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TEXT BOOK
ON THE

CATHOLIC

RELIGION

A SPECIAL SERIES OF LEAFLETS

SUPPLEMENTS THIS BOOKLET

CATHOLIC TRUTH SOCIETY of OREGON

2066 SOUTWEST SIXTH AVENUE

Portland 1, Oregon





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TEXT BOOK

ON THE

CATHOLIC

RELIGION

BY

Charles M. Smith

PUBLISHED BY

THE CATHOLIC TRUTH SOCIETY OF OREGON

2066 Southwest Sixth Avenue

Portland 1, Oregon



NIHIL OBSTAT:

IMPRIMATUR:

JOHN R. LAIDLAW

Censor Deputatus

t EDWARD D. HOWARD, D.D.
Archbishop of Portland in Oregon.

DeoeMMK 11



INTRODUCTION

NEARLY every priest has felt or expressed the earnest desire

to have a text book on the Catholic Religion which would give

prospective converts and others a simple and yet comprehen-

sive course of instruction on the Catholic Faith; one moreover

which not only explains but offers easily-understood proofs of

its reasonableness and of its truth. This new “Text Book” is

designed to fill these requirements.

With it can also be used a series of leaflets which may be

given to the inquirer as supplementary reading matter; these

leaflets are simply written and therefore easily read; they con-

tain much useful information on the subjects treated.

Text book and leaflets combined will aid greatly in impart-

ing an intelligent understanding of the Catholic Faith to sin-

cere seekers after truth and those desirous of augmenting their

knowledge of it.

The Author

in



Pamphlets Which May Be Used in Connection

With This Text Book

Chapter

Chapter

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Chapter

Chapter

Chapter

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Chapter

Chapter

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Chapter

Chapter

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I Author and Preserver of the Universe

II Mysteries in Religion

III Method and Purpose of Creation

IV Meaning of Original Sin

V Violation of Law

VI Is Christ God?

VII Gospels Are Reliable History

VIII How to Find the True Church

IX God’s Grace

X Raptisra of Infants and Baptizing by Immersion

XI Sacramental Confession

XII Dialogue on Confession

XIII Belief in Purgatory

XIV Our Lord’s Presence in the Eucharist

XV Religious Sacrifice

XVI “Secret” of the Church

XVII Confirmation

XVIII Healing in the Church

XIX Ideals and Training of the Catholic Priesthood

XX Marriage, Divorce and Mixed Marriages

XXI The Two Great Commandments

XXII Use of Images, Vestments and Ceremonies

XXIII The Sabbath-Sunday Question

XXIV The Unchangeable Moral Principles of the Church

XXV The Place of Peter in Scripture

XXVI Essential Difference Between Catholicism and

Protestantism

XXVII Laws of the Church

XXVIII Praying to the Blessed Virgin and the Saints

XXIX Sacramentals

XXX Prayer

XXXT Is It Reasonable to Believe in a Hell?

iv



CONTENTS

Chapter I Our Supreme Being 1

Chapter II Mysteries—The Trinity I
Chapter III Creation 6

Chapter IV Original Sin 0

Chapter V Actual Sin 10

Chapter VI Our Lord Jesus Christ 13

Chapter VII Bible and Sacred History 18

Chapter VIII The Church of Christ 20

Chapter IX Grace and Sacraments 28

Chapter X Baptism 30

Chapter XI Sacrament of Penance 32

Chapter XII Confession of Sins 35

Chapter XIII Temporal Punishment and Indulgences 38

Chapter XIV Our Lord’s Presence in the Eucharist 40

Chapter XV Religious Sacrifice—Holy Mass 43
Chapter XVI Holy Communion 46

Chapter XVII Confirmation 49

Chapter XVIII Extreme Unction 51

Chapter XIX Holy Orders 53

Chapter XX Matrimony 55

Chapter XXI The Commandments of God 58

Chapter XXII First Commandment 59

Chapter XXIII Second to Fourth Commandments 61

Chapter XXIV Fifth and Sixth Commandments 65

Chapter XXV Seventh Commandment 66
Chapter XXVI Eighth to Tenth Commandments 68

Chapter XXVII Precepts of the Church 70

Chapter XXVIII The Blessed Virgin 73

Chapter XXIX Sacramentals 75
Chapter XXX Prayer

78

Chapter XXXI Future Rewards and Punishments 82
Chapter XXXII Prayers

84

v





CHAPTER I

OUR SUPREME BEING

1. Who or what is God?
God is the self-existing, eternal and infinite Being, Who

created the universe and keeps it in existence.

2. What does it mean to say that God is self-existing?

That He is the source of life in Himself, Who in no way
depends upon any other being. What He now is, He always
has been without “change or shadow of alteration.” (James
i, 17.)

Ex. 3:ib. God said to Moses: I am Who Am . . . Thus shalt thou say
to the children of Israel. He who IS hath sent me to you .... This
is my Name forever, and this my memorial unto all generations.

3. What are some of the other perfections of God?

God is necessarily all-good, all-wise, all-present, all-
powerful, all-merciful and all-just.

4. Why cannot we see God?

Because He is a spirit with no material body; even the
material air usually is not visible to bodily or human eyes.

5. Do we know from reason that there is a God?

Reason, if followed, forces us to believe that whatever

now exists must have been created and given its laws or

modes of action by someone.

These modes of action and harmony, in evidence every-

where, prove that there is an infinite Intelligence Who not
only designed but keeps in motion the machinery of the

universe.

The billions of heavenly bodies, which keep perfect time

through countless ages, neither made themselves nor did

they just happen by chance. Infinite Intelligence created

them and gave them the laws which govern them. Even a

pin or a pen requires a mind to design and make it. Hence,

as the psalmist said: (Ps. 52:1) The fool said in his heart

there is no God.

6. What must be said of Marx’s theory that matter is eter-

nal and therefore did not require a Creator?

Even if matter were eternal, which it is not—without an
infinite Power and Intelligence, it would have remained

eternal chaos, with no order or harmony or any adaptation

of means to the end.

1



TEXT BOOK ON THE CATHOLIC RELIGION

GOD AND RELIGION

7. Wliat is the meaning or scope of Religion?

Religion includes the internal and external homage which
man renders to his Creator.

8. Is Religion a matter of choice or of necessity?

Religion is an absolute duty; man owes his Creator for

his body and soul, for the ground on which he walks, for the

food on which he subsists, for all that, as a living being, he

owns and uses. All these come directly or indirectly from

God. Obviously, this creates a debt, the payment of which

is a matter of strictest justice.

Moreover, we must know and serve God, not only because
of His marvelous attributes to which His works bear witness.

—but because of self-interest, in order to learn what are
His plans, laws regarding ourselves.

9. Can individuals ignore this obligation?

They have the physical power to do so—but not the moral
right. Hence, failure to fulfill this obligation carries with

it strict accountability to right order, which God necessar-

ily upholds.

10. Is man’s debt to his Creator as great as that of a child

to a worthy parent?

It is far greater, since the creature not only has received

from the Creator all that he has, but because this debt is
constantly being renewed by conservation, i. e., God must
keep in existence everything He has made. Hence, if the
relationship of parent to child creates a definite and a per-
manent obligation, much more so does the bond between the
Creator and the creature. For, whereas the obligations of
child to parent become less urgent with time, our debt to
God is perpetual and increases constantly.

11. What is to be said of those who, because of the conduct of
unworthy Christians, argue that “If this is Religion
I want none of it”?

They are insincere to themselves and dishonest with God

;

the conduct of others in no way cancels their own obligation
to their Creator. Because one man refuses to pay what he
owes, this is no valid excuse why all the other creditors can
do the same.

2



TEXT BOOK ON THE CATHOLIC RELIGION

12. Will "a good life” satisfy man’s obligation of Religion?

By no means; and those who say it is enough to lead a
good moral life without practicing Religion, are failing to
pay their debts to God. They may deal honestly with men,
but they are defrauding God of what they owe to Him. Our
Lord speaks of two great commandments, the first and great-
est of which binds us to God. (Matt. 22,37-40)

13. How can man know that he really has God’s form of re-
ligious faith and practice?

God has given many extraordinary signs in sensible na-
ture to serve as credentials; we call these miracles. “At
sundry times and divers manners, God spoke to the fathers

by the prophets, last of all, in these days, He hath spoken to
us by His Son.” (Heb. i, 1-2.) (See No. 26.)

14. Where is found God’s revelation to man?

There are three sources, i. e., in nature itself, in the Bible

and in History or Tradition (see Pages 18-19).

15. On the subject of Revelation what two errors must be

carefully avoided?

On the one hand, we should not be so imprudent as to

accept everything that is claimed to be a revelation without

solid proof of its Divine origin. On the other hand, we must

not be so irrational as to refuse to accept a revelation which

we can know actually comes from God:

Religion is the bond between the Creator and his creature,

man. The Creator necessarily imposes His will upon all things;

the firmament and the elements, He rules by fixed laws; animals

He rules through instinct; man He rules by conscience, which

is God’s voice speaking to him.

Since man is physically free, he can disregard conscience, but

he cannot escape the consequences of doing so. God could pre-

vent all evil in the world by destroying man’s free will, but this

is one thing that God does not do. Dreadful as are sometimes

the consequences of free will, God’s infinite wisdom has deemed

it expedient to endow intelligent creatures with it. But man

must answer to God for the use of free will. This creates a di-

rect relation with his Maker, which we call religion, i. e. God’s

appointed means of aiding man to know and do his duty to God,

to his neighbor, and to himself.

3



CHAPTER II

MYSTERIES — THE TRINITY
20. Does the true Religion necessarily contain mysteries?

The true Religion deals with the true God, Who is all-
mystery, dwelling in light inaccessible. Therefore even as
a god whom no mystery enshrouds, would by that very fact
be a false god, so a religion which no mystery accompanies,
is by that very fact proven to be a false religion, the work
of men and not the work of God.
Rom. ll:33-b. Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the

knowledge of God; how incomprehensible are His judgments, and
how unsearchable are His ways; for who hath known the mind of the
Lord, or who has been His counsellor?

21. Why do we accept mysteries in Religion?
Because we can prove that almighty God has revealed

them. Moreover, see how the fact of mysteries in nature
faces us on all sides. No man, regardless of how wise he may
be, knows anything perfectly, while of countless other things,

he is entirely ignorant.

A sane and necessary conclusion also is that if the world
about us, which is finite, contains so many things that are

obscure to us, why not expect mysteries, when there is a
question of the spiritual world, the nature and designs of

God, the secrets of eternity, which are so obviously beyond

our power to reach, much less to comprehend.

22. Which is the greatest of all mysteries?

The Blessed Trinity which deals with the internal life of

an Eternal God; i.e., the three Divine Persons, Whom our
Lord calls the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; each

Person is distinct but all three have the same Divine Nature

and Substance. Each Person is equal to the other two iin

power and in eternal years.

28. Why do we believe that in God there are Three Persons?

Because Christ has revealed this to us in Holy Scripture.

In many public, solemn statements, Christ placed all three

Divine Persons of the Trinity on the same or equal basis;

for example, when He commanded the Apostles and their

successors, to the end of time, to baptize “in the Name of

the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
(Matt.

28:19) How would it sound to say: Baptize them in the

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Name of the Father and of the Mayor of Cairo and of the

Holy Spirit? Such a statement would be blasphemous; but

those who deny the equality of the Son and the Holy Spirit,

with the Father, would place equally shocking words on the

lips of Christ.

24. Is it a contradiction to say that there is only One God,

but that in Him there are Three Divine Persons?

No, because Nature and Person in God are not identical.

In man’s own soul are free will, intellectual memory and

reason; man is, nevertheless, only one being.

25. Can we fully understand how God can be Three in Per-
son and yet be only One God?

No, because this is a mystery of the supernatural order,

and beyond our unaided reason. As a matter of fact, nearly

every thing around us is mysterious, e. g. electricity, the

principle of life in a blade of grass or a flower. (See No. 21)

26. Must the truths of Religion be taken for granted with-

out any evidence to support them?

Absolutely not; in the case of the Blessed Trinity:

(1) Common sense tells us there is a God.
(2) History, reason, prove that Christ was at least a

reliable messenger from God.

(3) Christ taught us that in God, Whom we already
know from reason—are Three Divine Persons.

(4) It is reasonable, logical, a duty to accept His di-

vine words, even though these do involve mysteries.

27A. Who is God the Father?
He is the First Person of the Blessed Trinity, to Whom

mainly is ascribed the work of creation.

27B. Who is God the Son?
He is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity Who be-

came Man to teach us, to atone for our sins, and to enable
us to apply to ourselves the graces which He merited.

28. Who is the Holy Spirit?
He is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity Who guides

the Church (No. 139) and sanctifies the individual souls of
men; every time we receive a Sacrament worthily, it is the
Holy Spirit Who works upon our souls.

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TEXT BOOK ON THE CATHOLIC RELIGION

29.

What does it mean to say that the Son proceeds from

the Father and the Holy Spirit from the Father and the

Son?

This truth involves the internal nature of an infinite God.

It means that from eternity and now the Person named thus

derives his Divine Being, without in any way implying

inferiority or change. The sequence or procession of one

Person from the other in God, in a wide sense, may be com-

pared to what takes place when two rivers at a certain point

form a third; all three exist simultaneously, yet the third

perpetually derives its waters from the first and second.

CHAPTER III

CREATION

30. What does the Bible teach about creation or the origin

of material things?

The Bible tells us that this earth, all heavenly bodies and

the entire universe are due to the creative power of God.

31. What do we understand by creation?

Creation is the act by which from nothing, God brought

into existence the universe in its original state, and gave to

all material the laws which govern it.

32. What is meant by the six days mentioned in the first

book of the Old Testament?

“Day” probably meant a period of time, as it does in our

own day.

Because no one of us understands all that God has done, it is

stupidity to say that God does not exist. Vastly greater wisdom

is a child-like confidence in the great, omnipotent and eternal

God and the conviction that, after all, He is going to act gen-

erously by His poor, human creatures whom He has created;
that He intends well for them and will make them eternally
happy, if only they permit Him to do so.
Far more reasonable is it to adopt the attitude suggested by

the Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity as found on page 85 of this

Text Book.

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TEXT BOOK ON THE CATHOLIC RELIGION
33.

Can a Catholic believe in Evolution?

So long as (1) he ascribes to God the creation of the orig-
inal matter out of which the universe is made; so long as

(2) he attributes the existence of man’s soul to God’s spe-

cial creation—he is at liberty to accept any well-supported
system of evolution. As a matter of fact, the more evolution

that is proved, the more complicated appears God’s machine

;

in consequence, the more it argues to the wisdom of the One

Who invented that machine and keeps it going through
eternal years.

ANGELS AND MEN

34. Which two kinds of intelligent beings has God created?

Angels which are free, intelligent spirits without bodies

—

(Ps. viii, 6) and men who have both a body and a soul. God
could have made, or later can create, other intelligent beings,

if He wishes. So far as we know, angels and men are the
only such beings to which until now He has given existence.

35. In what state were the angels created?

They were created in a state of wisdom, power and happi-
ness. Those who remained faithful were confirmed in grace
and admitted to the Beatific Vision.

However, many of them misused their free will and were
cast out of heaven into hell; being endowed with free will,

these were shapers of their own destinies.

36. What is the attitude of the fallen angels toward God
and man?

The fallen angels or devils (No. 35) hate God and try to

prevent man from serving Him, especially by tempting man

to commit sin.

1 Peter 5:8. Be sober and watch, because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion, goeth about, seeking whom he may devour.

37. What are guardian angels?

God assigns one of the loyal angels to each of us—to
guide, guard and assist us on our way to heaven.

Matt. 18:10. See that you despise not one of these little ones; for

I say to you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my

Father who is in Heaven.

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38. Why did God create man?

God wishes to share His love and happiness with intelli-
gent creatures.

39. How does the Bible describe man?

It states that man is made to the image and likeness of
God? This means that man’s soul is like to God because it is
an immortal spirit which is endowed with understanding
and free will. It is this that places man in a class apart from
the lower animals; these have instinct, brute intelligence,

but neither' reason nor free will.

40. Will there be a life after death?

There will be a future life after death of the body, since

our soul is an immortal spirit that can never die. (St. Luke,

viii, 29, 30.) (See No. 39.)

41. How can we prove that man has a soul that is immortal?

(1) We prove this by the study of the operations of our
own minds and wills; our power to analyze, to plan for the

future, to make judgments; all these prove our souls to be
non-material beings. It is as natural for such a spiritual

soul to live as it is for a material being to die.

(2)

) In point of bulk, when compared to the material

universe, man is altogether insignificant
;
nevertheless, with

his soul or intelligence he can (to some extent) contemplate

both eternity and infinity.

(3) God’s justice requires that the good be rewarded and

the wicked punished. Since often this is not done here, it

must be done hereafter.

(4) Holy Scripture teaches that the soul is immortal.

Heb. 9:27. “It is appointed unto men once to die and after this
judgment.” Countless scriptural references to a future life (inde-

pendent of the resurrection of the body) would be unintelligible and

contradictory, unless the judgment of which St. Paul speaks follows

immediately after death.

