HU mother and 



IO 
T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Saint Joseph, and when thirty years of age began to 
teach in public the true religion which all men should 
obey. 

A f t e r three years of public teaching H e was nailed 
to a cross by His enemies, and, when H e had hung 
three hours in agony, died to save sinners and re-open 
the gates of heaven, which had been closed by the sin 
of our first parents. 

Q . Who became man to atone for sin and to save 
us? 

A . God the Son, the Second Person of the 
Blessed Trinity. 

Q . HOT» did God the Son become man? 
A . H e was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and 

born of the Virgin Mary. 
Q . HOT» do jseu call Cod the Son made man? 
A . Jesus Christ. 
Q . Is Jesus Christ true God and true man? 
A . Jesus Christ is true God and true man. 
Q . Horu did Jesus Christ end his life ? 
A . H e died nailed to a cross. 
Q . Wh\) did Christ suffer and die? 
A . T o atone for sin, and to save us from hell. 

C H A P T E R I X . 

S m t r r w i u m atii> Asmtaum 
of S m t a (Eljriat 

"And when they were come to the place which is called 
Calvary, they crucified Him there." St. Luke XXIII, 33. 

" But now Christ is risen from the dead, the first fruits 
of them that sleep." I Cor. XV, 30. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

O n Good Friday, Jesus Christ was crucified by His 
enemies; that is, His hands and feet were nailed to a 
cross. A f t e r hanging three hours in bitter suffering. 
H e died to redeem and save us. 

H e raised Himself from the grave on Easter Sun-
day, the third day after His death; and remained on 
earth forty days to show that H e was truly risen, and 
to establish His Church. O n Ascension D a y Jesus 
Christ went up, body and soul, into heaven. H e will 
come again, on the Last D a y , to judge the living and 
the dead. 

Q . Did Christ rise from the dead? 
A . Y e s ; on Easter Sunday, the third day after 

His death. 
Q. After Christ had remained forty days on earth 

where did He go ? 
A . H e ascended into heaven. 

C H A P T E R X . 

Eift (Homing of % ijolg ®fpw4 
" But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost 

coming upon you, and, you shall be witnesses, unto Me 
in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to 
the uttermost part of the earth." Acts I, 8. 

On Pentecost, ten days after H e went up into 
heaven, Jesus Christ sent the Holy Ghost,'the Third 
Person of the Blessed Trinity, upon twelve men called 
Apostles, who were chosen teachers in the Church, in 
order that the Holy Ghost would enable them, and 
their successors, to teach the true religion to all men 
until the end of the world. 



IO 
T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Q. Who is the Holy Ghost? 
A . T h e Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. 
Q. Why did Christ send the Holy Ghost upon the 

Apostles ? 
A . T o teach and preserve the true Church. 
Q . How do you call the true Church ? 
A . T h e Holy Catholic Church. 
Q. Who belong to the true Church on earth ? 
A . A l l baptized persons who follow the religion 

of Christ, under one visible H e a d . 
Q . Who is the visible Head of the Church? 
A . O u r Holy Father, the Pope. 

C H A P T E R X I . 

©ip (§m> QHjurrtj af Christ 
" Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My 

church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against 
it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom 
of Heaven." St. Matthew XVI, 18,19. 

" Going, therefore, teach ye all nations; and behold 
I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the 
world." St. Matthew XXVIII, 18. 

" One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and 
Father of all." Ephesians IV, 3. 

Jesus Christ taught the Catholic religion and estab-
lished the Catholic Church, which all men are bound 
to believe and obey. T h a t Church was founded to be 
the infallible teacher of truth for all ages, and to endure 
until the end of time. Christ promised that His Church 
could never go astray and could never be destroyed. 
O u r Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome, is the successor 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

of St. Peter, whom our Lord appointed His vicar on 
earth, and chief teacher and supreme judge among men 
in matters of faith and morals; that is, in matters per-
taining to the doctrines and duties of religion. A l l 
men should belong to the Catholic Church, because it 
alone has Jesus Christ for its Founder, and it alone was 
instituted to preach the W o r d of G o d , to dispense the 

'graces and merits of Christ, to sanctify and save souls. 

Q . What is the Catholic Church? 
A . T h e union of all the faithful under one head. 
Q . Who is the head of the Church ? 
A . Jesus Christ, represented on earth by His 

Vicar, the Pope. 
Q . Who mas the first Pope? 
A . St. Peter, head of the Apostles and first 

Bishop of Rome. 

C H A P T E R X I I . 

l^nlg g>rripitt«0 
"All Scripture divinely inspired, is profitable to teach, 

to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice." 2 Timothy 
III, 17. 

" In which (St. Paul's Epistles) are some things hard 
to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable 
wrest, as also the other Scriptures, to their own perdi-
tion." 2 St. Peter III, 16. 

" Hold the traditions which you have learned, whether 
by word or by our espistles. 1 2 Thessalonians II, 14. 

T h e Bible contains the Holy Scriptures, or the 
written 1vord of G o d . T h e Bible is divided into the 
O l d Testament and the N e w Testament. T h e O l d 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Testament was written before the coming of Christ. 
T h e New Testament was written after the ascension of 
Christ into heaven. T h e Bible has God for its Author, 
because the sacred writers were inspired by the Holy 
Ghost to write what God wished them to write, and 
were preserved from error in what they wrote. 

T h e Bible does not contain all the truths that God 
reveals through His Church, which is " the pillar and 
ground of truth." T h e Church .alone can interpret 
many of the deep mysteries contained in Holy Scrip-
ture, and Catholics should often read some portion of 
the divine Book, but read and interpret its difficult 
passages as explained by the approved teachers of the 
Church. 

Q. What is the Bible? 
A . T h e written W o r d of God. 
Q . What are the unwritten teachings of Christ 

and the Apostles which have been handed doivn in the 
Church, called? 

A . Tradition, or, the unwritten W o r d of God. 

C H A P T E R X I I I . 

(EnmmattiittmtiH 
"Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or 

the prophets, I am not come to destroy but to fulfil." 
St. Matt. V, 17. 

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." St. John 
XIV, 15. 

"If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" 
St. Matthew XIX, 17. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

T o be true followers of Christ — that is, to be true 
Christians — we must not only believe what the 
Church teaches, but to save our souls we must also keep 
the commandments. 

T h e commandments of G o d are ten: 
I. I am the Lord thy G o d . Thou shalt not 

have strange gods before me. 
II. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord 

thy God in vain. 
I I I . Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 
I V . Honor thy father and thy mother. 
V . Thou shalt not kill. 

V I . T h o u shalt not commit adultery. 
V I I . T h o u shalt not steal. 

V I I I . Thou shalt not bear false witness against 
thy neighbor. 

I X . T h o u shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. 
X . T h o u shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods. 

Q . Sap the ten commandments. 

C H A P T E R X I V . 

aten (EnmmaniitttfntB iExplauteii 
In the first commandment God commands us to 

know and adore Him. W e must believe in Him, hope 
in Him, pray to Him, love H i m with all our heart, and 
fear to sin against His law. 

T h e second commandment forbids all words which 
insult the name of G o d or holy things. It forbids 
blasphemy, perjury, cursing, and profane language of 
any kind. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

T h e third commandment teaches us to keep the I 
Sunday holy by hearing Mass, by pious conduct, and | 
by resting from unnecessary servile work. 

T h e fourth commandment teaches us to love, respect, 1 
and obey parents and superiors in all things not sinful. 

T h e fifth commandment forbids murder, fighting, I 
hatred, anger, drunkenness, and leading others into sin. j 

T h e sixth commandment forbids immodest thoughts, f 
words, actions; or anything that would lead to sins j 
against chastity, such as bad books, pictures, songs, ] 
immoral amusement or company. 

T h e seventh commandment forbids us to unjustly 
take, or keep, or destroy what belongs to another. 

T h e eighth commandment forbids us to speak evil of' I 
any one, or to tell lies. 

T h e ninth commandment forbids us to keep any j 
immodest thought or desire in our mind. 

T h e tenth commandment forbids any unjust wish to > 
take, or keep, or destroy what belongs to another. 

T h e ten commandments may be reduced to these 
t w o p r e c e p t s of c h a r i t y : T H O U SHALT LOVE T H E 1 

LORD THY GOD WITH THY WHOLE HEART, AND 
THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. 

C H A P T E R X V . 

(Emttmattitmtttia of % (Eipmrfj 
"Obey your prelates, and be subject to them. For 

they watch as being to render an account of your souls." 
Hebrews XIII, 17. 

"He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that 
despiseth you despiseth Me." St. Luke X, 16. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

T h e following laws are called commandments, or 
precepts, of the Church: 

I. T o hear Mass on Sundays and holy-days of 
obligation. 

II. T o fast and abstain on the days appointed by 
the Church. 

I I I . T o confess at least once a year. 
I V . T o receive worthily the Blessed Eucharist 

within the Easter time. 
V . T o contribute to the support of Religion. 

V I . N o t to marry any person forbidden by the 
Church; nor to marry at any time, nor in any way, 
forbidden by the Church. 

C H A P T E R X V I . 

Explanation of % (EntmnaniMmtta 
of % (Eljurrtf 

It is a mortal sin for any one who has come to the 
use of reason to miss Mass, or to hinder others from 
hearing Mass, on a Sunday or holy-day of obligation, 
without sufficient cause. 

Holy-days of obligation are: Christmas, the Cir-
cumcision, or N e w Y e a r ' s D a y ; the Ascension; the 
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, August 1 5 ; A l l 
Saints, November 1 ; Immaculate Conception,' Decem-
ber 8. 

O n Fridays and fast days all persons over seven 
years of age are bound to abstain from meat, unless 
they have special permission. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

On fast days persons over twenty-one years of age, 
unless dispensed, are allowed but one full meal, to b^ 
taken about noon; a light supper, not exceeding eight 
ounces is permitted in the evening, and two ounces of 
bread in the morning, with tea, coffee, or some similar 
drink. 

A l l precepts of the Church bind under pain of 
mortal sin in matters of grave importance. 

C H A P T E R X V I I . 

O k a r e 
"Being justified freely by His grace, through the re-

demption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans III, 24. 

"My grace is sufficient for thee; for power is made 
perfect 1 n infirmity." s Corinthians XII, p. 

"Ask and it shall be given you; seek and you shall 
find; knock and it shall be opened to you." St. Luke 
XI, p. 

T o keep the commandments and gain heaven, we 
need the help of God. This help of G o d . without 
which no one can be saved, is called grace. Through 
Jesus Christ, all men receive from God the free gift of 
grace, which, if rightly used, helps them to serve God 
and save their souls. 

Grace is obtained chiefly by prayer and the sacra-
ments. 

Q. Can we keep the commandments and save our 
souls without the help of Cod? 

A . N o ; we need "the help of God. 
Q. What is this help called > 
A . T h e grace of God. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Q . Which are the best means to obtain grace? 
A . Chiefly prayer and the sacraments. 
Q . What is prayer? 
A . Prayer is an act by which we turn to God, 

adore Him, and beg Him to assist us. 

