THE

CONVERT’S CATECHISM
OF
CATHOLIC DOCTRINE

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REV. PETER G E I E R M A N N , C.SS.R.

ST. I.O U IS, M O . A N D F R E IB U R G (B A D E N )

P u b lis h e d by B. H e r d e r
1010
 THE
CONVERT’S CATECHISM
OF
QATHOLIC DOCTRINE
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REV. PETER G E IE R M A N N , C.SS.R.

S T . I.O D IS , M O . A N D F R E IB U R G ( B A D E N )
P u b lis h e d h y B . H e r d e r
1910
 IM PRIM ATUR

St. Louis, Sept. 1st, 1909.

T hos . P. B row n , C.SS.P,
Sup. h

N IH IL OBSTAT

Sti. Ludoviei, die 30, Nov. 1909.

F. G. H o lw e c k ,
Censor Librcr,

IM PR IM ATUR

Sci. Ludoviei, die 1, Dec. 1909.

O. J. S. Hooo, i

Copyright, 1910, by Joseph Gummersbach.

 P R A Y E R TO T I I E H O L Y G H O S T

Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faith­

ful, anil enkindle in them'the lire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall he cre­
ated.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray —
0 God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faith­
ful by the light of tiie Iloly Ghost, grayt that by
the same Spirit we may be always truly wise, and
ever rejoice in IIis consolation, through Christ
our Lord.
If. Amen.
 CONTENTS

purr I. THE CATHOLIC DOCTRINE IN GENERAL.

I. N a tu ra l T r u t h s — (a ) F u n d a m e n ta l
T uuth s, ( b) O b lig a t io n o f R e lig io n ,
(c ) R e lig io n L ead s to H a p p in e s s . 11
11. R e v e latio n — T r a d it io n — T ii e B ib l e —
4 T he C a n o n of t h e B i b l e ...............................13
“ ill. F a i t h — G ood W o r k s — T iie R ule of
~ F a ith — M o tiv e s o f F a i t h . . . . 15
> IV. Jesus C h r is t— (a ) His P e r s o n a lit y ,
5 (b) His M i s s i o n ........................................... 19
5 V. T he C a t h o l ic C h u r c h — ( a ) D i v i n e S o -
< eiETY, ( b ) H e r, A t t r i b u t e s , ( c ) H e r
a Marks, (d ) T h e T r u e C h u r c h T o -D a y 23
jV l. T h e P ope — T h e P r im a c y of P eter — T h e
3 I n f a l l ib i l it y of t i i e P ope . . . . 27
3
^ PART II. TIIE CATHOLIC DOCTRINE IN
PARTICULAR.
SECTION I. WHAT TIIE CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHES.
I. O n C o d ............................................................. 31
II. On C r e a t i o n ................................................. 31
III. O.v R e d e m pt io n ........................................... 32
IV. On S a n c t i f i c a t i o n ......................................33
V. O n th e L a s t T h i n g s . . '.......................... 35

SECTION II. WHAT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ORDAINS.

I. K nowledge of t h e W ord o f G od . . . 30
II. T h e L a w o f G o d .......................................... 37
 III. S i n...............................................
1.Sin of the Angels — Consequence of
Their T r i a l ..........................
2. Original Sin — Consequence of th
Fall of Our First Parents .
3. Mortal Sin — llell
4. Venial Sin — Purgatory .
* 5. Judgment, Particular— General
[V . C o n s c ie n c e . . . . . . .
V. T h e T e n Co m m a n d m e n t s . . . .
1. The First Commandment .
2. The Second Commandment
3. The Third Commandment
4. ' The Fourth Commandment
5. The Fifth Commandment
0. The Sixth and Ninth Commandments
7. The Seventh and Tenth Command­
ments ................................
8 . The Eighth Commandment
V I. T h e S i x P re c e pts ok t h e C h u b c ii
1. The First Precept .
2. The Second Precept
3. The Third Precept
4. The Fourth Precept
5. The Fifth Precept
0. The Sixth Precept— (a ) Imped
ments to Marriage, (b ) Dispensation
(c) Divorce, Separation
V II. T h e E v a n g e l ic a l C o u n s e l s — V o c a tio n

SECTION III. SPIRITUAL AIDS FOSTERED BY THE CHll

I. On G ra ce . .........................................
II. T h e S a c r a m e n t s .........................................
1. B a p tis m .........................................
2. C o u lir m a t io n ...............................
 3. The Holy Eucharist —
a) Us In s titu tio n ................ 72
b) Transubstantiation— The Heal
P r e s e n c e ........................... 73
c) Holy Comm union. . . . 75
d) The Sacrifice of theNew Law 77
4. Penance — the Forgiveness ofSins —
the Power of the K e y s ..................... 80
5. Auricular C on fession .................. 81
C. Indulgences................................84
7. Extreme U n c t io n ..................... 8.1
8. Holy O rders............................... 80
9. M a trim o n y ............................... 80
III . pB.vYt.it — D evo tio n to M a r y — I n t e r c e s ­
sion ok t h e S a in ts — V e n e r a t io n ok
S ain ts, R e lic s an d Im a ge s — P ra y e b s
kor t h e D e a d .......................................... 87
IV. T iie S a c r a m e n t a ls — B le s s in g s o f t h e
C iic ro h — A r t i c l e s o f D e v o tio n — C a t h ­
o lic D e v o t i o n s .......................................... 89

APPENDIX.
I. Phayebs, D e v o tio n s an d Good W o r k s . 93
II. O b lig a tio n s — T e n Com m andm ents — P r e ­
cepts — D ay s of O b lig a t io n — A b s t i ­
n ence D ay s — F a s t in g D a y s . . . . 99
III. R eception o f Co n v e r t —
a) Profession of F a i t h .......................... 101
b) Ceremony of B a p t i s m ..................... 102
IV. D e fin itio n s o f C a t h o lic T e rm s . . . 105
 INTRODUCTION

Tlie Convert’s Catechism aims at presenting Re­

ligions Truths in tlie order of their relative im­
portance to the sincere non-Catholie. It empha­
size* controverted points in a special manner,
while stilting the Catholic doctrine clearly.
There are two views of life;,the divine and the
human. The one is true, eternal and immutable;
thi> other false, temporal and changeable. The
former is in perfect accord with right reason, en­
lightened hv Faith; the latter, the result of rea-
.,11, filmic, is invariably distorted by ignorance,
prejudice or passion. Catholics take the former
view of life; men of the world, the latter. Be­
tween these two classes there are many honest souls
groping in darkness or semidarkness, seeking the
I,Hit. It would be demanding too much to re­
quire these to embrace the Catholic view in all
details before receiving the light of Faith. They,
can, however, be expected to follow the guidance
of right reason and the promptings of grace, and
thus advance gradually on the right Way, to the
realization of the Truth, and the possession of di­
vine Life.
For these reasons The Convert’s Catechism does
not follow the beaten path in imparting religious
in-tructinn, but is composed on an entirely new'
plan, to facilitate the labor both of the Inquirer
and of the Instructor. Part I insists? on the ne­
cessity of serving God, as God ordains in Kevela-
9
 10
tion, especially as tauglit by H is divine Son. i
shows the necessity of a divine Church, infalli-
guided by God, to teach man how to live a;
child of God and heir to the Kingdom of Heat.-
When he has once mastered this principle of
vine Authority, the Inquirer is prepared to ac«-
•vvhatever the Divine Church teaches on Fa
Morals and the Means of Grace, all of which
clearly stated in Part I I of this Catechism. T
scope of this little work prevented the Aur
from entering into the Reason and Authority
Religion. For additional reading he therefore-
fers the Convert to his “ Manual of Theology;
the Laity,” of which six editions have been ]V
in three years.
 THE CONVERT'S CATECHISM
OF CATHOLIC DOCTRINE

I*\KT I. T IIE C A T H O L IC D O C T R IN E IN
GENERAL

I
• CHAPTER I

* XATITHAL TRUTHS
I
j a. Fundamental T ruths.
i Q. What Religious T ru th s can man discover by
J/it< oiin c/foris?
J A. By Lis own efforts man can discover cspo-
\ ciallv the existence of these four religious trutlis:
^ (1.) Tliere is a God, Creator and Preserver of the
I'niverse. ( 2 .) Man lias a free will. ( 3 .) God
rewards tiie good and punishes the wicked. ( 4 .)
Tlie human soul is immortal.
Q. What is God?
A. God is a spirit, who exists of Himself, and
on whom all things depend.
Q. What is man?
A. Man is a creature composed of a material
bodv and a spiritual soul.
11
 12
b.O b l ig a t io n o f R e l ig io n .
*
Q. W hat relationship exists between God c
m an?
A. Between God and man there exists a k
fold relationship: (1 ) God is the Creator ^
is llis creature. (2 ) God is the Benefactor, iv
is I Lis beneficiary. ( 3 ) God is the Stipt^
l ’uler, man is H is subject. ( 4 ) God is the £
of all creation; in God alone man can find It.
ing happiness.
Q. What obligation flows fro m this rclaH.
ship?
A. From this relationship flows man’s oli!;
tion of Religion.
Q. What is R e lig io n ?
A. Religion is man’s obligation to know,
love, and to serve God.
Q. Is man free to serve God as he pleasest
A. Man is not free to serve God as he plea-
lie must serve God, as God, his Supreme Mas
ordains.

c. H e l ig io x L eads to H a p p in e s s .

Q. F o r ivhat docs every human heart crave?

A. Every human heart craves for happiness.
Q. Can man acquire perfect happiness
earth?
A. Man cannot acquire perfect happincs
earth.
Q. Why cannot man acquire perfect happl
on earth?
A. Man cannot acquire perfect happiness
earth : ( I ) because his soul will live after hist
ing life on earth is ended ; ( 2 ) because God pr
 13 '
verv human heart a longing for an endless pos-
<«*tun of an In fin ite Good, which H e alone can
?ijtiffy in eternity.
q //oir then can man acquire perfect happi-

Man can acquire perfect happiness by seek-

ji)*' tlie friendship of God in this life, so that he
may enjoy the same fully in the next life.
Q. How Joes God reward the good?
\ (jod rewards the good with His blessings on
earth, and shares with them the joys of heaven.
q, //on- does God punish the wicked?
A. (iod punishes the wicked with Ilis enmity
during this life, and consigns them to the tor-
iin iits'of hell after death.
(). What is heaven?
A. Heaven is the state of everlasting life, in
which the good see God face to face, are made like
unto Jlim in glory, and enjoy eternal happiness.
Q. What is hell?
A. Hell is the state of never-ending torments.

CHAPTER II
KEVELATIOX — TRADITION — TIIE BIBLE — TIIE
CAXOX OF TIIE BIBLE
a. R evelation.
Q. lias God ever spoken to man?
A. “ God, who, sundry times and in diverse
mariners spoke in times past to the fathers by the
prophots, last of all in these days hath spoken to
us l>y Ilis Son.” Eph. i, 1- 2 .
 '1 4

Q. W hat do we call the truths which Go<l,

spolcen to m an?
A. W e call the truths which God has spofe-
man divine Revelation.

h. T r a d it io n .
Q. H ow teas divine Revelation preseriei
transm itted to m an?
A . In the beginning of the world’s historr
vine Revelation was preserved and transit;
only by Tradition or the reverential belief:
teaching of succeeding ages. In the course of-
God inspired holy men to record many of Hi,
vealed Truths. Finally Jesus Christ made
Church the custodian and interpreter of It,-
tion.
c. T h e B ib l e .
Q. 117iaf lias become o f the truths rrcoritt
der the in spira tion o f God?
A. The truths recorded under the inspiratir.
God have been collected into the Bible and i-
lated into every known language.
Q. W hen was the first com plete collection s;
In sp ired W ritin g s made?
A. The first complete collection of the In;;
Writings was made only towards the close o!
fourth century of the Christian era.

d. T iie Ca x o x of t h e B ib l e .
Q. W hat is the list o f the various inspired,
ings called?
A. The list of the various inspired writi;
called the Canon of the Bible.
Q. When teas the present Canon o f the Bil
fin a lly declared authentic?
 \ The present Canon of the Bible was officially
declared authentic by the universal Council of
Trent, August 8, 1510'.

CHAPTER III

n lx II_GOOn WOKKS — TIIE fiULE OF FAITH —

MOTIVES OF FA1TII
a. Faith .
(}. How docs man accept divine Revelation?
A. Man accepts divine Revelation by Faith.
What is F a ith ?
A. Faith is a divine gift which enables man to
believe (irmly all that God has revealed.
(}. Hum docs man dispose h im self f o r the g if t o f
faith t
A. Man disposes himself for the gift of Faith
hv humility, sincerity, obedience, and sacrifice in
the service of God.
Q. How will man obtain and preserve the g ift
of Faith t
A. Man will obtain and preserve the gift of
Faith by submitting his mind and heart to the in-
Huence of God by prayer.
Q. What prayers should every Christian com m it
In memory?
A. Every Christian should commit at least the
following prayers to memory: (1 ) The Lord’s
Prayer, ( 2 ) The Angelical Salutation, ( 3 ) An Act
of Contrition, ( 4 ) The Christian Acts of Faith,
( j ) Hope and ((>) Charity.
 16

1. T h e L ord 's P r a ye r .
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed beT>-
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, '{■
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day ou r^
bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we f'.'.
give those who trespass against us. And lead
not into, temptation: but deliver us from
Amen.

2. T iie A n g e l ic a l S a l u t a t io n *.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, tho Lord is with fc-
blessed art thou among women, and blessed is t
fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother
God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour
our death. Amen.

3. Act of C o n tritio n .
0 my God, I am heartily sorry for all my s:;
because by them I have lost heaven and desert
hell, but, more than all, because I have often':
Thee, my God, Who art infinitely good and wor.
of all mv love. I am firmly resolved, with;
help of Thy grace, never to sin again and to av
all the occasions of sin.

4. A ct of F a it ii.
0 my God, I firmly believe all the sacred tnr
which the holy Catholic Church believes i
teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, ?
eanst neither deceive nor be deceived.

5. Act of H o pe .
0 my God, relying on Thy infinite goodness i
promises, I hope to obtain the pardon of myr
the assistance of Thy grace, and life everlas:
 17
through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and
Redeemer.
6 . A ct o f C h a k it y .

0 my God, I lore Thee with my whole heart

above all things, because Thou art infinitely good
and worthy of all my love; and for the love of
Thee I love my neighbor as myself.
Q. Where arc the ch ief truths which man must
I f Here summed up?
A. The chief truths which man must believe are
summed up in The Sign of the Cross and in The
Apostles’ Creed.
1. T i i e S ig x of t h e C ross.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

2. T h e A po s tle s ’ C reed .
1 believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator
of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, H is only
Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried.
He descended into hell: the third day H e arose
again from the dead: H e ascended into heaven, sit-
teth at the right hand of God, the Father A l­
mighty; from thence H e shall come to judge the
living and the dead. I believe in the H oly Ghost,
the Holy Catholio Church, the communion of
Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of
the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Q. Why w ill man go to heaven i f he perseveres
in prayer?
A. Man will go to heaven if he perseveres in
 18
prayer, because God is infinitely good, has crea>
all men for heaven, and has promised to hear ti»-
prayer.
b. G ood W orks .
f

Q. W ill F a ith alone save m an?

A. Faith alone will not save man, for “ Faith/
it have not works, is dead.” Jas. ii, 17.
Q. H ow docs man perform good works'}
A. Man performs good works by keeping &
Commandments. “ I f you love me, keep my Co;,
mandments." John xiv, 15 .
Q. W hat is H op e?
A . Hope is a divine gift by which man fire'
trusts that God will give him eternal life and £
means to obtain it.
Q. W hat is C harity ?
A. Charity is a divine gift by which man k-
God above all things for Ilis own sake, and t
neighbor as himself, for the love of God.

c. T u b K u l e o f F a it h .
Q. W hat is T h e R ule o f F a ith ?
A. The Rule of Faith is a divine guide wherr
man can infallibly possess revealed truth.
Q. Why is a Ride o f F a ith nccessary ?
A. A L’ule of Faith is necessary: (1 ) to discor
revealed truth; ( 3 ) to preserve purity of doctro
( 3 ) to settle religious controversies with dir:
authority.
Q. W hat is this guide o r R ule o f F a ith witht
vine auth ority?
A. This guide or Hule of Faith with divine t
thority is a teaching body sent by God, and pic
by Him, in leading the faithful to life eternal.
 19
a T iie M o tiv e s of F a it h .
Q JIow has God safeguarded the genuineness
of His Revelation f
\ God has safeguarded the genuineness of Hia
Revelation by Miracles and Prophecies.
Q. What is a M ira cle?
A. A Miracle is an evident, supernatural and
extraordinary effect produced by God for the bene­
fit of Religion.
Q. What is a Prophecy f
A. A Prophecy is an exact prediction of an event
that can be foreseen only by God.
Q. Why should man accept divine R evelation?
A. Man should acccpt divine Revelation because
God neither can nor will deceive.
Q. On what docs man to-day base his F a ith in
?
Revelation
A. Man to-day bases his Faith in Revelation on
the divinity of Jesus Christ, of H is Teaching, and
of His Church.