42. To be eternally happy with God, what is required of free
beings?

Free cooperation; hence every normal person must freely
know, love and serve God in this world. This knowledge is
the highest and greatest wisdom.

8



TEXT BOOK ON THE CATHOLIC RELIGION
48.

What must each one do in the service of God?

Keep the two great commandments of God, which include

in themselves all the others.

Matt. 22:37-40. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole

heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind. This is the

first and greatest commandment. And the second is like to this. Thou

shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments

depend the whole law and the prophets.

CHAPTER IV

ORIGINAL SIN

45. Who were the first man and woman and in what con-
dition were they created?

Adam and Eve, who were created in a state of innocence,
holiness and endowed with special immunities or gifts, su-

per-added to their nature.

46. How and why did God test the obedience and loyalty of
Adam and Eve?

To give them opportunity to use their free will meritori-

ously, God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat of the fruit
of a certain tree in paradise. (Gen. ii, 16, 17.)

47. Did Adam and Eve pass their test?

No, tempted by Satan to eat the forbidden fruit, they de-

spised God’s command; this was the first or the original sin.

48. What was the effect of their sin upon Adam and Eve?

(1) They lost sanctifying grace (No. 153), and their right
to heaven.

(2) They lost the super-added gifts and immunities with
which God had endowed them; such as knowledge, control
of their passions and freedom from sickness and death.

49. Was this not a very sever© punishment for merely eating
an apple?

It was not the apple itself, so much, as the principle in-
volved, i. e., God’s right to rule. His supreme dominion, right
order,—these were all at stake.
50. What is the primary spiritual effect of original sin upon

man?

God now creates our souls without sanctifying grace and



TEXT BOOK ON THE CATHOLIC RELIGION

the other unmerited gifts which would have been our inher-

itance if Adam had not lost them. Through Baptism we may
regain sanctifying grace.

51. Did the sin of Adam have any other effects upon his
posterity?

As a result, besides losing sanctifying grace, we have be-

come subject to ignorance, sickness, suffering, death, to-

gether with a perpetual war of reason and conscience—as
opposed to the lower appetites of man’s animal nature.

52. Is it not unjust that man today should be punished for
what others did thousands of years ago?

The truth is that we are deprived of things to which we
had no right, i. e., free gifts and immunities not due to our

nature. This is no injustice to us. But even perfection of the

human body will be restored to the just at the Resurrection.
Moreover, Adam, as the father of the human family, repre-

sented the race of mankind; children naturally share in the

good or evil done by their forefathers.

53. Does the scene in Paradise reoccur constantly in our

own experience?

Yes, it is one of the most familiar of all happenings. Those
who love, serve and fear God are often derided for “being
foolish.” The Devil of old said to Eve: “You will not die but
will be like God himself, knowing good and evil.” Today
Satan tells the virtuous, “you are a fool, why not be your-
self; have a good time, you will live but a short while, you
will be dead a long time”

;
this is the old story of Lucifer

tempting foolish humans, as he did Eve in Paradise.

CHAPTER V

ACTUAL SIN

55. How many kinds of sin are there?
There are two kinds, i. e., Original sin which comes from

our first parents and Actual sin which men commit them-
selves.

56. What is actual sin?

Actual or personal sin is the breaking or violation of a

10



TEXT BOOK ON THE CATHOLIC RELIGION

law of God by thoughts, words, actions or omissions con-
trary to that law.

57. Are actual sins all equally wrong?

No. Some sins are grave offenses which are Mortal or
spiritually death-dealing. Others are called Venial or more
easily pardoned. The child who disobeys his parents sins far
less grievously than the man who deliberately murders an-
other for money or something worse.

58. When is a sin mortal?

(1) When it is seriously contrary to a law of God or His
Church; (2) the person knows this, but (3) willingly, de-

liberately does or consents to the unlawful thought, word,

action or omission.

Otherwise stated—to be a mortal sin, such as kills the
soul’s life of grace—the matter must be serious, there must
be sufficient knowledge and full consent of the will.

59. What are the effects of mortal sin?

Mortal sin does not usually kill the human body; it never
kills the undying life of the soul

;
even the soul in mortal sin

will live forever; rather it destroys its higher spiritual life

or sanctifying grace.

Being an insult to God Whose law is violated, it causes
the loss of God’s friendship and all merit previously ac-

quired; thus it places the sinner in a state of enmity to, or

aversion from, God. The result is an eternal condition unless

the sinner repents and is pardoned.

Matt. 25:41. Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire,

which was prepared for the devil and his angels.

60. When is a sin venial?

When it lacks one or more of the three conditions named
above (58). As such it does not deprive the soul of God’s

friendship.

61. Why should we avoid venial sins?

Venial sins done with reflection and full consent offend

God and lessen our love for Him; they also weaken cur

power to resist more grievous sin; by them we become less

worthy of God’s love and subject to the punishments of Pur-

gatory.

11



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62. What are some of the chief sources of actual sin?

Pride, covetousness (or avarice), lust, anger, gluttony,

envy and sloth; these are called capital (capita or heads)

because they give rise to countless violations of God’s com-

mands.

TEMPTATION

63. What is meant by temptation?

Temptation is anything that solicits or urges us to commit

sin. Temptations may arise (a) from the flesh, i. e., our

own evil inclinations; (b) from the world, i. e., the people

with whom we associate or circumstances in which we live

;

(c) from the evil spirit who “goeth about as a roaring lion

seeking whom he may devour.”

64. What should we do when we are tempted?

We should remember God’s presence and ask Him to help
us; also try to remove the cause of the temptation and busy

ourselves with legitimate things.

When tempted, tell yourself: In a short time, if I consent
to sin, my body may be mouldering in the grave while my
soul will be punished forever in hell; how stupid it would

be for me to do this evil.

Remember that every time you fight against temptation
and overcome it, you are gaining new merit or credit in

God’s sight.

The moral order is the will of God, manifested through His
commandments, the most universal record of which is supplied

by the human conscience. Conscience is a voice in the soul of
man telling him that some things are right and should be done,
other things are wrong and should not be done. As a result of
this, all men endowed with ordinary human faculties, recog-
nize the essential difference between good and evil, between
sin and virtue. This knowledge, conviction, is found not only
in educated persons, but also in untutored savages, for we find
that even heathen nations respect the obligations dictated by
the light of reason.

12



CHAPTER VI

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

70. Who is Jesns Christ?
He is the Son of Hod, the Second Person of the Blessed

Trinity; He is truly God, because of His eternal co-existence
with the Father; He is truly Man because in time, He be-
came a human being like ourselves.

71. What is the doctrine called that expresses Christ’s be-
coming Man?

It is called the Incarnation, which means “to become
flesh” because by it the Son of God, retaining His divine
Nature, took a human body and soul and united these with
His divinity. (John i, 1, 14.)

72. Did Jesus Christ have a human mother?

Yes; He “was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of
the Virgin Mary.” (See Luke i, 35.) Both before and perpet-
ually after Christ’s birth, Mary preserved her virginity; we
call her “Blessed Mary ever virgin.”

73. Who was St. Joseph?
St. Joseph was the legal spouse, the protector of the Bless-

ed Virgin. She and Joseph always lived as brother and sister.

74.

How many persons are there in Jesus Christ?
Christ is only one Divine Person, in Whom are united

the Divine Nature of God and the human nature of Man.
Although we ourselves have both body and soul, we are only
one, not two persons.

75.

How do we know that Jesus Christ is truly God?
(a) Prophets foretold the coming of Emmanuel which

means “God with us.” (Is. vii, 14; Matt, i, 23).

.

(b)

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,

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veracity. (John x, 36-38.)

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n HlS adversaries recoil; these insist thatHe was the most marvelous figure of all the ages.

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(d) While He was on earth, the Apostles called Him God,
which Jesus permitted them to do (Matt, xvi, 16); (John
xx, 28); He even commended their faith in His Deity.

OUR SAVIOUR’S LIFE

76. Where shall we find the life of Christ recorded?

In the first four books of the New Testament, i. e., the
Gospels written by Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

77. Where was Christ born?

In a stable at Bethlehem, a small town of Palestine near
Jerusalem, as had been foretold by the prophet. (Micheas

v, 2.)

78. Where did Christ live during most of His life?

Until about thirty, He lived in a small remote hamlet
called Nazareth, by which were fulfilled words of the proph-

et, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matt, ii, 23.)

79. How did Christ carry on His public teaching?

For three years, He preached and worked miracles mainly
in Galilee and Judea, accompanied by His disciples and apos-

tles.

80. How did Christ suffer and die?

Judas, one of the twelve, betrayed Him; Pontius Pilate,

the Roman governor, condemned Him.

CHRIST WAS GOD’S MESSENGER

At sundry times and divers manners, God spoke to the fathers

by the prophets; last of all He hath spoken to us by His Son

(Heb. 1, 1-2).

That Son was God’s greatest, wisest and noblest Messenger.

He, Christ, fulfilled the prophecies spoken hundreds, even more

than a thousand years before His birth; He did works which the

greatest intellects since have been unable to explain much less

reproduce; He taught doctrines that have aroused the unbounded

enthusiasm of nineteen centuries, which have placed Christ
in

a class all by Himself. The Nicene Creed, formulated
shortly

before 400 A. D., calls Him “God of God, Light of Light,
True

God of True God, of one substance with the Father.”
Stronger

testimony to His Deity, it would be impossible to desire.

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The chief sufferings of Christ were His bitter agony of
soul in the garden, His cruel scourging, His crowning with
thorns and, after carrying the cross to Calvary, His death

thereon.

81. On what day do we mourn the death of Christ?

We call the day Good Friday because, although a day of
agony for Jesus, it was one of supreme blessings for us.

82. What does the Apostles’ Creed mean by saying that, after
His death, our Lord “descended into hell”?

The word hell here means “inferos” or the lower regions
—the realms of death, or Limbo; after His death, Christ’s
soul visited those detained in that place or state of rest

where the souls then ready for heaven were awaiting their

redemption. Meanwhile, Christ’s body was in the holy sepul-

chre until Easter morning.

83. What happened on Easter Sunday?

Christ arose from the dead, glorious, immortal, impas-

sible, to suffer no more, to die no more, but even in His sa-

cred humanity, to live forever.

84. Can the Resurrection of Christ be proved historically?

Yes, during forty days, our Lord showed Himself repeated-

ly to His Apostles and many others, proving to them and to
all future ages that His rising was real and permanent.

(Luke xxiv, 39.)

During those forty days, our Lord talked with His apos-

tles, taught them, even sat down and ate with them, al-

though He required no food for His glorified body.

85. How did even unbelievers prove Our Lord’s resurrection?

Unbelievers were witnesses to it, no less than the Apostles

and countless other believers; having attacked this sacred

truth and failed completely to cast any doubt on it, unbeliev-

ers themselves are irrefutable, though unwilling witnesses

to this fact.

80. What happened forty days after Easter?

On Ascension Day, our Lord withdrew His visible presence

into heaven; there forever He is at the “right hand of God.

(Act. i, 9.) This means that whereas, as God, our Lord
is

equal to the Father; as man, His sacred humanity, more

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than any of the saints, is endowed with the glory of His Fa-
ther, and exercises for all eternity the supreme authority of
a king over all creatures.

REDEMPTION

90. How are the effects of Adam’s sins and of our own sins
counteracted in us?

Through the merits of Jesus Christ, Who has both satis-
fied for men’s sins and earned infinite merit for mankind.
A man fail's in business, owing $10,000. Someone pays

his debt and deposits another $10,000 in the bank upon
which he can draw; both these our Lord has done spiritually
for us.

91. Why could not some good man or an angel have atoned
for the world’s sins?

Even as the malice of sin is measured by the dignity of the
one offended, so the value of satisfaction depends upon the
dignity of the one making atonement. The malice of sin,
being infinite, the reparation must be infinite also; no

creature could offer such satisfaction.

92. Was it necessary for our Lord to die on the cross in
order to save mankind?

While a single act of the G-od-man could have satisfied

for all the sins of humanity, our Lord wished to prove the

greatness of His love for us and help us bear our own trials

and sufferings patiently.

Moreover, He wished to make us realize that sin is the
antithesis of right order; that the intrinsic malice of sin

really is such that God Himself cannot be indifferent to it.

93. Since Christ did make complete atonement, why is not

everyone saved?

Because we have free wills, we must also give free coop-

eration. This is given—by freely using God’s grace, keeping
His commandments and in general leading a good Christian

life. (Matt, vii, 21.)

94. How could those be saved who lived before their redemp-

tion by Christ?

By fulfilling the patriarchal or Mosaic law of God, if these

were known to them; if unknown, then by keeping the corn-

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mandments, as revealed to them by the voice of conscience.

(Rom. ii, 14, 15.)

SANCTIFICATION

95. Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, equal to

the Father and the Son, being true God as are They. He is

also called the Paraclete or Comforter.

96. Hid the Holy Spirit ever appear in visible form?

Yes, on at least two occasions; once under the form of a

dove when Christ was baptized in the Jordan; also under
the form of curling, seething flames or tongues of fire on

Pentecost, ten days after Christ’s Ascension.

97. Who sent the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and why?
Christ sent the Holy Spirit to sanctify and enlighten the

Apostles, enabling them immediately to begin preaching His
gospel to all nations. The manner and results of their preach-
ing prove the presence of God’s power.

98. Ho we also receive the Holy Spirit?

Yes. He is our sanctifier; every time we receive a sacra-

ment worthily, the Holy Spirit works on our soul; then there

is the special Sacrament of Confirmation in which His gifts

are communicated to us.

99. Should Catholics pray much to the Holy Spirit?

Yes, they should by all means do so; yet many pray to God

the Father and to our Lord, who are strangely neglectful

of prayer to the Holy Spirit.

100. Cite additional (see No. 28) texts in which the Holy

Spirit is spoken of as a Hivine Person.

There are many such places in the New Testament; a
few are cited here: (Acts 5:3; I Cor. 3:16-17; Acts 1:20-28)

17



CHAPTER VII

THE BIBLE AND SACRED HISTORY

101. What is the Bible?

The Bible, also called the Holy Scriptures, is a collection

of 73 books, all and each part of which have been written

under the inspiration of God, Who directed the writers to
write for His own divine purposes. (2 Peter i, 21.)

102. How is the Bible divided?

The Bible is divided into two parts, the Old and the New
Testaments

:

(a) The Old Testament, containing God’s Revelation

through the patriarchs, prophets, etc., before the coming of

Christ.

b) The New Testament, containing God’s truths revealed
through Jesus Christ, His Apostles and other Evangelists.

103. By whom were the books of the Bible written?

The 73 books of the Bible were composed by 50 or more
writers in various languages such as Hebrew, Aramaic and

Greek, during a period of about 1,500 years, from Moses to

St. John.

104. Are Catholics allowed to read the Bible?

Catholics are not only permitted but urged to read a

Bible approved by the Church, because it is a correct and

complete version.

105. What are differences between the English Catholic and
Protestant Bibles?

(a) The translations differ as also the names of some of

the books.

(b) The Catholic Old Testament contains about seven

books which are omitted from the Protestant Bible.

106. Does even the complete Bible contain all of Christ’s

teachings?

No, the Bible itself testifies that it does not contain all,

but only a part of Christ’s teachings.

John 20:30. Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his

disciples, which are not written in this book.

John 21:25. But there are also many other things which Jesus did,

which, if they were written every one, the world itself I think would

not be able to contain the books that should be written.

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107. Where, besides in the Bible, is God’s Revelation found?

In tradition, i. e., those teachings of Christ and His

apostles which were taught verbally but not written by then

2 Thess. 2:14. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the tradi-

tions which you have learned, whether by word, or our epistle.

2 Tim. 2:2. And the things that thou hast heard of me by many wit-
nesses, the same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teach
•others also.

108. How is tradition made accessible to us?
(a) By various historical records, such as writings of the

Fathers of the Church; (b) inscriptions in the catacombs;

(c) through the rules, decrees and ceremonial of the Church

in the early centuries.

109. Can the “Bible only” be a true guide to the teachings

of Christ?

No, because:

(a) The Bible omits many things taught by Christ but
never written in the New Testament. (No. 106.)

(b) No one was certain which writings belonged to the
New Testament until near the end of the fourth century.

(c) At that time, one or more Councils of the Catholic

Church decided this important matter.

(d) To assume that these Councils were correct is to

acknowledge the infallibility of the Catholic Church. To de-
ny the Church’s infallibility then, is to deny the authority

of the New Testament, as now constituted.
(e) When there is doubt as to the meaning of texts, the

Bible itself cannot solve such doubts. The existence of hund-
reds of dissenting sects today proves this.

2 Pet. 1:20. Understanding this first, that no prophecy of scripture

is made by private interpretation. (2 Pet. 3:16). As also in all his

epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are certain things

hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as

they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.

110. How do Catholics evaluate the Holy Scriptures?
As God’s inspired word, but requiring a living voice to ex-

plain their meaning. The Babel of confusing sects proves the
necessity of such an authorized teacher.