C H A P T E R X V I I I . 

Glije J^arranitttta 
"But where sin abounded, grace hath abounded more. 

That as sin hath reigned unto death: so also grace might 
reign by justice unto everlasting life, through Jesus 
Christ Our Lord." Romans V, 20. 

"Let a man so look upon us as the ministers of Christ, 
and the dispensers of the mysteries of God." 1 Corinthi-
ans IV, 1. 

Christ has left in His Church seven sacraments, by 
means of which the true life of grace is given to the 
souls of men. A sacrament is an outward sign insti-
tuted by Jesus Christ to give grace to our souls. T h e 
sacraments are: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucha-
rist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and 
Matrimony. 

Through the merits of Christ, a sacrament never 
fails to give grace to those who receive it worthily. 

Q. What is a sacrament? 
A . A n outward sign, instituted by Christ to give 

grace. 
Q . Do the sacraments always give grace? 
A . Y e s ; if we receive them worthily. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

C H A P T E R X I X . 

Hapiiam 
" Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them 

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost." St. Matthew XXVIII, zp. 

" For as many of you as have been baptised in Christ, 
have put 011 Christ." Galatians III, 27. 

Baptism is the first and most necessary sacrament, 
in which, by water and the word of G o d , we are 
cleansed from all sin, made Christians and children of 
G o d . 

Baptism is given by pouring water on the head of 
the person to be baptized, and saying at the same time: 
I baptize thee in the name, of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

Q . What is baptism? 
A . Baptism is a sacrament which frees the soul 

from all sin, and makes us Christians. 
Q . Who are Christians? 
A . Those who belong to the Church of Christ. 

C H A P T E R X X . 

(Eflttfirmaium 
" But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father 

will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and 
bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have 
said to you. " St. John XIV, 26. 

" Then they (the Apostles) laid their hands upon them, 
and they received the Holy Ghost." St. John VIII, 14. 



T B S I N Q U I R E R ' S GUIDE 2 5 

Confirmation is a sacrament in which, through the 
laying on of the bishop's hands, prayer, and anointing, 
those who have been baptized are made strong and 
perfect Christians; that is, they are strengthened by 
the Holy Ghost so that they may firmly profess their 
faith, and sincerely live up to it as soldiers of Jesus 
Christ. 

Q . What is Confirmation? 
A . A sacrament which makes us strong and per-

fect Christians. 

C H A P T E R X X I . 

fbnanr? 
"Whatsoever, you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound 

also in heaven; and whatsoever you shall loose upon 
earth, shall be loosed also in heaven." St. Matthew 
XVIII, 18. 

"Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall 
forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you 
shall retain, they are retained." St. John XX, 20. 

T o those who fall into sin after Baptism, our merci-
ful Lord has left a means of pardon in the sacrament 
of Penance. Penance is a sacrament in which the sins 
committed after Baptism are forgiven to those who are 
heartily sorry, confess their sins sincerely, and are ready 
to do penance. 

T o receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, we 
must: ( I ) Examine our conscience; ( 2 ) have sor-
row for our sins; ( 3 ) firmly purpose not to sin again; 
( 4 ) confess our sins to the priest; ( 5 ) accept the 
penance which the prie9t gives us. 



IO 
T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Q. What sacrament forgives the sins committed 
after baptism? 

A . Penance. 
Q.' What must we do to obtain forgiveness in the 

sacrament of penance? 
A . W e must make a good confession. 
Q. What sins are we bound to confess? 
A . A l l our mortal sins, as nearly as we can 

remember. 
Q . Is it a great sin to conceal a mortal sin, or not 

to have true sorrow, or to make a bad confession in any 
way? 

A. It is a very great sin. 
Q. What must he do who has made a bad con-

fession ? 

A . H e must repent, and confess all mortal sins he 
committed since his last good confession. 

C H A P T E R X X I I . 

Pr*$taraium for (EnnfesBinn 
"For whereas •wickedness is fearful, it beareth witness 

of its condemnation: for a troubled conscience always 
torecasteth grievous things." Wisdom XVII, 10. 

" They that fear the Lord, will prepare 'their hearts, 
and t „ His sight will sanctify their souls." Ecclesiasticus 
11, 20. 

If we wish to receive the sacrament of penance 
worthily, we must begin by asking God to help us to 

know our sins clearly, and to confess them with sincere 
sorrow. " 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

First, we examine our conscience, to find how often, 
since our last good confession, we may have sinned 
against the law of God, in thought, word, deed, or 
omission, by any of the seven deadly sins: Pride, 
Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth. 

Then we consider whether we have sinned against 
the T e n Commandments. 

SINS AGAINST T H E 
. First Commandment: Neglect to learn or believe 

the truths of religion. Idolatry or false worship. 
Neglect of prayer, catechism, or other duties of 
religion. 

Second Commandment: Sinful swearing, cursing, 
or words insulting to God, the saints, the Church, or 
anything holy. 

Third Commandment: T o miss Mass on Sunday 
or holy-days, to come too late to hear Mass, to assist 
at Mass with wilful distraction, or to do servile work 
without necessity. 

Fourth Commandment: N o t to love, honor, or obey 
parents, pastors, teachers, and others placed over us by 
God. 

Fifth Commandment: Murder, anger, hatred, evil 
wishes, threats, quarrels, blows, drunkenness, scandals. 

Sixth and Ninth Commandments: T o dwell wil-
fully on immodest thoughts and desires. Immodest 
words, looks, actions, alone or with others. 

Seventh and Tenth Commandments: T o steal, 
cheat, injure, keep, or unjustly covet the property of 
others. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Eighth Commandment: T o tell lies, or to speak evil 
of others. • 

Against the Commandments of the Church: 
T o eat meat on any day of abstinence; or, if over 

twenty-one years of age, to neglect to keep the. fast 
days. 

T o fail to go to confession at least once a year; or 
to fail to receive Holy Communion within the Easter 
time. 

T o marry against the laws of the Church. 
Finally, to receive any sacrament unworthily is a 

great sin — a sacrilege. 

C H A P T E R X X I I I . 

¿Metboii o f ( E n n f r a a i o t t 
" And many of them that believed, came confessing and 

declaring their deeds." Acts XIX, 18. 

" If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to for-
give us our sins and to cleanse us from all iniquity." 
i St. John I, p. 

A f t e r examining your conscience, make an act of 
true contrition; be heartily sorry for having offended 
G o d ; resolve never to sin again, and always to shun 
anything that might easily lead you into sin. 

Then go into the confessional, kneel down and say: 
" I confess to Almighty God, and to you, F a t h e r . " 
Tell how long it is since your last confession, and 
whether in it ypu received absolution or not, and 
whether you performed the penance. For example: 

It is one month since my last confession. I received 
absolution and performed my penance." 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Then confess your sins. T e l l the name of each 
grievous sin you have committed, and the number of 
times such sin was committed, as far as you can. A t 
the end of your confession, listen to the advice of the 
priest and the penance he enjoins — usually some 
prayers — and while he gives you absolution make 
once more an act of sincere contrition. A f t e r con-
fession say some prayers before leaving the church. 

C H A P T E R X X I V . 

S i t t i n t l g e n r e a 
" Whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, shall be 

loosed also in heaven." St. Matthew XVI, 19. 
" If I have pardoned anything, for your sakes I have 

done it in the person of Christ." 2 Corinthians II, 10., 

A f t e r the guilt of sin has been forgiven in the Sacra-
ment of Penance, there generally remains a penance, 
or temporal punishment, which the sinner must undergo 
either in this life or in purgatory. 

A n indulgence is the remission or forgiveness, by the 
Church, in whole or in part, of this temporal punish-
ment. 

Q . What is an indulgence? 
A . A n indulgence is the remission, in whole or in 

part, of the temporal punishment due to sin. 
Q . What must B>e do to gain an indulgence ? 
A . T o gain an indulgence we must be in the state 

of grace and perform the works enjoined. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

C H A P T E R X X V . 

Sty? Ijohj Sttrlfartai 
"And whilst they were at Supper, Jesus took bread, 

and blessed, and broke; and gave to His disciples, and 
said: Take ye and eat: this is My Body. And taking 
the chalice He gave thanks: and gave to them, saying: 
Drink ye all of this. For this is My Blood of the new 
testament which shall be shed for many unto the remis-
sion of sins." St. Matthew XXVI, 26. 

A t the Last Supper, the night before His death, 
Jesus Christ changed bread and wine into His own 
body and blood, and left Himself to us in the Holy 
Eucharist. 

- T h e Holy Eucharist is the sacrament we receive 
when we go to Holy Communion. It is also called 
the Blessed Sacrament. It is the real, true, living body 
and blood of Jesus Christ under the appearance of 
bread and wine. T h a t is, what to us looks like bread, 
and tastes like bread, is really the true living Body and 
Blood of Christ. Jesus Christ Himself has declared: 
" This is my B o d y , " " This is my Blood." 

T o receive Holy Communion worthily our souls 
must be free from every grievous sin; and, except when 
in danger of death, we must be fasting from midnight. 

Q. What is the Holy Eucharist, or Blessed Sacra-
ment? 

A . T h e Holy Eucharist, or Blessed Sacrament, 
is Jesus Christ, true God and true man, living under 
the appearance of bread and wine. 

Q . What is Holy Communion? 
A . Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Q. What preparation is necessary for a good 
MCommunion? 

A . T o be free from mortal sin, and to be fasting 
I from midnight. 

S p ? 
C H A P T E R X X V I . 

ifoui tn I m t e (Eommtmton 
[ 1 Let a man prove himself: and, so let him eat of that 

I \bread, and drink f the chalice." "For he that eateth 
I and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment 
I \to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord." 1 Corin-
I \thians XI, 28, 29. 

"He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, 
I abideth in Me, and I in him." St. John VI, 57. 

Having prepared by prayer and a good confession, 
I ¡you will, with the permission of your confessor, go to 
I receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Your 
I I Holy Communion is the receiving of the Body and 

I
Blood of Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread. 
In the Mass the priest receives under the form of bread 
and under the form of wine. 

T o receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ 
worthily, you must be in the state of grace and fasting 
from midnight. T o eat one crumb of bread, or to 
drink one drop of water, after twelve o'clock the night 

( b e f o r e , would prevent you from receiving the Holy 
a Eucharist. Except when in danger of death, no food 
I or drink of any kind can be taken before Communion. 

Spend the morning in silence and prayer until the 
1 time for Holy Communion arrives. W i t h hands joined 
1 (gloves should not be w o r n ) , approach the altar, kneel 



IO 
T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

down at the railing, and place your hands under the 
Communion cloth in such a way that it would catch 
any particle of the Blessed Sacrament which might 
chance to fall. W h e n the priest is about to give you 
Holy Communion, raise the head slightly, open the 
mouth and extend the tongue so as to cover the lower 
lip. 