CHAPTER IV
JESCS CHRIST— IIIS PERSONALITY — HIS MISSION
a. H is P ersonality.
Q. Who is Jesus C hrist?
A. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Second
Person of the Blessed Trinity, true God and true
man.
Q. What is the Blessed T r in ity ?
A. The Blessed Trinity is the union of three
divine Persons in one God. See Matt, xxviii, 19 .
 20
Q. Why is Jesus Christ true God?
A . Jesus C h rist is true G od: (1 ) Because
H im were fulfilled the prophecies made concern^
the M essias; (2 ) Because H e proved H is Divit-
by H is m iracles, especially by H is Resurrect;-
from the dead; (3 ) Because H is Church hast-'
umphed over tho powers of hell as H e predict'
See M att, iii , 1 7 ; Luke iii, 22.
Q. Why is Jesus Christ true man?
A . Jesus C hrist is true man because He hast
human mother, and a human body and soul li
ours. See Luke i, 2G-39; ii, 1 -5 2 ; x x iii,
Q. H ad Jesus Christ a human father?
A . Jesus C h rist had no human fath er: He t.
conceived by the power of the H o ly Ghost. ^
Is . v ii, 1 4 ; Lu k e i, 35.
Q. Who is the Mother of Jesus Christ?
A . The Blessed V irg in M ary is the mother-
Jesus C hrist.
Q. Give an outline of the life of Jesus Christ.
A . The advent of Jesus C hrist was annouii'
by the Angel Gabriel. H is birth in the stable
Bethlehem was proclaimed by Angels to shepher;
H e spent about seven years of H is childhood,
exile in Egypt. U p to H is thirtieth year He u-
lived in seclusion at Nazareth. H is public t
istry lasted three and one-half years. H e lived
poverty and privation, and died on the cross
Mount Calvary on Good F rid a y .
Q. How many natures are there in Jesus Chii
A . In Jesus C hrist there are two natures,:
nature of God and the nature of man. See J;
v i, 7 0 ; v ii, 12.
Q. Is Jesus Christ more than one person?
 21
\ Jesus Christ is but one D ivine Person. See
Matt, x xii, 41-14.
Q Why is there but one person in Jesus Christ?
\ There is hut one person in Jesus Christ be­
cause His human nature never existed independ-
mtlv of His D ivinity, but was united to I t at the
moment H is soul was created. See P s. Jxxi, 1 1 ;
Apoc. i, 5 ; 1 John iv, 3.
Q, What do we call the union of the divine and
the human nature in Jesus Christ?
A. The union of the divine and the human na­
ture in Jesus Christ we call the Incarnation of the
Son of Ciod— “ The Word was made flesh.” John
i. 11.
Q. Ilow many wills are there in Jesus Christ ?
A. In Jesus Christ there are two w ills, a human
anil a divine w ill. See M att, v iii, 2 9 ; ix , 2r.

b. IIis M ission-.
Q. Why did Jesus Christ come into the world?
A. Jesus Christ came into the w orld: (1 ) To
make Atonement to l l i s heavenly Fath er for tho
fins of the world; (2 ) To effect the Kedemption
of the human race from the slavery of S a ta n ; (3 )
To begin the Sanctification of mankind by the A p ­
plication of H is Merits. See I John iii, 8 ; Luke
ii, 1 1 ; x iii, 34; Matt, x x iii, 3 7 ; Ep h . ii, 18.
Q. Why are the merits of Christ infinite?
A. The merits of Christ are infinite because H e
is a Divine Person. See Col. i, 20.
Q. How did Jesus Christ make Atonement for
the fins of the world ?
A. Jesus Christ made Atonement for the sins of
the world by H is suffering and death.
 22
Q. What were the chief sufferings of
Christ ?
A . The chief sufferings of Jesus Christ ti­
l l is bloody sweat, H is cruel scourging, His in.
minious crowning w ith thorns, and H is p aj
death on the cross.
Q. What are the effects of Christ’s triumph <*,
Satan?
A . The effects of C hrist’s trium ph over Sa^
are : (1 ) C hrist became Lord and Master of-
w orld; ( 2 ) H e made it possible for man to bej;.
tified.
Q. What is Justification f
A . Justification is that application of Chrk
merits to man, w h ich : ( 1 ) frees him from;
slavery of S a ta n ; (2 ) gives him spiritual life ;(
makes him a child of God and an heir to the ki;
dom of heaven. See Rom. iv , 2 5 ; v, 18.
Q. What is Sanctification?
A. Sanctification is man’s growth in grace, t
tue, holiness and m erit.
Q. IIoiv is man sanctified?
A . Man is sanctified by avoiding evil, -and
using the means of grace, which C hrist has
him , to do God’s w ill in all things.
Q. What did Jesus Christ to facilitate k
S anctification ?
A . To facilitate man’s Sanctification J-
C hrist did chiefly six thing s: ( 1 ) H e comp!-
divine Revelation, thus clearly indicating thei
to heaven; (2 ) H e promulgated a New Law.
fining how man should make the journey of:
(3 ) He instituted special means of grace, a
Sacraments, to enable all to keep the Law;
 23
followers into a Society, which
H e o r g a n iz e d H i s
H e ca lle d H is Church; ( 5 ) H e gave that Church
the u n e r r in g guidance of the H o ly Ghost in help­
ing all of good w ill to sanctify themselves; ( 6 ) He
promised to watch over that Church to the end of
time.

CH APTER V
TIIK CHURCH — a DIVINE SOCIETY— HER ATTRI-
JU TKS — HER MARKS — TIIE TRUE CHURCH TO-
| DAY
? a. A D iv in e S o c ie ty .
: (). What is the Church?
5 A. Tho Church is a divine society composed of
• all who profess to pay God the debt of Religion as
(prescribed by divine A uthority,
j Q . Of whom in the Church composed?
i A. The Church is composed of all who profess
Jthe faith of Christ, partake of the same Saera-
fments, and are governed by their law ful pastors
under one visible head.
Q. Has the Church a divine and a human ele­
menti
A. The Church has a divine and a human ele­
ment.
Q. Why is the Church divine?
A. The Church is d ivin e: (1 ) Because she is
the mystical body of C h ris t; (2 ) Because she has
Christ for her Founder and spiritual H e ad ; (3 )
Because she has the H oly Ghost for her Soul
or Principle of undying lif e ; (4 ) Because she is
instituted to lead mankind to God. See Col. i, 1 8 ;
Cor. iii, 1 1 ; Eph. iv , 1 5 .
 24
Q. Why is the Church visible and human?
A . The Church is visible and human because■
»
is composed of visible human beings.

b. H e r A t t r ib u t e s .

Q. Which are the inherent Attributes of a din'.

Church ?
A . The inherent Attributes of a divine Chur
are fo u r: A uth ority, In fa llib ility , IndefectibL-
and Necessity.
Q. What do these Attributes mean f
A . These Attributes mean that the true Cher
must ( 1 ) be authorized to act in the name of fo
(2 ) Be preserved by H im from e rro r; (3 ) Last
the end of tim e ; (4 ) Be the gate to heaven ion
of good w ill.
Q. When did Jesus Christ give Ilis divinti
thority to H is Church?
A . Jesus C hrist gave H is divine Authority
H is Church when H e sa id : “ A s the Father ii
sent Me, so I send you.” Jo h n xx, 2 1 .
Q. Why must a divine Church be infaUilli
teaching Faith and Morals?
A . A divine Church must be infallib le in tet
ing F a ith and Morals, because she is intendec
God to lead a ll of good w ill to heaven with dir
certainty.
Q. How is the Church of Christ made infalR
A . The Church which Jesus C hrist establk
is made infallible by the power of the Holy GL
See John x iv , 2 6 ; M att, x x v iii, 20.
Q. Why is the Church of Christ indefectill
A . The Church of C hrist is indefectible:
Because H e sent the H oly Ghost to abide with
 25
♦o the end of tim e; (2 ) Because H e promised to
* wjth her to the consummation of the world.
Soe Matt, xxviii, 20, John x iv , 16.
' q ]j’hy is the Church of Christ accessary to
m ankind? '
\. The Church of C h rist is necessary to man­
kind, because: ( l) N o one can go to the Father
except through Christ ; (2 ) T h is is the only church
instituted by Christ for the salvation of mankind.
Q. Are all, therefore, bound to belong to the
Church which Christ established ?
A. A ll are bound to belong to the Church, which
Christ established, to share in I I is merits and thus
attain life everlasting. See Acts iv , 12.
Q. Can those trho know the Church of Christ be
mred outside of her foh l?
A. Those who know the Church of Christ can­
not be saved outside of her fold. See M att, x v iii,
17.
Q. How can those be saved icho do not know the
Church of Christ?
A. Those who do not know the Church of C h rist
ran be saved by belonging to her in sp irit.
Q. How can a sincere non-Catholic belong to the
Church in spiritf
A. A sincere non-Catholie can belong to the
Church in spirit by having an efficacious desire of
doing all that God has ordained for his salvation;
that is, by Faith, Prayer, Perfect Sorrow for his
;ins, and a Sincere Effo rt to do the w ill of God as
he understands it.
 26
c. H er M akk s .
Q. Are there any Harks by which the C/turd.
Christ can be recognized?
A. There are four M arks by which the Chv
of Christ' may be recognized. I t must be (>.
H o ly, Catholic and Apostolic.
Q. Ilow must the Church of Christ be One!
A . The Church of C hrist must be One in Ft
One in worship, One in obedience, and One is •'
means of grace throughout the world.
Q. How is the Church of Christ Holy?
A. The Church of C hrist is H oly, because: (
H e r Founder, Jesus C h rist, is h o ly; ( 2 ) $
teaches a holy doctrine; (3 ) She invites all toI
a holy lif e ; (4 ) She has aided countless souls toj
tain great holiness.
Q. How is the Church of Christ Catholic.
Universal?
A. T lie Church of C hrist is Catholic or Unit,
sal, because: ( 1 ) She teaches all the doctrit*
Jesus C h ris t ; (2 ) She teaches all nations; (3) S.
subsists in a ll ages; (4 ) She was established
Jesus Christ to bring salvation to all of good »
. Q. Why is the Church of Christ Apostolicl
A. The Church of C h rist is Apostolic, becai.
(1 ) She was founded by Jesus C hrist on I
Apostles; (2 ) She is governed by their Lar
Successors; (3 ) She can never cease to teach ft-
doctrine.
c. T iie T rue C iiu r c ii of T o - day .
Q. What Church of the present day can pr.
her claim to be the divine Church founded •
Jesus Christ?
 27
\ The only Church of the present day which
' ove her claim to be the divine Church estab­
lished by Jesus Christ is thp Catholic Church.
0 . Which is (he Catholic Church?
.* ff j ie Catholic Church is the Church governed
by tiie l ’ope, tiie Bishop of Home.
' q ]Y]ty is (he Catholic Church called Roman?
\ The Catholic Church is called Roman be­
cause the Pope, her Head, resides in Rome.
Q. Why is the Catholic Church the true Church
of Jesus Christ?
A. The Catholic Church is the true Church of
Jesus Christ because: (1 ) She alone has Apostolic
Succession; (2 ) She alone possesses the Attributes
and Marks of the true C h u rch ; (3 ) She alone ex­
ercises that Authority, which is nccessary fo r the
Church of God.
Q. How did the other churchcs, sects and de­
nominations originate?
A. A ll the other churches, sects and denomina­
tions are of Purely Hum an origin.

CH A PTER V I
TOE POPE — TIIE PRIMACY OF PETER — THE IN ­
FALLIBILITY OF THE POPE

a. T iie T o pe,

Q. Who is the Holy Fathc'r or Pope?

A. The Holy Father or Pope is the V isib le Head
of the Church, the Successor of S t. Peter and the
Vicar of Christ on earth.
 28
Q. Why is a visible head necessary f0r,
Church ?
A . A visible head is necessary for the Ch>
to m aintain her U n ity of F a ith , her U nity of R
ship, and her U n ity of Government.
Q. Why must the visible head of the Church-
day be the Successor of St, Peter?
A . The visible head of the Church to-day t
be the successor of St. Peter, because Jesus" Cl-
made S t. Peter The V isible Head of Ilis Cht
b. T iie P rim acy of P eter .
Q. When did Christ promise to make St. Pr
the Head of llis Church?
A . C hrist promised to make S t. Peter the II
of H is Church when H e sa id : “ Thou art 1’.
and upon this rock I w ill build My Church, i
the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. i
I w ill give to thee the keys of the Kingdom
Heaven. Whatsoever thou shalt bind on et-
shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever i
shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heave:
Matt, x v i, 18-19.
Q. When did Christ make St. Peter the 11k ';
Ilis Church?
A . Christ made S t. Peter the Head of E
Church when H e appeared to H is Disciples s:
H is Resurrection, and solemnly said to Sin
P e te r: “ Feed My lambs — feed Sly shec.
John x x i, 15-17.
Q. D id Christ give St. Peter authority over;
other Apostles?
A . C hrist gave St. Peter authority over'
other Apostles.
 29
Q. IF hat Scriptural proofs are there for the
rincipal Scriptural proofs for the P ri-
E, ; c;. of St. l'eter are: (1 ) S t. Matthew (x, 2)
•all'" St. l ’eter the first Apostle; (2) S t. Peter pro-
tjie election of a successor to Judas (A cts
1 , - ( 3 ) St. Peter was the first to preach (A cts 2 ) ;
i-i) The first to perform miracles (A cts 3 ) ; (5 )
The lirst to rebuke c ivil authorities (A cts 4 ) ; (li)
The tirst to receive Gentile converts (A cts 1 0 ) ;
(t ) In the Council of Jerusalem there was much
disputing until Peter spoke, when “ a ll the m u lti­
tu d e held their peace” (A cts 15) ; ( 8 ) When the
Chief l ’astor was in prison, prayers were offered
for his delivery (Acts 1 2).
c. T h e I n f a l l ib il it y of t iie P ope.

Q. ir<w St. Peter infallible in teaching Faith

and Morals?
A. St. Peter was infallible in teaching F a ith
and Morals.
Q. Why is the Pope an infallible tcachcr in
Faith and Morals ?
A. The Pope is an infallible Teacher in F a ith
and Morals because the Attributes of a divine
Church are necessarily found in their fulness in
her headship, which the Pope inherits from S t.
Peter.
Q. When does the Pope teach with the infallible
guidance of the Holy Ghost?
A. The Pope teaches with the infallible guid­
ance of the H oly Ghost only when he acts in his
official capacity as V ica r of C h rist, that is, when
he publicly teaches a doctrine of F a ith or Morals
to be held by all the fa ith fu l.
 30
Q. Who are the successors of the other
A . The successors of the other Apostles an-
Bishops of the Catholic Church.
Q. Why does the Catholic Church use the
Language in the Sacrifice of the Mass andi%
administration of the Sacraments?
A . The Catholic Church uses the Latin, a f.
language, whose words always retain the «
meaning: (1 ) To preserve the original doctrir.
a ll its p u rity ; (2 ) To safeguard the proper JV
of the Sacram ents; (3 ) To obtain clearness t
precision in her Law s.
PVRT I I . T H E C A T H O L IC D O C T R IN E IN
P A R T IC U L A R .

S E C T IO N I . W H A T T H E C A T H O L IC
CHURCH T E A C H E S .

CH A PER I
OX GOD

Q. What does the Catholic Church tcach about

(tod f
A. About God the Catholic Church tcaches as
divinely revealed, th at:
( 1 .) There is one God, infinitely perfect, who
exists of Himself from all eternity.
( 2.) In God there are three persons, Father,
Son and Holy Ghost, equal in all perfections.
( 3.) The Son proceeds from the Father, and
the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Son from
all eternity.
( 4.) God loves to show H is goodness and mercy
to mankind.

CH A PTER II
ON’ CREATION' AND T IIE FALL OF MAX.