111. Can a Catholic question or reject any part of the com-
plete Bible?

No. A Catholic may say, “I do not understand this partic-
ular text or this passage in Scriptures,” but he cannot say,

“T do not believe it.”

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CHAPTER VIII

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

114. What means did Christ employ to perpetuate His teach-
ings, and His Sacraments?

Christ instituted a living organization or society, a spir-
itual corporation or church, which is to continue His mis-
sion until the end of the world. (Matt, xxviii, 18-20.)

This Church was to teach all that He taught and with His
authority. (Mark, xv, 15-16.) He guaranteed the correctness
of its teachings. (No. 133.)

115. What does the King James Bible teach about the origin
of Christ’s Church?

It teaches that the true Church began with Christ over 1900
years ago, not with men or women 15 to 19 centuries later.
It was founded when Our Lord spoke the following and other
similar words

:

Matt. 28, 18-20: And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power
is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all
nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things what-

soever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days,
even to the consummation of the world.

116. How many churches did Christ establish?

He established only one Church. All other Christian
churches owe their existence to unauthorized men or wom-

en. History proves that the First Protestant Church was the

Lutheran, founded about 1517 by the ex-priest Martin Luth-

er; all other of 300 to 500 sects have been created since then.

When Christ returned visibly to heaven, not a line of the New

Testament had been written: His appointed twelve were not

ordered to write but to preach His gospel, administer His Sacred

Rites or Sacraments. These Apostles added to their number

other co-workers, who also ordained others, to perpetuate the

mission that had been given to them by the Lord Jesus. (Titus

1, 5; also Acts 12, 2-3.)

Thus was Christ’s religion taught by, placed into the hands

of His Church, the officers of which were the Apostles, their

assistants and their successors.

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117. Whom did Christ make the head of His one Church?

Simon Bar Jona, whose name Jesus changed to Rock or

Peter. (John i, 42.)

(a) Whom He made the center of unity and source of
stability in His Church. (Matt, xvi, 18.) “And I say to thee:

That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my
church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

(b) To whom He gave the power of the keys. (Matt. 16,
19.) “And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of

heaven,” etc.

(c) To whom He gave charge of His entire flock, of which
He was the Good Shepherd. (John 21, 15-17.)

(d) Our Lord promised that Peter would confirm the

faith of the other Apostles. (Luke 22,32.) “But I have prayed

for thee (Peter) that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once

converted, confirm thy brethren.”

118. Who today has the powers and prerogatives of St.
Peter?

History proves that the Bishop of Rome (also called the
Pope) is Peter’s lawful successor and therefore endowed

with the authority that St. Peter received from Christ. Being

perpetual, Christ’s Church survived the first Peter, whose

office was necessarily perpetual.

119. In what sense is the Bishop of Rome the head of the
Church of Christ?

The Pope is Christ’s vicar or representative on earth; he
calls himself “the servant of the servants of God.” Christ

Himself remains forever the true head of the Church.

120.

Who are the successors of the other Apostles?
The validly consecrated bishops of the Catholic Church,

who are in communion with the Apostolic See of Rome.

MARKS OF CHRIST’S CHURCH

121. Roes the Church of Christ have definite qualities or
marks by which it readily may be known?

Yes. The Church must have these four clear signs by which
men can recognize its divinity; it must be One, Holy, Cath-
olic and Apostolic. Only one church has these four marks,
i. e., the Catholic, whose head resides in Rome.

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122. What is meant by saying that Christ’s Church must be
One?

That its members have everywhere the same faith and be-
long to the same spiritual organization under the same one
shepherd.

In many places of scripture, Christ’s Church is compared
to a house, a body, a city built on a mountain, a sheepfold
etc.; but these all denote visible unity. (See Romans 12-5

•”

Eph. 4:3-5; John 10:16; Rom. 12:4-5; John 17:21).

123. Is the Catholic Church (sometimes called Roman) the
only one that has this unity of faith, fold and shepherd?

Yes, while in nations, races, customs it is varied, the
Catholic Church alone has unity of faith, fold and shepherd

;

i. e., its members agree in one belief, all belong to the same
world-wide organization and are united under one spiritual

head.

124. What is meant by saying that the Church must be Holy?

That its faith and morals, also the means of grace it of-
fers, enable its members to lead holy lives.

125. What special proofs of extraordinary holiness has the
Catholic Church?

Examples of such extraordinary holiness are shown by

its (a) Religious Orders and (b) its Canonized Saints.

(a) While all Christian denominations doubtless have

good, sincere souls who, though mistaken, believe they are

in the correct church, no other church has the same virtue,

sacrifice, charity, love of God and neighbor as are found col-

lectively in Catholic Religious Orders, such as the Sisters

who devote their lives to charity, mercy and education. When
facts, rather than bias, ignorance, mental distortion, are

considered, this truth becomes unassailable.

In court, witnesses who contradict themselves are ruled out as

being without value. This is the position of the hundreds of dis-

senting sects. To God, one religion with false teachings is not

as good as another, which teaches God’s own truth.

Since the Church of God must necessarily teach only the truth,

and since truth is always one, therefore unity of faith is a neces-

sary characteristic of Christ’s Church.

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(b) To be canonized, absolutely certain, tangible, easily

demonstrated facts must prove that almighty God has work-

ed miracles to attest to the heroic sanctity of the candidate

for canonization. These miracles must be—obviously beyond
the power of any created agent or future development of

science or other human possibility. No one can be canonized
without such miraculous evidence which is God’s own per-
sonal testimony in behalf of these saints and of the Catholic

Church, which spiritually reared them.

125B. Bo unworthy Catholics disprove the sanctity of the

Church?

No, for among other reasons the Bible teaches that not

only the just but sinners will always claim external mem-
bership in the true church.

Hence because ungodly persons call themselves Catholics,

but are so in name only, this is no reflection upon the

church itself; it is rather a verification of Christ’s prophe-

cies.

Matt. 22:2 The parable of the king who made a marriage for his
son. Matt. 13:24. The parable of the field in which grew both grain

and cockle. Matt. 13:47. Parable of the net that was cast into the sea;

and gathered every kind of fish, savory and unsavory.

Meanwhile the Bible teaches that Christ died for all men,

both saints and sinners; and not merely for the “saved or

predestined.” (I Tim. 2, 4). Hence to the Catholic Church

the soul of the condemned criminal on the scaffold is an

object of tender solicitude even as, to Our Lord, was the
thief on the cross.

126. What is meant by saying that the Church must be Cath-
olic?

The English word “Catholic” comes from the Greek word
“Katholikos,” which means general or universal; the true
Church must be universal both in point of time and place;
that is, it must be the most widely diffused church in the
world from the beginning and in every age. According to
St. Paul, this was already true in his time. (Romans x, 18.)
It certainly is true of the Catholic Church through all the
centuries and now.

Hence the theory that Christ’s Church, which began with
Christ—failed—became non-existent for 1000 or more years

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—and then was revived by either Luther, Calvin, Knox or
some other man or woman, obviously disproves itself.

Rom. 10:18. But I say, have they not heard? Yes, verily, their

sound hath gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the

ends of the whole world.

Matt. 28:19. Going therefore, teach ye all nations, baptizing them

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Mark 16:15. And he said to them, Go ye into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 1:8. But you shad receive the power of the Holy Ghost com-

ing 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.

127. Is any church universal in time and place except the

one known as Catholic from apostolic times?

No, only that church has existed always and everywhere

in the sense described in No. 126.

128. What is meant by saying that the Church must be
Apostolic?

That it must be historically connected with the Apostles

in orders and in authority.

Titus 1:5. For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldst

set in order the things that are wanting, and shouldst ordain priests

in every city, as I also appointed thee.

Acts 13:2-3. As they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the

Holy Ghost said to them: separate me Saul and Barnabas for the

work where-unto I have taken them; then they fasting and praying

and imposing their hands upon them, sent them away.

Saul or St. Paul had been selected by Christ Himself; yet

he was later ordained by Apostolic authority. (Acts 13, 2-3).

By what right then does a Calvin, Knox, Campbell, or their

long list of imitators assume the role of ruler, teacher, found-

er of a “Christian” Church?

129. Is any church besides the “Roman” Catholic, Apostolic?

No, apostolicity includes at least two things, i. e., apostolic

ordination or succession and authority from the Apostles.

Although a few non-Oatholics have valid ordination, most

have not; while none of them has apostolic authority. The

so-called reformers broke the apostolic succession for them-

selves and for those who have followed them.

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AUTHORITY AND INFALLIBILITY

130. What is meant by the authority of the Church?

The authority of the Church includes the right and power

of the Pope and the bishops as successors of St. Peter and

the other Apostles, to teach and to govern the Church in

spiritual matters. (Matt, xviii, 17) (Luke 10, 16) (Heb. 13,

17).

131. Did the Apostles claim to exercise the authority of

Christ?

They claimed this repeatedly, as is obvious from the New

Testament. (Gal. i, 8; 2 John i, 10; Acts xv, 23, 28.)

132. How is it certain that the Church today is still teaching
the original doctrines of Christ?

Because the Church is necessarily infallible or unerring in

teaching the faith and morals of her Divine Founder; as St.

Paul said, it is “the pillar and ground of the truth.” (I Tim-

othy 3-15).

The Bible teaches that the Church has Christ always

WITH IT and the Holy Ghost always to guide it—not only
during the first century but during all future ages.

John lb:16. And I will ask the Father and He shall give you an-
other Paraclete, that he may abide with you forever.

John 16:13. But when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will teach
you all truth.

Acts 1:8: 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.

133. How may the infallibility of the Church be proved?
(a) Christ Himself promised that the gates of hell would

never prevail against His Church (Matt, xvi, 18). By the
“gates of hell” is meant the powers of error and evil.

(ib) Our Lord promised that the Holy Spirit would abide
with His Church forever and teach it all truth.

(c) He promised that He Himself would be with His
Church all days even to the end of the world.

Matt. 28:20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you, and behold I am with you all days even unto the
consummation of the world.

(d) Our Lord is the very essence of truth Who cannot be
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indifferent to error, especially since His mission on earth
was precisely to communicate truth to men.

(e) That Christ’s Church fell into error and needed men
or women to reform it, refutes itself; such a statement is
absurd and blasphemous.

134. When does the Church teach infallibly?

When she solemnly defines a dogma of faith or morals,
through the Pope alone, “ex cathedra”, or through a General

Council, with the sanction of the Pope.

135. What is a General Council?

This is an assembly of the bishops of the whole world,

convened by the Pope, who presides over the council, either
in person or by a delegate. Since the time of Christ, there

have been twenty-one General Councils.

136. When is the Pope necessarily infallible?

When, as the supreme head of the Church of Christ (ex
cathedra), he teaches (1) in his official capacity; (2) for the

entire Church; (3) on some question of faith or morals.

137. Why must the Pope be infallible on such occasions?
(a) When he is acting as the authorized mouth-piece of

the entire Church, Divine Providence will not allow him to
lead the Church into error on faith or morals. Reasons cited

above (No. 133) are also applicable here.

(b) As the successor of St. Peter, he is the same source of

stability, center of unity as was Simon Bar Jona, to whom
Christ expressly communicated these prerogatives.

(c) We are compelled to believe the official teachings of
the Church under pain of damnation. Christ must therefore

keep these correct; He cannot allow anyone to poison or

distort His teachings in the Church that He Himself found-

ed.

The Church’s members need reformation constantly; her doc-

trines never do, if Christ’s promises are accepted as valid. Even

good Christians examine their consciences daily to correct their

own faults. The true reformation in the members of the Church

took place at the Council of Trent. (1543-1563).

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TEXT BOOK ON THE CATHOLIC RELIGION

138. What claim to infallibility have Protestants made for
their own members?

That when these read the Bible carefully and prayerfully,
the Holy Spirit will enlighten each one on the meaning of
what they read. This appears to be a far greater claim than
the Catholic Church makes for the Pope.

189. Why are all well instructed Catholics so positive of
their faith?

They have our Lord’s guarantee that He and the Holy
Spirit will always be with and guide the Church. (See Nos
133 and 137.)

140. Could this assurance exist without infallibility?
No, without infallibility, Catholics, like the Christians of

the various sects, would be “tossed about by every wind of
doctrine.”

J

l41
‘ ^

h

“aitation”?
^ Sayi“g! “0utside tl,e Church there is

This means that those who, through their own grave fault
remain outside the true Church—cannot be saved.
M2

‘

hi‘,

D they be sa
,

Ted who are outside the Catholic Church
because they do not know that it is the true Church?

i”
t

^l
e*e are in a state of sanctifying grace and do not sus-pect that they are in the wrong church—then they belongto the soui of the Catholic Church; these can be saved bvmaking use of the graces which God gives to all men

Y

CHRIST’S CHURCH IS THE ONE WHICH

—has^wavs ?
d

l
Sperpetual “ if duration;nas always been a teaching Church-

endowed with Apostolic authority--teaches the same faith always, everywhere
while it has an invisible cnni hi > ’
one fold and one shepherd;

1S° haS 3 vlsible body whh
—is necessarily infallible or unerring in its teachings--does not need reformation in its doctrines-

h gs
’

—is universal or catholic;

innumerable^ect^and ^mlr^
““g “ «" °f

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

J

Because by membership in the true and visible Church, its
members are united with one another and with Christ, their
head, thus resembling the members and head of the living
body which is the figure St. Paul employs.

CHAPTER IX

GRACE AND SACRAMENTS

150. What is meant by grace?

Grace is best described by its qualities: (1) it is super-

natural; (2) it is a gift of God; (3) it is given to enable us

to reach heaven.

151. How many kinds of grace are there?

Sanctifying and Actual; all must have sanctifying grace

to reach heaven; no one having the use of reason can be

saved without actual grace.

152. What is actual grace?

Actual grace is a supernatural help which enlightens the

mind and strengthens the will to do good and avoid evil.

Every normal person has experienced this interior influ-

ence; God gives actual grace to all men, even unbelievers

and sinners. Moreover, without it, even the just cannot re-

sist the power of temptation nor perform those actions

which preserve or increase in them sanctifying grace.

153. What is sanctifying grace and why is it necessary for

salvation?

Sanctifying grace, being altogether spiritual, is also best

described by its effects:

1. It makes souls holy and pleasing to God;

2. It makes them adopted children of God;

3. It makes them temples of the Holy Ghost;

4. It gives them the right to heaven.

No soul can enter heaven without this spiritual quality.

154. How is sanctifying grace transmitted to men?

Chiefly by the seven Sacraments which Christ instituted

as channels through which His merits and graces come to

our souls.

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155. What are Sacraments?

They are visible ceremonies instituted by Christ to give

grace to those receiving them worthily. There are three ele-

ments to every sacrament: (1) outward sign or ceremony;

(2) inward grace or spiritual effect; (3) institution by

Christ.

156. Why did Christ institute external or visible channels

as conveyances of grace?

That we may have something tangible to inspire, reassure

and impress us. Having material senses, we are affected by-

material impressions.

157. Do the sacraments always give grace?

The sacraments sometimes give actual and always give

or increase sanctifying grace when they are received wor-

thily.

158. How many sacraments are there?

There are seven sacraments: (1) Baptism, (2) Penance,

(3) Holy Eucharist, (4) Confirmation, (5) Extreme Unction,

(6) Holy Orders and (7) Matrimony.

159. Which sacraments can and which cannot be received
more than once?

Four sacraments can be received more than once; but

Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders cannot be repeated.

These three impress an indelible mark, a permanent effect;

their repetition would be useless and is therefore forbidden.

160. What is meant by, and what is the consequence of, be-
ing in the State of Sanctifying Grace?

The “state of grace” in a baptized person includes the
qualities mentioned in No. 153; it includes freedom from
mortal sin; it enables him to merit a heavenly reward by
even the most ordinary actions when done for the love of
God.

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CHAPTER X

BAPTISM

165. What is Baptism?

Baptism is the sacramental rite or sacred ceremony which
makes us members of Christ’s mystical body (No. 143), chil-
dren of God and heirs of heaven. (No. 167.)

Eph. 4:3-5. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace. One body and one Spirit; as you were called in one hope of
your calling; one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism.

166. Is Baptism necessary to salvation?

According to Christ, Baptism is necessary to salvation,
“Unless a man (i. e. anyone at all) be born again of water
and the Holy Ghost he cannot enter into the Kingdom of
God.” (St. John iii, 5.)

Of adults our Lord also stated, “He that believeth and is

baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be

condemned.” (Mark 16, 16.) (See also No. 176.)

167. Is Baptism also necessary for children below the age of

reason?

The expression “a man” or “tis” in Greek (No. 166) means
any one at all. Hence this text applies to both babes and

adults. The New Testament describes how in Apostolic times
whole families were baptized; unquestionably there were

children in these families. (Acts 16, 15; Acts 16, 33; I Cor.

1, 16)

Moreover, the earliest records of the Church prove that

children were actually baptized a few days after birth.

168. Is faith indispensable for Baptism?

In the case of adults, yes (Mark 16:16). However, in that

text, there is no question of children, to whom the gospel
could not be preached and who therefore could not believe.

For them not faith but only baptism is required, that origin-

al sin may be counteracted and supernatural grace impart-

ed to them.