W h e n the priest has placed the Blessed Sacrament 
on your tongue, close your mouth, return to your pew, 
taking care to swallow the Sacred Host as soon as you 
can. If the Sacred Host should stick to the roof of 
your mouth, remove it gently with your tongue, and be 
careful not to put your finger into your mouth, or to 
spit for some time after you have swallowed the 
Blessed Sacrament. 

A f t e r Mass remain in your place for some moments 
at least, to adore our Lord, to thank Him, saying again 
and again : " M a y the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ 
preserve my soul to everlasting life." 

C H A P T E R X X V I I . 

tUlje i f o l g M a s s 
"And taking bread, He gave thanks, and broke: and 

gave to them, saying: This is My body which is given 
for you. Do this for a commemoration of Me." St. 
Luke XXII, 7. 

" The chalice of benediction which we bless, is it not 
the communion of the blood of ChristT And the bread 
which we break, is it not the partaking of the body of the 
Lord?" 1 Corinthians X, 16. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

T h e Mass is the most solemn apt of religious wor-
ship, in which the same Christ who offered Himself for 
us in a bloody manner on the Cross continues to offer 
Himself by the hands of His priests for the living and 
the dead, in an unbloody manner, under the appear-
ance of bread and wine, as H e did at the Last Supper. 

Q . What is the Mass? 
A . T h e Mass is the unbloody sacrifice, or offering, 

of the Body and Blood of Christ under the appearance 
of bread and wine. 

Q. When are the bread and Tvine changed into the 
Body and Blood of Christ? 

A . A t the consecration in the Mass. 
Q. Hot» should V>e hear Mass ? 
A . By thinking of Jesus, W h o offers Himself for 

us, and praying devoutly. 

C H A P T E R X X V I I I . 

3 E x t r o n * M u r i u m 

" And going forth they preached that men should do 
penance: and they cast out many devils, and anointed 
with oil many that were sick, and healed them." St. 
Mark VI, 12. 

" Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the 
priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anoint-
ing him with oil, in the name of the Lord; end the 
prayer of faith shall save the sick man; and the Lord 
shall raise him up; and if he be in sins, they shall be for-
given him." St. James V, 14. 



34 T H E I N Q U I R E R ' S GUIDE 

T h e last sacrament given to the dying to strengthen 
them in their passage out of this life, and prepare them 
for the glory of heaven, is called Extreme Unction, or 
the last anointing. 

Extreme Unction is a sacrament which, through the 
anointing with holy oil, and the prayer of the priest, 
gives grace and strength to the soul, and sometimes 
health to the body, when we are in danger of death 
from sickness? 

Q. What is Extreme Unction ? 
A . A sacrament which gives grace, and some-

times restores health to those who are in danger of death 
from sickness. 

Q. Hot) should Tve receive the sacrament of 
Extreme Unction? 

A . In the state of grace; with faith, hope, and 
charity, and resignation to the will of God. 

C H A P T E R X X I X . 

iSjolg G D r t e r n 
" Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent Me, I also 

send you. When He had said this He breathed on them: 
and He said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost." St. 
John XX, 21. 

"And when they had ordained to them priests in every 
church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended 
them to the Lord, in whom they believed." Acts XIV, 22. 

Holy Orders is a sacrament by which bishops, 
priests, and other ministers of the Church are ordained 
and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred 
duties. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

C H A P T E R X X X . 

iHatrtmottg 
" Nevertheless let every one of you in particular lovs 

his wife as himself; and let the wife reverence her hus-
band." Ephesians V, 22. 

" What God hath joined together, let no man put asun-
der." St. Matthew XIX, 6. 

"Everyone that putteth away his wife, and marrieth an-
other, committeth adultery; and he that marrieth her that 
is put away from 'her husband, committeth adultery." 
St. Luke XVI, 18. 

Matrimony is a sacrament in which a single man 
and a single woman are united as husband and wife, 
and receive grace from G o d to fulfil the duties of their 
state faithfully until death. 

Q . What is Matrimony? 
A . A sacrament which unites and sanctifies a 

Christian man and woman in lawful marriage. 
Q . Can the bond of Christian marriage be broken ? 
A . Never ; except by the death of the husband or 

wife. 

C H A P T E R X X X I . 

j^arrattttttiala 
" For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be 

rejected that is received with thanksgiving; ' for it is 
sanctified by the word of God and prayer." I Timothy 
IV, 5-

A sacramental is anything blessed and set apart by 
the Church to increase devotion in our hearts, and to 
protect us from evil; such as holy water, blessed 
candles, palms, ashes, crucifixes, rosaries, and scapu-
lars. 



3 6 T H E I N Q U I R E R ' S GUIDE 

C H A P T E R X X X I I . 

(Hire Haat QHjtttga 
" It is appointed, for men once to die, and after this the 

judgment." Hebrews IX, 27. 

A f t e r death follows the particular judgment. In 
this judgment the souls that are perfectly pure are 
admitted to the presence of God face to face. Those 
souls that are not perfectly free from every stain, but 
are not in mortal sin, suifer, for a time, in purgatory 
before they are admitted to the joys of heaven. Those 
who die in mortal sin are condemned to eternal punish-
ment in hell. 

A t the end of the world all men shall arise in their 
own bodies and stand together before Christ in the gen-
eral judgment, when H e will come to judge all man-
kind. 

A f t e r the general judgment the just shall go, body 
and soul, into the everlasting joy of heaven. T h e 
wicked shall depart, body and soul, into the everlasting 
torments of hell. 

Q . When will Christ judge us? 
A . . Immediately after death, and on the last day. 
Q . What do you mean by the last day ? 
A . T h e day of general judgment. 
Q . What mill Christ say to the good on the last 

day? 
A . Come, ye blessed of M y Father, possess the 

kingdom prepared for you. 
Q. What will Christ say to the wicked on the last 

day? 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

A . Depart from M e , ye cursed, into everlasting 
fire, which was prepared for thé devil and hisl angels. 

Q . What is hell? 
A . A state of punishment without end. 
Q. What is purgatory? 
A . A state of suffering, where some souls are 

detained for a time after death, before they enter 
heaven? 

Q. What is heaven? 
A . A state of happiness without end, in which we 

shall see God face to face. 
Q. Will our bodies share in the reward or punish-

ment of our souls? 
A . Y e s ; after the general judgment our bodies 

will share in the reward or punishment of our souls. 

o 
P A R T S E C O N D 

C H A P T E R X X X I I I . 

Hatly Prayers 
(These prayers should be committed to memory.) 

T H E SIGN O F T H E CROSS 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
I the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

T H E LORD'S PRAYER 
Our Father, W h o art in heaven, hallowed be T h y 

• name; T h y kingdom come; T h y will be done on 



3 » T H E INQUIRER'S* GUIDE 

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. 

T H E ANGELIC SALUTATION 
Hail M a r y , full of grace I 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. 

T H E APOSTLES* CREED 
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of 

heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, 
our Lord, W h o was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 
born of the Virgin M a r y ; suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried ; H e 
descended into hell ; the third day H e rose again from 
the dead ; H e ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right 
hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence H e 
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. 

DOXOLOGY 
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the 

Holy Ghost. A s it was in the beginning, is now, and 
ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

ACTS OF FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY 
N. B.— It is the strict duty of every Christian to make some-

times acts of Faith, Hope, Charity and Contrition. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

AN ACT OF F A I T H 
O my G o d ! I firmly believe all the sacred truths 

which T h y Catholic Church believes and teaches; 
because T h o u hast revealed them, who canst neither 
deceive nor be deceived. 

AN ACT OF H O P E 
O my G o d ! relying on T h y infinite goodness and 

promises, I hope to obtain the pardon of my sins, the 
assistance of T h y grace, and life everlasting, through 
the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. 

AN ACT OF LOVE 
O my G o d ! I love T h e e above all things, with my 

whole heart and soul, purely because T h o u art infinitely 
perfect and deserving of all love. I love also my 
neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all 
who have injured me, and I ask pardon of all whom I 
have injured. 

AN ACT OF CONTRITION 
O my G o d ! because Thou art so good I am very 

sorry that I have sinned against Thee, and I will not 
sin again. Because I dread the loss of heaven and the 
pains of hell, O my God, I detest all my sins, and I 
am firmly resolved by the help of T h y grace to confess 
them, to do penance, and to amend my life. 

C H A P T E R X X X I V . 

Morning firaprja 
As soon as you awake, say: 
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts; the earth 

is full of T h y glory. Glory be to the Father, glory be 
to the Son, glory be to the Holy Ghost. Amen. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

W h e n dressed, kneel and s a y : 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of T h y faithful 
and kindle in them the fire of T h y love. 

M O R N I N G O F F E R I N G 

O Jesus, through the Immaculate heart of M a r y , I 
offer Thee all the prayers, works, and sufferings of this 
day, for all the intentions of T h y divine H e a r t in union 
with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and in reparation 
for all sins. 

T h e n s a y : 

T h e Lord's Prayer. 
T h e H a i l Mary. 
T h e Apostles' Creed. 
T h e Doxolpgy. 
T h e Acts of Faith, Hope, Charity, and Contrition. 
Direct, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by 

T h y holy inspirations, and carry them on by T h y 
gracious assistance; that every prayer and work of 
ours may always begin from Thee, and by Thee be 
happily ended; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

[ T o these prayers may be added the Litany of the H o l y Name 
of J e s u s , page 53, and Prayers for the Dead, page 61.J 

P R A Y E R B E F O R E M E A L S 

Bless us, O Lord, and these T h y gifts which we are 
about to receive from T h y bounty, through Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

G R A C E A F T E R M E A L S 

W e give Thee thanks, Almighty G o d , for these and 
all the benefits which we have received from T h y 
bountiful hands. Amen. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

M a y the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 

T H E A N G E L U S 
(In honor of the Incarnation.) 

To be said morning/noon and night. 

T h e Angel of the Lord declared unto M a r y ; 
A n d she conceived of the Holy Ghost. 

H a i l Mary, Etc. 
Behold the handmaid of the Lord. 
Be it done unto me according to T h y word. 

Hail Mary, E t c . 
A n d the W o r d was made Flesh, 
A n d dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, Etc. 
V . P r a y for us, O holy Mother of G o d ! 
R . T h a t we may be made worthy of the promises 

of Christ. 
Let us pray. 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, T h y grace 
into our hearts; that as we have known the Incarnation 
of Christ T h y Son by the message of an Angel, so, by 
His Passion and Cross, we may be brought to the glory 
of His resurrection: through the same Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

M a y the Divine assistance remain always with us; 
and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 

C H A P T E R X X X V . 

N t g t j i f J r a g e r a 
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 

the Holy Ghost. Amen. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and 
forever. Amen. 

Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of T h y faithful 
and kindle in them the fire of T h y love. Send forth 
T h y Spirit and they shall be created, and Thou shalt 
renew the face of the earth. 

0 G o d , W h o by the light of the Holy Ghost didst 
instruct the hearts of T h y faithful, grant that by the 
same Holy Spirit we may ever be truly wise and always 
enjoy His divine consolation; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Then say: 
T h e Lord's Prayer. 
T h e Hail M a r y . 
T h e Apostles' Creed. 
T h e Doxology. 
Ask for grace to know your sins and to be sorry f o r them. 