Q. What does the Catholic Church teach on the

Creation of the World and the Fall of our First
Parents?
31
 32
A . On the Creation of the W orld and the J,
of our F ir s t Parents, the Catholic Church ta .'
as divinely revealed, th a t:
(1 .) God created all things In time, for:
glory and the welfare of H is creatures.
( 2 .) God created angels and men in ori^
justice, endowed them with intelligence ani<
w ill, and subjected them to a tria l.
(3 .) Th e supernatural joys of heaven were!
the reward of the fidelity of angels and men.
(4 .) Some angels rebelled against God an<U
cast into hell.
(5 .) God gave a man a guardian angel.
( 6 .) M an, tempted by Satan, ate of the for,
den fru it, and lost his right to heaven.
(7 .) H u m a n natu re was weakened but net
6entially changed by O rig inal S in .
( 8.) A ll mankind is descended from Adam,
Eve.
(9 .) God creates every human soul.
(1 0 .) Th e guilt of O riginal Sin is transnr
to the children of Adam by generation.
(1 1 .) God promised mankind a Eedeemer.

CH APTER III
OX REDEMPTION

Q. What does tlic Catholic Church teach a

Redemption of Mankind?
A . On the Redemption of M ankind the Ca:
Church teaches as divinely revealed, th a t:
(1 .) God the Son assumed human nature:
 33
the Virgin Mary, uniting the human and the di­
vine nature in one divine person, Jesus C hrist.
( 2 ) Jesus Christ has a human and a divine
jri!!
(3 ) Jesus Christ died for the Redemption of all

E Mkl)n The merits of Christ are infinite.

( 5.) Jesus Christ rose from the dead and as­
c e n d e d into heaven by I l i s own divine power.
(G.) The V irgin Mary gave the God-Man, Jesus
Christ, His body, and is therefore tru ly the Mother
of God.
( 7.) To make M ary worthy of her D ivine Ma­
ternity, God preserved her from O riginal Sin .
( 8.) In consequence, M ary’s body did not taste
corruption, but was reunited after her death to her
foul, and both taken to heaven.

C H A PTER IV
OX S A X C T I F I C A T I O X *

Q. What docs the Catholic Church teach on the

Sanctification of Mankind?
A. On the Sanctification of Mankind the Cath­
olic Church teaches as divinely revealed, th a t:
( 1 .) In Christ’s merits is salvation for a ll of
pood will.
(2.) Christ established the one, holy, Catholic,
apostolic Church to teach, guide, and govern the
faithful.
(3.) Christ made S t. Peter the Head of H is
Church.
(4.) The Pope is the law ful Successor of St.
Peter.
 34
(5 .) Christ gave H is Church the infajv.
guidance of the H o ly Ghost.
( 6 .) The Catholic Church is the guardiat
revealed truth as contained in divine Trad:-
and Sacred Scripture.
(7 .) The H o ly Ghost keeps the Pope, the \ \
of C hrist on earth, from error when he teach&
doctrine of F a ith and Morals to be held by all.
fa ith fu l.
( 8 .) Public Revelation was completed with.
Apostles.
(9 .) F a ith alone w ill not save man, but p
morals or good works, are necessary.
( 10 .) God gives sufficient grace for salvation
a ll mankind.
(1 1 .) Prayer is tho universal means of oLti
ing God’s help.
( 1 2 .) Christ instituted seven Sacraments
special fountains of grace.
(1 3 .) E ve ry sin can be forgiven.
(1 4 .) Charity unites God’s friends on &•
w ith those in heaven and in purgatory.
(1 5 .) Due veneration of Angels and Saints
pleasing to God.
(1 6 .) I t is a holy thought to pray for the sc
in purgatory.
(1 7 .) Th e pious use of Sacramentals dispose
fo r, and draws down God’s special blessing c:
us.
 35
CH A PTER V
THE LAST THINGS

Q. What docs the Catholic Church teach on the

Last Things f
A. On the Last Things the Catholic Church
teaches as divinely revealed, th a t:
( 1 .) Man’s probation ends with death.
(2.) The Particular Judgm ent follows imme­
diately after death.
(;j.) The good go to heaven and the wicked go
to hell after the Particular Judgm ent.
( I .) Those who are not entirely purified go to
purgatory after the Particu lar Judgm ent.
( 5 .) This world w ill come to an end when God
wills.
((J.) The dead w ill rise again on the L a st Day.
( 7 .) On the Last Day Jesus C h rist w ill come
a^ain to judge the living and the dead.
e ( 8.) After the General Judgm ent the elect w ill
enter life eternal, but the reprobate w ill go into
the everlasting torments of hell.
( 9.) The thought of the L a st Things inspires
man with the fear of the Lo rd and the love of
God.
 36

S E C T IO N I I . W H A T T H E CA TH O LIC
C H U R C H O R D A IN S

CH APTER I
KNOWLEDGE OF TIIE WORD OF GOD

Q. What is the word of God?

A . The word of God is all that God has *
vealed for man’s Salvation.
Q. What does the Knowledge of God’s word:
for man?
A . The Knowledge of God’s word, ( 1 ) EnaV.-
man to know what to believe, what to do, and wfo
means to use to please G od; (2 ) I t moves allt
good w ill to seek to please God.
Q. Is the Knowledge of God’s ivord necessary,
man’s Salvation?
A. Some Knowledge of God’s word is neeessar
to man’s Salvation.
Q. How can man obtain a knowledge of Goi
word?
A . Man can obtain a knowledge of God’s won
( 1 ) B y listening to the Sunday Serm ons; (2) J
reading the Bible and Books of Instruction ; (3
B y consulting his Pastor or Fath er Confessor; (i
B y cultivating the society of intelligent and pra
tical Catholics.
Q. What knowledge of God’s word is essenii;
for man’s Salvation?
A . F o r man’s Salvation it is essential to knot
(1 ) T h a t there is one God, infinitely perfect; (i
T h a t God w ill reward the good and punish £
 37
wicked for ever; (3 ) Th a t in God there are three
divine p erso n s, Father, Son and H o ly G host; (4 )
That Uod the Son became man and died for our
S alvation.
Q What additional knowledge is necessary for
the proper reception of the Sacraments?
A. For the proper reception of tlie Sacraments
it "is besides necessary to know : ( 1 ) T h a t Jesus
Christ established the Catholic Church to lead men
t« heaven; (~) That He instituted seven Sacra-
merits as fountains of grace; (3 ) T h a t God prom­
ised to hear our prayer; (4 ) To have a knowledge
of the Our Father, I la il M ary, Apostles’ Creed,
Ten Commandments, and the S ix Precepts; (5 )
To have a knowledge of the nature of the Sacra­
ment to he received.

CH A PTER II
T in ; I.AW OF GOD

Q. What is the Law of God?

A. The Law of God is the w ill of God, binding
the liberty of man in conscience.
Q. Where is the Law of God summed up?
A. The Law of God is summed up principally in
the Ten Commandments of God and in the S ix
Precepts of the Church.
Q. Which are the Ten Commandments?
A. The Ten Commandments a re :
( 1 .) I am the Lord thy G od; thou shalt not
have strange gods before me.
(2 .) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lo rd
thy God in vain.
 38
(3 .) Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath dn
(4 .) Honor thy father and thy mother.
(5 .) Thou shalt not k ill.
( 6 .) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
(7 .) Thou shalt not steal.
( 8 .) Thou shalt not bear false witness agairj
thy neighbor.
(9 .) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.
(1 0 .) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goo&
Q. Which are the Six Precepts?
A . The S ix Precepts a re :
(1 .) To hear Mass on Sundays and Ilolydavst;
Obligation.
(2 .) To fast and abstain on the days appoint,-;
(3 .) To confess at least once a year.
(4 .) To receive tho H oly Eu ch arist during t1,
Easter time.
(5 .) To contribute to the support of our pt
tors.
( 6 .) Not to m arry non-Catholics, nor those *L
are related to us w ithin the fourth degree of kb
dred, nor privately without pastor and two wr.
nesses, nor to solemnize marriage at forbidde
time.
Q. How did Christ sum up the Law of Oodl
A . C hrist summed up the La w of God in thrr
points: ( 1 ) “ I f any one w ill come after Me, 1-
him deny him self and take up his cross and folio
Me.” M att, x v i, 24. ( 2 ) “ Thou shalt love il
Lo rd thy God w ith thy whole heart, with thy whc-
soul, and with thy whole mind. .(3 ) Thou sh»
love thy neighbor as thyself.” M a tt x x ii, 37.
Q. Tlas the Catholic Church the power to mai
laws that bind man in conscience?
 39
\ The Catholic Church has the power to make
l a w s ' that
bind man in conscience, for Jesus C hrist
rave her that power when H e sa id : “ A s the F a ­
ther bath sent Me, so I also send you.” Jo h n xx,
o] “ I f he w ill not hear the Church, let him be
to thee as the heathen and publican.” Matt, x v iii,
17.
Q. In ti-hat matters can the Catholic Church
bind her subjects in conscience?
A. The Catholic Church can bind her subjects
in conscience in all matters that pertain directly
or indirectly to the salvation of their immortal
souls.

CH A PTER I I I
SIN
Q. What is sin?
A. Sin is any w ilfu l breaking of God’s law.
Q. Which are the Seven Capital sins, or Sources
of sins?
A. The Seven Capital sins, or Sources of sin
are: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony,
envy, and sloth.
1. S ix o f t h e A n g e l s — C o n s e q u e n c e op
T h e ir T r ia l.

Q. 1(7.0 committed the first sin?

A. The rebellious angels committed the first sin.
Q. What are angels?
A. Angels are pure spirits created to adore, love,
and serve God in heaven.
Q. Why did Ood try the angels?
 40
A . God tried the angels that they mighty,
the reward of heaven.
Q. How did God try the angels?
A . God tried the angels by giving them a Cr.
mandment.
Q. What Commandment did God give th ^
gels?
A . I t is a probable opinion that God reveals
the angels tiie mystery of the Incarnation t
commanded them to adore the God-Man. H»
i, vi.
Q. What sin did the angels commit?
A . Some of the angels committed a sin of p-
and disobedience in transgressing God’s
mandment.
Q. What was the consequence of the trial of:
angels ?
A . The consequence of the tria l of the au-
•was that the good angels were taken to her
and the rebellious angels were cast into hell.
Q. What do we now call the rebellious angtk'.
A . We now call the rebellious angels, dene
devils, or bad angels.
Q. Who was the leader of the rebellious angi
A . L u c ife r was the leader of the rebellious t
gels.
Q. What do the bad angels do now?
A . The bad angels oppose the designs of God
tempting man to sin.
Q. What do the good angels do for us?
A . Th e good angels pray for us, oppose the
signs of the devils, and are appointed by God
our “ Guardian Angel.” M att, x v i ii , 10 .
 41
o O r ig is a i < S i x — C o n s e q u e n t ® o f the F all
o f O u r F ir s t P a r e n t s .

Q What is Original Sin?

\ Original S in i s t h e s in we in h e rit fro m
Aiiain, th e F a t h e r o f t h e H u m a n P a c e .
Q In vhat does Original Sin, as we inherit it,
practically consist?
A. Original Sin , as we inherit it, practically
consists in the privation of the friendship of God.
Q. Why do tee inherit the sin of A d a m ?
a! Wo inherit tho sin of Adam because by
(iod’s positive design, revealed to Adam, Adam, as
head of the human race, was to act in the name
of mankind in preserving or losing original ju s­
tice and holiness.
Q. Who were our First Parents?
A. Our first parents were Adam and Eve.
Q. Were Adam and Eve innocent and holy
tr\tn God created them?
A. Adam and Eve were innocent and holy when
God created them.
Q. What commandment did God give Adam and
Eve?
A. To try their obedience, God commanded
Adam and Eve not to eat of a certain fru it which
grew in the Garden of Paradise.
Q. How did Adam and Eve sin?
A. Eve was tempted by Satan under the form
of a serpent, and ate of the forbidden fru it. She
then persuaded Adam to do the same.
Q. What befell Adam and Eve on account of
their sin?
A. On account of their sin, Adam and E ve lost
 42
innocence and holiness and were doomed to ^
ness and death.
Q. Which were the chief blessings intends-
Adam and Eve, had they remained faithfulf
A. The chief blessings intended for Adam c
E ve , had they remained fa ith fu l, were a stjfc
constant happiness in this life , without paa
death, and everlasting happiness in heaven.
Q. W hat do we now inherit from Adam f
A. We now inherit the sin of Adam and its*
ishment, ju st as we would have inherited the u
pincss of our first parents, if they had rem^.
fa ith fu l.
Q. What other effects flow from original A*
A . In consequence of original sin the nah:*
man is corrupted, his understanding darkened,,
w ill weakened, and his whole nature inclinei!
evil.
Q. Who alone was preserved from incur-
original sin?
A . The Blessed V irg in M ary alone was j
served from incurrin g original sin.
Q. W hy was the Blessed Virgin Mary prej"
from incurring original sin.
A. The Blessed V irg in M ary was pres-
from incurring original sin because she was
woman destined to “ crush the serpent’s head'
becoming the Mother of God.
Q. What is this privilege of Mary called1!
A. T h is privilege of M ary is called hex
maculate conception.
 43
3. M o r ta l S in — H e l l .
0 117m? is Adual Sin?
\ Actual sin is an}- w ilfu l thought, desire,
word deed, or omission forbidden by the La w of
(jod.
Q Note is Actual Sin divided?
\ Actual Sin is divided into Mortal Sin and
JVrua/ ‘S*0 -
Q. What t$ Mortal Sin?
A. Mortal Sin is a grievous offense against the
JjtW of God.
Q. lluw is Mortal Sin committed?
A. Mortal Sin is committed by transgressing
the U « ’ of God, (1 ) In a serious or grievous mat­
ter; (* ) While adverting to the gravity of the
transgression; (3 ) And acting w ith a bad w ill.
Q. What are the consequcnccs of Mortal Sin?
A. The consequences of mortal sin a re : (1 )
The loss of sanctifying grace; (2 ) The enmity of
(jod; (3) The slavery of Sa ta n ; (4 ) The penalty
of the torments of hell.
Q. Is Mortal Sin a great evil?
A. Mortal Sin is the greatest evil in the world,
because it robs man of God and heaven, the great­
est good.
Q. Which are the Six Sins against the Iloly
Ghost?
A. The S ix Sins against the H oly Ghost are:
Presumption, Despair, Resisting the known truth,
Envy of another s spiritual good, Obstinacy in sin,
and Final Impenitence.
Q. What do the reprobates suffer in Hell?
A. In Ile ll the reprobates suffer an agony of
 44
rem orse and d espair f o r h a v in g iost eternal V
ness. They are th e slaves o f Satan, imp.'
and to rtu red by an a v e n g in g fire.

4. V e n ia l S ix — P dkgatoky ,

Q. What is Venial Sin?

A . Venial S in is a slight offence again.-
L a w of God.
Q. How is Venial Sin committed?
A . Venial S in is committed by transgress -
L a w of God, ( 1 ) In a light m atter; or (2)1
out sufficient knowledge or fu ll consent of i:..
Q. What are the consequenccs of Venial y
A . The consequences of V en ial Sin art:
The lessening of the love of G od; (2 ) I)i>;,
the soul to mortal s in ; (3 ) The penalty o';
poral punishment.
Q, What is temporal punishment?
A . Temporal punishment is the punisL-
that w ill have an end either in this world or ;
next.
Q. Of what does temporal punishment «■
A . Temporal punishment consists of re;
sickness and reverses'in this life , and of the:
of purgatory in tlie next life.
Q. What is purgatory ?
A . Purgatory is the state in which those:
for a time who die guilty of venial sins, o:
die without having fu lly satisfied for the p:
ment due to their forgiven sins.
Q. How can we satisfy m this life for th.
poral punishment due to sin?
A . In this life we can satisfy for the tei
punishment due to sin by Prayer, Fasting,
 45
i i; br the Spiritual and Corporal 'Works of
a n d by the patient suffering of the ills of

life.
5. J cdgm est, P a r t ic u l a r — G e n e r a l .
'Q. 117.hi trill man be judged?
V Man w ill be ju d g e d a t th e m o m e n t o f d e a t h
and at the end o f th e w o rld .
y. Who trill he man’s judge?.
A . Je su s C h rist w ill be m a n ’s j u d g e .

q. Why trill Jesus Christ judge man?