169. What are the effects of Baptism?

(a) Baptism gives the first or sanctifying grace to the

soul, (b) When received by one guilty of sin, Baptism also
removes actual sins and the temporal punishment due to

them, (c) Baptism imprints a permanent mark or character-

istic on the soul.

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170. Who can administer Baptism?

The priest is the usual minister of Baptism, but in case

of necessity, as in danger of death, anyone, even non-Cath-

olics having the use of reason, may baptize, if they perform

the ceremony correctly and intend to do what Christ com-

manded.

171. How is Baptism given by a lay person?

Whoever baptizes must pour plain water on the head of

the person to be baptized and say while pouring the water:

“I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost.” (St. Matt, xxviii, 19.)

172. Was Baptism ever given by immersion?

In the early Church, Baptism was sometimes given by the

method called immersion; but from the beginning of Chris-

tianity, Baptism was also given by the method now used
exclusively in the Church, namely pouring of water. Either

method properly employed suffices to fulfill the meaning of

‘baptize,” i. e., the application of water in the form of a

wash, to symbolize the spiritual cleansing of the soul.

As Baptism by immersion was often impossible, for the

sake of uniformity, the Church uses pouring.

173. Why are sponsors required in Baptism?

The sponsors or godparents substitute for the child in

giving the necessary promises, etc. They also have the duty

to watch over the religious education of the child, if the par-

ents die or neglect this duty.

In the Baptism of adults, it is usual to have one sponsor

of the same sex as the person baptized, largely to assist the
one baptized during the ceremony.

Sponsors contract a spiritual impediment to marriage

with the person baptized.

174. Who may be a sponsor in Baptism?
Only a practical Catholic who has attained the use of

reason and who has expressly consented to act as sponsor.

175. What is Baptism of Desire?

When it is impossible to receive the Baptism of water,
one who has sorrow for his sins and a desire for Baptism,
which includes the sincere will to do all that God has o?

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dained for salvation, receives what is called the Baptism of

Desire. How explicit this desire for Baptism must be is un-
certain in many cases.

176. What is Baptism of Blood?

One who cannot be baptized with water, but willingly suf-
fers death for the faith of Christ would receive Baptism of

Blood. Some of the early martyrs, and many since then, be-
long to this group.

177. What is done when one’s Baptism is doubtful?

Baptism is repeated conditionally, i. e., with the words,

“If thou art not baptized, I baptize thee, etc.” This is the

form used in receiving a convert into the Catholic Church

when there is doubt about the fact or the validity of a former
Baptism. One thus baptized conditionally is required also

to make a confession so that in case the doubtful Baptism
was valid, the person’s subsequent sins would certainly be

forgiven by the absolution, also given conditionally.

CHAPTER XI

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

180. What is the Sacrament of Penance?

It is the sacrament in which sins committed after Bap-

tism are forgiven. St. Paul calls its administration a min-

istry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20).

181. Why is the Sacrament of Penance sometimes called
“Confession”?

“Confession” is another name for the Sacrament of Pen-
ance; although confession is only one requisite for the sac-

rament.

The Bible teaches that the confessing of sins has always

been a usual requisite for obtaining forgiveness. (Numbers

5, 6-7; Proverbs 28, 13; II Kings 12, 13; Luke 23, 43; I John

1, 9.)

182. When and how did Christ institute the Sacrament of
Penance?

On the first Easter Sunday night when appearing to His

Apostles He said to them: “Peace be to you. As the Father
hath sent Me, I also send you.” When He had said this He

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breathed on them (as a symbol of spiritual power) and He

said to them: “Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you

shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you

shall retain, they are retained.” (John xx, 21-23.)

All purely spiritual powers which Christ conferred upon

his Church were given to it perpetually except where no need

of such power remained. But no one will pretend that sin

is no longer a live problem upon earth.

183. Why cannot this power be used without confession?

Because Christ gave two powers to the Apostles: i. e., to

forgive sins or not to forgive them; therefore, those exer-

cising these powers must know the sins, so as to perform

their duty with prudence, judgment and justice. A judge can-
not arbitrarily sentence or dismiss a prisoner; he must first

know the case. In the court or tribunal of Penance it is much

the same.

Luke 17:1b. Go show yourselves to the priests.

Acts 19:18. And many of them that believed, came (to the Apostl-

es) confessing and declaring their deeds.

Matt. 3,5:6 Then went out to him, Jerusalem and all Judea, and all

the country about the Jordan. And were baptized by him in the Jor-

dan, confessing their sins.

184. Can a person in mortal sin regain the state of grace

before receiving the Sacrament of Penance?

A person in mortal sin can regain the state of grace before
receiving the Sacrament of Penance by making an act of

perfect contrition with the sincere purpose of going to con-

fession as soon as possible. Meanwhile he may not receive
Holy Communion until he actually goes to confession; that
is a law of the Church to guard against laxity.

185. Where do priests hear confessions of the people?

Generally in the church, in a place called the “confession-

al.” Between priest and penitent there is a solid wall with
a small screen through which is done the necessary speak-
ing.

186. Are all Catholics obliged to go to confession?

All Catholics, Pope, bishops, priests and lay people are
subject to this law. Only the bad Catholics do not use this
sacrament.

187. May a priest reveal sins told him in confession?
Even to save his life a priest can never reveal sins told

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him in confession, unless the penitent expressly, explicitly
gives permission.

188. What must be done to obtain forgiveness of sins in the
Sacrament of Penance?

Six things are required: (1) Pray for grace to have the
proper dispositions; (2) Recall the sins committed; (3) Be
sorry for them; (4) Resolve always to avoid them. (5) Con-
fess the sins to the priest; (6) Perform the penance, i. e.,
prayers or good works, which the priest assigns.

189. What should we do before going to confession?

(a) We should pray for light to know our sins and grace
to have sincere contrition.

(b) We should examine our conscience to recall our sins
that we may be able to confess them properly.

190. How can we make an examination of conscience?

Recall to mind the Ten Commandments of God, the six
main Laws of the Church, the special duties of our state of

life; after which ask ourselves in what way we have sinned
and how many times.

191. What must we do after recalling the sins we have com-
mitted?

We must be sincerely sorry for them and make a firm
resolution never again to commit sin.

CONTRITION

192. How many kinds of sorrow or contrition for sin are
there?

Contrition may be (1) perfect, when we regret our sins

through the love of God as the supreme and highest good;

(2) imperfect, when we are sorry through fear of God and

His punishments.

198. Which kind of contrition suffices in confession?

At least imperfect contrition; but we should strive also to

have perfect contrition.

194. When is perfect contrition necessary?

A Catholic must have perfect contrition when it is impos-

sible to go to confession, as in danger of sudden
death,

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therefore we should make an act of perfect contrition for

our sins constantly throughout life, at least every night be-

fore retiring.

Non-Catholics must in all cases have perfect contrition to

obtain the forgiveness of sins. Doubtless God will give them

this grace if they are honest and sincere in trying to serve

Him according to their opportunities.

195. What resolution must we make, especially at the time

of confession?

An essential part of sorrow for sin is a firm resolution

not only to avoid all mortal sin in the future, but also the

near occasions of sin. (John viii, 11.)

196. What do we mean by the near occasions of sin?

We mean all the persons, places and things that have led
us into sin in the past or could do so in the future.

CHAPTER XII

CONFESSION OF SINS

197. What is confession?

Confession is the telling of our sins to a lawfully ordained

and duly authorized priest as one of the conditions for ob-

taining forgiveness. Authorized means to be specifically ap-
proved (given faculties) by the Bishop of the place, or one

exercising his authority.

198. What is a polite way to begin our confession?

By saying: “Bless me, Father; it is—a week or a month
(state length of time)—since my last confession. I accuse
myself of the following sins.” Then name them.

Confession is the acknowledgment of personal sins to an or-
dained and authorized priest as one of the conditions for obtain-
ing pardon. Critics have called this unreasonable; but is it not
true that Confession is found everywhere in life? The erring
child confesses to its parent. The client confesses to his lawyer.
The patient confesses his physical, even spiritual ills to the
physician. Is not everyone confessing to someone all the time?
What is more natural than this exchange of confidence? No
one can deny this, and claim to be sincere. (See 197).

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190. How do we conclude the statement of our sins?
After telling our sins say: “For these and all the sins of

my past life especially (name some past sins if you wish) I
am truly sorry.” Then wait for the priest to give advice or
spiritual counsel and to assign the penance. While he pro-

nounces absolution, recite the act of contrition.

200. What sins are we bound to confess?

We are bound to confess all mortal sins, stating the num-
ber of times and such circumstances (not details) as may
add to or lessen their guilt.

201. If not guilty of any mortal sin since the last confession,

what must we do?

We confess venial sins and imperfections, especially any
habitual faults. It is well also to mention some past sin,

even though already confessed, for which we are really

sorry.

202. What is to be done if one cannot remember the number
of times?

Tell the number as nearly as possible; say how often we

have sinned in a day, week or month and how long the habit
lasted. Reasonable care is all that is required.

203. Would it be wrong deliberately to conceal a mortal sin

in confession?

This would be a grave sin or sacrilege
;

it would also make

the confession worthless; moreover, even the sins confessed

would not be forgiven. (Prov. xxviii, 13; Ecclus. iv, 31.)

It would be a strange blindness deliberately to omit a mor-

tal sin; if there is even remote danger of this, begin at once

to tell the sin which causes you the embarassment.

204. What must he do who has wilfully concealed a mortal

sin in confession?

He must not only confess the sin as soon as possible, but

he must also repeat all the unworthy confessions he has

made and how many unworthy Communions he has received

since his last good confession.

205. What must he do who has forgotten to confess a mortal

sin?

He must mention that sin the next time he goes to confes-

sion or the first time he thinks of it, stating that he had for-

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gotten it in a former confession. That previous confession

was worthy and his sins were forgiven, provided he was
sorry in general for all his sins

206. Can all sins be forgiven by the Sacrament of Penance?

Yes. All sins committed after Baptism can be forgiven by

this sacrament, if confessed with the necessary sorrow and

purpose of amendment.

However, certain sins, because of their special gravity, are

reserved to the Bishop who (without knowing who the peni-
tent is) must authorize the confessor to impart absolution;

v. g., a Catholic who attempts marriage before a non-Cath-
olic minister or attempts another marriage after a valid mar-

riage and civil divorce, while first husband or wife lives;

also, the sin of abortion, etc. These are called “reserved

cases
”

207. Can there be a Sacrament of Penance without a confes-

sion of sins?

Yes. If the person is physically unable to confess his sins,

but can show external signs of sorrow, then the priest may
pronounce the absolution.

Even if one is unconscious or apparently dead, a priest

will give absolution “conditionally”. Most probably it takes

effect if the person is alive and was sorry for his sins. Under

such circumstances, however, it is advisable also to admin-

ister Extreme Unction, if that is possible.

208. What is meant by the penance which the priest gives
in confession?

The penance consists of certain prayers to be said or good

works to be done after confession, which help to satisfy for

the “temporal punishment” due to forgiven sins.

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CHAPTER XIII

TEMPORAL PUNISHMENT

AND INDULGENCES

210. What punishments follow from sin?

There are these two punishments for sin:
(a) Eternal punishment in hell for unrepented mortal sin.
(b) Temporal or limited punishment in purgatory or in

this world for venial sin, or for mortal sin forgiven, but not

completely atoned for.

211. How can we escape the eternal punishment of hell?
By obtaining pardon for all mortal sins before death, usu-

ally through the Sacrament of Penance.

212. Though our sins are forgiven, must we still suffer in
other ways for them?

Yes. To satisfy divine justice, in order to teach us the evil
of sin and to warn us against falling again. (Ecclus. v, 5.)

213. What are various means of satisfying our debt of tem-
poral punishment?

Some of these means are: Prayer, fasting, almsgiving,

works of mercy, the patient suffering of life's ills, and in-

dulgences.

214. What is an indulgence?

An indulgence is the complete or partial release from the
temporal punishment due for sin, granted by the authority

of the Church.

215. How do we know the Church has the power to grant
an indulgence?

Because Christ gave His Church the authority to forgive

Souls not yet ready to enter heaven are detained for a time

in a place where they are purified by suffering.

The souls in Purgatory may be helped by the prayers and

good works of their friends here upon earth.

How comforting all this is and how inspiring! Can one ima-

gine a doctrine that gives greater consolation to the living,

bereft of those they love? For this teaching persuades us that

we can work and pray for and assist our dear ones who sleep

in Christ!

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sin which is the greater power; therefore, He included that

which was the lesser power, i. e., to remit or cancel the tem-

porary punishment.

John 20:23. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them;

whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

Matt. 18:18. 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.

216. How does the Church exercise this power of granting
indulgences?

She attaches to certain prayers and good works a value

far beyond their normal worth; the difference is made up

from the merits of Christ. Otherwise stated: By her divine

authority, and out of the treasure of Christ’s merits, she

commutes the deserved penalty to something easier.

217. How many kinds of indulgences are there?
There are two kinds: Plenary and partial or incomplete.

218. What is meant by a plenary indulgence?

An indulgence which cancels completely all the temporal
punishment due for sin.

219. What conditions are required for gaining an indul-
gence?

(a) We must be in the state of grace, that is, at least all
mortal sins must be forgiven.

(b) We must say the prayers and/or do the good works
to which the indulgence is attached.

(c) We must have at least the general intention of gain-
ing the indulgence.

(d) To gain a plenary indulgence, we must also be free
from absolutely every venial sin and all attachments to sin
of any kind. In the case of a plenary indulgence, it is usually
necessary to pray for the intentions of the Pope.

220. What is meant by a partial indulgence of say 500 days?
This does not mean 500 days less in purgatory; we know

nothing of time there. What is meant is that we gain similar
credit or cancellation of temporal punishment, as an early
Christian did by a penance lasting 500 days.

221. May we gain indulgences for others besides ourselves?
Yes. We may offer them to Hod for a soul or for the souls

in purgatory; not for any other living person.

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CHAPTER XIV

OUR LORD’S PRESENCE

IN THE EUCHARIST
225. What is the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?

It is the sacrament in which the true Body and Blood of
Jesus Christ are present, together with His Soul and Divin-
ity, under the appearances of bread and wine. Protestants
call it the Lord’s Supper.

226. What other names do we give this sacrament?

(a) The Holy Eucharist is called the “Blessed Sacrament”
because it gives us Jesus Christ Himself.

(b) It is called “Holy Communion” because it is a divine
and blessed union with Christ.

(c) It is called “Holy Viaticum” (Food for Travelers) if
received in danger of death, when Christ comes to be our
strength and solace on the journey to eternity.

227. When did Christ institute the Blessed Eucharist?

At His Last Supper; it was then that, according to St.

John, “having loved His own who were in the world He
loved them unto the end,” i. e., the last extremity.

228. How did Christ institute the Blessed Eucharist?

Combining the Gospel narratives and St. Paul, the Mass

gives the following: “On the day before He suffered (Jesus)
took bread into His holy and venerable hands; and having

lifted up His eyes to heaven, to Thee, God, His almighty Fa-

ther, giving thanks to Thee, did bless, break and give to. His

disciples: saying: Take and eat ye all of this, For this is

My Body.”
“In like manner after they had supped, taking also this

excellent chalice into His holy and venerable hands; and

giving thanks to Thee, He blessed, and gave it to His .disci-

ples, saying: Take, and drink ye all of this, For this is the

Chalice of My Blood, of the New and Eternal Testament, the

Mystery of Faith; which shall be shed for you and for many,

for the remission of sins. As often as ye do these things do

them in memory of Me.”

229. What happened when Christ spoke these words?

When Christ said, “This is My Body,” and “This is My

Blood,” the substance of the bread and wine was changed

into the substance of His Body and Blood. Thus the
entiie

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Christ became present. Wherever our Lord is at all, He is

there completely .

230. What is this change of the bread and wine into the

Body and Blood of Christ called?

It is called the “Transubstantiation” which means the

passing of one substance into another.

The underlying quality or property which makes one thing

iron, another water, another bread, etc., is called substance.

231. What remained of the bread and wine after Christ’s

words at the Last Supper?

Only the “appearances” of bread and wine, i. e., the form,

color, taste, etc.; but the substance of them was changed.

When iron is melted, its color, hardness all disappear as
it becomes molten matter. But its substance or intrinsic na-

ture remains; for, left to cool, it returns to its original con-

dition—which proves that substance, although intangible,
is a definite reality.

232. Why do we believe that Christ is NOT figuratively but
really present in the Holy Eucharist?

Reason teaches that to give us this marvelous boon of

our Lord’s abiding presence,—two things are required: In-
finite power and infinite love; our Lord has both these di-

vine qualities.

The Bible teaches:

1. That when making His last will and testament Christ
gave to us His own Body and Blood. (Mark xiv, 22-24.)

Christ having said “this is my body,” who shall deny it and say
“this is not your body.” Christ having said “this is my blood,” who
shall deny and say, “this is not your blood.”