Enlighten my mind, O Lord, that I may know the 
sins I have this day committed in thought, word, and 
deed, and grant me the grace of true contrition. 

Examine your conscience. Think how you have spent the day, 
how you have done your work and performed all your duties. 
Recall your w i l f u l thoughts, your words, your actions. 

T H E C O N F I T E O R 

1 confess to Almighty God, to blessed M a r y , ever 
Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed 
John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and P a u l , 
and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in 
thought, word and deed, through my fault, through my 
fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I 
beseech blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael 
the Archangel, blessed John the • Baptist, the holy 



T H E I N Q U I R E R ' S GUIDE 43 

Apostles Peter and P a u l , and all the Saints, to pray 
to the Lord our God for me. 

M a y the Almighty God have mercy on me, and 
forgive me my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. 
Amen. 

M a y the Almighty and merciful Lord grant me 
pardon, absolution and remission of all my sins. 
Amen. 

Recite the A c t of Contrition. 

AN A C T O F T H A N K S G I V I N G 

With all my heart I thank Thee, O Lord, for all 
the mercies and blessings Thou hast bestowed upon me 
and upon T h y whole Church. I thank Thee particu-
larly for having watched over me this day, for having 
preserved me from so many evils, and for having 
bestowed upon me so many graces and blessings. 
O , let me never, be ungrateful, my God, who art so 
good and gracious unto me. 

S a y the A c t s o f Faith, Hope, and Charity. 

H e a r , O Lord, my prayers for the Church, for our 
Holy Father the Pope, our Bishops, our pastors, our 
country and its rulers, and for all who have authority 
over us. 

Bless my relatives and friends. H e l p the poor, the 
sick, the dying — convert sinners and unbelievers. 
H a v e mercy on the souls of the faithful departed, par-
ticularly on those for whom I am bound to pray, or 
who have no one to pray for them. 

Bless, O Lord, the rest I am about to take, that my 
strength being renewed, I may be better able to serve 
Thee. Amen. 

I T o these prayers may be added the L i t a n y of the Blessed 
Virgin, page 58, and P r a y e r s f o r the Dead, page S t . ] 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

C H A P T E R X X X V I . 

(Hfjtf # a r r i f t « of % iEHaaa 
T h e Mass is the most solemn action of Christian 

worship, not a mere form of prayer. T h e Mass is the 
same offering as the Sacrifice of the Cross. It is noth-
ing less than the offering of Jesus Christ by Himself as 
a sacrifice to G o d for sinners. T h e Last Supper was 
the first Mass. A t the Last Supper, there were: first, 
the Preparation; second, the Offering of the bread and 
wine; third, the Consecration or change of the bread 
and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, and 
fourth, the Communion. 

T h e Mass, therefore, consists of the Preparation, 
and these three principal parts: the Offertory, the Con-
secration, the Communion. 
T H E B E G I N N I N G , O R T H E P R E P A R A T O R Y P A R T O F 

T H E M A S S 
When the Priest begins Mass before the altar, the following 

prayer may be said: 

O my G o d , give me grace to assist with attention 
and devotion at this solemn act of religion, by which 
the Church intends to worship Thee in a manner 
worthy of Thee. O G o d be merciful to me, a sinner. 

T H E I N T R O I T 
T h e Introit (entrance), i9 the first prayer the Priest reads at 

the right, or'epistle side of the altar. 

Let the name of the Lord be blessed both now and 
forever. From the rising to the setting of the sun let all 
praise be given to the name of the Lord. Glory be to 
the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. 
A s it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 
World without end. Amen. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

T H E GLORIA IN EXCELSIS 
T h e Priest, standing at the middle of the altar, recites the 

solemn hymn of praise and j o y called the Gloria. 

Glory be to G o d on high, and on earth peace to men 
of good will. W e praise T h e e ; we bless T h e e ; we 
adore T h e e ; we glorify Thee. W e give Thee thanks 
for T h y great glory, O Lord G o d , heavenly King, 
God the Father Almighty. O Lord Jesus Christ, the 
only begotten Son; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son 
of the Father, who takest away the sins of the world, 
have mercy on us; Thou who takest away the sins of 
the world, receive our prayers; Thou who sittest at the 
right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. F o r Thou 
only art holy; Thou only art the L o r d ; Thou only, 
O Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in 
the glory of G o d the Father. Amen. 

' A t the end of the Gloria the Priest turns to the people and 
says: " D o m i n u s vobiscum (the Lord be with y o u ) . " T h e server 
answers: " E t cum spiritu tuo (and with T h y s p i r i t ) . " 

T H E C O L L E C T S 
T h e Priest goes t o the book at the Epistle side of the altar, 

and beginning with the word " oremus (let us p r a y ) , " offers up 
prayers for the wants and cares of the Church and her children. 
H e collects, as it were, all the intentions and needs of the faithful 
and lays them before God. 

PRAYER 

O merciful God and Father, hear the prayers of 
T h y children and of T h y Church. W e beg of Thee 
to help us. Give us T h y grace, without which we can 
not keep from sin, or do any good. H e l p us to get 
what we need for our bodies. H e l p us to love Thee 
with our whole hearts, and bring us all to T h y heavenly 
kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



46 T H E I N Q U I R E R ' S GUIDE 

T H E E P I S T L E 
This part of the Mass is often taken from one of the letters 

of the Apostles. 
While the Priest reads the Epistle you may say: 

Thou hast taught us, O Lord, T h y sacred truths by 
T h y Prophets and Apostles: Grant that we may so 
improve by their doctrine and example in the love of 
T h y holy name and of T h y holy L a w , that we may 
show forth by our lives that we are T h y disciples. 
M a y we no longer follow the corrupt inclinations of the 
flesh, but subdue all our passions. M a y we be ever 
directed by T h y light, and strengthened by T h y grace 
to walk in the way of T h y commandments and serve 
Thee with pure hearts, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 

T H E GOSPEL 
The Mass Book, or Missal, is carried to the left, or Gospel 

side of the altar, where the Priest reads a selection from one of 
the four gospels. At the Gospel all stand as a sign of reverence 
for the word of God and willingness to obey Him. Each one 
makes the sign of the Cross on the forehead, lips, and breast, to 
signify that he believes the truth of the Gospel and will proclaim 
it with his lips, and with upright heart will love and abide by it. 

P . T h e Lord be with you. 
R . A n d with thy spirit. 
T h e following is from the gospel according to St. 

Matthew: 
A t that time Jesus said to His disciples: A l l power 

is given to me in heaven and on earth. Going therefore 
teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the H o l y Ghost; teach-
ing them to observe all things whatsoever I have com-
manded you; and behold I am with you all days, even 
to the consummation of the world. 

R . Praise be to Thee, O Christ. 



T H E I N Q U I R E R ' S GUIDE 47 

O n Sundays and holy-days the sermon is usually preached 
a f t e r the Gospel. 

T H E N I C E N E C R E E D 
T h e Nicene Creed is a profession of faith which is said on all 

Sundays and higher feast days. A t the words " E t homo factus 
est (and was made man) " we genuflect in reverence f o r Christ's 
Incarnation. W h e n the Priest recites the Creed, s a y : 

O my G o d , I believe this Creed and all the defini-
tions of faith made by the Holy Catholic Church, 
which Thou hast appointed to teach T h y revealed 
truth to all mankind, and which Thou dost assist in a 
special manner that she can never lead us astray; and 
in this faith of T h y Saints I wish to live and die. 

T H E O F F E R T O R Y , OR O F F E R I N G 
(The First principal Part of the Mass.) 

T h e first part of the action o'f the H o l y Sacrifice is the Offer-
tory. I t is called the O f f e r t o r y , because the bread and wine are 
now offered to God to be changed into the B o d y and Blood of 
Jesus Christ. W e should offer them along with the Priest, and 
with them offer ourselves also to be entirely devoted to the love 
and service of God. 

T h e Priest takes the veil off the chalice, and, holding up first 
the paten (a silver or gold plate), with the bread, and then the 
chalice (a silver or gold c u p ) ; a f t e r having poured wine into it, 
begs o f God to receive this offering f o r the welfare of the world. 

A t the Offertory say: 
O G o d , I offer Thee this holy sacrifice for the same 

ends for which the Church offers it to Thee. T o T h y 
honor and glory. In thanksgiving for all the benefits 
we have received from Thee. T o obtain pardon for 
my sins and for those of all men. T o obtain more 
graces ,for myself and for all others. I offer it also for 
all here present in this Church, as well as for all faith-
ful Christians, both living and dead, that it may help 
both them and me to gain eternal life. 



48 T H E I N Q U I R E R ' S GUIDE 

[ R E M A R K . Those who enter the church a f t e r the Offertory 
do not hear Mass. T h e y a r e obliged on Sundays and holy-days 
of obligation, under pain of mortal sin, to attend another Mass, if 
they can do so.] 

T H E LAVABO AND T H E P R E F A C E 
T h e Priest washes his hands, at the Epistle side o f the altar, 

to indicate the purity of soul with which we should assist at Mass. 
H e then returns to the middle of the altar, bows in prayer, turns 
to the congregation and says: " Orate f r a t e s . " 

" Brethren, pray that my sacrifice and yours may 
be acceptable to God the Father Almighty." 

A f t e r praying i n a low tone, the Priest raises his voice and 
recites the P r e f a c e . T h e P r e f a c e is a solemn hymn of praise and 
thanksgivingi I t closes with the thrice-repeated salutation of the 
A n g e l s in heaven: 

" Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, Lord God of Hosts. 
Heaven and earth are full of T h y glory. Blessed is 
H e W h o cometh in the name of the L o r d . " 

A t the end of the P r e f a c e the bell is r u n g to give warning 
that the most solemn act of the Mass is about to take place. 

T H E CONSECRATION 
(The Second Principal Part of the Mass.) 

T h e second part of the action of the H o l y Sacrifice is called 
the Consecration. T h e Consecration is the most solemn part of 
the Mass, because by this act the power of God changes the bread 
and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. T h e bell is 
r u n g before the consecration, and at each elevation, t o call special 
attention to what is taking place. T h e raising a l o f t of the Sacred 
Host and the Chalice f o r the adoration of the people is called the 
Elevation. Contemplate Jesus, the Victim of L o v e , and s a y : 

H e is truly present on the Altar in the Flesh and 
Blood, before W h o m angels bow and devils tremble. 

O Eternal Father, I offer to Thee the most precious 
Blood of T h y beloved Son Jesus Christ in expiation of 
my sins, for the wants of Holy Church, in thanksgiving 
for all the benefits ever imparted to us, and in order to 
obtain still more graces and benefits for soul and body. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

PRAYER F O R T H E DEAD 

Be mindful, O Lord, of T h y servants, who are gone 
before us, with the sign of faith, and sleep in the sleep 
of peace. O most merciful Lord Jesus, give unto them 
eternal rest. 