A . Ji- s u s C h ris t w ill j u d g e m a n b e c a u se H e h a s
ii-ijti'iml d o m in io n o v e r m a n b y p a y in g t h e p r ic e
of liia ransom .
Q. How trill Jesus Christ judge man at the hour
of (hath f
A . Jesus Christ w ill judge man at the hour of
death as Cod.
Q. //or trill Jesus Christ judge man at the end
of the world? .
A. Jesus Christ w ill come w ith great power and
majesty as the God-Man at the end of the world
ami judge angels and men.
Q. Why trill man be judged at the hour of
death f
A . Man will be judged at the hour of death to
receive his reward or punishment.
Q. Why trill man be judged at the end of the
irorldt
A. Man w ill be judged at the end of the ■world
( 1 ) To vindicate the Providence of God before
the world; (2 ) To reward the elect p u b licly; (3 )
To overwhelm the reprobate with public confusion.
 46
Q. What will take place before the G»,
Judgm ent?
A . Before the General Judgment the ra­
tion of the dead w ill take place.
Q. How will the dead rise on the Last
A. The dead w ill rise on the Last Day ti­
the power of God, their Creator.
Q. Why will man's body rise on the Iml I
A. Man’s body w ill rise on the Last D-<
share in tlie reward or punishment, as it slu*
the good or wicked deeds of life.

C H A P T E R IV
CONSCIENCE

Q. What is conscience?
A . Conscience is the judgment of man’s
regarding the m orality of his actions.
Q. Why did God give man a consciencef
A . God gave man a conscience to discern;
from evil, and to judge him self so that Goc
not judge him unfavorably after this life.
Q. How is conscience divided?
A. Conscience is divided into true, right, r
erroneous, and doubtful.
Q. What is a true conscience?
A . A true conscience is one that agrees r:.
m ind of God.
Q. What is a right conscience?
A . A right conscience is one which is sin
dictated according to the La w of God.
Q. What is a wrong conscience?
 47
\ A wrong' conscience is one that is know-
•E ‘jy dictated contrary to the La w of God.
q" U'fiat is an erroneous conscience?
An erroneous conscience is one that is sin­
cerely dictated contrary to the La w of God.
Q. What is a doubtful conscience?
A. A doubtful conscience is that state of mind
jn which man has not sufficient knowledge of a
particular right or duty to form a ju st judgment
of the morality of his action.
Q. Is it right to act with a doubtful conscience f
A. It is n o t r i g h t to a c t w i t h a d o u b t f u l c o n -
Kicnce.
Q. How can man dispose of his doubt?
A. Man can dispose of his doubt, (1 ) B y
further investigation; (2 ) B y following the pre­
sumption in the case, if the doubt s till remains.
Q. What does the presumption favor?
A. Presumption favors ( 1 ) Hum an Lib erty as
Jong as it is not evidently restrained by the La w ‘
of Uod; (2 ) I t then favors the La w u n til Liberty
is evidently freed again.
Q. ll’Aa/ is the first obligation of conscience?
A. The first obligation of conscience is to strive
to form a true conscience.
Q. What hinder the formation of a true con­
sciencef
A. Ignorance, Passion, and H um an Respect
hinder the formation of a true conscience.
Q. What is the result of acting with a right
conscience?
A. The result of acting with a right conscience
is moral goodness or holiness.
 48
CH APTER Y
T H E TEX COMMAXDMEXTS

1. T he F ir s t C o j ij ia x d j ie x t .

Q. What is the First Commandment?

A . Th e F ir s t Commandment i s : I am the I*-
thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods be'-
Me.
Q, What does the First Commandment
mand?
A . The F ir s t Commandment commands m
worship God by acts of fa ith , hope and charitr
prayer and sacrifice.
Q. What does the First Commandment forl-
A . The F ir s t Commandment forbids especa
Idolatry, False W orship, Superstition, Neglw
prayer, all dealings w ith devils, spirit-mcdii
and fortune-tellers, and a ll sins against Fi
Hope and C harity.
Q. Which are the chief sins against Faithf
A. T lie chief sins against F a ith are: ( 1 )
fu l religious ignorance; ( 2 ) W ilfu l Religious
difference; (3 ) M aliciously to deny God; (4)
stinately to refuse to believe H is Revelation;
Not to profess the F a ith openly when cin
stances require it.
Q. What leads to a loss of Faith ?
A . A godless education, reading irreligious
immoral books, attending false worship, ma
ship in un-Catholic societies, im m orality, and
mate association w ith godless and immoral p<
lead to a loss of F a ith .
Q. What are the sins against Hope?
 49
\ The sins against Hope are presumption and
de-pair.
Q Which sins offend against the love of God?
\ \11 sins offend against the love of God, but
e<-vciallj hatred of God and holy things.
Q. Do transgressions against the First Com­
mandment constitute a grievous matter?
\ . T ran sg re ssio n s against the F ir s t Command­
ment generally c o n s titu te a grievous matter.

2. T h e S econd Co m m a n d m e n t .
Q. What is the Second Commandment?
A. The Second Commandment is : Thou shalt
not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Q. H'Aaf does the Second Commandment com -
m andf
A. The Second Commandment commands us
( 1 ) To use the name of God reverently; ( 2 ) To
speak with respect of God, holy persons, and holy
things; (3) To keep our law ful oaths and vows.
Q. ll’Aaf does the Second Commandment for­
bidt
A. The Second Commandment forbids the tak­
ing of God’s name in vain, profane words, blas­
phemy, cursing, false and unjust oaths.
Q. Do transgressions against the Second Com­
mandment constitute a light or a grievous matter?
A. Blasphemy, cursing and perjury constitute a
grievous matter. Taking God’s name in vain and
profane words are ordinarily a light matter.
3. The T h ir d Com m andm ent.
Q. What is the Third Commandment?
A. The Third Commandment is : Remember
that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
 50
Q. Which is the Sabbath d a y ?
A . Saturday is the Sabbath day.
Q. Why do we observe Sunday instead of ?-
day?
A . We observe Sunday instead of Satur^,
cause the Catholic Church, in the Count-.
Laodieea (A .D . 3 3 6 ), transferred the sole-
from Saturday to Sunday. .
Q. Why did the Catholic Church sub-:
Sunday for Saturday?
A . The Church substituted Sunday for Sc
day, because Christ rose from the dead on»>
day, and the H o ly Ghost descended upon the i
ties on a Sunday.
Q. B y ivhat authority did the Church suit1
Sunday for Saturday?
A . The Church substituted Sunday for Si
day by the plenitude of that divine power»
Jesus C h rist bestowed upon her.
Q. What does the Third Commandment
viand?
A . Tho T h ird Commandment commands
sanctify Sunday as the Lo rd ’s Day.
Q. What does the Third Commandment /:
A . The T h ird Commandment forbids (1
omission of prayer and divine worship; (j
unnecessary servile w o rk; (3 ) 'Whatever fc
the keeping of the Lo rd ’s Day holy.
Q. Is the desecration of the Lord’s Day a
ous matter?
A . The desecration of the Lo rd ’s Day is i
ous matter in itself, though it admits of lig!
ter.
 51
4. T u e F o u r th C om m an dm en t.
n What is the Fourth Commandment?
\The Fourth Commandment i s : Honor thy
father and thy mother.
q What Joes the Fourth Commandment com -

f C.^The Fourth Commandment commands, (1 )

Children to love, honor, and obey their P a re n ts;
( 2 ) Parents to provide for the temporal welfare
of their children and give them a Religious Ed u ­
cation; (3) I t deiines the duties of Subjects and
.Superiors.-
Q, What reward did God promise to obedient
children t .
A. Hod has promised a long and happy life to
oMicnt children.
Q. What docs the Fourth Commandment for­
bid i
A. The Fourth Commandment forbids, (1 ) A ll
disobedience, ill-w ill, and contempt of parents, and
other lawful superiors; (2 ) A ll neglect of duty in
parents and other superiors.
Q. Is a transgression against the Fourth Com­
mandment a grievous or a light m atter ?
A. A transgression against the Fourth Com­
mandment may be either a grievous or a light mat­
ter.
5. T h e F if t h C o m m a n d m e n t .
Q. What is the Fifth Commandment?
A. The F ifth Commandment is : Thou shalt
not kill.
Q. What does the Fifth Commandment com­
mand?
 52
A . The F if t h Commandment commands us >•
respect our neighbor’s right to life , liberty t* j
heaven, and to consult our own temporal and ;
itual welfare. t'
Q. What does the Fifth Commandment fork:-
A . The F if t h Commandment forbids the inji-
of our neighbor’s life and liberty, as hatred, r’
venge, angry and contemptuous words, blows, 05.
der; (2 ) In ju r y to our neighbor’s soul, by so;,
dal, leading him into sin or cooperating in (,
s in ; (I!) A ll abuse of our own life and liberty,
excess in eating and drinking, or otherwise inp.
ing our health, and suicide.
Q. Is a transgression against the Fifth Cc-,
mandment a grievous or a light matterf
A . A transgression against the F ift h Comma;;,
ment may be either a grievous or a light matter,

6. T h e S i x t h a n d t h e N i n t h Command
m e n ts.
Q. What is the Sixth Commandment f
A . The S ix th Commandment is : Thou sh.
not commit adultery.
Q. What is the Ninth Commandment ?
A . The N inth Commandment i s : Thou iu
not covet thy neighbor’s w ife.
Q. What do the Sixth and the Ninth Comm'
ments command?
A . The S ix th and N inth Commandments cc
mand us to be chaste in thought, desire, mr
and actions.
Q. What does the Sixth and Ninth Comma
ments forbid?
A . The S ix th and N in th Commandments f
 53
bid all immodesty in thoughts, desires, words and
actions.
0 Is a transgression against the Sixth and
Xinth Com mandm ents a grievous matter?
' \ \ direct transgression ag ainst the S ix th and
Ninth Commandments is always a grievous mat­
ter.
7 T h e S e v e n th a n d T e n t h C om m an dm en ts.
Q. What is the Seventh Commandment?
a ! The Seventli Commandment i s : Thou shalt
not steal.
Q. What is the Tenth Commandment?
A. The Tenth Commandment is : Thou shalt
not covet thy neighbor’s goods.
Q. What do the Seventh and Tenth Command­
ments command?
A. The Seventh and Tenth Commandments
command us to respect our neighbor’s right to his
property in desire and in action.
Q. What do the Seventh and Tenth Command-
mints forbid?
A. The Seventh and Tenth Commandments for­
bid to desire, take, keep, or damage our neighbor’s
goods.
Q. ir/ia/ must he do who has wilfully wronged
his neighbors right to his property?
A. He who has w ilfu lly wronged his neighbor’s
right to his property must make Restitution as
soon as possible.
Q. Is a transgression against the Seventh and
Tenth Commandments a grievous or a light mat­
in f
A. A transgression against the Seventh and
 54
Tenth Commandments may be either a grievoy,
a light matter.
8. T h e E ig h t h C o jijia x d jie x t.
Q. What is the Eighth Commandment?
A . The Eig h th Commandment' i s : Thou th.-
not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Q. does the Eighth Commandment t%
mand?
A . The Eig h th Commandment commands
tell the truth and to be charitable in our words.
Q. What does the Eighth Commandment j.
lid ?
A . The Eig hth Commandment forbids us toL
to our neighbor, or to injure him by calumni.
detractions, violations of secrecy, unjust suspicion
rash judgments, or unkind words.
Q. What must he do who has injured his nil--
lor’s good name?
A . H e who has injured his neighbor’s p
name must undo the harm as soon as possible.
Q. Is a transgression against the Eighth Ct<
mandment a grievous or a light matter?
A . A transgression against the Eighth Ce
mandment may be either a grievous or a light m
ter.

CH APTER V I
TIIE s i x p recep ts o f t h e ch u rc h

Q. Which are, the chief laws which the Chic

has made?
A . The chief laws which the Church has bj
are the S ix Precepts of the Church.
 55
Q Is a transgression of the Prccepts of the
Church a grievous or a light matter?
\ \ transgression of tlie Precepts of the
Church is always a grievous matter.
Q. Why i^o transgression of the Precepts of the
Church always a grievous matter?
A transgression of the Precepts of the
Church is always a grievous matter because the
rrtwpis indicate the lowest standard consistent
with Catholic Practice.
1 . T h e F irst P recept .
Q. What is the First Precept?
A. The First Precept i s : To bear Mass on Su n­
days and Holydays of Obligation.
Q. Why did the Church institute Holydays?
A. The Church instituted Holydays to recall to
our minds the great events in the life of our Lord
md the Saints.
Q. Which are the Holydays of Obligation in the
United States?
A. The Holydays of Obligation in the United
states are:
( 1.) The Circumcision of our Lo rd , Jan u ary
1st.
( 2.) The Ascension of our Lo rd , the fortieth
lay after Easter Sunday.
(3.) The Assumption of our La d y, August 15th.
(■I.) All Saints, November 1st.
(5.) The Immaculate Conception of Our
Blessed Lady, December 8 th.
(C.) Tlie B irth of our Lo rd , December 25th.
Q. How should we Tcecp Holydays of Obliga-
'ion ?
 56
A . We should keep Holydays of Obligat;c.
we should keep Sundays. 6
Q. Why is missing Mass on Sundays and if
days of Obligation a grievous matter?
A . M issing Mass on Sundays and Holtf
of Obligation is a grievous matter because at £
on these days we must unite ourselves to J»
C hrist, our Mediator and High-priest, to oS«
acceptable Sacrifice of Adoration, Thanksgir;
Reparation and Petition to the Eternal Father

2. T iie S econd P kecept .

Q. What is the Second Precept?
A . The Second Precept is to F a st and AW.
on days appointed.
Q. What are Fast-days?
A . Fast-days are days on which we are a!!«
but one fu ll meal.
Q. What are Days of Abstinence?
A. Days of Abstinence are days on which:
use of Flesh-meat is forbidden.
Q. Why are we commanded to fast and aiifc
A . We are commanded to fast and abstain:
T o practice self-denial and thereby bring the £
under the dominion of the S p ir it ; ( 2 ) To dm
ance for our sins.
Q. Why are we commanded to abstain j-
Flesh-meat on Fridays?
A . We are commanded to abstain from Fr
meat on F rid a ys, (1 ) As an act of gratihi
our Saviour who died for us on F rid a y ; ( 2i
do penance for our sins and thereby share is'
merits.
 57
0 I Tho males known to us the days and man-
n ir'of fasting and abstinence?
The Bishop through our Pastors makes
known to us the days and manner of fasting and
abstinence.
Q. Which are the Fast-days and Days of Ab­
stinence in the bnited States?
\. The Fast-days in the United States are : (1 )
The "forty days of l^ent. (2) The V ig ils of Pente­
cost The Assumption, A ll Saints and Christmas.
13 ) '.The Ember Bays. These are the Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday, (a ) after the first Sunday
in Ix'nt, (b) after Pentecost, (c ) after the four­
teenth of September, (d ) after the third Sunday
j in Advent. (1 ) The Frid ays in Advent in the
-/provinces of Baltimore, Philadelphia, New Y o rk
*and Boston.
> 'fije Davs of Abstinence in the U nited States
jsre: (1) A ll Fridays of the year, excepting when
-Christinas falls on a F rid a y ; (2 ) A ll Fast-days.
} Q. Who are dispensed from the Fast prescribed
iby the Church?
o A. The sick, the infirm and those, who labor
thard are dispensed from the Fa st prescribed by the
Church.
Q. What should those do who have doubts about
the law of fasting and abstinence?
A. Those who have doubts about the laws of
fasting and abstinence should consult their Pastor
or Confessor.
3. T iie T h ik d P bec ept .
Q. What is the Third Precept?
A. The Third Precept is : T o confess our sins
at least once a year.
 58
Q. W hy does the Church command us to r
fess at least once a year?
A . The Church commands us to confess at
once a ye a r: (1 ) To warn us against preset
on the mercy of God, which is a sin against
H oly G host; (2 ) To induce us to live Christ
lives.
Q. A t what age must parents prepare theird.
dren to go to confession?
A . Parents must prepare their children for ^
fession when the children learn to disting^
right from wrong, that is, when they are si,'
seven years old.