2. That Christ solemnly maintained that His Holy Euchar-
ist was superior to the miraculous food (John vi, 11-13) and
to the manna (Exodus xvi, 15.) (See John vi, 26-32.)
But if the Holy Eucharist were only bread and wine and not the

Body and Blood of Christ, these statements would constitute gross
deception.

3. That Christ’s Holy Eucharist actually came down from
heaven; in other words that it was really His own very self
(John vi, 33, 35, 38, 49, 50, 51.)
Mere bread or wine does not come down from heaven. Nor can

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mere bread and wine be called Christ’s flesh as He expressly states
of His Holy Eucharist.

4. That upon hearing our Lord’s claim about the Holy
Eucharist, many Jews became protestors or “protestants.”
(John vifi 52.) “How can this MAN give us His flesh to eat?”'

If they had said, how can this God do this, there would have been
no difficulty, for God can do all things.

5. That in spite of the Jews’ most strenuous objections

—

Christ did not correct or modify His statement (which He
would have done had there been a misunderstanding)

; but

insisted the more upon the reality of His presence in the

Eucharist. (John vi, 53-58.)

No wonder that the faithless Luther, even after his apostasy,
admitted that though he would like to have done it, he could not

deny this truth because it was too evidently contained in Holy Scrip-

tures.

6. That Jesus allowed many of His disciples to abandon
Him, rather than to substitute the Protestant version of His

Holy Eucharist for that which He had given. (John vi, 60.)

What a strange concept one must have of Christ, to imagine that

He would have allowed His disciples to abandon Him if they really
had misunderstood Him.

7. That Jesus would have allowed His twelve Apostles

also to abandon Him rather than to give them the Protestant
version of His Holy Eucharist. (John vi, 67-69.)

Peter as usual had the answer. He believed and knew that Christ

was God, therefore he accepted His divine word, difficult to under-

stand, though it may have been; Catholics lovingly do the same.

8. That the unworthy reception of Holy Communion con-

stitutes a desecration of the Body and Blood of Christ and

is the cause of damnation. (I Cor., xi, 27-29.)

Let unbelievers in the truth of our Lord’s real presence endeavor

to show how the taking of a mere piece of bread or a sip of grape

Today anyone, speaking on the radio, can make himself pres-

ent in a million places. Others in all lands may enter our homes,

not only their voices but their feelings, emotions, everything

except their physical bulk, which television now all but trans-

mits to us. Though not a complete similarity, this does seem to

lessen the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Divine Sacrament.

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juice could be desecration of Christ himself and a crime worthy of

damnation.

History proves that until the sixteenth century practically

the entire Christian world in every age believed in the Real

Presence; today three-quarters of all Christians still accept

that beautiful and sublime doctrine.

CHAPTER XV

RELIGIOUS SACRIFICE — HOLY MASS

283. What is a religious sacrifice?

It is the external offering to God and changing or destroy-

ing of something, according to a sacred rite, in order to ack-

nowledge God’s supreme dominion over man.

234. Is public sacrifice necessary to religion?

Yes. True religion must have a solemn public act by which

men collectively acknowledge their dependence upon God.

235. Were there religious sacrifices before the coming of
Christ?

Yes. From the beginning of the human race, v. g., Abel and
Noah, Melchisedech and the Jewish priests. Even the

pagans had their priests and sacrifices, as history attests.

236. What is the Mass?

The Mass is the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus
Christ, really present in the Holy Eucharist, and offered to
God for the same purposes or ends as was offered Christ’s
sacrifice on the cross. (See 248)).

237. When was the Mass instituted?
At the Last Supper, when our Lord consecrated the bread

and wine—and told His apostles to do what He had done in
His eternal commemoration
Luke 22:19. Do this for a commemoration of me.

238. How is the Mass the same sacrifice as the Sacrifice of
the Cross?

The Priest and the Victim are identical, i. e., Christ; the
purpose or ends for which Mass is offered are the same. (No.
236.)

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239. What is the difference between the Mass and the Sacri-
fice of the Cross?

The difference consists in the manner in which the Victim
is present. On the cross our Lord actually suffered and died;
in the Mass He suffers but a mystical death, i. e., at the con-
secration, the Body and Blood of Christ seem to be separated
or in a state of death; thus is death symbolized.

1 Cor. 11:26. For as often as you shall eat this bread and drink the
chalice, you shall show the death of the Lord, until He come.

240. Why is the Mass necessary, if Christ died once for all
mankind?

By His death Christ indeed earned infinite merits; but our
personal contact with these merits and our cooperation are

required. The Mass supplies the contact and facilitates the
cooperation.

241. At what part of the Mass do the Body and Blood, and
therefore, the whole of Christ come upon the altar?

At the consecration, when the priest repeats the words of

Christ: “This is My Body; this is the Chalice of My Blood.”

242. What is the office of the priest in the Mass?

The lawfully ordained priest is the instrument, the agent,

the mouthpiece of Christ whom our Lord uses to speak His
words at the consecration. But it is really Christ Himself

Who is both Priest and Victim.

243. How many kinds of Masses are there?

Although there really is only one kind of Mass, there are

three ways of offering Mass:

(a) A Low Mass in which all prayers are recited by the

priest.

(b) A High Mass in which portions are sung by the priest

and parts by the choir.

(c) A Solemn Mass which is a High Mass with two assist-

ants to the celebrant, called deacon and subdeacon.

244. Why is Latin used at Mass?

(a) When the Church was spread over the earth, Latin

was the usual language in a large part of the civilized world.

(b) Continued use of Latin preserves the uniformity of

the ritual in different countries and times, and prevents

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TEXT BOOK ON THE CATHOLIC RELIGION

errors from creeping into the official teachings of the

Church. Spoken languages change, a dead language not thus

used—is changeless.
245. Are the people inconvenienced by the use of Latin?

No. The advantages far outweigh any minor effort requir-
ed to follow in each one’s own language, a translation of the
prayers and explanation of the ceremonies of the Mass. The
missal or prayerbook in the vernacular provides this.

240. Who share in the benefits of the Mass?
(a) All living “orthodox believers in and professors of

the Catholic faith”; also those “who have died in the Lord”
share in the general fruits of every Mass.

(b) The special fruits of each Mass are applied (1) to the
officiating priest; (2) to the person or persons for whom
the Mass is offered and (3) to all who are present at the
Mass.

247. Why is a small stipend of money usually given to
priests when asked to offer Mass?

The offering of money is made in order to aid in their sup-
port; but as priests are restricted to one such stipend a day
(or less) the total amount is usually trivial.

248. What does the Bible teach about the Eucharistic Sacri-
fice?

The Bible teaches that there is a sacrifice and a priest-
hood in the new law. But where today except in the Catholic
Church do we find among Christians an altar of sacrifice
and pure offering, i. e., the sacrifice of the Body and Blood
of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine?
Mai. 1:11. For from the rising of the sun even to the going down

my name is great among the Gentiles and in every place there is sa-
crifice and there is offered to my name a clean oblation.
Heb. 13:10. We have an altar, whereof they have no power to eat

who serve the tabernacle (of the Jewish temple).

249. Why is Christ called a Priest according to the Order of
Melchisedech?

David in prophecy thus designated Him; for in the 109th
Psalm, verse 4, we find these prophetic words: “The Lord
hath sworn and He will not repent; thou (O Christ) art a
priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech.”

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David was born about 1050 B. C.
;
in the above prophecy he

reverted back a thousand years to Melchisedech; (G-en.

14:18) then he went forward a thousand years to Christ

(Ps. 109:4), joining together Christ and Melchisedech by a

dramatic comparison between the priesthood of Christ and

that of his type or figure in antiquity.

CHAPTER XVI

HOLY COMMUNION

250. What is Holy Communion?
Holy Communion is the receiving of the entire living

Christ in the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

251. When may we receive Holy Communion?
Usually during the time when Mass may be celebrated;

in case of serious sickness, there are no restrictions as to

time, or because of the Eucharistic fast.

252. How often may we receive Holy Communion?
We may receive once a day. We ought to receive at least

weekly or monthly. We must receive once a year— during
Easter time.

258. What is necessary in order to receive Holy Communion

worthily?

It is necessary to be in the state of grace, i. e., free from

mortal sin and to observe the Church’s laws on the Euchar-

istic fast.

254. Have the laws on fasting from midnight been changed?

Yes, but in relaxing these rules, the Holy Father urged

both clergy and laity who are able to do so, to continue “to

observe the old and venerable form of the Eucharistic Fast

before Mass and Holy Communion”. He also stressed that all

who make use of the new concessions must compensate “by

becoming shining examples of a Christian life, and prin-

cipally with works of penance and charity.”

255. What concessions are in effect for the benefit of the

sick?

The sick, even if not bedridden, may take non-alcoholic

beverages and medicine, either in liquid or solid form, with-

out any time limit; nor is it necessary to consider the ingre-

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dients of medicines even if they do contain alcoholic ele-

ments. Nor need the infirm consult a confessor, as heretofore.

For Holy Viaticum—no fast is demanded. (See No. 251.)
256A. What laws now govern the Eucharistic Fast?

(a) Water, which may be mineral, carbonated or chem-

ically purified, is permitted at all times.

(b) Non-alcoholic beverages, liquids may be taken one

hour before receiving, either in the morning or at other

times.

(c) Solid foods and alcoholic beverages may be taken at

all times up to three hours before the actual time of receiv-

ing Holy Communion. (See 256B.)

256B. What about priests offering Mass?

These are obliged by the same rules on the Eucharistic Fast

as the laity, except that their one or three hour fast is reck-

oned from the time they commence Mass, not from the time

they will receive Holy Communion.

256C. What fast is required for or at Midnight Masses?

At Christmas, the Easter Vigil, and other Midnight Mass-

es, the usual three hours abstinence from solid foods and

alcoholic beverages as well as one hour from liquids (except

water) is demanded for both the celebrant and communi-

cant. (See 256 a.)

256D. When may afternoon-evening Masses now be cele-
brated?

Bishops and those exercising their authority may permit
Mass every day after midday (afternoon or evening) for the

common good, i. e., if this is necessary for the spiritual wel-
fare of a considerable number of the faithful.

25 7A. Is anyone ever allowed to receive Communion without
being in the state of grace?

No, one would commit a grave sin, a sacrilege, to receive
Holy Communion knowing he was guilty of mortal sin. If
in doubt, he can receive but only after having made a good
act of contrition.

25 7B. What must one do, who is guilty of mortal sin, if he
wishes to receive Holy Communion?

Such a one must first go to confession; even perfect con-
trition does not excuse him from doing so.

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258. What are some of the chief benefits of Holy Commun-
ion?

(a) Our Lord unites Himself and nourishes our souls with

His divine life.

(b) 1-Ie increases sanctifying grace and other virtues in

the soul.

(c) He lessens our evil inclinations, i. e., makes it easier
for us to avoid sin.

(d) He gives us a pledge of everlasting life and a glorious
resurrection, provided we do not forfeit these promises by
mortal sin.

259. What should we do after receiving Holy Communion?

If at all possible after Communion we should spend at
least ten or fifteen minutes in prayer, adoring and thanking
our Lord Who has come to dwell within us, and asking for
the material and spiritual favors which we need.

260. In the Latin rite, why is Holy Communion given to the
people only under the form of the consecrated Host?

Because Jesus Christ is entirely present under both the

bread and wine. Wherever our Lord is at all, He is there
completely. Many serious problems would be connected with
giving the laity the consecrated wine: scarcity, danger of

irreverence, sanitary reasons. Since it is not necessary for

Holy Communion, the Church uses wine only for the Sacri-
fice for which it is required.

261. What is Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament?

This is the service which ends by giving the blessing in
the form of the cross with the large Sacred Host, by which
Christ Himself blesses us.

262. Of what is devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus sym-
bolic?

Of God’s eternal love which we represent as deposited in
the divine Heart of Christ, depicted as surrounded with a
flame of fire to denote the intensity of Cod’s love.

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CHAPTER XVII

CONFIRMATION

205. What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is the sacrament by which a baptized person
receives the Holy Spirit with His special gifts such as Wis-
dom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety

and Fear of the Lord.

Is. 11:2. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him; the Spirit of
wisdom and of understanding; the Spirit of counsel and of fortitude;
the Spirit of knowledge and of Godliness and the Spirit of the fear of

the Lord.

266. Who confers the Sacrament of Confirmation?

A bishop is its ordinary minister; however, in special
cases, a priest may be given the right to confirm.

267. How is Confirmation solemnly and publicly given?

The bishop extends his hands over all to be confirmed and

prays that they may receive the Holy Ghost; then he anoints
the forehead of each with chrism in the form of a cross, say-

ing to each: “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.” The at-

tending priest answers: “Amen.”

268. What is holy chrism and what does the word mean?

Holy chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam consecrat-

ed by a bishop on Holy Thursday. It signifies the strength

we receive against the enemies of our salvation.

269. Why does the bishop make the sign of the cross on the
forehead when confirming?

(a) Because as Christians and soldiers of Christ the cross

is our incentive to fight and our assurance of victory.

(b) To indicate that the one confirmed must, when neces-

sary, openly profess his faith in Jesus crucified.

270. Which are the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit?

These are: Charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, good-

ness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency

and chastity. (See Gal. 5:22).

While these fruits, as well as the other gifts of the Holy

Spirit, are given before and/or with Confirmation—like
beautiful spiritual flowers—they must be carefully conserv-
ed and augmented all through life.

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271. What does the bishop say as he gives a slight blow od
the cheek of the one he confirms?

He says: “Peace be with thee” to signify that true peace
is found in suffering patiently, even bearing hard blows for

the sake of Christ.

272. What preparation is necessary for receiving Confirma-

tion, if one has the nse of reason?

(a) One must be in the state of grace and be instructed in

the principal doctrines of Catholic faith.

(b) Procure one’s certificate of Baptism unless that was

conferred in the same church in which Confirmation is being

given.

(c) Have the age required by the Church’s custom in the
place where Confirmation is to be conferred.

278. Why do we include Confirmation among the Seven Sa-
craments?

The Bible teaches this; moreover the infallible Church
has declared it to be a dogma of faith.

Acts 8:tk-17. Now when the Apostles who were in Jerusalem had
heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto

them Peter and John. Who, when they were come, prayed for them,
that they might receive the Holy Ghost. For He was not yet come
upon any of them; but they were only baptized in the Name of the
Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received
the Holy Ghost.

Acts. 19:6. And when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the
Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and pro-
phesied.

Heb. 6:2. Of the doctrine of baptism and of imposition of hands
and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

In the early church, the Sacrament of “the laying on of hands”
was often attended with visible miraculous manifestations, which is
not now usually the case. But the Sacrament itself remains the
same, when conferred by a qualified successor of the Apostles.

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CHAPTER XVIII

EXTREME UNCTION

275. What is the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?

Extreme Unction (meaning last anointing), is the sacra-
ment given to those in danger of death. It is called “last” not
because it is necessarily a prelude to death, but because it
may be so. Meanwhile, it is usually the latest sacrament re-
ceived in which holy oil is used.

276. What does the Bible teach about Extreme Unction?

St. James (v, 14-15) says: “Is any man sick among you?
Let him bring in the priests of the Church, and let them pray
over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And 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 forgiven

him.”

As all such spiritual ordinances derived from Christ and

the Apostles were of their very nature perpetual, it is radi-

cally wrong to say that Extreme Unction as here described

was but a temporary institution.

277. How is this sacrament given?

The priest imposes his hand upon and prays over the sick

person; then he anoints with oil in the form of a cross the

five senses: eyes, ears, nostrils, lips, hands and feet, saying:

“Through this holy anointing, and by His most tender mercy

may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins thou hast commit-
ted by” (sight, hearing, speech, etc.). If time permits, other

prayers precede and follow these essential ones.

278. What are the effects of Extreme Unction?

(a) It gives or increases God’s grace in the soul.

(b) It removes venial sins.

(c) It also forgives mortal sins, if the sick person cannot

confess his sins and is properly disposed.

Extreme Unction is one of the seven sacraments instituted by

Christ. It consists in the anointing of the senses of sick persons

with holy oil, accompanied by prayers for the forgiveness of

their sins. So far as there is any sacrament or ordinance of

physical healing in the New Testament, this is found in the Sac-

rament of Extreme Unction, one of the effects of which is “to

restore health to the body, if God sees fit.”

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(d) It strengthens the soul against temptat on, evil incli-

nations and weakness of will.

(e) It often physically benefits, sometimes restores health

to the sick person, if God so wills.

279. Who may receive Extreme Unction?

Every Catholic who has attained the use of reason and
who is in danger of death from accident or sickness.

280. When should this sacrament be received?

It should be received as soon as the priest or prudent phy-

sician judges that the patient may die as a result of the sick-
ness or accident. It is most unwise, even wrong, to wait until

actually dying.

281. Are any other sacraments or rites given to those seri-

ously ill?

Yes. The priest hears the patient’s confession, gives Holy

Viaticum, then Extreme Unction and finally, the Last Bless-

ing. All of these together are called the “Last Rites” of the

Church. Often circumstances require them to be given with

intervals between.