Pater Nosier. O u r Father W h o art in heaven, 
hallowed be T h y name. T h y kingdom come; T h y 
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. 

Agnus Dei. Lamb of G o d , W h o takest away the 
sins of the world, have mercy on us. 

Lamb of G o d , W h o takest away the sins of the 
world, have mercy on us. 

Lamb of God, W h o takest away the sins of the 
world, grant us peace. 

T H E COMMUNION 
(The Third Principal Part of the Mass.) 

The Priest says thrice, " Domine non sum dignus," and then 
gives himself Holy Communion, first the Sacred Host, then the 
Precious Blood. 

Lord, I am not worthy that T h o u shouldst enter 
under my roof: say but the word, and my soul shall 
be healed. 

The server1 rings the bell to give notice of the Communion, 
and to remind those who are to receive that it is time to approach 
the altar rail. 

O Jesus, I firmly believe that Thou art truly present 
in this Blessed Sacrament. I see Thee therein full of 
love, willing to pardon us, and anxious to dwell within 
us, and to be very closely united to us. I wish most 
earnestly to answer to this T h y desire and love. I detest 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

all my sins by which I have offended Thee. Pardon 
me, O Lord, and purify my soul in T h y Precious 
Blood: I love Thee, O Lord, and I wish to love Thee 
more and more. W i t h all the love I have, I cling to 
Thee. Guard me from falling into sin, that I may 
never be separated from Thee, but may remain united 
with Thee forever. 

Dear Jesus, wash my soul in T h y Precious Blood. 
M a y the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my 
soul to life everlasting. Eternal Father, I offer Thee 
the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in satisfaction for 
my sins, and for the needs of T h y Holy Church. 
Amen. 

A f t e r Communion the Priest has wine and water poured into 
the chalice and upon his fingers. H e drinks these ablutions so 
that no part of the Blessed Sacrament may remain unconsumed. 
T h e chalice is covered with the veil, as it was at the beginning of 
the Mass. H e then reads at the Epistle side of the altar prayers 
called the Communion and post-Communion. 

POST COMMUNION 
M y God, I thank Thee for all Thou hast done for 

me. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart 
like unto Thine. O Sacred H e a r t of Jesus, I implore 
that I may love Thee daily more and more. O Mary, 
conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to 
Thee. St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray 
for us. 

T h e Priest goes to the middle of the altar, turns to the people 
and says:-

T h e Lord be with you. A n d with T h y spirit. G o : 
the Victim has been offered. Thanks be to God. 

A f t e r kissing the altar, the Priest turns an4 blesses the people. 
( I n Masses f o r the dead the blessing is not given.) 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

M a y Almighty G o d , the Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost, bless you. 

Going to the Gospel side, while the people rise and make the 
sign of the cross on their foreheads, lips and breast, the Priest 
says:> 

T H E LAST GOSPEL 
T h e beginning of the holy Gospel according to St 

John. 
Glory be to Thee, O Lord. 
In the beginning was the W o r d , and the W o r d was 

with God, and the W o r d was G o d : the same was in 
the beginning with God. A l l things were made by 
Him, and without H i m was made nothing that was 
made: in H i m was life, and the life was the light of 
men: and the light shineth in the darkness, and the 
darkness did not comprehend it. 

There was a man sent from God, whose name was 
John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony 
of the light, that all men might believe through him. 
H e was not the light, but came to give testimony of the 
light. H e was the true light which enlighteneth every 
man that cometh into this world. 

H e was in the world, and the world was made by 
Him, and the world knew H i m not. H e came unto 
His own, and His own received Him not. But as 
many as received Him, to them H e gave the power to 
become the sons of G o d : to those that believed in His 
name, who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of 
flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. AND THE 
W O R D WAS MADE FLESH (Here the Priest and peo-
ple kneel down), and dwelt among us; and we saw 
His glory, as it were the glory of the Only-Begotten of 
the Father, full of grace and truth. 



52 T H E I N Q U I R E R ' S GUIDE 

Thanks be to God. 
A f t e r low Mass the Priest kneels before the altar and recites 

some short prayers in English. 
D o not leave the church a f t e r Mas» until the Priest has l e f t . 

the sanctuary. Observe this rule a f t e r all public services. 

C H A P T E R X X X V I I . 

VsBpsrB anil Umintctum 
Vespers are the afternoon or evening form of 

Church services. T h e y usually consist of five psalms, 
a hymn, the Magnificat (or song of the Blessed 
Virgin), and a prayer. 

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is an act of 
divine worship, in which the Blessed Sacrament, placed 
in a gold or silver vessel called a monstrance (or osten-
sorium), is exposed during the singing of hymns and 
prayers for the adoration of the people, and is after-
wards lifted up by the Priest to bless them. 

C H A P T E R X X X V I I I . 

©If? May of tije (Cross 
T h e W a y of the Cross is a devotion to the Sacred 

Passion, in which we accompany, in spirit, our Blessed 
Lord in His sorrowful journey from the house of Pilate 
to Calvary, and recall to mind, with sorrow and love, 
all that took place from the time when H e was con-
demned to death to His being laid in the Tomb. 
There are fourteen Stations, or spots, in .this W a y of 
the Cross at which something took place which it is 
well for us to call to mind, and to think over. A t each 
of them we should say the Our Father and Hail Mary, 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

and think, with love and sorrow for our sins, on the 
suffering of our Lord represented to us at the station. 
Many Indulgences are attached to this devotion; to 
gain them we must be in the state of grace, must visit 
each station in order, thinking over what is represented, 
and must pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. 

I. Jesus is condemned to death. 
II. Jesus receives the Cross. 

I I I . Jesus falls the first time under the Cross. 
I V . Jesus is met by His Blessed Mother. 
V . ' T h e Cross is laid upon Simon of Cyrene. 

V I . Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. 
V I I . Jesus falls the second time. 

V I I I . Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem. 
I X . Jesus falls the third time. 

X . Jesus is stripped of His garments. 
X I . Jesus is nailed to the Cross. 

X I I . Jesus dies on the Cross. 
X I I I . Jesus is taken down from the Cross. 
X I V . Jesus is laid in the sepulchre. 

C H A P T E R X X X I X . 

Sltiattg of % i l o a t f o l g Name of 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Jesus, hear us. 
Jesus, graciously hear us. 

* Indulgence of 300 days for those who say it devoutly. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

God, the Father of heaven, 
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, 
G o d , the Holy Ghost, 
Holy Trinity, one G o d , 
Jesus, Son of the living God, 
Jesus, splendor of the Father, 
Jesus, brightness of Eternal Light, 
Jesus, King of glory, 
Jesus, Sun of justice, 
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, 
Jesus, most amiable, 
Jesus, most admirable, 
Jesus, mighty G o d , 
Jesus, Father of the world to come, 
Jesus, Angel of the great counsel» « 
Jesus, most powerful, . § 
Jesus, most patient, [ Q 
Jesus, most obedient, § 
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, 
Jesus, lover of chastity, 
Jesus, lover of us, 
Jesus, God of peace, 
Jesus, Author of life, 
Jesus, Model of virtues, 
Jesus, zealous for souls, 
Jesus, our God, 
Jesus, our refuge, 
Jesus, Father of the poor, 
Jesus, treasure of the faithful, 
Jesus, good Shepherd, 
Jesus, true Light, 
Jesus, eternal Wisdom, 



T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Jesus, infinite Goodness, 
Jesus, our W a y and our Life, 
Jesus, joy of Angels, 
Jesus, King of Patriarchs, 
Jesus, Master of Apostles, ¡* 
Jesus, Teacher of Evangelists, 
Jesus, strength of Martyrs, 
Jesus, light of Confessors, 
Jesus, purity of Virgins, 
Jesus, crown of all Saints, have mercy on us. 
Be merciful unto us, 
Spare us, O Jesus. 
Be merciful unto us, 
Graciously hear us, O Jesus. 
From all evil. 
From all sin, 
From T h y wrath, 
From the snares of the devil, 
From the spirit of uncleanness, 
From everlasting death, 
From the neglect of T h y inspirations, 
Through the mystery of T h y holy incarnation. 
Through T h y nativity. 
Through Thine infancy, 
Through T h y most divine life. 
Through T h y labors, 
Through Thine agony and Passion, 
Through T h y Cross and dereliction, 
Through T h y faintness and weariness, 
Through T h y death and burial, 
Through T h y resurrection, 
Through Thine ascension. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Through T h y joys, Jesus,,deliver us. 
Through T h y glory, Jesus, deliver us. 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 

world, 
Spare us, O Jesus. 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of ,the 

world, 
Graciously hear us, O Jesus. 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 

world, 
Have mercy on us, O Jesus. 
Jesus, hear us. 
Jesus, graciously hear us. 

Let us pray. 
O Lord Jesus Christ, W h o hast said: Ask, and ye 

shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it 
shall be opened unto you; grant, we beseech Thee, 
unto us who ask, the gift of T h y most divine love, that 
with all our hearts, words, and works we may ever love 
Thee, and never cease to praise Thee. 

M a k e us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and 
love of T h y holy N a m e ; for Thou never failest to 
govern those whom Thou dost solidly establish in T h y 
love: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

T H E DIVINE PRAISES 
Blessed be G o d . 
Blessed be His holy Name. 
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. 
Blessed be the N a m e of Jesus. 
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. 
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the 

Altar. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most 
holy. 

Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception. 
Blessed be the name of M a r y , Virgin and Mother. 
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints. 

C H A P T E R X L . 

S f c t i a i u H t a t n % H i r g t n 

T H E H O L Y R O S A R Y 

T h e Rosary is a devotion to the Incarnation of our 
Lord and to His Blessed Mother. It is composed of 
fifteen decades, each decade consisting of the Our 
Father, ten Hail Marys, and the Glory be to the 
Father, and each being recited in honor of some mys-
tery in the life of our Lord and of His Blessed Mother. 
During each decade we should call to mind the mystery 
which it is intended to honor, and pray that we may 
learn to practice the virtue specially taught us by that 
mystery. 

Many indulgences can be gained by saying the 
Rosary devoutly. 

I. The Five Joyful Mysteries : 
1. T h e Annunciation. 
2. T h e Visitation. 
3. T h e Nativity. 
4. T h e Presentation. 
5. T h e Finding in the Temple. 

II. The Five Sorrowful Mysteries : 
1. T h e Agony in the Garden. 
2 . T h e Scourging at the Pillar. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

3. T h e Crowning with Thorns. 
4. T h e Carrying of the Cross. 
5. T h e Crucifixion. 

III. The Five Glorious Mysteries: 
1. T h e Resurrection. 
2. T h e Ascension. 
3. Coining of the Holy Ghost on the 

Apostles. 
4. T h e Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. 
5. T h e Coronation of the Blessed Virgin. 

C H A P T E R X L I . 

Utiang of % S5ks,aei> Utrgut 
(Also called " The Litany of Loretto.") 