4. T iie F o urth P r ecept .

Q. What is the Fourth Precept?
A . The Fo urth Precept is : To receive H,
Communion during Easter-time.
Q. What is the Easter-time in the JJk
S tates?
A . The Easter-tim e in the United States I*-
with the first Sunday of Le n t and ends with Tr.
ity Sunday.
Q. Why does the Church command us to rut
Holy Communion during Easter-time?
A . The Church commands us to receive H.
Communion at Easter-time, (1 ) Because Cb
gave us a pledge of eternal life by H is liesur:
tion on Easter-Sunday; (2 ) To warn us than
forfeit our claim to this pledge if we neglect to-
eeive H im during this time.
 59
5. T h e F if t h P r ec ept .
q What is the Fifth Precept?
\ The Fifth Precept is : To contribute to the
support of our Church, School and Pastor.
q || 7, d o e s the Fifth Precept command ?
Tlie Fifth Precept commands us to con­
tribute according to our means to the support of
iMigion.
Q Why should tee contribute to the support of
r.rti'jion f
.A. We should contribute to the support of Re­
ligion, because, (1 ) Every society must supply its
0«n want; (2 ) Because Religion is impossible
without Church, School and P a sto r; (3 ) Because
tJiO school is the Nursery of the P a ris h ; (4 ) Be­
cause the laborer is worthy of his hire ; ( 5 ) Because
the Sacrifice of Material Offerings disposes us for
Spiritual Blessings.

C. The S ixth P recept — I m p e d im e n t s — D is ­

pensation' s — D ivorce — S e p a r a t io n ,
a . I m pe d im e n t s to M a r r ia g e .

Q. What is the Sixth Prccept?

A. The Sixth Precept is : X o t to m arry non-
Catholics; nor to marry those who are related to
us within the fourth degree of k in sh ip ; nor to sol­
emnize marriage at forbidden tim es; and not to
marry except in the presence of a duly appointed
p,i>tor and two witnesses.
Q. What does (he Sixth Prccept command?
A. The Sixth Precept commands Catholics ( 1 )
To marry Catholics; (2 ) Who are not related to
thi’in within the fourth degree of k in sh ip ; (3 )
Before their pastor and two witnesses; (4 ) D u r­
 60
ing the open season of the y e a r; (5 ) Aft?*,
triple publication of the banns; ( 6 ) W ithti*[
emn Blessing of the Church.
Q. What is a Marriage Impediment?
A . A marriage impediment is a prohibits
God or H is Church forbidding certain marrV
Q. Why should Catholics marry Catholicsf
A . Catholics should m arry Catholics to 5.
guard their own spiritual welfare and that oft
children.
Q. Why should persons not marry near r
tivcs?
A . Persons should not m arry near relative
cause such marriages are unnatural and li>-.
h urtfu l effect on tho physical welfare of the*,
dren.
Q. Why must Catholics marry in the pry.
of their Pastor and two witnesses?
A . Catholics must m arry in the presen«
their Pastor and two witnesses to safeguard
general welfare of Religion.
Q. What is the open season for marriages f
A . The open season for marriages extends ?-
the seventh of Ja n u a ry to Ash-Wednesday, i
from the first Sunday after Easter to the:
Sunday in Advent.
Q. Why does the Church require a triple p.
cation of the Banns?
A . The Church requires a triple publicatic:
the Banns to discover whether any impedfe
exist to the marriage.
Q. What is the Marriage Blessing?
A. The Marriage Blessing is a most spe
 61
ife -in " which the Church imparts only to Cath-
who are married at a X u p tia l Mass.
Q 117,fti does a Catholic contract an invalid
' ' f l Catholic contracts an invalid marriage by
cirrving without the necessary dispensation: ( 1 )
V iVrson not baptized; (2 ) A person related with­
in the fourth degree of k in sh ip ; (3 ) B y m arrying
('•i'or«i#e than before the parish-priest and two
( ! ) By marrying when any other in-
u!u!atiug impediment exists.
u. D ispensation ' s .
Q. What is a Marriage Dispensation ?
\ . A Marriage Dispensation is an exemption
to marry contrary to tlie laws of the Church.
Q. from whom must a Marriage Dispensation
If obtained?
A. A Jfarriage Dispensation must be obtained
from the Bishop of the diocese in which the parties
lire.
Q. Is a grace reason necessary to ash for a Mar­
riage Dispensation ?
A. A grave reason is necessary to ask for a M ar­
riage Dispensation.

c. D ivorce — S epa r atio n .

Q. What is Divorce?
A. Divorce is the dissolving of the marriage
bond.
Q. Can man grant a Divorce valid in the sight
of Godf
A. Xo man can grant a Divorce valid in the
sight of God, for Christ sa id : “ W hat God hath
 62
joined together, let no man put asunder.” y.
x ix , 6 .
Q. What is a Separation?
A . A Separation is a suspension of the t»
marriage relation.
Q. What cause suffices for a temporary S>y
tion ?
A . M utual consent for the sake of health !
Hess,.and the like, suffices for a temporary
tion.
Q. What cause justifies a permanent S'x
tion?
A . Infidelity, and grave danger of corpou
spiritual harm justifies a permanent Scparatk;
Q. Should Catholics consult their Pastor I-
taking this extreme step?
A . Catholics should consult their Pastor l»
taking this extreme step.
Q. When may a Catholic have a permr
Separation ratified by a Civil Divorce?
A . A Catholic may have a permanent Sc;
tion ratified by C iv il Divorce when legal
must be safeguarded.
Q. Is a Catholic in the United Stales bout;,
consult Ecclesiastical Authority before apf-.
for a Civil Divorce?
A . A Catholic in the United States is bout:
consult Ecclesiastical A uthority before app-
for a C iv il Divorce. (See I I I Plen. Cone, i
n. 126.)
Q. Dare Catholics ever regard a divorced pr­
os eligible to marriage?
A. Catholics dare not regard divorced pes
 63
• t'li', iWe to marriage unless their former mar-
^ „ e ha» boon declared n u ll and void by tiie E c ­
clesiastical Court.

CH APTER V II
THE EVANGELICAL COUNSELS — VOCATION
Q. What are the Evangelical Counsels f
The Evangelical Counsels are our Saviour’s
um iifl* to practice voluntary Poverty, virginal
Chastitv, and i>erfect Obedience out of love for
GoJ.
Q. Win/ arc they called Evangelical Counsels?
A. They are called Evangelical Counsels be­
cause they are recorded by the Evangelist.
Q. Dots the practice of the Evangelical Coun-
s(lf lead to the summit of Christian Perfection?
A. The practice of the Evangelical Counsels
does lead to the summit of Christian Perfection.
Q. How dots the practice of the Evangelical
Counsels lead to the summit of Christian Perfec­
tion t
A. The practice of the Evangelical Counsels
leads to the summit of Christian Perfection by
r e m e d y in g the three great sources of moral evil,
which’ ^t. John calls “ the concupiscence of the
eves, the concupiscence of the flesh, and the pride
of life."
Q. Who should embrace the Evangelical Coun­
sels?
A. Only those should embrace the Evangelical
Counsels who have received a special Vocation
from God.
 64
Q. What are the general signs of a divine IV
tion to a particular state in life?
A . The general signs of a divine Vocation t
particular state in life a re : (1 ) A constant desb
sanctify oneself in that state; ( 2 ) Mental, ^
physical fitness;* (3 ) The absence of impedi***
to that state.,
Q. IIow many kinds of divine Vocation t
there?
A . There are four kinds of divine Vocatk-.
(1) To the Clerical S tate; (2 ) To the Reljp'
S tate ; (3 ) To the L ife of V irg in ity in the \Yo.v
(4 ) T o the M arried State.
Q. Which is nobler, the Married State or f.
ginity?
A . V irg in ity is nobler than the Married Sir
See I Cor. v ii, 1 —10 .
Q. What is a necessary and sure preparation
a divine Vocation?
A. A pure and devout life is a necessary t
sure preparation for any Vocation.

S E C T IO N I I I . T H E S P I R I T U A L A ID S Fi'
T E R E D B Y T H E CHURCH

CH APTER I
ON GRACE
Q. What can man do when left to his nalt-
strength ?
A . When le ft to his natural strength mans
live only a natural, human life.
 65
Q What does man need to live the life of a
, ^,' f of God f
\ To live the life of a child of God man needs
the grace of God.
Q. What is Grace?
\ Grace is a divine help given to man, through
the merits of Christ, for his salvation.
Q. What claim has man on God’s help?
X. Man's only claim on God’s help rests on the
and Promises of God and the Merits of
his Saviour.
Q. //on* may man dispose himself for the grace
of d u J i
,\. Man disposes himself for the grace of God
j,v observing the Law of God as far as he knows
it, and by practicing charity towards his neighbor.
Q. How is grace divided?
A. Grace is divided into Sanctifying and Actual
Grace.
Q. What is Sanctifying Grace?
A. Sanctifying Grace is that grace which makes
nan holy and pleasing in the sight of God. I t is
also railed Habitual Grace, and the Grace of Jus-
tification.
Q. How may man obtain Sanctifying Grace?
A. Man may obtain Sanctifying Grace (1 ) B y
receiving the Sacraments of Baptism and Pen­
ance; ( 2 ) By perfect sorrow for his sins and
ardent desire to do whatever God has ordained for
his salvation.
Q. How docs man lose Sanctifying Grace?
A. Man loses Sanctifying Grace by committing
any mortal sin.
 66
Q. What is Actual Grace?
A. Actual Grace is a transient help 0f i
which enlightens the mind, and moves the t
perform virtuous actions.
Q. Can man neglect the grace of God?
A . Man can, and unfortunately often does ■
lect the grace of God.
Q. What is the Grace of Perseverance?
A . The Grace of Perseverance is a chain of
tual Graces which enables man to persevere i*"
friendship of God u n til death.
Q. How can man obtain the grace of Godt
A . Man can obtain the grace of God bv Pn
the devout reception of the Sacraments,' as-
pious use of the Sacramentals.

CH APTER II
T IIE SACRAMENTS
Q. What are the great means institute
Christ to give grace?
A . The great means instituted by Christ to;
grace are the Sacraments.
Q. What is a Sacrament?
A. A Sacrament is an outward sign instir
by C hrist to give grace.
Q. How many Sacraments are there?
A. There are seven Sacraments.
Q. Which are the seven Sacraments?
A . The seven Sacraments a re : Baptism,
flrmation, H oly Eu ch arist, l ’enance, Er.
Unction, H o ly Orders, and Matrimony.
 67
Q Why did Christ institute seven Sacraments?
A* C h rist in s t it u t e d se v e n Sacraments to sup-
!v jjie seven spiritual wants of mankind.
g Which are the seven spiritual wants of man-

h\ The seven spiritual wants of mankind are:

( I ) S p iritu a l life ; ( 2 ) The perfection of spiritual
life;^(3) Nourishment for the spiritual lif e ; ( 4 )
\ ti‘Hiaiv f° r spiritual disease and death; ( 5 )
SiRtial provision for the journey to E te rn ity ; ( 6 )
Power anil strength to m inister in tlie name of
C hrist; ( ' ) Special grace to bring up children for
heaven.
Q. What graces do the Sacramcnts give?
A. Every Sacrament gives a special grace, and
all give, or” increase Sanctifying Grace.
Q. ll'W special graces do the Sacraments give?
A. The special graces which the Sacraments
give is a right to those actual graces that are nec­
essary to attain the end for which Christ instituted
each "particular Sacrament. T h is special grace is
called Sacramental Grace.
Q. Which Sacraments were instituted to give
Sanctifying Grace?
A. B ap tism a n d Penance were i n s t i t u t e d to g iv e
S an ctify in g Grace.
Q. Which Sacraments were instituted to in­
crease Sanctifying Grace?
A. Confirmation, Ilo ly Eu ch arist, Extrem e
Unction, Holy Orders and Matrimony were insti­
tuted to increase Sanctifying Grace.
Q. Which Sacraments can he received but once?
A. Baptism, Confirmation and H oly Orders can
be received but once.
 68
Q, Why can Baptism, Confirmation and fir,
Orders be received but once?
A . Baptism , Confirmation and H oly Orders ^
be received but once, because these Sacrament* t ■
ways attain their end by one reception, andthtv
fore im print a character on the soul that w illy
forever.
Q. IIow do the Sacraments produce their r
fed ?
A . The Sacraments produce their effect thro;-
the power of C h rist, as long as we placc no oW+
cle in the way.
Q. Which is the ordinary place for the admit,,
tration and reception of the Sacraments?
A . The Church is the ordinary place for the t;.
m inistration and reception of the Sacraments.
Q. What sin is it to receivc a Sacrament f
worthily?
A . I t is a sacrilege to receive a Sacrament t:
worthily.
1. B a p t is m .
Q. What is Baptism?
A . Baptism is a Sacrament which frees us ft-
original sin, makes us children of God, brethren
Christ, and co-heirs with H im of the Kingdom
Heaven.
Q. Does Baptism ever remit actual sin?
A . Baptism remits actual sin whenever the pr
son baptized is guilty of any.
Q. Is Baptism necessary for Salvation?
A . Baptism is necessary fo r Salvation, !
Christ says: “ Unless a man he born again
water and the H oly Ghost he shall not enter t
kingdom of heaven.” John iii, 5.
 69
Q. Who can baptize?
Anv person, having the use of reason, can
baptize.
Q. Who is the ordinary minister of baptism?
A. The Parish-Priest is the ordinary minister
of baptism.
Q. ll’Acn should a lay person baptize? *•
A. A lay jwrson should baptize when there is
danger of death before a priest can arrive.
Q. How is baptism given ?
A. Baptism is given by pouring water on the
j;t.aj 0f the person to be baptized and saying
whilst pouring: " I baptize you in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost." See Matt, x x v iii, 19.
Q. What should be done if a child, that has re­
ceived private baptism, recovers?
A. When a child, that lias received private bap-
tism, recovers, it should be brought to the Church
that the Pastor may supply the canonical Prayers
and Exorcisms.
Q. IIow can the Baptism of Water be supplied?
A. The Baptism of Water can be supplied by
the Baptism of Desire and the Baptism of Blood.
Q. What is the Baptism of Desire?
A. The Baptism of Desire is the desire of Bap­
tism of Water, which is included in an act of per­
fect love of God.
Q. What is the Baptism of Blood?
A. The Baptism of Blood is the shedding of
one's blood for Christ’s sake, as many of the early
martyrs did.
Q. What do we promise in Baptism?
 70
A . In Baptism we promise, (1 ) To renoasj
Satan, all his works and pomps; (2 ) To ben*,
fa ith fu l to Jesus C h rist and H is Church.
Q. What are the works and pomps of Satanf
A . The works and pomps of Satan are sin tv
its Proxim ate Occasions.
J.}. Why are Sponsors given in Baptism?
A . Sponsors are given in Baptism , ( 1 ) Th;
they may make the necessary promises when i
child is baptized; (2 ) T h a t they may watch ore
the spiritual welfare of the baptized person.
Q. What impediment to marriage is contract«
foj Baptism?
A . B y Baptism the impediment of Spiritual i 1.
finity is contracted, which forbids marriage U
tween the sponsors and the person baptizing t;
the one side, and the person baptized and b
parents on the other.
Q. Why is the name of a saint given in lit;,
tism ?
A . The name of a saint is given in Baptism t
place the person baptized under the special p*.
tection of that saint, and to encourage him to in,
tate the virtues of that saint.