To the Apostolic Blessing is attached a plenary indul-

gence, which may be gained by the patient at death. He
must be sincerely contrite, fully resigned to the Will of

God, accepting even death itself, if such be God’s will; also

as an indication of the patient’s confidence in the merits of

Christ, he or she pronounces the name of Jesus and if pos-

sible kisses the crucifix. All our priests are authorized to

impart this last blessing or Apostolic Benediction to those

who are in danger of death.

282. How often may one receive Extreme Unction?

Only once in the same danger of death. But it is also per-

mitted to repeat it when the illness is lengthy and mean-

while there has been some improvement in the patient’s

condition.

283. In the case of sudden death what should be done?

Send for a priest (if the person is a Catholic). ‘Extreme

Unction may be g
: ven conditionally, even after a person has

been apparently dead for a brief period. This is urged be-

cause actual death may not yet have resulted.

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CHAPTER XIX

HOLY ORDERS

284. What powers did Christ give to His Apostles?
a. At the Last Supper He said: “This is My Body,” etc.;

“This do for a commemoration of Me.” (Luke, xxii, 19.)
b. On the day of His Resurrection He said: “As the Father

hath sent Me I also send you . . . Receive ye the Holy
Ghost; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven
them, and whose sins you shall retain, they are retain-
ed.” (St. John, xx, 21-23.)

c. Before His Ascension into heaven He said: “All 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 Holy Ghost;
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you, and behold I am with you all days even
to the consummation of the world.” (Matt., xxviii, 18-20)

The Apostles, therefore, had the fulness of Christ’s power;

they were to teach and do all that Jesus Christ had

commanded, and rule with His authority.

285. Did the Apostles endow others with the powers Christ

had given to them?

Yes. They gave these powers to St. Paul, St. Barnabas. St.

Mark, St. Luke, and to many others. These also ordained,

consecrated others. (St. Paul to Titus, i. 5; Acts 13:2-3).

286. What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?

It is the sacrament by which bishops, priests, deacons and

subdeacons of the Catholic Church receive the power and

grace to perform their sacred offices.

The Bible teaches that Christ has ambassadors or agents

(his bishops and priests) who represent Him in this world ;
2 Cor. 5:20; I Cor. 4:1; John 20:21.

287. Why is it called Holy Orders?

Because it comprises several steps or grades which lead

up from subdiaconate to the episcopate, i. e., the office of

bishop.

288. Who can administer the Sacrament of Holy Orders?

Only a validly consecrated bishop can confer Holy Orders.

289. Who can receive Holy Orders?

Any Catholic of the male sex who has the necessary age,

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learning, character and other qualifications, including that

he be approved by the proper ecclesiastical authorities.

290. What are the Orders or grades leading to the priest-

hood?

a. Ceremony of initiation into the clerical state is called

the First Tonsure, i. e., cutting of the hair to symbolize the

segregation of the candidate from worldly pursuits.

b. Four Minor Orders: Porter, Reader, Exorcist, Acolyte.

c. Two Major Orders: Subdeacon and Deacon.
d. Priesthood.

291. Which are the chief powers of a priest?

To offer the Sacrifice of the Mass (Luke, xxii, 9.) ; to for-

give sins (John, xx, 21-23) ; to administer the other sacra-

ments not reserved to the bishop.

292. Which are the chief powers of the bishop?

He has the powers of a priest, and also of conferring the
Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders.

When in charge of a definite territory, he is its supreme
spiritual ruler and chief pastor.

298. Who is the Pope?

The Pope is elected by the Cardinals to be Bishop of

Rome; as such, he is the successor of St. Peter and endowed
with the prerogatives Christ gave to that Apostle.

294. What are the duties of cardinals?

a) They elect and assist the Pope in governing the Church
as far as their residence and other duties permit. In a cer-

tain sense, they are the Pope’s cabinet officers.



CHAPTER XX

MATRIMONY

300. By whom was marriage instituted?

Marriage as a sacred contract was instituted by God Him-
self when He created the first man and woman and declared
them to be “two in one flesh.” (Gen. ii, 24.) Later Christ
made matrimony one of the Seven Sacraments.

301. How do we know that Matrimony is a sacrament?
St. Paul says “This is a great sacrament, but I speak in

Christ and in the Church.” (Eph., v, 25-32.)

The infallible Church has defined this as a dogma of faith.

302. What are some of the laws of the Church about Matri-
mony?

Without special dispensation

—

a) Catholics cannot marry non-Catholics.

b) First or second cousins may not marry. In the case of
those more closely related, dispensation is not given.

c) They cannot have the Nuptial Mass and Blessing dur-

ing Advent and Lent.

303. What is a sacramental marriage? Can a sacramental

marriage ever be broken?

A sacramental marriage is one freely entered into between
two baptized persons who are free from invalidating impedi-
ments; who intend to form a permanent union and do not
exclude the right to have children; when such persons live

together as husband and wife, that marriage cannot be

broken except by the death of either. (Matt. 19:6).

This doctrine is maintained at a great price by the Catholic

Church. She loses thousands every year because of her un-

compromising stand upon this subject. But did she do other-

wise, she would cease to be the true Church of Christ.

304. Does infidelity break the bond of a sacramental mar-

riage?

No, it does not; if one party commits adultery the other

party may, under certain circumstances have the right to

live separately but not to remarry during the former consort’s

lifetime. This is the real meaning of Matt. 19:9.

1 Cor. 7:10-11. But to them that are married not I but the Lord

commandeth that the wife depart not from her husband; and if she

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depart that she remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband;

and let not the husband put away his wife.

Mark 10:11-12. And he saith to them, whosoever shall put away

his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And

if the wife shall put away her husband, and be married to another,

she committeth adultery.

Luke 16:18. Every one 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.

305. How must Catholics be married?

a) They must be married in the presence of an authorized

priest (usually the pastor of the bride) and two witnesses.

b) They must be in the state of grace.

c) They must be free from prohibiting and invalidating
impediments, not dispensed from by the Church.

306. What is meant by an impediment to marriage?

It is an obstacle to the lawfulness or the validity of the

marriage; which may arise from nature itself or from the
positive laws of the Church. In the latter case, the Church

may, under some circumstances, dispense from certain of

these impediments.

307. What are things that Catholics cannot do regarding
marriage?

1

—

Cannot be married validly except before a priest and

two witnesses;

2

—

Cannot be married without giving the priest ample

notice; details, instructions requiring time must be

prearranged;

3

—

Cannot marry a non-Catholic unless both sign the

promises required for a dispensation;

4

—

Cannot agree to having only some of the children

baptized and reared in the Catholic Church;

5

—

Cannot have one ceremony before a priest and an-

other before a minister or, in the U. S., civil magis-

trate.

6—

Cannot marry a non-Catholic who believes in divorce
and remarriage;

7—

Cannot marry a divorced person unless the proper
Church authorities have investigated the. former mar-

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riage(s), and declared the person free to marry ac-
cording to Canon Law;

8—

Cannot marry outside their own diocese, except with
dispensation and/or other papers from the Catholic’s
own diocese and pastor;

9

—

Cannot, without courting spiritual disaster, become
engaged to one divorced (7) or hostile to the Church’s

laws (3, 4, 5, 6).

308. What are the obligations imposed by the Sacrament of
Matrimony?

a) The husband and wife must live with and be faithful
to each other until death.

b) The primary purpose of marriage is the perpetuation

of the human race; therefore, any interference with nature’s
laws by artificial “birth control” is immoral. (Gen. xxxviii,

10.) The only legitimate birth control is self-control.

309. Can husband and wife ever live separately from each

other?

For sufficiently grave reason, a husband and wife may
live separately, but neither may marry again while both live.
(1 Cor., vii, 10, 11.)

Catholics must consult their pastor or bishop before ap-

plying for a legal separation.

310. Who are the ministers of the Sacrament of Matrimony?

The man and the woman expressing mutual consent to
take each other as husband and wife, are the ministers of

the sacrament; the priest is the official and necessary wit-

ness for the Church and (in the United States) for the State

also.

311. Are the marriages of Protestants valid in the eyes of

the Catholic Church?

Marriages of two baptized Protestants who are free to

marry, which are performed before a minister or magistrate,

are regarded as sacramental by the Catholic Church and can

be broken only by the death of one of the parties.

312. What is meant by the “banns of marriage”? What is

their purpose?

The banns are announcements of an approaching mar-

riage made at the principal Mass on three Sundays or Holy-

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days in the church or churches to which the man and wom-

an belong or have lived.

The purpose of the banns of marriage is that anyone who

knows of an impediment to the marriage may declare it to

the priest by whom the marriage is to be performed.

313. What is meant by "marrying outside the Church”?

This has reference to a Catholic who would attempt to

contract marriage before a civil officer or a non-Catholic

minister of religion.

314. What are some of the penalties for a Catholic to marry
outside of the Church?

Although it is a legal union according to civil law, it is

not a sacramental marriage recognized by the Catholic

Church
;
the Catholic commits a mortal sin of special gravity,

is living in a state of constantly repeated sin; he cannot re-

ceive the Sacraments, even though in danger of death, un-

less the marriage is repudiated or blessed before the Church.

CHAPTER XXI

THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

315. Which are the Ten Commandments of God?

1. I am the Lord thy God, Who brought thee out of the
land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt not
have strange gods before Me. Thou shalt not make to thy-
self a graven thing, nor the likeness of any thing that is in

heaven above, or in the earth beneath, nor of those things

that are in the waters under the earth. Thou shalt not adore
them, nor serve them.

2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in
vain.

3. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath Day.

4. Honor thy father and thy mother.

5. Thou shalt not kill.

6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

7. Thou shalt not steal.

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.

10.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.

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316. To whom did God give the Ten Commandments?
While all normal humans have knowledge of right and

wrong, as specifically worded, God gave the Ten Command-
ments to Moses, the greatest of the ancient prophets.

317. Are we obliged to keep all God’s Ten Commandments?
Everyone who wishes to serve God and save his immortal

soul must keep all the commandments of God. (James ii, 10.)

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

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

319. What is to be said of those who boast that they are hon-
est, pay their debts to their neighbor and therefore need

no additional religion?

These may be honest to their neighbor but they are dis-
honest to God Whom they defraud of the debts of faith and
service that they owe Him. (See No. 318)

These may keep the second of the commandments but they
are despising what our Lord called the first and greatest.

CHAPTER XXII

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

320. To what does the First Commandment oblige us?

It obliges us to adore and serve only the one true God;

according to His words, “I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt
not have strange gods before me.”

321. What is forbidden by the First Commandment?

(a) Adoring false gods, as did the heathen.

(b) Attributing to persons or things powers that belong

to God alone; e. g., believing in the power of fortune tellers

to reveal the future, which depends on the free will of God

or man; or in the power of spiritists (at so much per per-

son) to bring back the dead or messages from the dead; or

in the power of charms to avert evil or to bring “good luck.”

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(c) Willfully remaining in or joining a religion or a

church which is not the true Church established by Jesus

Christ.

322. Bo Catholics break the First, or according to Protes-

tants, the Second Commandment by haying crucifixes

and statues in their churches?

No, because they do not adore these. God does not forbid

the mere making of images; in the Old Law He commanded

this. (Exod. xxv, 18.) He does forbid the adoring of images

after they are made : “Thou shalt not adore them, nor serve

them.” (Exod., xx, 5.)

Exod. 25:18. Thou shalt make also two cherubims of beaten gold

on the two sides of the oracle.

Numbers 21:8-9. And the Lord said to Moses, make a brazen ser-

pent, and set it up for a sign; who ever being struck, shall look on it,

shall live.

John 3:1b. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert so

must the Son of Man be lifted up.

3 Kings 6:29. And all the walls of the temple round about he carved
with divers figures and carvings and he made in them cherubims and

palm trees and diverse representations as it were standing out and

coming forth from the wall.

323. How answer a non-Catholic who says: “You wish me
to go to your Church but you will not attend mine”?

(1) Their very name “Protestant” means that they are
protesting against the Catholic Church. The name Catholic
is all-embracing

;
it includes even good Protestants in a state

of sanctifying grace whom the Catholic Church claims as be-
longing to her soul.

(2) There is also the fundamental principle of cooperation

with a church or religion which Christ did not establish, but
owes its origin to mere men or women.

324. When does a person sin by sacrilege?
When he mistreats sacred persons, places or things.

325. When does a person sin by despair? By presumption?
Despair is refusing to trust that God will give the neces-

sary help to save his soul if he does his part.

Persons are guilty of presumption when, no matter what
they do, they think they are going to be saved. God, they
say, is too good to punish them.

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CHAPTER XXIII

SECOND TO FOURTH COMMANDMENTS

330. What is forbidden by the Second Commandment?

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in
vain,” forbids us to use the name of God in any disrespectful,
profane, or contemptuous way, especially by cursing and
blasphemy. It also forbids unlawful oaths and unfulfilled

vows.

331. What is an oath?

An oath is a calling upon God to witness the truth of what
we say. Wilfully lying under oath is the great sin of perjury;
which is also a criminal offense under the civil law when
the oath is administered in court, by a notary public, or some

other public official.

332. What is a vow?

A vow is a solemn promise made to God to do something
pleasing to Him and made binding under pain of sin.

333. What is blasphemy?

Blasphemy is insulting language showing contempt for

God, directly or through His saints, His Church, or other

holy things.

334. What is the Third Commandment?

“Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath Day,” which

for Catholics means to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy-

days of Obligation; also to abstain from unnecessary servile

work, the kind in which the body is principally active.

335. What Divine Laws does a Catholic observe by devont

presence at Sunday Mass?

In effect, he fulfills four divine laws: (1) The law of God

through nature or reason; (2) the law of God through

Christ; (3) the law of God through the Decalogue and (4)

the law of God through the authority of the Church.

First Law—Reason obliges the creature to worship his
Creator; worthy participation in the Clean Oblation of

Christ, renders the most perfect worship possible for a

created being.

Second Law—Our Lord commanded not only the disciples
in the Cenacle but all future disciples to “Do this in com-

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memoration of Me.” But if presence at this eternal Com-

memoration daily would not be too often—certainly presence
at Mass weekly is not too frequent.

Third Law—Almighty Cod Himself confirmed this law
of weekly worship; “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath”

—one day in seven—which in the New Testament is the
Lord’s Day. Presence at the commemoration of Calvary’s

Sacrifice sanctifies the day more perfectly than could any

other possible action.

Fourth Law—To transmit His teachings and channels of
grace, not only to one, but to all ages, our Lord organized a

Church or spiritual society, to which He gave this ample
authority: “He who hears you hears Me and he who despises
you despises Me.” That Church thus sums up the three laws

—of reason, of Christ, of the Decalogue—and adds to them
her own authority: “Hear Mass on Sundays and Holydays,”
Nor are there such qualifications as “Except when you do
not feel like it, except in summer, winter, or when too

indolent to comply.”

But not merely serious duty but enlightened self-interest

urges all Catholics to be present at the ENTIRE Mass on
Sundays and Holydays for not only of priests but of the faith-

ful are true what the sainted author of the “Imitation of

Christ” said: “By the Mass you honor God, you rejoice the

Church, you obtain grace for the living, rest for the dead

and make yourself partaker of all good things.”

336. In the Old Law why did God command the Sabbath to be
kept holy?

Because, according to Exodus, xx, 11, He completed the
work of creation in six days and rested on the seventh.

337. In the New Law, why do we keep holy the first day in-
stead of the Sabbath or seventh day?

We do so on the authority of the Apostles and the earliest
Church. The Apostles selected Sunday on which to hold their
Christian assemblies, because Christ rose from the dead on
Sunday, and because the Holy Ghost came down upon the
Apostles on Pentecost Sunday. (Acts, ii, 4.) The problem of
detaching converted Jews from observing the now void Mos-
aic law was also a reason.

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388. What excuses Catholics from the obligation of attend-
ing Sunday and Holyday Mass?

A really grave inconvenience, illness such as would keep
one home from important work or business; great distance
from where Mass will be offered and no conveyance for rid-
ing.

389. When is manual labor permitted on Sunday?

When it is really necessary for religion, for the general
public, for ourselves or our neighbor.

340. What is to be said of occupations on Sunday primarily
for recreation, in order to be kept busy, or otherwise

physically beneficial?

Our Lord’s words that “the Sabbath is made for man and
not man for the Sabbath,” suggests a non-rigorous attitude.
Persons concerned should consult their pastor, confessor or

some other prudent priest.

341. What is to be said of those who rarely (once or twice

a year) for purposes of recreation go to a place where

they will be unable to attend Mass that Sunday?

If they leave Friday or early Saturday—prudent authori-
ties say they can do so without sin; at the time they leave,

the law does not as yet bind them.

342. Besides attending Mass and abstaining from servile

work, how is it recommended that we spend Sunday?

To spend it in a manner becoming the Lord’s Day: devot-

ing additional time to prayer and to the reading of Catholic

papers or other books of devotion.

343. Are we forbidden all amusements on Sunday?

No. Innocent amusements and relaxations may be indulg-

ed in so long as they do not interfere with our religious obli-

gations. For the ordinary person, some harmless relaxation

is not only permissible but recommended.