W e fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God. 
Despise not our petitions in our necessities; but deliver 
us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Vir-
gin. , ,. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. 
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy 

on us. 
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. 
Holy Mary, pray for us. 
Holy Mother of God, pray for us. 
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us. 



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Mother of Christ, 
Mother of divine grace, 
Mother most pure, 
Mother most chaste. 
Mother inviolate. 
Mother undefiled, 
Mother most amiable, 
Mother most admirable, 
Mother of Good Counsel, 
Mother of our Creator, * 
Mother of our Redeemer, 
Virgin most prudent, 
Virgin most venerable, 
Virgin most renowned, 
Virgin most powerful, 
Virgin most merciful, , é 
Virgin most faithful, "o" 
Mirror of justice, g 
Seat of wisdom, 
Cause of our joy. 
Spiritual vessel, 
Vessel of honor, 
Singular vessel of devotion, 
Mystical rose. 
Tower of David, 
Tower of Ivory, 
House of gold, 
A r k of the covenant, 
Gate of heaven, 
Morning star, 
Health of the sick. 
Refuge of sinners, 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Comfortress of the afflicted. 
Help of Christians, 
Queen of Angels, 
Queen of Patriarchs, 
Queen of Prophets, 
Queen of Apostles, 
Queen of Martyrs, 
Queen of Confessors, 
Queen of Virgins, 
Queen of all Saints, 
Queen conceived without original sin, 
Queen of the most holy Rosary, 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 

world, spare us, 0 Lord. 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 

world, graciously hear us, O Lord. 
Lamb of G o d , who takest away the sins of the 

world, have mercy on us. 
V . P r a y for us, O holy Mother of God. 
R . T h a t we may be made worthy of the promises 

of Christ. _ i 
Let us pray. 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, T h y grace 
into our hearts; that as we have known the Incarnation 
of Christ T h y Son by the message of an Angel, so, by 
His Passion and Cross, we may be brought to the glory 
of His resurrection: through the same Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

C H A P T E R X L I I . 

Art at (Enttaerraium in ^ t . Jna^pij 
O dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to thy 

honor and give myself to thee, that thou mayest always 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

be my Father, my Protector, and my Guide in the way 
of Salvation. Obtain for me a great purity of heart, 
and a fervent love of the interior life. 

A f t e r thy example, may I do all my actions for the 
greater glory of G o d , in union with the Divine Heart 
of Jesus, and with the Immaculate H e a r t of M a r y . 
A n d do thou, O blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that 
I may share in the peace and joy of thy holy death. 
Amen. 

St. Joseph, Friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for 
us. [ 100 days indulgence once a day.] 

C H A P T E R X L I I I . 

• p r a g r r a f o r % S e a i i 

T H E PSALM O F " DE P R O F U N D I S " 

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O L o r d : 
Lord, hear my voice. 

Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my 
supplication. 

If Thou, O Lord, Wilt mark iniquities:. Lord, who 
shall abide it? 

For with T h e e there is merciful forgiveness; and by 
reason of T h y law I have waited for Thee, O Lord. 

M y soul hath relied on His word ; my soul hath 
hoped in the Lord. 

From the morning watch even until night: let Israel 
hope in the Lord. 

Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with 
Him is plenteous redemption. 

A n d H e shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Eternal rest give to them, O Lord, and let perpetual 
light shine upon them. 

Let us pray. 
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faith-

ful, grant to the souls of T h y servants departed the 
remission of all their sins, that through pious supplica-
tions they may obtain that pardon which -they have 
always desired: who livest and reignest for ever and 
ever. Amen. 

M a y they rest in peace. Amen. 

C H A P T E R X L I V . 

( E n t t f e a a u m 

This holy and salutary institution is grounded on the 
words of Jesus Christ: Whose sins ye shall forgive, 
they are forgiven them, and ivhose sins Jje shall retain, 
thiy are retained. (John xx. 2 1 , etc.) 

In these words Jesus Christ gave to His Apostles, 
and to their lawful successors, power and authority to 
absolve from all sin those who sincerely repent of their 
offences. T h e priests who forgive sins are the legitimate 
successors of the Apostles and derive their power from 
them. 

PRAYERS B E F O R E CONFESSION 
O Most merciful God, I most humbly thank Thee 

for all T h y mercies unto me; and, particularly at this 
time, for T h y forbearance and long suffering with me, 
notwithstanding my many and grievous sins. It is of 
T h y great mercy that I have not fallen into greater and 
more grievous sins than those which I have committed, 
and that I have not been cut off and cast into hell. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

O my God, although I have been so ungrateful to 
Thee in times past, yet now I beseech Thee to accept 
me, returning to Thee with an earnest desire to repent, 
and to devote myself to Thee, my Lord and my God, 
and to praise T h y holy Name for ever. 

Grant me, I beseech Thee, perfect contrition for my 
sins, that I may detest them with the deepest sorrow 
of heart. Send forth T h y light into my soul, and dis-
cover to me all those sins which I ought to confess at 
this time. Assist me by T h y grace, that I may be able 
to declare them to the priest fully, humbly, and with a 
contrite heart, and so obtain perfect remission of them 
all through Thine infinite goodness. Amen. 

O most gracious Virgin Mary, beloved Mother of 
Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, intercede for me with 
Him. Obtain for me full remission of my sins, and 
perfect amendment of life, to the salvation of my soul, 
and the glory of His Name. 

Now try to find out your sins, and hot» often you 
have committed them. 

[See also Preparation for Confession. Chapter X X I I , page 26.] 

H o w long is it since your last confession? Did you 
keep back any sin in your last confession? Did you 
say your penance? Did you go to Holy Communion 
without preparing yourself, or after having broken your 
fast? H a v e you said your morning and night prayers? 
Have you used bad words ? Did you stay away from 
Mass on Sundays or Holy-days through your own 
fault? H a v e you been disobedient to your parents or 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

superiors? H a v e you called them names? or grumbled 
at them? or struck them? H a v e you been angry or in 
a passion? Have you quarreled? or struck any one? 
H a v e you borne malice to any one? H a v e you done 
anything wrong by thought, word or deed against 
purity or modesty? H a v e you got others to do wrong? 
H a v e you stolen anything? or done any wilful dam-
age? or kept that to which you had no right? H a v e 
you told lies ? H a v e you injured your neighbor's char-
acter by speaking ill of him without reason? H a v e 
you eaten meat on Fridays or other days on which it is 
forbidden? H a v e you been proud? or despised 
others? H a v e you committed sin by drinking? H a v e 
you wasted your money in drink? or frequented 
saloons? or gone in bad company? H a v e you been 
jealous of others? Have you been idle or slothful? 
H a v e you done anything else that you ought to confess ? -

CONSIDERATIONS FOR SORROW 
God is very good. H e made you and gave you 

your soul and body, and everything that you have. H e 
is also very holy and just, and H e hates sin. H e made 
heaven for the good, and hell for the wicked. H e 
loves you very much. H e was made man for you, and 
died upon the Cross, with great nails in His hands 
and feet, and a crown of thorns upon His head, to 
help you to be good and to get to heaven. A n d when 
you sin you offend this gopd God who loves you so 
tnuch. 

Try now to be very sorry for your sins, and make 
up your mind not to sin any more. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

ACTS OF CONTRITION 
O Lord Jesus Christ, lover of our souls, who, for the 

great love wherewith T h o u hast loved us, wiliest not 
the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be con-
verted and live, I grieve from the bottom of my heart 
that I have offended Thee, my most loving Father and 
Redeemer, unto whom all sin is infinitely displeasing; 
who hast so loved me that Thou didst shed T h y Blood 
for me, and endured the bitter torments of a most cruel 
death. 

O most merciful and forgiving Lord, for the love of 
Thee I forgive all who have ever offended me. I firmly 
resolve to forsake and flee from all sins, and to avoid 
the occasion of them; and to confess, in bitterness of 
spirit, all those sins which I have committed against 
T h y divine goodness, and to love Thee, O my God, 
for Thine own sake, above all things .for ever. Grant 
me grace so to do, O most gracious Lord Jesus. O my 
God! I am very sorry that I have offended Thee, 
because Thou art so good; and I will not sin again. 

M y Lord and my God, I sincerely acknowledge 
myself a vile and wretched sinner, unworthy to appear 
in T h y presence ; but Thou have mercy on me, and 
save me. 

Most loving Father, I have sinned against heaven 
and before Thee, and am unworthy to be called T h y 
child; make me as one of T h y servants, and may I, for 
the future, be ever faithful to Thee. I am now 
resolved, with the help of T h y grace, to be more watch-
ful over myself, to amend my faults and fulfil T h y law. 
Look down on me with the eyes of mercy, O God, and 
blot out my sins. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Say the ConfiteoT. 
DIRECTIONS FOR CONFESSION 

Approach the Confessional in a humble and contrite 
spirit, and kneel down by your Confessor. Then, 
making the sign of the Cross, say, Father, bless me, for 
I have sinned. I confess to Almighty Cod, and to 
you. Father. It is (one month) since my last confes-
sion. I received absolution and performed my pen-
ance; since then . Here name all the sins which 
you have recalled to mind since your last confession. 

1. Let your confession be entire, i. e., do not 
knowingly conceal any one mortal sin. 

2. Let your confession be sincere. Let every-
thing be made clear. Avoid all excuses and take care 
not to throw blame on any one else, or mention or 
hint at the name of any third person. 

3. Let your confession be humble, remembering 
that you are in the presence of God. 

After you have confessed all your sins, say: For 
these, and all my other sins, I am heartily sorry, and 
humbly ask pardon of God, and Penance and Absolu-
tion of you. Father. 

Then listen attentively and humbly to the direction 
of your Confessor, and be fully resolved to do what-
ever he bids you do. While he is giving you Absolu-
tion, recite the Act of Contrition. 

PRAYERS A F T E R CONFESSION 
O Almighty and most merciful God, who, accord-

ing to the multitude of T h y tender mercies, hast been 
pleased once more to receive me, after so many times 
going astray from Thee, and to admit me to this Sac-



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

rament of forgiveness, I give Thee thanks with all the 
powers of my soul for this and all other mercies, graces 
and blessings bestowed on me; and casting myself at 
T h y Sacred Feet, I offer myself to be henceforth for-
ever Thine. Let nothing in life or death ever separate 
me from Thee. I renounce, with my whole soul, all 
the sins of my past life. I renew my promise made in 
baptism, and from this moment I give myself eternally 
to T h y love and service. Grant that for the time to 
come I may hate sin more than death itself, and 
avoid all such occasion and company as have unhap-
pily brought me to it. This I resolve to do by the aid 
of T h y divine grace, without which I can do nothing. 
I beg T h y blessing on these my resolutions, for, O 
Lord, without Thee I am nothing but misery and sin. 
Supply, also, by my confession, and give me grace to 
be now and always a true penitent; through Jesus 
Christ T h y Son. Amen. 

Mary, Mother of God, be a mother to me! 

Not? sap Jjour penance. 

C H A P T E R X L V . 