2. C o n fir m a t io n .
Q. What is Confirmation?
A . Confirmation is the Sacrament which in­
parts to baptized persons the grace of the Hr
Ghost to profess and practice their faith.
Q. Who is the ordinary minister of Confim
tion ?
A . The Bishop is the ordinary m inister of Cc-
firmation.
 71
Q Iloa does the Bishop administer Gonfirma-
^A^The Bishop, (1 ) Extends his hands over all
that'are to be confirmed and prays that they may
revive the Holy Ghost; (2 ) H e then anoints the
forehead of each with H oly Chrism in the form
of a cross and says, “ I sign thee with the Sign
of the Cross, and 1 confirm thee with tlie Chrism
of Salvation, in the name of the Father, and of
the'son and of the H oly G host” ; (3 ) H e gives
those confirmed a slight blow on tlie cheek to re­
mind them that they must be ready to suffer any­
thing for the faith of C h ris t; (4 ) He concludes by
imparting to them his Episcopal Blessing.
Q. Ilow must Confirmation be received?
A. Confirmation m ust be received in tlie state
of grace.
Q. What knowledge should a person to be con-
finned possess?
A. A person to be confirmed should know the
mysteries of faith, the duties of a Christian, and
the nature and effects of this Sacrament.
Q. Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation?
A. It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially
now when Faith and Morals are exposed to so
many and violent temptations.
Q. Which are the Seven Gifts of the Holy
Ghost?
A. Tlie Seven G ifts of the H oly Ghost are:
Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude,
Knowledge, Piety and Fe ar of the Lord.
 72
3. T h e H o ly E u c h a r is t — a. I t s Ixs^
t io x .
Q. What is the Holy Eucharist?
A. The H oly Eucharist is, ( 1 ) The Saeru-
which contains the Body and Blood, Soul as.]' =
v in ity of Jesus C hrist, under the appears^
bread and v in e ; ( 2 ) The Sacrifice of the !i.
Law .
Q. When did Christ promise the Holy £t-,
rist ?
A . Christ promised the H oly Eucharist t'.
the miraculous m ultiplication of bread, aW.
year before H e died. “ I am the living I-,
which came down from heaven. I f any maj.
of this bread, lie shall live for ever; and the
that I w ill give is My flesh, for the life of;
world.” John v i, 51-52.
Q. When did Christ institute the Holy Eu-
rist?
A . Christ instituted the H oly Eucharist ah
L a st Supper, the night before H e died.
Q. Who were present when Christ instituted:
Holy Eucharist P
A . When C hrist instituted the H oly Eucha:,
the twelve Apostles were present.
Q. How did Christ institute the Holy Et-:
rist ?
A. Christ took bread, blessed, broke and ga%
H is disciples, saying : “ Take ye and eat, ths
M y Body.” H e then took a cup of -wiise i
blessed it, saying: “ D rin k ye a ll of th is : for:
is My Blood of the New Testament, which k
be shed for many unto remission of sins. . ,
 73
nn this in commemoration of Me.” M a tt xx v i,
j " s s ; Luke x x ii, 19.
Q ir*y did Christ institute the Holy Eucha-
* t f

Christ instituted the H oly Eu ch arist, (1 )

a token of H is love, by abiding with us on our
\ltars- (2) As food for our souls and as a pledge
of o u r ’ fu t u r e glory in H oly Communion; (3 ) As
a Memorial of H is death and the lasting Sacrifice
of the N e w Law.

u. T k.ix s i *ijstan-t u t i o x — T he R ea l P res­

en ce.

Q. What is Transubslantiation ?
A. Transubstantiation is the changing of the
substance of bread and wine into the substance of
the lknly and Blood of Jesus C hrist.
Q. When was the substance of bread and trine
first changed into the substance of the Body and
Blood of Christ f
A. The substance of bread and wine was first
changed into the substance of the Body and Blood
of Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, when He said:
“ T his is M y B ody — T h is is M y B lood.”
Q. How is Transuhstantiation effected?
A. Transuhstantiation is effected by the al­
mighty power of Jesus C hrist.
Q. 1Yhat remained of the bread and wine after
Christ said: “ This is M y Body — This is M y
11loot! " t
A. After Christ said: “ T h is is My Body —
This is My Blood,” the accidents, or appearances,
of bread and wine alone remained.
 74
Q. What are the accidents, or appearance
bread and wine?
A . The accidents, or appearances, of bread t
wine are whatever appears to the senses, as f.
taste, shape and the like.
Q. Is Christ whole and entire, both unit,-
form of bread and under the form of wine?
A . Christ is whole and entire, both undi-r«
form of bread and under the form of wine.
Q. Why is Christ whole and entire, both i-
the appearance of bread and under the appoint
of wine?
A . C hrist is whole and entire both under ■ „
appearancc of bread and under the appcaranit
wine, because in I l i s Living Personality His
and Blood are united.
Q. When did Christ make the Apostles pi',
and give them the power to transubstantiatei
A. Christ made I l i s Apostles priests and p
them the power to transubstantiate, when lie si
“ Do this in commemoration of Me.” Luke u.
19.
Q. When does the priest to-day change b.
and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ!
A . The priest to-day changes bread and i.
into the Body and Blood of Christ at the Cto-
cration of the Mass.
Q. Is the Holy Eucharist preserved on our {
tars?
A. T lie H o ly Eu ch arist is preserved on our i
tars.
Q. What do we call the Holy Eucharist rl
preserved on our Altars?
A . We call the H oly Eu ch arist, when present
 75
onr .\Itars, r / if /‘Va/ Presence or 17/c Blessed
- Q „ ; iy , j {he Blessed Sacrament kept on our
^ ^ T lie Blessed Sacrament is kept on our A l-
urs*( ! ) T ° 1)6 adored by the fa ith fu l; (2 ) To be
nve’n in Holy Communion; (3 ) To be our Em -
csiiuel or God-With-Us to the end of the world.
c. H oly C o m m u n io n .

Q. What is Holy Communion f

\ Holy Communion is the receiving of Jesus
Christ inithe Sacrament of the llo ly Eucharist.
Q. lloic is Jesus Christ received in Holy Com-
1HUUWU ?
A. In Holy Communion Jesus C hrist is re*
iviud whole and entire; Ilis Body and I l i s Blood,
Jlis Soul anil H is D ivinity.
Q. What are the chief benefits of Holy Com-
vi union?
A. The chief benefits of H oly Communion a re :
(1) Union with Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of
His Love; (2) The reception of countless graces to
enable us to avoid evil and to do good; (3 ) The
cleansing of our nature from the dross of s in ; (4 )
A pledge of a glorious Resurrection and life ever­
lasting.
Q. What must we do to receive Holy Com­
munion worthily?
A. To receive Holy Communion w orthily we
must be in the state of grace and be fasting from
midnight.
Q. How can we recover the grace of God, if we
art i‘n mortal sin f
 76
A . I f we are in mortal sin, we can recoT?.
grace of God by a good confession.
Q. What does the fast necessary for Hohr.
munion prescribe?
A . The fast necessary for H o ly Cornu-
prescribes that we take nothing as food or £
from midnight to the time of H o ly C<jnnmmC.'
Q. How long does the Real Presence r»-
ivith us in Holy Communion?
A . Tbe Real Presence remains with us in 5
Communion u n til the Sacred Species, or the,
pearances of bread and wine are destroyed.
Q. When is a Catholic allowed to receive E
Communion when not fasting?
A . A Catholic is allowed to receive Holy f,.
munion when not fasting when he is in dang»
death from sickness or accident.
Q. What is the dispensation in favor of ft
suffering from a lingering illness?
A . The dispensation in favor of those suffer;
from a lingering illness is that they may m-
H oly Communion occasionally when not fastiy
Q. What is required to receive Holy Corns;
ion daily?
A . To receive H o ly Communion daily, it is ;■
essary, (1 ) T o be in the state of grace; (2j;
have a right intention; (3 ) To be guided bjj
Father Confessor.
Q. What should we do to receive plentifully,
graces of Holy Communion?
A . To receive plentifully the graces of E:
Communion we should strive to overcome del
erate venial sins, perform acts of self-denial, c
 77
E1ke acts of lively faith, firm hope, and of ardent
lo v e .
0 Hoir much, l'me should we spend in ador-
siio'n. pttition and thanksgiving after H oly Com-
r:L\ ‘°\lter Holy Communion we should spend at
Us~t a quarter of an hour in adoration, petition
*ml thanksgiving.
y H7ien are tee bound to receive Holy Com-
nunion under pain of mortal sin f
\. We are bound to receive H oly Communion
'jfiili'r pain of mortal sin during the Easter-timo
snd "bin we are in danger of death.
Q, Why docs the Church give Communion to
the Idity only under the form of bread ?
A. The Church gives Communion to the L a ity
rniv under the form of bread principally to em-
i.!ia‘ ize the doctrine of the Ileal Presence of Jesus
Christ, whole and entire, under each form.

d. The S a c rific e o f t h e N e w L a w .
Q. How do we call the Holy Eucharist as the
Sacrifice of the New Law ?
A. As the Sacrifice of the New La w we call the
Holy Eucharist the -Mass.
Q. What is the Mass?
A. The Mass- is the unbloody Sacrifice of the
IVnly and Blood of Christ.
Q. What is a sacrifice?
A. A sacrifice is the offering of an object by a
priest to God alone, and the destroying of it as the
Mipreme act of adoration, thanksgiving, petition
and reparation.
 78

Q. Is a sacrifice necessary to pay Goi

debt of religion? '
A . A sacrifice is nceessary to pay God •
debt of religion.
Q. When did Christ institute the Sacri
the Mass?
A . Christ instituted tlie Sacrifice of the Y
at the La st Supper, when He said to the Apr*
“ Do this in commemoration of Me.” Liik^
19.
Q. IIow did the prophet Malachy fortit.
Sacrifice of the Mass?
A . Th e prophet Malachy foretold the Sj.-
of the Mass when he sa id : “ From the risi-
the sun even to the going down, my name isj
among the Gentiles, and in every place is Sacr.
and there is offered to my name a clean obla'
M ai. i, 11.
Q. W hat did the Hebrews understand hy {
oblation?
A. B y clean oblation the Hebrews understa
sacrifice of bread and wine.
Q. Are the Last Supper, the Sacrifice c/
Cross, and the Sacrifice of the Mass one ans
same Sacrifice?
A . The L a st Supper, the Sacrifice of the C:
and the Sacrifice of the Mass are one and ties
Sacrifice.
Q. W hy are the Last Supper, the Sacrifc
the Cross, and the Sacrifice of the Mass ont
the same Sacrifice?
A . The L a st Supper, the Sacrifice of tlie C:
and the Sacrifice of the Mass are one and thes
 79
c^.ritu'-e because the V ictim and the P rie st, Jesus
thrift, is the same iu all three.
0 i/oir do (lie Sacrifice of the Cross and the
Orifice of the Mass differ?
\ The Sacrifice of the Cross and the Sacrifice
of the Mass differ in three w ays: (1 ) The Sac-
rii'i-e of the Cross was bloody, the Sacrifice of the
Mi'S is an unbloody and commemorative Sacri-
I V (») (ln ’ he Cross Jesus C lirist offered H iin -
-If*bv Himself, in the Mass H e oilers H im self
Tv the hands of the m inistering P rie s t; (3 ) On
the Cross Christ merited our salvation, in the Mass
He applies H is merits to the fa ith fu l.
q which is the best manner of assisting at
Miss?
A. The best manner of assisting at Mass is to
uller it to (iod in union w ith the priest, to medi­
tate on Christ’s suffering and death, and to re­
vive Holy Communion.
Q. Why arc Ceremonies used in divine worship?
A. Ceremonies are used in divine worship, be­
cause: (1 ) They are prompted by tho human
heart: (2 ) They raise the mind and heart to God;
(;!) They are pleasing to God.
Q. Were the Iiitrs and Ceremonies of the Mass
instituted by Christ or by the Church?
A. The Hites and Ceremonies of the Mass were
instituted by the Church.
Q. What do the Ceremonies of the Mass repre­
senti
A. The Ceremonies of the Mass represent the
details of the Sacrifice of Calvary. (F o r an ex­
planation of the Ceremonies of the Mass, sec
••TH E M IS S IO N R E M E M B R A N C E ,” pages
30-79.)
 80
4. P exaxce — T h e F o r g iv e n e s s o f Sis
T he P o w e r o f t h e K ey s.
Q. What is Penance?
A . Penance is the Sacrament in which sins^
mitted after Baptism are forgiven.
Q. How does the Sacrament of Penanct <■
give sins?
A . T lie Sacrament of Penance forgives (.
through the Absolution of the Priest.
Q. When did Jesus Christ give the print ■;
power of forgiving sins ?
A . Jesus C hrist gave the priest the po\re-
forgiving sins when H e sa id : “ Whose sins.
shall forgive, they are forgiven them ; whoses.
you shall retain, they are retained.” Jno. xi,t
Q. W hy did Christ delegate the power of j:
giving sins?
A . C hrist delegated the power of forgivingt-
because: (1 ) H e is infinitely m e rcifu l; ( 2) [
knowing the weakness of human nature, and:
temptations and allurements to sin, saw that i.
would be committed after the reception of Be
tism ; (3 ) H e wished to give every repentant i
ner an occasion of reconciliation and the cerhi-
of divine pardon.
Q. W hat consolation does the Sacrament of fi­
ance give to a repentant soul?
A . The Sacrament of Penance: (1 ) Givesi
vine certainty to the repentant soul that pasts;
are forgiven; (2 ) I t gives peace and joy in rer
ciling the soul to G od; (3 ) I t infuses courageu
hope to serve God fa ith fu lly in the future.
Q. W hy is the power of forgiving sins callcdI
Power of the K eys?
 81
K. The power of forgiving sins is called the
PnVer of The Keys, because, when promising it,
Chri't said to St. P e te r: “ I w ill give to thee the
l a s of the Kingdom of Heaven." M att, x v i, 19.
5. A u r ic u l a r C o x f e s s i o x .
Q. What is Confession?
\ Confession is the telling of our sins to the
priest of God to obtain forgiveness.
Q. What testimony have we that Auricular Con-
f'fiion was practiced in the early Church?
A. We have the testimony of the Fathers of the
Church 'lint A uricular Confession was always
practiced in the early Church, for example: (1 )
St. John - f 101: “ i f we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from iniquity.” (2 ) S t. Cyprian
4 _ 057 : “ Jyet each confess his sins, and the satis­
faction and remission made through the priest are
pleasing before the Lord.” “ Confession is made
with inquiry into the life of him who is doing
penance, nor may anyone come to Communion, ex­
cept the hand shall have been imposed on him by
the clergy.” • • • (3 ) S t, A thanasius-----f- 373:
•• He who confesses in Penance, receives through
the priest, by the grace of C hrist, the remission of
his sins.” (4 ) St. Ambrose---- f- 397: “ The poi­
son is sin ; confession is the remedy.” “ God
promised mercy to all and granted his priests per­
mission to loose all without exception.”
Q. What must the penitent do to obtain for­
giveness?
A. To obtain forgiveness the penitent must (1 )
Eiamine his conscience; (2 ) Be sorry for his sin s;
(3) Resolve never more to offend G od; (4 ) Con­
 82
fess his sins to the p rie st; (5 ) Perform the?
ance that the'priest imposes.
Q. H ow can the penitent easily examine H--
science?
A . Th e penitent can easily examine his *
science by consulting the “ Examination o{
science ” in his Praverbook. (See TH E V;
S IO N R E M E M B R A N C E , page« 269, 271,?
Q. W hat motives may prom pt the sinner (s>
repentance?
A . The motives that may prompt a sicj»
true repentance, are, the Fear of God and theI
of God.
Q. What does the Fear of God do?
A . The Fe ar of God moves the sinner to--
from sin because he dreads the pains of he*i
the loss of heaven. T h is sorrow is called h>
feet Contrition.
Q. W hat does the Love of God do?
A . The Love of God prompts the sinner tt
turn to God because God is infinitely good is;
serving of all love. T h is sorrow is called Pr
Contrition.
Q. May Perfect Contrition rem it mortaln
A . Perfect Contrition, united with the is
tion of going to confession, remits mortal sii
Q. W hy must the penitent detest sin more,
any other evil?
A . The sinner must detest sin more t k j
other evil because sin is the greatest evil.
Q. Must the penitent feel his sorrow?
A . I t is not necessary for the penitent to k
sorrow, because contrition is essentially an r
the w ill.
 83
0 Ho if <■"'a noul moved to sorrow for sin?
\ \ soul is moved to sorrow for sin by re-
fitvtin*'’ on the Shortness of L ife , the Certainty
f Death, the transient gratification of sin, the
j ov. 0'f Heaven, the Torments of H e ll, the Mercy
of'God, and the Price of sin paid by the Saviour
on the Cross.
q In what does the Purpose of Amendment

fti'\ ' The Purpose of Amendment consists in a

fii; j determination to avoid at least all mortal
■in and its proximate occasion, and to use the
necessary means to persevere in the friendship of
God.
Q. What is the Proximate Occasion of sin?
A. The Proximate Occasion of sin is any per­
son, place or thing, that easily leads us into sin.
Q. What sins must the penitent eonfcss?
A. The penitent must confess all his mortal
sins, their number and the circumstances which
change their nature.
Q. If without his fault a person forgets a mor­
tal sin in Confession is it forgiven1
A. I f without liis fault a person forgets a mor­
tal sin in Confession, the sin is forgiven, but must
be confessed later i f .i t comes to mind.
Q. What sin is it w ilfully to conceal a mortal
sin in Confession ?
A. W ilfully to conceal a mortal sin in Con­
fession is a sacrilege, or an abuse of the Sacra­
ment, which renders the confession worthless.
Q. How can a bad confession be remedied?
A. A bad confession can be remedied only by
a General Confession, or the repetition of all the
 84
confessions that have been made since tfe
worthy confession.
Q. Is it well to include some past sins p)u,
have only venial sins to confess?
A . I t is well to include some past sins, forT;
we are sorry, when we have only venial
confess, so that we receive the benefit of
tion.
Q. W hat should we do on entering lh( ,
fcssional f
A . On entering the Confessional we 0
kneel, make the Sign of the Cross, and s
Bless me, Father. I t is (state length of ^
since my last confession. Since then 1 have (;
tion the sin s). I also include in this coiiC
all my past sins, and especially. . . . jv
bly ask pardon of God and you, my Spiritni'
ther.
Q. H as a priest ever revealed the confer,
anyone ?
A . No priest has ever revealed the conk
of anyone. H e is bound to silence, ad
watches over this Sacrament of H is mercy li;
special Providence.
Q. What Penance does a priest give u
fession ?
A . A s Penance the priest usually prescribe
recitation of some prayers or the performs:
some good work.