344. What duties are imposed by the Fourth Commandment?

“Honor thy father and thy mother, that thou mayest be

long-lived upon the earth,” obliges us: (a) To love and re-

spect our parents as long as they live; at least until matur-

ity, to obey them in all that is not sinful, (b) To respect and

obey other lawful religious and civil authority. (Eph., vi, 1,

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2.) Rom., xiii, 1, 2.) The Church has the authority of Christ;
just laws of a lawful government bind in conscience.

345. How does a citizen show proper interest in his coun-
try’s welfare?

By voting conscientiously and without selfish motives
;
by

paying just taxes and by defending his country’s rights when
necessary.

CATHOLIC MORAL PRINCIPLES

No. 1. MARRIED PERSONS: Those who contract lawful
Christian marriage are joined by an unbreakable bond, which

only death can divorce. For grave reasons, and with ecclesias-

tical permission, a Catholic may live apart from husband or

wife, even secure legal divorce, but attempted remarriage ex-

cludes them from the sacraments of the Church. Infidelity,

race suicide, abortion are intrinsically evil.

No. 2. UNMARRIED PERSONS, both men and women; there
is no double standard. Not only the wicked things mentioned

by St. Paul in I Cor. 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:3, but even the willful

desire of them are grievous or mortal sins. And Catholic theo-

logy teaches that to leave this life without due repentance for

even one mortal sin, bars the soul from heaven forever.

No. 3. PRIESTS, BISHOPS, THE POPE, are not only bound
by ALL the laws included in Moral Principle No. 2 (for single
persons), but since they take a solemn vow of perpetual chas-

tity and celibacy, therefore any violation of the above strict

moral code would be a double sin for them: (1) against the

universal law of God, and (2) against their vow, explicitly and

freely taken.

No. 4. THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN, i. e., NUNS OR SISTERS,
are bound by ALL the laws by which any other pure Catholic
girl or woman is obligated, the laws included in principle No. 2,
but in addition to this, they are also bound by their vows of

chastity or purity taken when dedicating themselves to God.

This vow includes the promise to remain unmarried. The Sisters,
however, can secure dispensation from their vows if they de-

sire, return to worldly pursuits and even marry, without incur-

ring moral censure.

To the above four Catholic principles, there are no qualifi-

cations, nor exemptions, nor exceptions. They bind Pope, Priest,

Laity, Men and Women, each according to his own state of

life, as above outlined.

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CHAPTER XXIV

FIFTH AND SIXTH COMMANDMENTS

346. What does the Fifth Commandment forbid?

“Thou shalt not kill,” forbids not only the unjust taking
of human life, but everything that might lead up to it, e. g.,
hatred, anger, jealousy, quarreling and the like.

347. Is it murder to deprive an unborn child of life?

Yes. With the added malice that the child is not only de-
prived of life but of the chance to be baptized. Usually this

sin is a “reserved case,” i. e., the confessor must procure
permission from the bishop to absolve the penitent.

348. When is it permitted to take the life of another?

(a) When lawful authority imposes capital punishment in
punishment for grave crimes.

(b) In a just war.

(c) In self-defense, to save one’s life or essential belong-

ings, when unjustly attacked.

349. Is it ever permitted to take one’s own life?

Never. Suicide is a grave sin, since we have no dominion

over our own life. Suicides are deprived of Christian burial.

However, as persons doing or attempting this are often men-

tally deranged, the Church in many such cases gives the
benefit of the doubt—when the opposite is not certain.
350. What is forbidden by the Sixth Commandment?

“Thou shalt not commit adultery,” which is the sin of a

married person who is unfaithful to husband or wife.

If one or both persons are married, or have vows, then

more than one mortal sin is committed by the willful viola-

tion of the Sixth Commandment.

Moreover, this same law also forbids to the unmarried all

actions, alone or with others, which are contrary to modesty,

decency and chastity.

351. What other things does the Sixth Commandment for-

bid?

It forbids impure conversations, stories, the reading of

bad books, seeing suggestive plays or pictures and every-

thing that may arouse impure thoughts, feelings or desires.

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

Idleness, sinful curiosity, bad companions, drinking, im-

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modest dress, indecent books, plays and motion pictures are

all great dangers.
358.

What are powerful means of preserving the virtue of

chastity?

Besides avoiding all occasions of sin, to seek God’s help

through prayer, frequent confession, Holy Communion, as-

sistance at Holy Mass and to have a special devotion to the

Blessed Virgin.

CHAPTER XXV

SEVENTH COMMANDMENT

355. Wliat is the Seventh Commandment?

“Thou shalt not steal,” which forbids taking what justly

belongs to another; destroying the property or other pos-

sessions of another.

356. Is one ever permitted to take what belongs to another?

One who actually is starving and cannot otherwise pro-
cure food would be allowed to take a loaf of bread, for exam-

ple, on the principle that under such circumstances, the own-

er is not reasonably unwilling.

357. How would storekeepers break this commandment?

By giving short weight, spoiled goods and in other ways

exacting pay for what they do not give.

358. How would public officials break the Seventh Com-
mandment?

By dishonesty in the use and care of public funds.

359. What is the obligation of employers?
They are obliged to give a living wage to those who work

for them; to protect their physical welfare, even their spir-

itual good, so far as circumstances make that possible.

360. What is the obligation of employees?
They are obliged to give a just return in time and labor

for their salary or wage. Wasting time, ruining goods of the
employer is a form of injustice.

361. If one has received stolen goods or aided one who stole
them, what must be done?

He must return the goods, or the equivalent, to the person
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from whom they were stolen, even though he did not gain

anything himself.

362. What are all people obliged to do in justice to others?

Everyone is obliged to give to everyone what belongs to

him and refrain from what would cause him avoidable loss.

363. If we have been unjust to others, what are we obliged

to do?

We are obliged to give back anything we have taken and
to repair any damage we have caused, if that is possible.

When impossible to find the real owner, we must give to
his heirs or to charity. In case of doubt, ask advice from the

confessor.

364. If we have found some article of value what are we

obliged to do?

We usually are obliged to try to find the owner and return
the article to him. If that is impossible, after making an

honest effort, we can keep the article for ourselves.

“SECRET” OF THE CHURCH
Many non-Catholics imagine that there is some great secret

about the Catholic Church; something whereof Protestants

know nothing at all and of which even many Catholics them-
selves are uninformed.

At first hearing, it comes as a distinct shock to persons

studying the Catholic religion to be told by a priest: “Yes,

that is true, there is a great secret about the Catholic Church.”

They are reassured, however, when the priest continues:
“There is a great secret, but it is a secret that we are most
anxious to pass on to others, to make others understand; in
fact, we would give absolutely anything if only every non-Cath-
olic could know this secret.”

The great secret in the Catholic Church is the Real Presence of

Christ, (see pages 40-48). For when the little bell tinkles at

the altar for Holy Communion—Jesus, under the humble appear-
ance of the consecrated Host, comes to those who wish to re-
ceive Him. All day long, all night long, He dwells in each
Catholic church, where the consecrated Host is preserved. Here

loving hearts may visit Him, troubled souls may approach Him;
verily and literally does He here fulfill His divine promise : “Be-
hold I am with you all days even to the consummation of the
world.”

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CHAPTER XXVI

EIGHTH TO TENTH COMMANDMENTS

365. What is the meaning of the Eighth Commandment?

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,”
means that we must not tell any lies at all, but especially
lies against other people.

366. If a direct or complete reply to a question asked us

would inflict unjust damage on ourselves or others,
what course is open to us?

A mental reservation, in which we tell the truth but do
not give all the facts.

367. What most especially is forbidden by the Eighth Com-
mandment?

To injure another’s honor and reputation by calumny or

detraction. Calumny is ascribing faults or misdeeds to an-
other of which he is not guilty. Detraction is telling the ac-

tual but as yet unknown faults or misdeeds of another, with-
out real necessity.

368. Is it ever permitted to make known the faults of an-

other?

Yes, for a grave reason; for example, to save an innocent

party, or when parents, lawful authority in the Church or

State have a right to know the facts.

369. When are we obliged to keep a secret?

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

another demand it.

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

When, without sufficient reason, he believes something

harmful to another’s character.

371. What must one do if he has injured the character of

another unjustly?

He must do everything possible to restore his good name

by correcting the evil report or unlawful statement. A pru-

dent confessor will solve doubts as to one’s obligation.

372. Does the Eighth Commandment forbid anything else?

Yes. It forbids all unnecessary criticism, fault-finding, un-

charitableness and tale-bearing. It imposes an obligation as

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far as possible, not to listen to unkind, uncharitable talk

about others.

878. What does the Ninth Commandment forbid?

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife,” forbids all

sensual, impure thoughts and desires; such things are griev-

ously sinful if they are willfully and deliberately kept in

one’s mind. One is not allowed voluntarily to take pleasure

in or desire what one cannot lawfully do.

374. Are involuntary impure thoughts sinful?

No, but we should strive to banish such thoughts as soon

as we realize their nature, pray and turn to other things.

By doing this, we gain merit for fighting against temptation.

375. What does the Tenth Commandment forbid?

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.” As the Sev-

enth Commandment forbids damaging or stealing another’s
property, so the Tenth Commandment forbids us to envy
the good fortune of another and to desire seriously to have

what belongs to another.

One can desire to have something similar to what the

neighbor has, but not to envy or wish to deprive him of his
property.

Every organization, which has the right to function, has also

the right to make rules and regulations governing its own mem-
bers. Even a debating society must have certain rules which
bind its members; otherwise, instead of having an orderly pro-

cedure, there would be chaos; everyone would be talking at the
same time, nothing could be accomplished along orderly lines.

Were it but a mere human institution, therefore, the Catholic
Church would have the right to make laws for its own mem-
bers. But, since it is a divine institution, therefore these laws
are founded upon divine authority.

Those persons, therefore, who have maintained that a cer-
tain command “is only a law of the Church,” thereby show a
complete misunderstanding of our Lord’s divine institution:
That He has founded a Church; that He has given that Church
the authority and the duty to teach His truths and to administer
His sacraments; that as the Father has sent Him, so also does
He commission His Church to act in His name.

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CHAPTER XXVII

PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

381. By what authority does the Church make laws for her
members?

By the authority which Christ gave to His Church when
He founded it and authorized it to act in His name. Every
lawful organization must have sufficient power to accomp-
lish its purpose.

382. What are the main rules or laws of the Church?

(1) To hear Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation.

(2) To fast and abstain on days appointed.

(3) To go to confession at least once a year.

(4) To receive Holy Communion during the Easter season.

(5) To contribute to the support of religion, which is pri-

marily the parish church and school.

(6) To observe the Church’s laws on marriage .

383. When must Catholics attend Mass?

Catholics must attend Mass on all Sundays and Holydays

of Obligation unless they are prevented by some grave reas-

on, such as would keep them from important work or other

grave duties. (No. 338.)

384. What aie Holydays of Obligation?

Days which, as far as possible, must be observed as Sun-

days, i. e., by hearing Mass and abstaining from servile work.

Holydays commemorate important events in the life of

Christ, the Blessed Virgin, and remind us of the merits and

rewards of the saints.

385. How many Holydays are there?

In the United States there are six: Christmas (December

25)

;

New Year’s, the Circumcision of our Lord (January 1)

;

the Ascension of our Lord (Thursday, the fortieth day after

Easter)
;
the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (August 15)

;

the Feast of All Saints (November 1) ; the Immaculate Con-

ception of the Blessed Virgin (December 8).

386. What is meant by fasting?

Fasting means eating only one full meal a day. Breakfast

and lunch (or supper) must be lighter repasts for one who

fasts.

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

All baptized persons between the ages of 21 and 59, unless

they are excused on account of health or work, or dispensed

for some other good reason by competent authority.

388A. What are the seasons and days of fasting?

(a) The weekdays of Lent (including Holy Saturday)

;

Sundays are not included.

(b) The Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays of Ember

weeks which come at the beginning of each of the four sea-

sons.

(c) The Vigils of Easter, Pentecost, Immaculate Concep-

tion, All Saints and Christmas.

388B. In what does fasting consist?

On days of fast, only one full meal is allowed, at which

meat is permitted EXCEPT on Fridays, Ash Wednesday and
the Vigils of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas. Two

other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength may be

taken
;
but together they should not equal another full meal.

Eating between meals is not permitted; but liquids, includ-

ing milk and fruit juices, are allowed.

When health or ability to work would be seriously affected,
the law does not oblige; in doubt concerning fast or absti-

nence, a parish priest or confessor should be consulted.

389. What is meant by abstaining?

Abstaining means not eating meat or its ingredients. Mi-

nute quantities of the latter may be used for seasoning, etc.
All Catholics seven years and older are subject to this law.

390. What are the days of abstinence?

(a) These are completely meatless; all Fridays (except

when a Holyday occurs on Friday)
;
Ash Wednesday, also the

Vigils of Christmas and the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 7).

(b) On other days of abstinence meat may be used once;
i. e., Ember Wednesdays and Saturdays; Vigils of Easter,
Pentecost and All Saints.

On weekdays of Lent not given above: those who do not fast— no
abstinence: those who do fast— meat once daily.

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391. Why does the Church make Friday a day of abstinence?

To remind us of our Lord’s death on Good Friday and to
show Him the deference of this slight act of self-denial.

392. Is it sufficient to go to confession and Holy Communion
once a year?

By no means; we should go to confession and Holy Com-
munion frequently because frequent reception of these sacra-

ments greatly aids us to overcome temptation, to remain in

the state of grace and to advance in virtue.

393. What is meant by “Easter Time9’?

In the United States it is the fourteen weeks between the

first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday. All Catholics must

receive Holy Communion at least once during this time.

This is called the “Easter Duty.”

394. Why is the Church opposed to Catholics marrying non-
Catholics?

Because mixed marriages too often bring about family dis-

cord, loss of faith on the part of the Catholic and neglect of

the religious training of the children.

When mixed marriages turn out well, this is because of
the unusual tolerance and good will of the non-Catholic and/

or the extraordinary fidelity of the Catholic party.

395. Why are we obliged to support the Catholic parish in
which we live?

Because in the United States, churches and schools receive

no government support and must be maintained by collec-

tions and donations from the faithful.

396. What books does the Church forbid us to read?

Such books as are harmful to our faith or morals are for-

bidden either by name or by her general laws against dan-
gerous reading. Common sense makes the same prohibition.



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When the Catholic Church officially commands her own
children to hear Mass on Sundays and Holydays, to fast and

abstain on the days appointed, to receive the sacraments of

Penance and Holy Eucharist at stated times; when the Church

lays down certain rules and regulations governing the sacred

institution of marriage, these laws bind with the same author-

ity as do the Commandments of God. Why? Because they rest
upon Christ’s divine authority. To the Church, He has said:
“He who hears you hears Me and he who despises you despises
Me and he who despises Me despises the Father who sent Me.”

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE BLESSED VIRGIN

400. Was any one ever preserved from the spiritual effects

of original sin? (See also question 50.)

Yes, the Blessed Virgin Mary. When God created her soul,

He at once endowed it with sanctifying grace as He had done

in the case of Eve.

401. What is this extraordinary favor to the Blessed Virgin

called?

It is called her Immaculate Conception; she was born as

all other mortals are but, at its creation, her soul was en-

dowed with the love and friendship of God.

402. Why do we believe in Mary’s Immaculate Conception?
(a) The Church has defined this as a dogma of faith.
(b) Because this was due to Mary as mother of the Son of

God; as such, she must never have lacked God’s friendship.

(c) While Eve was given her immaculate creation as a
free gift of God, Mary was given hers from the anticipated
merits of Christ.

403. What other privilege is ascribed to the Blessed Virgin?
The special privilege of her Assumption, by which the

body of the Blessed Virgin Mary, given an anticipated resur-

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rection, was united to her soul in heaven. This is now a
dogma of faith and all Catholics must believe it.

404. What are some of the reasons for the Blessed Virgin’s
Assumption into heaven?

God wished to preserve her body from the decay that fol-
lows death, because from that body Jesus Christ had taken
His human nature.

All bodies will rise from the grave at the end of the world

;

in the case of the Blessed Virgin this resurrection was but
anticipated.

405. Why is Mary entitled to be called “Mother of God”?
She was the virgin Mother of Jesus Christ, Who is the

Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Hence Mary, being

Mother of Christ, is by that fact, Mother of God.

406. What is the most popular devotion of Catholics to the
Blessed Virgin?

The rosary, often compared to a spiritual bouquet of

prayers.

407. What are the “Mysteries” of the rosary?

(A) The Joyful Mysteries:

1. The Annunciation, that is, the message brought to

Mary by the Angel Gabriel. (St. Luke, i, 26-38.)

2. The Visitation of Mary to Her Cousin St. Elizabeth.

(Luke, i, 39-56.)

3. The Birth of Jesus Christ. (Luke, ii, 1-20.)

4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. (Luke, ii,.

22-39.)

5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple. (Luke, ii, 42-

52.)

(B) The Sorrowful Mysteries:

1. The Agony and Prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Ol-

ives. (St Matt., xxvi, 36-46.)

2. The Scourging at the Pillar. (Matt., xxviii, 26.)

3. The Crowning With Thoms. (Matt., xxvii, 28-31.)

4. The Carrying of the Cross. (St. Luke, xxiii, 26.) (St.

John, xix, 17.)