5 | 0 h j ( E a m m u t m m 

Our Blessed Redeemer, having instituted this ador-
able Sacrament of the Eucharist, ordained His 
Apostles Priests of the new law, and gave to them and 
their lawful successors power and authority to do what 
H e had done — that is, to change bread and wine into 
His Body and Blbod. 

[Read also Chapter X X V I , page 3 1 J 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION 
I. Say these prayers slowly, a few words at * time. 
2/It is well to stop after every few words, that they may sink 

into the heart. 
3. Each prayer may be said several times. 

B E F O R E HOLY COMMUNION 
Prayer for Help.—O my G o d , help me to make a 

good Communion. Mary, my dearest Mother, pray to 
Jesus for me. M y dear Angel Guardian, lead me to 
the Altar of God. 

Act af Faith—O God, because Thou hast said it, 
I believe that I shall receive the Sacred Body of Jesus 
Christ to eat, and His Precious Blood to drink. M y 
God, I believe this with all my heart. 

Act of Humility—My God, I confess that I am 
a poor sinner; I am not worthy to receive the Body 
and Blood of Jesus on account of my sins. Lord, I 
am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my 
roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed. 

Act of Sorrow.—My God, I detest all the sins of 
my life. I am sorry for them, because they have 
offended Thee, M y G o d , who art so good. I resolve 
never to commit sin any more. M y good God, pity 
me, have mercy on me, forgive me. Amen. 

Act of Adoration.—O Jesus, great God, present on 
the Altar, I bow down to Thee, I adore Thee. 

Act of Love and Desire.—Sweet Jesus, I love 
Thee. I desire with all my heart to receive Thee. 
Most Sweet Jesus, come into my poor soul, and give 
me T h y Flesh to eat and T h y Blood to drink. Give 
me Thy whole Self—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divin-
ity, that I may live forever with Thee. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

ON RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION 
1. In going to the Altar-rails, and returning to your place, 

keep your hands joined, your eyes cast down, and your thoughts 
on Jesus Christ. 

2. A t the Altar-rails, take the Communion cloth and spread it 
before you under your chin. 

3. Hold your head straight up, keep your eyes closed, your 
mouth well open, and your tongue out, resting on the under lip. 
T h e n with great outward reverence, receive the Sacred Host, say-
ing in your heart, with all the faith of St. Thomas — " M y Lord 
a n d my God." 

A F T E R HOLY COMMUNION 
Act of Faith.—O Jesus. I believe that I have re-

ceived T h y Flesh to eat and T h y Blood to drink, 
because Thou hast said it, and T h y word is true. 

Act of Adoration.—O Jesus, my God, my Creator. 
I adore Thee, because from T h y hands I came, and 
with Thee I am to be happy forever. 

Act of Humility.—O Jesus, I am but dust and 
ashes, and yet Thou hast come to me, and my poor 
heart may speak to Thee. 

Act of Love.—Sweet Jesus, I love T h e e ; I love 
Thee with all my heart. Thou knowest that I love 
Thee, and wish to love Thee daily more and more. 

Act of Thanksgiving.—My good Jesus I thank 
Thee with all my heart. H o w good, how kind Thou 
art to me. Sweet Jesus. Blessed be Jesus in the most 
Holy Sacrament of the Altar. 

Act of Offering.—O Jesus, receive my poor offer-
ing. " Jesus, Thou hast given Thyself to me, and now 
let me give myself to Thee. 

I give Thee my body, that it may be chaste and 
pure. I give Thee my soul, that it may be free from sin. 

I give Thee my heart, that it may always love Thee. 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

I give Thee every breath that I shall breathe, and 
especially my last; I give Thee myself in life and in 
death, that I may be Thine for ever and even 

O Jesus, wash away my sins with T h y precious 
Blood. 

O , Jesus, the struggle against temptation is not yet 
finished. M y Jesus, when temptation comes near me, 
make me strong against it. In the moment of tempta-
tion may I always say, " Jesus, mercy! M a r y , help! " 

O Jesus, may I lead a good life; may I die a happy 
death. M a y I receive T h e e before I die. M a y I say 
when I am dying, " Jesus, M a r y , Joseph, I give you 
my heart and soul." 

Listen now f o r a moment to Jesus Christ; perhaps H e has 
something to say to you. There may be some promise you have 
made and broken, which H e wishes you to make again and keep. 
Answer Jesus in your heart, and tell Him all your troubles. 

PRAY FOR OTHERS. 

O Jesus, have mercy on T h y Holy Church; take 
care of it. 

O Jesus, have pity on poor sinners, and save them 
from hell. 

O Jesus, bless my father, my mother, my brothers 
and sisters, and all I ought to pray for, as T h y Heart 
knows how to bless them. 

O Jesus, have pity on the poor souls in Purgatory, 
and give them eternal rest. 

Sweet Jesus, I am going away for a time, but I trust 
not without Thee. Thou art with me by T h y grace. 
I will never leave Thee by mortal sin. I do not fear 
to do so, though I am so weak, because I have such 
hope in Thee. Give me grace to persevere. Amen. 



T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

C H A P T E R X L V I . 

A QHjriattan'0 of Safe 
(To be closely followed.) 

I . B E CAREFUL TO SAY YOUR MORNING AND 
EVENING PRAYERS; for prayer is necessary for per-
severance and is certain to obtain it. " A s k and ye 
shall receive," says our Lord. 

I I . O F T E N CALL TO MIND THAT IT IS 
APPOINTED FOR YOU O N C E T O D I E — y o u know 
not when, nor where, nor h o w ; only this you know, 
that if you die in mortal sin you will be lost forever; if 
you die in the state of grace, you will be happy forever. 

" In all thy works remember thy last end, and thou 
shalt never sin." 

I I I . N E V E R NEGLECT TO HEAR MASS ON S U N -
DAYS AND HOLY-DAYS OF OBLIGATION. B y uniting 
our hearts with all the faithful in Mass, we offer, 1 st, 
an act of infinite adoration to G o d ; and 2 d , we bring 
down the choicest blessings of heaven. A dark cloud 
hangs over the Catholic family that neglects Mass. 

I V . B E CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU READ, f o r 
b a d reading is poison to the soul. Provide yourself 
with Catholic books. T a k e a Catholic newspaper. 

V . REMEMBER THAT A MAN IS KNOWN BY HIS 
COMPANY. F l y from the danger of sin; for " he that 
loveth the danger shall perish in i t . " 

V I . W H E N YOU ARE TEMPTED BY BAD 
THOUGHTS say quickly, " Jesus and M a r y , help m e ! " 
T h e n say t h e H a i l M a r y till you have banished the 
temptation. G o d sees you at every instant. 



72 T H E I N Q U I R E R ' S GUIDE 

V I I . I F YOU ARE SO U N H A P P Y AS TO FALL 
again into sin, be N O T D I S C O U R A G E D ; quickly 
beg pardon of G O D , and seek the first opportunity to 
go to Confession, and start again into new life. " H e 
that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved." 

V I I I . G o TO CONFESSION AND COMMUNION 
O N C E A M O N T H , if possible; at least never allow 
three months to pass without approaching the Sacra-
ments. By Confession our souls are cleansed from sin, 
and strengthened to resist temptation. By Communion 
our souls are nourished by the Sacred Body and Blood 
of J E S U S C H R I S T . " H e that eateth Me. the 
same also shall live by M e . " 

o 
P A R T T H I R D 

C H A P T E R X L V I I . 

Slmptum ai a (Eotttteri 
T h e 

person to be received kneels before the altar, places his 
right hand on the book o f the gospels, and reads the following 
profession of faith in the presence of the officiating priest and 
sponsors: 

PROFESSION O F F A I T H 
I having before my eyes the Holy Gos-

pels, which I touch with my hand, and knowing that 
no one can be saved without that faith which the Holy 
Catholic Apostolic Roman Church holds, believes, and 
teaches, against which I grieve that I have greatly 
erred, inasmuch as I have held and believed doctrines 
opposed to her teaching. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

I now, with grief and contrition for my past errors, 
profess that I believe the Holy Catholic Apostolic 
Roman Church to be the only and true Church estab-
lished on earth by Jesus Christ, to which I submit 
myself with my whole heart. I believe all the articles 
that she proposes to my belief, and I reject and con-
demn all that she rejects and condemns, and I am 
ready to observe all that she commands me. A n d 
especially I profess that I believe: 

One only God in three divine Persons, distinct from, 
and equal to, each other that is to say, the Father, 
the Son, and the Holy Ghost; 

T h e Catholic doctrine of the Incarnation, Passion, 
Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; 
and the personal union of the two natures, the divine 
and the human; the divine Maternity ( 1 ) of the most 
Holy Mary, together with her most spotless Virginity; 

T h e true, real, and substantial presence of the Body 
and Blood, together with the Soul and Divinity of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, in the most holy Sacrament of the 
Eucharist; 

T h e seven Sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ for 
the salvation of mankind; that is to say, Baptism, 
Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, 
Order, Matrimony; 

Purgatory, the Resurrection of the dead. Everlast-
ing life; 

T h e Primacy, not only of honor, but also of juris-
diction ( 2 ) of the Roman Pontiff, successor of St. 

( 1 ) Mary, remaining always a spotless Virgin, is the Mother 
of a Divine Person, God the Son, made man. 

(2) T h e Pope is Chief Bishop in the Church, not only in rank, 
but in power. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

Peter, Prince of the Apostles, Vicar of Jesus Christ; 
the veneration of the Saints, and of their images, ( 3 ) 
the authority of the Apostolic and Ecclesiastical T r a -
ditions, ( 4 ) and of the Holy Scriptures, which we 
must interpret, and understand only in the sense which 
our holy mother the Catholic Church has held, and 
does hold; and everything else that has been defined, 
and declared by the sacred Canons, and by the General 
Councils, and particularly by the holy Council of 
Trent, ( 5 ) and delivered, defined and declared by the 
General Council of the Vatican, especially concerning 
the Primacy of the Roman Pontiff, and his infallible 
teaching authority. ( 6 ) . -

W i t h a sincere heart, therefore, and with unfeigned 
faith, I detest and abjure every error, heresy, and sect 
opposed to the said Holy Catholic and Apostolic 
Roman Church. So help me God, and these His holy 
Gospels, which I touch with my hand. 

A f t e r reading the profession of faith the convert remains 
kneeling while the priest recites the psalm and prayers prescribed 
by the Ritual. A t the end the priest enjoins a short penance, con-
sisting of a prayer, a visit to a church, or something similar. 
T h i s penance may be performed a f t e r Baptism, which is adminis-
tered conditionally, if there is any doubt whether the person has 
been already baptized. 

(3) I t is right and good to honor the saints and their relics 
and images, because the saints are God's faithful servants and 
special friends, and their relics and images are memorials of 
them. 

(4) Teachings handed down in the Church and accepted by all 
Catholics. 

( 5 ) A General Council held A . D . 1545-1563-
(6) T h e General Council of the Vatican, A D . 1870, defined 

that the V i c a r of Christ is preserved from error when, as head of 
the infallible Church, he teaches a doctrine of faith or morals. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

C H A P T E R X L V I I I . 