6. I n du lg en ces.

Q. W hat is an Indulgence?
A. A n Indulgence is the remission of thf
poral punishment due to sin.
 85
n flow are the Indulgences divided f
{ In d u lg e n c e s are divided into Plenary and
r-rlid.
Q What is a Plenary Indulgence?
\ A Plenary Indulgence is the fu ll remission
v.( the temporal' punishment due to sin.
Q. What is a Partial Indulgence?
\ A Partial Indulgence is the remission in
jait'of the temporal punishment due to sin.
q Why can the Church grant an Indulgence?
\. The Church can grant an Indulgence, bc-
vsu*' Christ gave her the power to fo rgive sin and
the punishment due to sin.
<}. How dues the Church grant an Indulgence?
A. The Church grants an Indulgence by apply-
ir.'» to tiie faithful the merits of Jesus C h rist out­
vie of the Sacraments.
(j. What must a person do to gain an Indul-
fi ncif
A. To gain an Indulgence a person must be in
a state of grace and perform the works prescribed.
7. E x t r e m e U n c t io n .
Q. What is Extreme Unction?
A. Extreme Unction is the Sacrament which
rives grace and sometimes restores health to those
»ho are in danger of death from sickness.
Q. HVio w the minister of Extreme Unction?
A. The Priest is the m inister of Extrem e U nc­
tion.
Q. How docs the Priest give Extrem e Unction?
A. The Priest gives Extrem e Unction by pray­
ing over the sick and anointing them in the name
of the Lord.
 dG
Q. When should the P riest be called to t ,
person ?
A . A Priest should be called to a sick
when the illness has become serious.
Q. W hat arc the effects of Extrem e Unri;.
A . The effects of Extrem e Unction are- "
A n increase of grace; (2 ) Resignation to fo
w ill; (3 ) Comfort in p a in ; (4 ) Strength in&.■
tation; (5 ) Remission of venial sin ; (fyl
mission of mortal sins, if the sick person be
for them ; (7 ) The restoration of health if!,
see fit.
8. H o ly O rders.

Q. What is H oly Orders?

A . H oly Orders is the Sacrament by wind-
Ministers of the Church are ordained and r>>.
the power and grace to perform their saeri-i
ties.
Q. What is necessary to rcceive Holy 0~.
worthily?
A . To receive H oly Orders worthily it is;
essary to be in the state of grace, to have the.
essary knowledge, and the divine vocation for;
sacred office.
Q. Is it a source of blessing to have a pm
the fam ily?
A . I t is a source of countless blessings totr
priest in the fam ily.
9. M a t r im o n y .
Q. W hat'is M atrim ony?
A . M atrimony is a Sacrament which unite
sanctifies the Christian man and woman inlr
marriage.
 87
Q . Hotc can the bond of Christian marriage be
di}<oh'edt
The bond of a Christian marriage can be
broken only by tiie death of husband or wife.
Q. What arc the cffects of the Sacrament of
tnalriiHonyt
A. The effects of the Sacrament of matrimony
an", ( 1 ) To sanctify the love of husband and
xif'e; (» ) It gives them the strength to bear up
*tiiJi oath other's weaknesses; (3 ) To enable them
to bring up their children in the fear and love of
liud.
q. J/utc should those called to the Marriage
<ljtf prepare themselves for this Sacrament t
A. Those called to the M arried State should
nn'jure themselves for this Sacrament by living
* life of practical faith and holy p urity, by con­
sulting tho parents, and by notifying their Pastor
sliout a month before the marriage.
Q, What is an ideal Catholic W edding?
A. An ideal Catholic Wedding is one in w h ich :
( 1 ) The contracting parties are both practical
C a th o lic s ; (2 ) The Bonds of Marriage have been
published on three successive Sundays; and (3 )
The contracting parties are married at a N uptial
Mass and receive ilo ly Communion.

CH APTER I I I
PRAYER — D E V O T IO N T O M A R Y — IN T E R C E S S IO N O F
T H K S A IN T S — V E N E R A T IO N O F S A IN T S , R E L IC S
A.VD IJIA C E S — P R A Y E R S F O R T I I E D E A D .
Q. What is Prayer?
A. Prayer is asking God’s help.
 88

Q. Is prayer necessary to salvation?

A. F o r those who have reached the use of nv
prayer is necessary for salvation.
Q. W hy is prayer necessary to sahatin
those who have reached the use of reason?
A.' Prayer is necessary to salvation for ti,
who have reached the use of reason, because^
w ill not give them the grace to avoid evil tI-
good, unless they submit themselves to the i i
ence of H is grace of their own free will.
Q. How do we pray always?
A . We pray always, (1 ) B y reciting vocal t-
ers at stated tim es; (2 ) B y renewing our gov
tent ion frequently; (3 ) And by keeping ourc-
busied with spiritual things while performiE.'
daily work.
Q. W hy do Catholics honor and love Mary!
A . Catholics honor and love Mary, bar.
(1 ) God honors her above all other creatures;
M ary has given us S p iritu al L ife in the pers«
her divine Son.
Q. W hat is the Communion of Saintsf
A. The Communion of Saints is the Mir
charity and good w ill that unites a ll God’s frk
in heaven, on earth and in purgatory.
Q. W hy can the Saints pray for us?
A . Th e Saints can pray for us, because;
have influence w ith God, who makes our n
known to them.
Q. Is it lawful to honor the Saints?
A . I t is law ful to honor the Saints beeats
thereby honor God whose grace has made:
Saints.
 89
Q Vo Catholics adore Relics and Im ages of
" SX\ Catholics adore God alone. They honor the
Ik* and images of the Saints as precious souve­
n irs of the champions of the F a ith and friends of
God.
Q. Is it good and useful to pray for the dead?
K. It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray
for the dead that they may be loosed from their
sins. II Mach. x ii, 48.

C H A P TER IV
THE M l ’ IlAMKN’ TAI-S — III.KSSINGS OF T H E CIIUItC H
— a iit ic l k s of d k v o t i o .v — C A TH O LIC DEVO­
TIONS.

Q. What is a Sacramental?
A. A Sacramental is an external act of Re­
ligion, established by the Church, to draw God’s
blessings on the faith ful.
Q. / low many kinds of Sacramentals arc there?
A. There are four kinds of Sacram entals: (1 )
The Kites and Ceremonies used in the adminis­
tration of the Sacraments; (2 ) ’ Blessings and
Exorcisms used independently of the Sacram ents;
(;!) The use of Sacred names, signs and things,
such as the name of Jesus, the Sign of the Cross,
the Use of Blessed A rticle s; (4 ) The use of pious
exercises, as the recitation of the Lo rd ’s Prayer,
praying in a consecrated church, giving alms pre­
scribed by the Church, and many others.
Q. What benefits are derived from the devout
use of the Sacramentals?
 90
A . The benefits derived from the devout r»
the Sacramentals are five : ( 1 ) They excite
thoughts and increase devotion; ( 2 ) Ther t
venial sin by inspiring one w ith sorrow f0^
same; (3 ) They remit temporal punishme^
acts of satisfaction; (4 ) They strength* 1
against temptations and put the powers°of i
ness to flig h t; (5 ) They sometimes effect haV
body and other temporal favors.
Q. Whence do the Sacramentals deriu
power?
A . The Sacramentals derive their power !•
the institution and prayer of the Church, whii;
always pleasing to God.
Q. What is a Blessing?
A . A Blessing, as a Sacramental, is a relif
Ceremony, which draws the protection of Got
a person, or on a thing and those who use it;
voutly.
Q. W hat is an A rticle of Devotion?
A . A n A rticle of Devotion is anything r;
drawn from profane use and devoted to thee;,
cise of Religion.
Q. Which are the principal Articles of Dttc
in use among Catholics?
A . Th e principal A rticles of Devotion in •,
among Catholics a re : The C ru cifix, Holy F
tures, Rosary Beads, Medals, Scapulars, Can!
H oly W ater, and Blessed Palm and Ashes.
Q. W hat is a Catholic Devotion ?
A . A Catholic Devotion is a pious practkft
proved by the Church.
Q. Name, the principal devotions apprntd
the Church?
 91
The principal devotions approved by the
I'hutvh are. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament,
Frequent Communion, D evotion to the Sacred
Heart, The Way o f the Cross, Devotion to the
Blessed Virgin, The Eosary, the Scapulars, besides
various other devQtions in honor o f St. Joseph and
other Saints and Angels.
 A P P E N D IX

I
P J U V E K S , D E V O T IO N 'S A N D G OOD W O R K S
S ig n o f t h e C r o s s .

Tht* Sign of the Cross is made by putting the

rH it hand to the forehead, then to the breast,
ti.rn to the left and right shoulders, saying: “ In
she name of the Father and of the Son and of the
jjolv Ghost. Amen.”
The Sign of the Cross is a profession of Fa ith
in the chief mysteries of the true Religion. The
word?, “ In the name,” express the unity of God.
The words that follow, “ of the Father, and of
ih e Son, and of the Ilo ly Ghost,” express the mys-
torv of the T rin ity . The making of the Sign of
the Cross expresses the mystery of the Incarnation
* m l Redemption, by reminding us that the Son of
G o d c a m e down from heaven, B u f fe r e d and died on
the Cross, to save us from perdition and bring u s
to salvation.
T h e O ur F a t i i e e .
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be T h y
name: Thy kingdom come. T h y w ill be done on
e a rth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive them who trespass against us. And lead
us not into temptation. B u t deliver us from evil.
Amen. (Matt, vi, 9-13.)
93
 94
H a il M art.
H a il M arv, fu ll of grace, the Lord is wit!^
blessed art thou among women (Lu ke i, 2Sj"
blessed is the fru it of thy womb (Luke i,’;
Jesus. H o ly M ary, Mother of God, praj <>'
sinners, now and at the hour of our death, u
(Council of E p h .)
T iie A postles ’ C reed .
I believe in God, the Father almighty, the(
ator of heaven and earth ; and in Jesus (v
H is only Son, our L o rd ; Who was conceut-
the H oly Ghost, born of the V irg in Marr,V
fered under Pontius P ilate , was crucified’ ,
and was buried. He descended into hell: thei
day he arose again from the dead: He astt:
into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of G«
Father alm ig h ty; from thence H e shall
judge the livin g and the dead. I believe b
H ijly Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the (•
munion of Saints, the forgiveness of sim,:
resurrection of the body, and in life everlir;
Amen.
T h e C h r is t ia n A cts .
( 1 ) A n A ct of Faith. “ 0 my God, I t .
believe that Thou art one God in three divine
sons, the Father, the Son, and H oly Ghost. 1,
lieve that T h y divine Son became man and:
for our sins, and that H e w ill come to judp
livin g and the dead. I believe these and a!h
truths which the holy Catholic Church teaches,
cause Thou hast revealed them, who canst it.
deceive nor be deceived.”
(2 ) An Act of Hope. “ 0 my God, reljb
 95
Thv in fin ite goodness and T h y promises I hope to
V 'iin pardon of my sms, the help of l l i y grace,
life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus
fn.ri-t, mv I^ord and Redeemer.”
/;5) '.h i Act of Love. " 0 my God, I love Thee
i^ve all tilings, with my whole heart and soul,
Uvjuse TJiou art all good and worthy of all love,
flove luv neighbor as myself for the love of thee.
1 forgive all who have injured me, and asked par­
don of all whom 1 have injured.”
, I) j „ Art of Contrition. “ 0 my God, I am
Kartilv sorry for having oirended *hee, and I de-
i,-t all’ mv sins, because 1 dread the loss of heaven
ami the pains of hell, but most of all because they
niToml Thee, my God, who art all good and deserv­
ing of all my love. I firm ly resolve with the help
, / l h v grace, to confess my sins, to do penance,
an<] to amend my life .”
(.I) The Confitcor. “ I confess to almighty
<;,*!. to the Blessed M ary ever V irg in , to the
1!],'-h'<1 Michael the Archangel, to Blessed John
the Baptist, to the holy Apostles, Peter and Paul,
and to all the Saints that I have sinned exceed-
iiH v in thought, word and deed, through my
fault, through my fault, through my most grievous
fault. Therefore I beseech thee, blessed Mary
iM>r Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed
.John the Baptist, the holy Apostles, Peter and
Pau l, and all the Saints, to pray to the Lord our
(iod for me.— May the Alm ighty God have mercy
nn me and forgive me my sins, and bring me to
everlasting life. May the A lm ighty and merciful
I/ird grant me pardon, absolution and remission of
all my sins. Amen.” . . .
 96
T h e B l e ss in g B efore M eals.

“ -f- Bless us, 0 Lo rd , and these Thy gift; t

we are about to receive from thy bounty, t}„-'
Christ our Lo rd . Amen.”

G kace A fter M eals .

We give thanks for all T h y benefits, 0

mighty God, who livest and reignest forever..'
may the soul of the fa ith fu l departed, throur
mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

T h e A ngelus.

1 . The Angel of the Lo rd declared unto Jfr

And she conceived by the H oly Ghost.
H a il M a ry ! etc.
2. Behold the handmaid of the Lo rd:
Be it done unto me according to Thy
H a il M a ry ! etc.
3. And the Word was made flesh:
And dwelt amongst us.
H a il M a ry ! etc.
P ra y for us, 0 holy Mother of God:
That we may be made worthy of the prc
of C hrist.

Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, Thyj-
into our hearts, that we, to whom the incam
of C hrist, T h y Son, was made known by the:
sage of an angel, may, by H is passion ande
be brought to the glory of H is resume
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, t
 97
Vav the divine assistance remain always with

may the souls the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
MYSTERIES OF TIIE H O L Y llOSAUY.

THE FIVE JO YFU L M YSTERIES.

j. The annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel.

2. The visit of the Blessed V irg in to her cousin,
Saint Elizabeth.
The birth of our Saviour.
-I. The presentation of the In fa n t Jesus in (he
Teniple.
J, The finding of the Child Jesus in the Tem ­
ple amidst the doctors.
T H E F IV E S O R R O W F U L M Y S T E R IE S .
1. The ngonv in the garden.
2. The scourging at the p illar.
The crowning with thorns.
4. The carrying of the cross.
5. Tiie crucifixion and death of our Saviour.
T H E F IV E G L O R IO U S M Y S T E R IE S .
1 . The resurrection of our Lord.
2. The ascension into heaven.
S. The coming down of tho H oly Ghost.
4. The assumption of our Blessed La d y into
fccavcn.
5. The crowning of the most Blessed V irg in
Mary in heaven.
T he T hree C h ie f G ood W o r k s.

The Three Chief Good W orks are: Prayer,

Fasting and Almsgiving.
 98
T iie E v a n g e l ic a l C ounsels.

The Evangelical Counsels are: YoK

Poverty, Perpetual Chastity, and Entire '(£
ence.

The E ig h t B e a t it u d e s .
M a tt. 5.

1 . Blessed' are the poor in s p irit; for thti

the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are the meek; for they shall
the land.
3. Blessed are they that m ourn; for thej.
be comforted.
4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst t
ju stice ; for they shall be filled.
5. Blessed are the m e rcifu l; for they she
tain mercy.
(J. Blessed are the clean of heart; for thet l
see God.
7. Blessed are the peace-makers; for then,
be called the children of God.
8 . Blessed are they that suffer persecutio:
justice’s sake; for theirs is the kingdom of h-r

The S p ir it u a l W o r k s o f Mercy.

1. To give counsel to the doubtful.

2. To instruct the ignorant.
3. To admonish sinners.
4. To oomfort the afflicted.
5. To forgive offenses.
6 . To bear patiently the troublesome.
7. To pray for the livin g and the dead.
 99
The C o r po r al W obks o f M ek ct.

