The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism #2 (Part 2: The Commandments)

Front 1

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

Back 1

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

Front 2

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

Back 2

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

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

Back 3

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

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191. Which are the chief corporal works of mercy?

Back 4

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

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192. Which are the chief spiritual works of mercy?

Back 5

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

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

Back 6

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

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

Back 7

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

Front 8

195. Which are the commandments of God?

Back 8

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

Front 9

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

Back 9

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

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

Back 10

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

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198. What is the first commandment of God?

Back 11

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

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199. What are we commanded by the first commandment?

Back 12

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

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200. How do we worship God?

Back 13

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

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201. What does faith oblige us to do?

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

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202. What does hope oblige us to do?

Back 15

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

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203. What does charity oblige us to do?

Back 16

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

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204. How can a Catholic best safeguard his faith?

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

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205. How does a Catholic sin against faith?

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

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

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

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207. What are the sins against hope?

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The sins against hope are presumption and despair.

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208. When does a person sin by presumption?

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

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209. When does a person sin by despair?

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

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210. What are the chief sins against charity?

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

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

Back 24

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

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212. When does a person sin by superstition?

Back 25

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

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213. When does a person sin by sacrilege?

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

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

Back 27

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

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215. Why do we honor the saints in heaven?

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

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216. How can we honor the saints?

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

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

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

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

Back 31

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

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219. Why do we honor relics?

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

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

Back 33

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

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

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

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

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

Front 36

224. What is the second commandment of God?

Back 36

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

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225. What are we commanded by the second commandment?

Back 37

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

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226. What is an oath?

Back 38

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

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

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

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

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

Front 41

229. What is a vow?

Back 41

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

Front 42

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

Back 42

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

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

Back 43

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

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232. What is cursing?

Back 44

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

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233. What is blasphemy?

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

Front 46

234. What is the third commandment of God?

Back 46

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

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

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

Front 48

236. What are we commanded by the third commandment?

Back 48

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

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

Back 49

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

Front 50

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

Back 50

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

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239. What is servile work?

Back 51

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

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240. When is servile work allowed on Sunday?

Back 52

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

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241. What is the fourth commandment of God?

Back 53

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

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242. What are we commanded by the fourth commandment?

Back 54

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

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

Back 55

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

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

Back 56

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

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

Back 57

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

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

Back 58

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

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

Back 59

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

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

Back 60

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

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

Back 61

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

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250. What does the fourth commandment forbid?

Back 62

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

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251. What is the fifth commandment of God?

Back 63

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

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252. What are we commanded by the fifth commandment?

Back 64

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

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253. What does the fifth commandment forbid?

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

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254. What is the sixth commandment of God?

Back 66

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

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255. What are we commanded by the sixth commandment?

Back 67

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

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256. What does the sixth commandment forbid?

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

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

Back 69

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

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

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

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259. What is the seventh commandment of God?

Back 71

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

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260. What are we commanded by the seventh commandment?

Back 72

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

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261. What does the seventh commandment forbid?

Back 73

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

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

Back 74

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

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

Back 75

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

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264. What is the eighth commandment of God?

Back 76

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

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265. What are we commanded by the eighth commandment?

Back 77

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

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266. What does the eighth commandment forbid?

Back 78

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

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

Back 79

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

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

Back 80

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

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

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

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270. When are we obliged to keep a secret?

Back 82

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

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

Back 83

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

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272. What is the ninth commandment of God?

Back 84

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

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273. What are we commanded by the ninth commandment?

Back 85

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

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

Back 86

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

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275. When do thoughts about impure things become sinful?

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

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276. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment?

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

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277. What is the tenth commandment of God?

Back 89

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

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278. What does the tenth commandment forbid?

Back 90

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

Front 91

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

Back 91

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

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

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

Front 93

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

Back 93

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

Front 94

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

Back 94

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

Front 95

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

Back 95

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

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

Back 96

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

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285. Why were holydays instituted by the Church?

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

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286. What is a fast day?

Back 98

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

Front 99

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

Back 99

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

Front 100

288. What is a day of abstinence?

Back 100

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

Front 101

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

Back 101

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

Front 102

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

Back 102

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

Front 103

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

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

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

Back 104

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

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

Back 105

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

Front 106

294. Why should we go to confession frequently?

Back 106

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

Front 107

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

Back 107

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

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

Back 108

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

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

Back 109

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

Front 110

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

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

Front 111

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

Back 111

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

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

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

Front 113

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

Back 113

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

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

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

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303. What is a Nuptial Mass?

Back 115

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