(Emmomea nf Haptiam 
Only sincere, exemplary Catholics should be taken 

as Sponsors. 
T h e candidate is given a Saint's name, and should 

come to the Baptismal font with the collar or clothing 
about the neck arranged in such a way that it can be 
easily removed, when the priest is about to anoint the 
lower part of the neck above the breast and between the 
shoulders: 

T h e priest begins: 
N . , ., What dost thou ask °f the Church of 

Cod? 
T h e candidate answers: 
Faith. 
What doth faith give thee? 
Arts. Life everlasting. 
T h e "priest then prays over the candidate and 

breathes upon him three times, saying: " Depart from 
him, thou unclean spirit, and make way for the Holy 
Ghost, the Comforter." T h e sign of the Cross is made 
on the forehead and breast as a sign that the Christian 
belongs to the crucified Saviour. A small quantity of 
salt is placed in the candidate's mouth, with the words, 
" Receive the salt of wisdom." Salt is a symbol of 
Christian Wisdom and a protection from the foulness 
of sin. Through repeated prayers, blessings, and the 
imposition of hands on the head, the priest shows the 
conquest of Grace over Satan, and the change of the 
sinner into a child of God. T h e Apostles* Creed and 
the Lord's Prayer are recited aloud by the candidate 



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T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

as a profession of faith. T h e priest, after the example 
of Jesus (St. M a r k V I I , 3 3 ) , touches with spittle the 
ears and nose of the person to be baptized, saying, " Be 
thou opened." M a n ' s spiritual sense is opened by Bap-
tism to receive heavenly truths. 

Satan, with all his works and pomps, must be 
renounced. T h e candidate declares, when questioned: 
I do renounce him. I do renounce them. 

Next comes the anointing of the breast and shoulders 
with Holy Oil. Anointing with holy oils, in Holy 
Scripture and in the traditions of the Church, is a sign 
of spiritual strength and also of consecration to the 
service of God. 

T o the three questions, " Dost thou believe, etc.," 
the candidate answers, " I do believe." " Wi l t thou be 
baptized? " Ans. " I will." 
• W h e n the priest pours the water on the head, the 
Sponsors hold their right hands on the shoulders of the 
candidate. 

A f t e r baptism the head is anointed with Chrism, 
because the person baptized is to take his place among 
Christians; he is one of Christ's anointed. A white 
cloth is placed upon the head to admonish the Christian 
to lead a pure and holy life. T h e lighted candle, 
which is placed in the hand, signifies the light of 
Christian Faith, H o p e and Charity. 

A f t e r conditional baptism, the convert g<5es to the 
confessional to confess his sins and receive conditional 
absolution. 

L A Y B A P T I S M 

Provided an infant, or ail adult who desires to be a 
Catholic, is in danger of dying before a priest can be 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

procured, any other person, whether man, woman, or 
child, may baptize in the following manner: While 
pouring common water on the head or face of the per-
son, pronounce the words: I baptise thee in the Name 
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

C H A P T E R X L I X . 

( E u t t f t r m a i i a n 
[See Chapter 20, page 24.3 

Before going to the Altar to receive Confirmation, 
recite the Acts of Faith, Hope, Charity, and Contri-
tion, and other prayers. 

Confirmation, like Baptism and Holy Orders, 
imprints a character, that is, an indelible mark on the 
soul, and, like Baptism and Holy Orders, can be 
received only once. In confirmation a Saint's name is 
taken, and sponsors are used. They should not be the 
same persons who acted as sponsors in Baptism. 

T h e persons to be confirmed kneel before the 
Bishop, who holds his hands over them and prays that 
they may receive the Holy Ghost, with His sevenfold 
gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, 
knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. T h e Bishop 
then lays his hand on the head and signs the forehead 
of each with holy Chrism, 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. A m e n . " 

H e then gives a slight blow on the cheek, to remind 
the Christian to be strong in faith, and ready to suffer 
all things for Christ's sake. T h e ceremony concludes 
with prayer and the Bishop's blessing. 



IO 
T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

C H A P T E R L . 

Explanations ani» Srftntttnna 
ABSTINENCE. Days of abstinence are days on which flesh meat 

is not to be eaten. A l l the Fridays of the year are days of absti-
nence; and all fasting days, unless a dispensation is granted on 
account of hard work, sickness, or some other reason. 

ADVENT. Signifies coming, and is a time of devotion which 
begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas. I t represents t h e , 
waiting of mankind f o r the coming of the . Redeemer, and is 
intended to prepare us to celebrate, in a worthy manner, the birth 
of our Saviour 'at Christmas. 

AGNUS DEI. I s a tablet of wax blessed by the Pope, on which 
the figure of our Lord, as the " Lamb of God," is stamped. 

ALTAR. T h e A l t a r is the table or place of sacrifice. I t is the 
table whereon Mass is celebrated. 

ASHES. On A s h Wednesday ashes are blessed and placed on 
the foreheads of the people to remind them that they are only dust 
and ashes, and that they ought to be humble and do penance. 

BEADS are small stones, or little balls of some hard material, 
strung on a chain and used to count the prayers of the Rosary. 

CANDLEMAS, February 2, the day on which candles are solemnly 
blessed. 

CANDLES. Lighted blessed wax candles are used on the altar 
( 1 ) as a sign of the glory and triumph of Jesus Christ; (2) to 
denote that Christ is the true light of the world. 

EMBER DAYS occur four times a year. T h e y are the Wednes-
day, Friday and Saturday a f t e r the third Sunday in A d v e n t ; a f t e r 
the first Sunday in Lent, a f t e r Pentecost, and a f t e r the 14th of 
September. On these days the faithful fast and pray that God 
may bless the fruits of the earth, and bless the Church with good 
priests, as priests are usually ordained on Ember days. 

FASTINO DAYS are days on which all persons over twenty-one 
and under sixty years of age are allowed but one f u l l meal, and 
forbidden flesh meat, unless dispensed. 

Fasting days are the f o r t y days of L e n t ; certain vigils, or days 
before a great feast day; the Ember days, and Fridays in Advent. 

HOLY-DAYS OF OBLIGATION. Christmas D a y . New Y e a r ' s Day. 
Ascension Thursday, forty days a f t e r Easter. T h e Assumption of 
our Lady, A u g u s t 15. A l l Saints, November i . T h e Immaculate 
Conception, December 8. T o miss Mass on Sunday or on one of 
the above-named Holy-days, through one's own fault, is a mortal 
or grievous sin. T o be absent from one of the principal parts of 
Mass is not hearing Mass at all. 



IO T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

HOLY OILS. Three kinds of holy oils are blessed by the Bishop 
on H o l y Thursday: Oil of the Sick, used for Extreme Unction. 
OH of Catechumens, used at Baptism and H o l y Orders. Chrism, 
used at Baptism, Confirmation, and some blessings. T h e holy 
oils are all olive oil. Chrism is olive oil mixed with balsam. 

HOLY WATER is natural water mixed with a little salt and 
blessed by a priest. I t is used in. blessing persons, places and 
things and to invoke the divine protection against evil spirits. 
W e sprinkle ourselves with i t and make the sign of the Cross on 
going into Church, when we rise in the morning, at night when 
we retire to rest, and in time of temptation and danger. Holy-
Water was used in the Old Law, and it has been used by Cath-
olics ever since the time of the Apostles. 

HOLY WEEK is the week beginning with Palm Sunday and end-
ing with Holy Saturday. I n Holy Week we commemorate, the 
events of our Lord's Passion and death. T h e Thursday of this 
week is H o l y Thursday, or Maunday Thursday, the day on which 
the Blessed Eucharist was instituted, and on which the holy oils 
are blessed every year by the bishop. On Good Friday, Jesus 
Christ was put to death by crucifixion on Mount Calvary. 

INDULGENCES. B y means of indulgenced prayers and good 
works, the Church opens her treasury and gives the penitent sin-
ner a share in the merits of Christ and the prayers, sufferings 
and good works of the Blessed V i r g i n and all the Saints. 

A n Indulgence of seven years, one hundred days, or forty days, 
does not mean that seven years, or one hundred days, or forty 
days, are taken from the sinner's purgatory; but it does mean 
that the indulgenced prayers or good works of a repentant and 
forgiven sinner, equal those penances which formerly confessors 
imposed upon sinners for seven years, one hundred days, or for 
forty days, according to their guilt. 

LENT begins on A s h Wednesday and ends with H o l y Saturday. 
It is a season of forty days' fasting find penance, to honor the 
forty days' fast of Jesus in the desert, to do penance for sin. and 
-to prepare to celebrate Easter worthily. 

NOVENA. A devotion practiced for nine days to prepare for 
some festival or t o obtain some special blessing. 

PALMS are blessed on Palm Sunday to remind us of the tri-
umphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Some of these 
blessed palms are afterwards burned to make the ashes for Ash 
Wednesday of the following year. 

RELICS are the dead bodies or bones of holy persons, or also 
other things connected with them during life. God is sometimes 
pleased to make relics the instruments of healing and other favors 
to those who honor them. 



IO 
T H E INQUIRER'S GUIDE 

SCAPULAR. T h e Scapular consists of two small picccs of woolen 
stuff, joined to each other by two strings, so that one piece may 
hang over the breast, and the other over the back of the wearer. 
I t represents the habit or dress of a religious order, and entitles 
the person who is invested with it properly t o certain indulgences 
and spiritual favors. 

SPONSORS (Godfather and Godmother) are spiritual parents, and 
contract a spiritual relationship with the person .for whom they are 
sponsors in baptism or confirmation. T h i s relationship hinders 
the marriage of the sponsor with the person baptized or confirmed, 
or with either of that person's parents. One sponsor will suffice. 
T h e Church does not permit more than two, one man and one 
woman. 

THE TABERNACLE is the vessel, or apartment, in the center of 
the A l t a r , which contains our Lord really present in the Conse-
crated Host; therefore we bend the knee to adore Jesus Christ 
when we pass before the tabernacle, or enter, or leave a pew in 
the church. 

VESTMENTS. AS in the Old L a w , so in the New L a w , from the 
time of the Apostles, priests have worn special Vestments or gar-
ments when officiating at the A l t a r . 

O 

A parting Mnrii 
W h e n you meet a sincere inquirer who wishes in-

struction in religion or an explanation of the doctrines 
and practices of the Catholic Church, give him a copy 
of the Inquirer's Guide, and tell him to go to a priest 
and state his doubts and difficulties. 

Priests are always ready to answer questions and 
assist those who are seeking the true way of salvation.' 

EXTENSION PRESS, CHICAGO, 1 9 0 8 



^-TNÉU oniKon, 

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1919 

Tuesday 
August 5 

• —— 



Extension Magazine 
A MISSIONARY AND 
H O M E J O U R N A L 

r I 1HIS magazine is the official organ of 
I tfie Catholic Church Extension Society 
1 of the United States of America. In 

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