5. The Crucifixion. (St. Matt., xxvii, 33-50.) (St. Luke,

xxiii, 33-49.) (St. John, xix, 17-37.)

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(C) The Glorious Mysteries:

1. The Resurrection of Jesus. (St. John, xx, 1-23.)

2. His Ascension into Heaven. (St. Mark, xvi, 14-20.)

(Acts, i, 1-12.)

3. The Coming of the Holy Spirit. (Acts, ii, 1-4.)

4. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven.

5. Coronation of the Blessed Virgin as Queen of Heaven.

408. Why do Catholics love and honor Mary?

Because God made her the mother of His Eternal Son and

because the Holy Spirit by divine inspiration enjoined it.

(Luke 1-48).

Since God honored Mary more than other angelic or human

beings, are we not allowed, even obliged, to do the same? But
where outside the Catholic Church is this precept, this

prophecy fulfilled?

CHAPTER XXIX

SACRAMENTALS

410. What are Sacramentals?

Sacramentals are ceremonies or religious articles blessed

by the Church for our use, in order to stimulate in us good

thoughts, piety and devotion.

While sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ and give
grace of themselves, the sacramentals were instituted by the
Church as a means of obtaining grace, aided by the interces-
sion and power of the Church.

411. Name some of the sacramentals.
(a) Blessed articles like rosaries, scapulars, medals, can-

dles, palms, ashes, holy water, holy oils, incense.

(b) The Sign of the Cross.

(c) Other blessings contained in the Church’s ritual.

412. What does the Sign of the Cross express?
It expresses our belief in the two greatest truths of Chris-

tianity: The Trinity and the Redemption. By the words, we
show our belief in the Trinity; by the action in making the
cross, our belief in the Son of God Who died upon a cross.

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413. How do we make the Sign of the Cross?
With our right hand we touch the forehead, then the

breast, then the left and right shoulders, saying meanwhile:

“In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.”

414. What are “scapulars” and what is the benefit of wear-
ing them?

The word comes from the Latin meaning “shoulder.” Some
religious Orders have over their garb a long, straight cloth

hanging between the shoulders down in front and back, call-
ed scapular.

When enrolled in a scapular, we affiliate ourselves with,
become as it were an associate member of that religious Or-
der, and share in the prayers and good works of its members.

There are five principal scapulars in use.

415. May a medal he substituted for the scapular?

Yes, but whereas scapulars need not be blessed, if the per-

son was properly enrolled, each medal must be blessed by a

priest having the necessary authority or faculties.

416. Why do we use candles?

Candles symbolize Christ the light of the world. They are

used on our altars during Mass and other services, in our

homes when the sacraments are administered to the sick,

and on other occasions.

417. Of what do blessed palms remind us?

They commemorate our Lord’s entry into Jerusalem on

the Sunday previous to His death, when the people cut

boughs from the trees and waved palm branches as He pass-

ed. (St. Matt, xxi, 8.) Palms are also symbolic of our Lord’s

resurrection on Easter and remind us of our own future ris-

ing from the dead.

418. Why and when are blessed ashes given to us?

(a) Ashes remind us of death; as they once were green

palms but now are powdered dust—so will our own bodies
return again to earth (See Job 42:6; also Jonas 3:6).

(b) On Ash Wednesday the priest places them on the fore-

head of each person and says: “Remember man that thou

art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.” (Gen.
iii, 19.)

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419. Why do we use holy water?

The Bible teaches that already in ancient times, God not

only permitted but commanded the use of Holy Water.

Numbers 5:17. And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen

vessel, and he shall cast a little earth of the pavement of the Taber-

nacle into it.

In itself, holy water symbolizes spiritual cleansing. The

prayers of the Church ask God to protect from the evil spirit

those who use it with faith.

We use holy water on ourselves; the Church sprinkles it
when blessing persons and things.

420. On what occasions are holy oils used in the Church?

The three holy oils are used as follows:

(a) Oil of Catechumens, employed in Baptism and Holy

Orders.

(b) Holy Chrism used in Baptism and Confirmation.

(c) Oil of the Sick for Extreme Unction.

(d) Holy oils are also used in the consecration of chalices,

altar stones, churches. When churches are merely blessed
or dedicated, no holy oils are used.

421. When and by whom are these oils blessed?

They are blessed in each cathedral church by a bishop on
Holy Thursday and used by the priests during that year.

422. What is the purpose of incense?

Incense is sometimes used during Mass, always at Bene-
diction as well as at other sacred services or blessings, to
symbolize our prayers rising to heaven. (Apoc. 8,3; also
Psalms 140,2)

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CHAPTER XXX

PRAYER

425. What is prayer?

Prayer is talking to God; otherwise stated, it is the rais-

ing up of the mind and heart to God to adore Him, to thank

Him, to ask His pardon for our sins, and to beg for His

spiritual and material assistance.

426. Are we obliged to thank God?

We are obliged to thank God because all we have comes to
us from Him. Moreover, the best way to secure future favors

is by being grateful for those we have already received.

427. Should we ask God for pardon for onr sins?

Yes. We must be sorry, otherwise (humanly speaking),
God cannot forgive us; expressing that sorrow and asking

pardon are practically inseparable.

428. How should we pray?
We should pray: (1) with attention; (2) with a conviction

of our own helplessness and dependence upon God; (3) with

a great desire for the graces we beg of Him; (4) with loving
trust in His goodness; (5) with perseverance; (6) with res-

ignation to God’s will.

429. How many kinds of prayer are there?

There are two kinds: In vocal prayer we use words, such
as the “Lord’s Prayer” and the “Hail Mary.” In mental

prayer the mind speaks to God and reflects upon holy things

without the help of spoken words.

430. What prayers ought every Catholic memorize?

The Our Father, Hail Mary, Act of Contrition; also the

Acts of Faith, Hope, Love; also the Apostles’ Creed; then,

of course, the Sign of the Cross, the Morning Offering, pray-

ers before and after meals and the rosary.

431. What is the Lord’s Prayer?

It is the prayer Christ our Lord taught His Apostles when
they asked Him to teach them to pray. (St. Luke, xi, 1-4.)
We often call it the “Our Father”, since it begins with these
words.

432. Why do the Catholic and Protestant versions of the
Lord’s Prayer differ?

The Protestant version incorrectly adds certain words to

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our version; these are found in the King Janies Bible (St.

Matt., vi, 13.), but when later versions of the Protestant
Bible were made, these words were omitted because it was
obvious that the clause did not belong to the Lord’s Prayer

as Christ taught it.

433. Where do we find the words of the “Hail Mary”?

The first half is from St. Luke’s Gospel; the second part

has been added by the Church at the Council of Ephesus in

the year 431.

434. For whom should we pray?

We should pray especially for ourselves, for our parents,
relatives, friends and enemies, for the Pope, bishops and

priests of the Church, for the officials of our country and

for the souls in purgatory.

435. Why should we pray for the dead?

Because we are united with them in “the communion of
saints,” and the merits of our good works and prayers can

reach the dead “who die in the Lord.” (Apoc., xiv, 13.), but
who have not yet entered heaven.

According to 2 Macc. xii, 46, “it is a holy and a wholesome

thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from
sins.”

436. When should we pray?

We should pray frequently, but especially morning and
evening, before and after meals, when we are in danger,
temptation and affliction. Our Lord wishes us always to

pray, i. e., cultivate a spirit of prayer, a union of our soul

with God.

437. Why do we not always immediately obtain what we
pray for?

This is either because we have not prayed properly or be-
cause God sees that what we are asking would not be for

our greatest good. A mother denies a sharp knife to her
child, even though the little one thinks mother mean for

withholding it.

God may also delay answering, to test our confidence in

Him.

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438. To whom may we pray?

(a) We must pray to God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

(b) We may pray to the Blessed Virgin, to the angels and
saints, in order to ask them in turn to pray for us.

Few are so conceited as to imagine that they can pray as

well as can those who see God face to face.

439. Who are the saints?

In a wide sense, the saints are all men and women who

died in God’s friendship and who are now in heaven. In a

more strict sense, the saints are those human souls who

have been canonized by the Church, after miracles worked

by God in their favor have been proven positively and abso-

lutely.

440. Why do we honor the saints?

Because they were heroes in God’s service here; now they

are united with Him in heaven.

The Bible teaches that the citizens of heaven take an

active interest and (within limitations) intervene in the

affairs of men.

Eph. 2:19. Now therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners
but you are fellow-citizens with the saints, and the domestics of God.

441. Bo we pray to relics of saints?

Of course not; as we honor things connected with our
nation’s history and heroes, so we reverence a piece of the
true cross, relics of saints, or something closely associated

with them. (Acts 19, 12; Acts 5,15-16;)

The Bible teaches that it is proper and beneficial to ven-

erate the relics of sacred personages or things.

IV Kings 2:8-14. The mantle of Elijah.

Exodus 7:10. The rod of Aaron.

Matt. 9, 20:21. Also Matt. 14:36. The hem of our Lord’s garment.

Acts 19:12. So that from his body were brought unto the sick, hand-

kerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the

evil spirit went out of them.

Acts 5, 15:16. Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the

streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shad-

ow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Hence while the Catholic Church forbids her children to
pray TO relics of Christ and the Saints, or to act towards

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them as if they had any power in themselves; she rightly

teaches us to honor the relics for what they represent. Sim-
ilarly, Americans honor the flag because of its symbolism.

442. What is a novena?

It is a series of prayers to our Lord or to the saints on

nine consecutive days or weeks or months.

443. What are the Stations of the Cross?

These are fourteen pictures or scenes which portray

events that happened between the condemnation and burial

of Jesus; when canonically erected, special indulgences are
attached to meditating before these stations.

444. Why do Catholics use pictures and statues of Christ and
His saints?

For the same reasons that we have pictures of our loved
relatives, friends and statues of Washington, Lincoln and

others.

Moreover the Bible teaches that God approves the use and

veneration of sacred pictures and images to stimulate re-

ligious fervor.

Exodus 25, 18: Thou shalt make also two cherubims of beaten gold, on

the two sides of the oracle.

Numbers 21, 8-9: And the Lord said to him: Make a brazen serpent,

and set it up for a sign: whosoever being struck shall look on it, shall

live.

Moses therefore made a brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign:

which when they that were bitten looked upon, they were healed.

John 3, 14: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so

must the Son of man be lifted up.

Ill Kings 6, 29: And all the walls of the temple round about he

carved with divers figures and carvings: and he made in them cheru-

bims and palm trees, and divers representations, as it were standing

out, and coming forth from the wall.

Hence men are forbidden “to make to thyself a graven

image when this is to be set up and adored as a god.”

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CHAPTER XXXI

FUTURE REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS

450. What is the judgment called which takes place imme-
diately after death?

It is called the Particular Judgment; this is a personal
or individual accounting to God. Following this judgment
the soul goes to heaven, purgatory or hell.

451. What is heaven?

Heaven is a state of perfect and everlasting happiness
where we shall see and possess God. It is the possession of
all good, the absence of all evil and the fact that this will

last forever.

452. What is purgatory?

Purgatory is a state in which souls are purified for a time

if they die guilty of slight sins or if they have not entirely

atoned for sins forgiven. As nothing defiled can enter Heaven

(Apoc. 21-27), there must necessarily exist a state of cleans-

ing or purgation usually called “purgatory.”

453. What does the Bible say about purgatory?

“Amen, I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence

till thou pay the last farthing.” (St. Matt., 5, 26). (See also

Matt. 12:32; also 1 Cor. 3:13; also 2 Mac. 12:46).

The Bible teaches (a) that some sins are forgiven in the

next world; (b) that some souls are saved in the next world

“by fire”; (c) that it is useful and beneficial to pray for the

dead.

Matthew 12, 32: And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son

of man, it shall be forgiven him: but he that shall speak against the

Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him neither in this world, nor in

the world to come.

1 Cor. 3, 13 and 15: Every man’s work shall be manifest; for the day

of the Lord shall declare it, because it shall be revealed in fire; and

the fire shall try every man’s work, of what sort it is. 15. If any man’s

work burn, he shall suffer the loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet

so as by fire.

2 Machabees, 12-46: (This is one of the Old Testament books
omitted

from the Protestant Bible). It is therefore a holy and
wholesome

thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.

454. Does our reason help us to believe in purgatory?

From the fact that there is a future life, our reason de-

mands such a place as purgatory. Most people are not
good

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enough at death to enter heaven immediately or evil enough

to deserve hell. Without purgatory most of even the best

souls could never enter heaven. (Apoc. xxi, 27.)

455. Will all souls go from purgatory to heaven?

Yes, all the souls in purgatory will surely go to heaven

after they have atoned for their sins by suffering or been

released through the suffrages of those on earth.

456. How can we help the souls in purgatory?

By our prayers, by the Sacrifice of the Mass assisted at or

offered for them, and by gaining indulgences that are ap-

plicable to them.

457. What is hell?

Hell is a state of eternal punishment which includes ever-

lasting separation from God.

458. Is eternal punishment contrary to our reason?

No. If man were annihilated after death, he could, while
on earth, disobey, despise, curse God to His face with im-

punity.

The hatred which some humans show towards God but re-

flects the antagonism of the wicked spirits which proves that

between them and God there is a chasm which nothing will

ever annihilate.

Justice, right order and propriety demand that there be a
lasting difference between the just and virtuous man or woman
and the thief, murderer or adulterer, who dies in sin, cursing
and blaspheming God.

No, Christ did not die in order that men might commit all the
sins they like, but that the repentant sinner might obtain for-

giveness

The silly, dishonest methods of certain Bible vandals pretend-
ing to disprove this doctrine from the Holy Scripture would be
amusing were the subject matter not of such grave consequence
to men The man or the woman, the Bible-ite or any other ite,
who pretends to prove from the Bible that there is no hell—is
perverting and distorting that Sacred Book to their own de-
struction. In order to eradicate the doctrine of hell from the
New Testament, you must literally tear it to pieces.

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459. Is eternal punishment clearly taught in Holy Scripture?

Both Old and New Testaments indicate and definitely
teach this. (Is., lxvi, 24.) (St. Mark, ix, 42.)

460. Besides Particular Judgment will there he another great

accounting?

Yes. There will be a General Judgment when the human

race ceases to exist as such on earth. The purpose of this is

publicly to vindicate the just, publicly to condemn the sin-

ner; also publicly to explain the ways of divine providence.

461. What is meant by “the resurrection of the body”?

This means that at the end of our present age, the bodies

of all men will rise from the earth and be united again to
their souls, never more to be separated.

462. Will our bodies share in the reward or punishment of

our souls?

After the General Judgment, our bodies, reunited with our

souls, will share their reward or punishment. (1 Cor., xv.

52,53.)

CHAPTER XXXII

PRAYERS

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy king-

dom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we for-
give those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY
Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou

amongst 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.

ACT OF CONTRITION
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I

detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains
of hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art

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all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help

of thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my

life. Amen.

ACT OF FAITH

0 my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine

Persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost; I believe that thy divine Son

became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge

the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the

Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them,

Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.

ACT OF HOPE
0 my God, relying on thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope

to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of thy grace, and life ever-

lasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

ACT OF LOYE
0 my God, I love Thee above all things with my whole heart and

soul, because Thou art all good and deserving of all my love. I love
my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have

injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED
1 believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and

earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was con-
ceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under

Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended

into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended

into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;

from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I be-

lieve 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.

SIGN OF THE CROSS
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

THE DOXOLOGY
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As

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

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THE BLESSING BEFORE MEALS
Bless us, 0 Lord I and these thy gifts, which we are about to re-

ceive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

GRACE AFTER MEALS
We give Thee thanks for all thy benefits, O almighty God, Who

livest and reignest for ever; and may the souls of the faithful de-
parted, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

MORNING OFFERING
0 my God, I offer Thee all my thoughts, words and actions of

this day in union with and in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

for thy glory and for my own merit and salvation.

FOR HOLY PURITY
To thee, 0 Virgin Mother never touched by stain of sin, actual

or venial, I recommend and confide the purity of my heart. (100
days indulgence once a day.)

TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love commits me

here; ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and
guide. Amen. (100 days indulgence each time.)

EJACULATIONS (an indulgence each time)

My Jesus, mercy (100 days). My sweetest Jesus, be not my judge,
but my Saviour (100 days). 0 sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore,
that I may love Thee, more and more (100 days).

FOR PROTECTION FROM SIN
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but this I beg of Thee,

my God : Bless me, guard me, keep me from sin—just far today.

FOR THE SPREAD AND DEFENSE
OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH

Especially the conversion of careless Catholics and non-Catholics.

Grant us O Lord, we beseech Thee, perseverance in laboring ac-

cording to thy will; that in our days thy people serving Thee, may

be augmented in number and in merit, through Christ our Lord.

Amen. (Fer. Ill infra Hebd. Passionis.)

PRAY ALSO FOR parents’ relatives, benefactors, your bishop or

archbishop, your pastor; also for the sick, the dying and the faith-

ful departed.

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