1 To feed tlie hungry.

2. To give drink to the thirsty.
3.' To clothe tlie naked.
4! To harbour the harbourless.
5’ To visit the sick.
6. To visit the imprisoned.
7. To bury the dead.

II
OBLIGATIONS

T he T en Co m m a n d m e n ts.

1 . I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt not have

»!rango gods before Me.
2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord
thv tied, in vain.
;i. Remember thou keep holy tlie Sabbath day.
4. Honor thy father and thy mother.
5. Tliou shalt not k ill.
6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
T. Thou shalt not steal.
f>. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
neightwr.
9. Thou shalt not covet tliyneighbor’s wife.
JO. Thy shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.

The P kecepts.

1. Hear Mass on Sundays and Holydays of obli­

gation.
2. Fast and abstain on the days appointed.
Confess at least once a year.
1. Receive the Holy Eucharist during the Eas-
icr-time.
 100
5. Contribute to the support of the ...
church, and school. ^
6 . Not to m arry non-Catholics, nor p.’
w ithin the fourth degree of kindred,
m arry privately without pastor and two * K
nor to solemnize marriage at forbidden tic«
D a y s o f O b l ig a t io n i n the U n it e d
1 . A ll Sundays of the year.
2 . The Circum cision of our Lord. Jan^.
3. Ascension day, fourteenth day after t
4. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin >•
15. ’ '
5. A ll Saints’ D ay, November 1 .
C. The Im maculate Conception of the E',
V irg in M ary, December 8 .
7. N a tivity of our Lo rd, December 25.
A b s t in e n c e D ays.

A ll Frid a ys of the year, except when Chnf;

fa lls on a F rid a y , and all Fa st Days.
F ast D ays.

1. The F rid a ys of Advent in the proviis

Baltim ore, Philadelphia, New Y o rk and Bor.;
2. E ve ry day in Le n t, except Sundays.
3. Em ber days, viz. The Wednesdays, FrL
and Saturdays following (a ) The first Suni
L e n t ; (b ) W hitsunday; (c ) The fourteen;;
of September; (d ) The third Sunday in Adt;
4. V ig ils of W hitsunday of the Assump^;
A ll Saints and of Christmas.
N o t e 1. When a Fast D ay fa lls on a S;
it is kept on the Saturday before.
2. The dispensations from fasting and t
nence granted to the fa ith fu l are annuL;
plained by the Pastors.
 101

III
RECEPTION' OF A CONVERT

a. T h e P r o f e s s io n o f F a i t h .

j ................. .. having before m y eyes the holy

Go-Vls, which I touch with my hands, and know-
j;at n0 one can be saved without that F a ith
i~Mch the llo lv Catholic Apostolic Roman Church
believes,’ and teaches, against which I agree
t' it I have greatly erred, in as much as I have
! ,!J and believed doctrines opposed to her teach-
iHiJ.
1 now , with grief and contrition for my past er­
rors, jirofess that I believe the H oly, Catholic,
A"i>>tolie, Homan Church to be the only and true
Church established on earth by Jesus C h rist, to
»!mh I submit myself with my whole heart. I
Ivlicve all the articles that she proposes to my be­
lief and I reject and condemn all that she re-
j.vts and condemns, and I am ready to observe all
that she commands me. And especially I profess
that I believe: One only God in three divine Per-
K>n;, distinct from and equal to each other,— that
i# to say, the Father, the Son, and the H oly
Ghost: The Catholic Doctrine of the Incarna­
tion, Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord
Jesus Christ; and the personal union of the two
Natures, the divine and the hum an; the divine
Maternity of the most holy M ary, together w ith
her most spotless V irg in ity ;
The true, real and substantial presence of the
body and blood, together w ith the Soul and D i­
vinity of our Lord Jesus C hrist, in the most holy
Sacrament of the Eu ch arist;
 102
The seven Sacraments instituted by Jesm a.
for the salvation of m ankind ; that is to b«t I
tism, Confirmation, Eu ch arist, Penance,
Unction, Order, M atrim ony;
Purgatory’, the Resurrection of the dead, r
lasting lif e ;
The Prim acy, not only of honor, but &
jurisdiction of the Roman Pontiff, success
S t. Peter, Prin ce of the Apostles, Vicar of j.
C h ris t; the veneration of the Saints and of ••
images; The authority of the Apostolic &n-f:
clesiastical traditions, and of the Holy Script
which we must interpret and understand oii
the sense which our holy Mother the Ct£
Church has held and does hold; And crerrX
else that has been defined and declared h •
Sacred Canons and by the General Councils, s
particularly by the H o ly Council of Trent, u ;
livered, defined and declared by the General C
c il of the V atican, especially concerning the >
maey of the Roman Pontiff and his Infc
teaching authority.
W ith a sincere heart, therefore, and with;
feigned faith , I detest and abjure every e-
heresy and sect opposed to the said Holy Cii
and Apostolic Roman Church. So help n*.
and these holy Gospels, which I touch vriti;
hand.

b. C e r e m o n ie s o f B a p t is m .

Only sincere, exemplary Catholics shot!;

taken as sponsors.
The candidate is given a saint’s name,
should come to the baptismal-font with thee,
or clothing about the neck arranged in such it
 103

) it can be easily removed when the Priest is

, t0 anoint the lower part of the neck, above
tC breast and between the shoulders.
~The Priest begins: X ............... , What dost thou
•4 : of the Church of God ?
' The candidate answers: I aith.
What doth Faith give thee?
\ns. Life everlasting.
The Priest then prays over the candidate and
bnitlies upon him three times, saying: “ Depart
from him, thou unclean sp irit, and make way for
the Holv Ghost, the Comforter.”
The Sign of the Cross is made on the forehead
and breast, as a 6ign that the Christian belongs to
the cru cified Saviour. A small quantity of salt is
placed in the candidate's mouth, w ith the words:
•• Ktveive the salt of Wisdom.” — S a lt is a symbol
o f Christian wisdom and a protection from the
fou ln ess of sin. Through repeated prayers, bless­
in gs, a n d the imposition of hands upon the head,
the i’riest shows the conquest of grace over Satan,
and the change of the sinner into a child of God.
The Apostles’ Creed and the Lo rd ’s Prayer are re­
c ite d aloud by the candidate as a profession of
faith. The Priest, after the example of Jesus,
touches with spittle the ears and nose of the per­
son to be baptized, saying: “ Be thou opened.”
Man’s spiritual sense is opened by Baptism to re­
c e iv e heavenly truths.
Satan with all his works and pomps must be re­
nounced. The candidate declares, when ques­
tioned: “ I do renounce him . 1 do renounce
them.’’
Xext conies the anointing of the breast and
fhoulders with H oly O il. Anointing with H oly
 104
O ils in H o ly Scriptures and in the Tradife.
the Church is a sign of spiritual strength,
of consecration to the service of God. ’ L
T o the three questions, “ Dost th o u
etc., . . . the candidate answers, “ I j ,'
lieve.” “ W ilt thou be baptized ? ” AnsT« •
w ill.”
When the P riest pours the water on the ^
the sponsors hold their rig h t hands on the ti"
ders of the candidate.
A fte r Baptism , the head is anointed with dr-
because the person baptized is to take his •
among C h ristian s; he is of C hrist’s anointed
white cloth is placed upon the head to adei;
the Christian to lead a pure and holy life, '
lighted candle, which is placed in the han<l,t-
fies the light of Christian F a ith , Hope, and
ity.
A fte r conditional baptism, the Convert go?
the Confessional to confess his sins and r*.
conditional absolution.
 IV.
D E F IN IT IO N S O F C A T H O L IC T E R M S .

— not to eat meat.

the Sacraments— to g iv e the sacraments.
! i< fr _ t o give the highest honor to God.
__a time o f preparation for Christmas.
! ' / v i— a tablet o f w a x blessed by the Tope, on
»hirh the figure o f our L o rd is stam ped as the
“ Ijm h of God.”
l/aiffiriiij — givin g to the P ° ° r out o f *ove f ° r God.
\ u J — the table on which the Mass is offered.
I « cWj — good spirits.
j , , M | Confession and C om m u n ion — the reception o f
ihrx- sacra ments prescribeil by the church.
— to use oil in blessings and sacraments o f the
church.
t a ll ie s — the twelve men chosen b y Christ to continue
* Hit work.
^ipoillei' Creed — the profession o f fa itli composed by
i the Apostles.
'irfirle t of Deration — things w ithdraw n from profane
» tt«- und destined to aid p riva te devotion.
‘.{tkei. Itessed — aslies blessed and distributed on Ash-
{ Wednesday.
jl/onfmrn/— the satisfaction which Christ made fo r the
| >ins of man.
ilttnbute* of the Church — inherent qualities o f a divine
I Church.
ft I Iniutrs of God — qualities o f the nature and person-
v «litie.i of God.
Autkority of the Church — her power to act in the name
of fiod.
i»tk ori;ed Priest — a priest commissioned by a Bishop
to labor in his diocese.

B ieliitin g — speaking with pleasure o f the known

faults of tiie absent.
B iln — the juice of an A s ia tic plan t (used in C h rism ).
H nif* — the rosary.
Benignity — kindness.
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B ib le — the collection o f books containing th, •_
w ord o f God. .
Blessed Sacram ent — the re a l presence of ~
preserved in the H o ly Eucharist.
Blessings o f the C hurch — ceremonies which m
religious tit le to divin e protection. r

Calum ny — accusing others falsely.

Candlemas — Feb. 2, th e d ay on which candln ..
em nly blessed.
Candles — ligh ted w ax candles on the altar irii
Christ the lig h t o f th e w orld.
C a th o lic — universal.
Ceremonies — the outward expression o f reverts,
devotion in an act of R eligion . ^
C h a rity — a divine v irtu e whereby we love Goj, 1
a ll things and our neighbors as ourselvn fe
love o f God.
C hrism — a m ixtu re o f olive o il and balm bltss^v
Bishop and used by him in Confirmation.
C om m union — the receiving o f the H o ly Eucli»r:<
Conscience — the judgm ent o f rig h t reason regtrij
m ora lity o f our actions.
Consecration o f a ch u rch — the solemn hlessitf,
church.
Consecration o f Mass — the tim e o f transubstjttj
C o n tritio n — g r ie f o f the soul fo r having oUenjti,
C orp ora l — rela tin g to the body.
Create — to make out o f nothing.

Desecration — trea tin g holy things wickedly.

D estin y — the object fo r which a th in g was m ii
D evils — e vil spirits.
D evotion — the reveren t inclin ation o f the will b
God in prayer.
Diocese — the te rrito ry under the jurisdictia
Bishop.
Dispensation — exem ption from a law.
D is p o s itio n — state o f fitness.
D iv in e — rela tin g to God.

F a ster C om m union — annual Communion prest,

the Church.
E cum en ica l C oun cils — the general council)
Church.
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y» —
U r Da fast days at the beginning o f the fou r
;«K>ns of the year.
r „ l , r o ! Counsels — poverty, chastity and obedience
l"o be practised in accordance w ith the advice o f our
Sivjor.
r u in a t i o n of the Conscience — an earnest e ffo rt to
call to inind the sin3 we have committed.

r , 1 __| divine virtue whereby we believe a ll th at God

ta, revealed.
I 't t ll'u l — all who profess the true faith .
r t t t iKQ— w lf denial in eating.
I'ett /My* — ‘ia.V9 on which hut one m<' nl >3 allowed.
fe r iim</f — bravery in encountering the dangers o f sal-
v»tion.
I'rrcv rit Communion — the practice o f receiving Coin-
niunion several times a week.

Garden of I'nradise— the home o f Adam and Eve before

they ninned.
(lateral Judgment — the public ju dgm en t a t the end o f
the world.
Crieeout H a lter — a serious transgression o f God's Law.

flalloirrd — sacred.
Holy Ikiys of Derotion — feast days which we arc recom­
mended to keep holy.
Holy Itovs of Obligation — days which we must keep as
Sundays.
Holy Oils — blessed oils used in adm inistering some oi
the sacraments.
Holy Water — natural w ater m ixed w ith a little blessed
u lt and blessed by the priest.
Holy flVrfc — the week before Easter Sunday.
Hoj* — a divine virtue by which we tru st th a t God
will give us eternal life and the means to attain it.

Immaculate C onception— the p rivilege o f the Blessed

Virgin M ary whereby she was exempted from in ­
curring original sin.
Immortal — that w ill never die.
Iteanation — the union o f the divin e and the human
nature in Jesus Christ.
Indulgence — an act of kindness on the p art o f the
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Church in ap p lyin g t 6 us the merits of U*
outside the sacraments. :
In fa llib ility — an attrib u te o f the Church of God«
by she is free from error in teaching doctH^
fa ith and morals.
In fin ite — without end o r lim it.
In v is ib le — w hat cannot be seen by human eve.
In s p ira tio n — the d ivin e impulse which moved t'l* s.
w riters to record accurately some of God’s i>
tions.

Jesus C h rist — the God-man. Jesus means

Christ means the Anointed One.
J u s tifica tio n — the grace which makes man pIKLJ
God. '

La w — the w ill o f God, gu idin g man to heaven.

L e n t — fo r ty days' penance before Kaster.
L im b o — a place where the ju s t souls awaited
be taken by H im to heaven.
L ong-sufferin g — patience in bearin g w ith the defe,
others.
L o rd ’s D ay — Sunday.

M e rit — the condition o f an act en titlin g it to nr;

M ixed M a rria g e — a m arriage between a Catholic u
non-Catholic.
M ystery — a hidden truth.

N a tu ra l La w — a rule o f rig h t and w rong giveafcj

men.
New La w — the la w o f Christ and H is Church.
Novena — a nine-days’ devotion.
N u p tia l Mass — a special Mass fo r marriages.

O ctave — an eight days’ devotion in celebrating > fm

Pa lm s — branches blessed and distributed on Pahs';

d ay in m em ory o f C h rist’s trium phal entqi
Jerusalem.
P a rtic u la r Jud gm en t — the judgm en t immediate!;r
death.
Pastoi— the priest in charge o f a congregation.
P entecost — the day on which the H o ly Ghost Cin*:■
upon the Apostles.
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_ #)'* T' the

0 PopC.
— the principal laws o f the Church,
one who oilers the sacrifice o f the mass.
‘ Pilate — the Roman governor who condemned
t '■-1 * , ,»
Christ to death.
__the special teachers o f Israel to whom God
reveaM future events.
/Vx.n'mr— the diocese under the ju risd iction o f an
Archbishop.
CrtiI Prfienee — the presence o f Jesus Christ in the H o ly
Kuchari't.
__the earthly remains o f holy persons.
iX.jtVuJ Liberty — every one’s righ t to practice the
true lieligion as he understands it.
lUmaini of Sin — a certain darkness o f the mind and
weakness of the w ill resulting from sin.
Mure— regret for transgressing C od’s law.
Kiltidl — the liook which prescribes tlie ceremonies to be
employed in administering tlie Sacraments.
H — a jiopular devotion in honor o f M ary.

Xirrilege — an abuse o f som ething sacred.

> (l, t — one whose soul is in heaven.
Sih'Uiun — working out man’s destiny.
unification — the application o f C h rist’s m erits to
f.'.un.
,v:Mi — tlie chief o f the fallen angels.
,»<it../, to le — to enter heaven.
— a badge worn in honor o f M ary.
M i i l f Works — manual labor.
S-Umnfce Marriage — to m a rry w ith N u p tia l Mass.
Spiritual— pertaining to the soul.
Svltlanre— that which underlies the appearance o f a
thins and makes it what it is.
Suprralumlant— more than enough.
Sni^rnatural — above created nature.
Suprrtlition— the false practice o f R eligion.
Sl*jiwir» — the Godfather and Godm other o f Rapt ism
or Confirmation.

Talm acle — the apartment in the m iddle o f the A lta r

in which the Blessed Sacrament is kept.
Temporal — that which w ill end w ith time.
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T r in ity — three persons in one God.
T ru e C hurch — the Church which has the authoriti
sanction o f A lm ig h ty God. •1
Trespass — to v io la te the rig h t o f another.

Vestm ents — garm ents worn b y the priest a t t W

V enera tion — honor given to angels and saint*.
V ir g in ity — a state counseled by our Lord and
by St. P aul.
V isib le — w hat can be seen.
V oca tion — a d ivin e call to a particular'state U u
Vow — a solemn promise made to God.

irai/ o f the Cross — a popular devotion in honot*

suffering o f our Savior.
W orsh ip — the public honor man owes to Got t
w id e sense also applied to the honor givta u
angels and saints.