The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism #2 (Part 1: The Creed)

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1. Who made us?

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God made us.

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2. Who is God?

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God is the Supreme Being, infinitely perfect, who made all things and keeps them in existence.

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3. Why did God make us?

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God made us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness in heaven.

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4. What must we do to gain the happiness of heaven?

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To gain the happiness of heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this world.

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5. From whom do we learn to know, love, and serve God?

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We learn to know, love, and serve God from Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who teaches us through the Catholic Church.

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6. Where do we find the chief truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church?

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We find the chief truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church in the Apostles' Creed.

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7. Say the Apostles' Creed.

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I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen

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8. What do we mean when we say that God is the Supreme Being?

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When we say that God is the Supreme Being we mean that He is above all creatures, the self–existing and infinitely perfect Spirit.

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9. What is a spirit?

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A spirit is a being that has understanding and free will, but no body, and will never die.

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10. What do we mean when we say that God is self–existing?

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When we say that God is self–existing we mean that He does not owe His existence to any other being.

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11. What do we mean when we say that God is infinitely perfect?

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When we say that God is infinitely perfect we mean that He has all perfections without limit.

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12. What are some of the perfections of God?

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Some of the perfections of God are: God is eternal, all–good, all–knowing, all–present, and almighty.

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13. What do we mean when we say that God is eternal?

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When we say that God is eternal we mean that He always was and always will be, and always remains the same.

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14. What do we mean when we say that God is all–good?

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When we say that God is all–good we mean that He is infinitely lovable in Himself, and that from His fatherly love every good comes to us.

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15. What do we mean when we say that God is all–knowing?

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When we say that God is all–knowing we mean that He knows all things, past, present, and future, even our most secret thoughts, words, and actions.

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16. What do we mean when we say that God Is all–present?

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When we say that God is all–present we mean that He is everywhere.

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17. If God is everywhere, why do we not see Him?

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Although God is everywhere, we do not see Him because He is a spirit and cannot be seen with our eyes.

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18. Does God see us?

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God sees us and watches over us with loving care.

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19. What is God's loving care for us called?

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God's loving care for us is called Divine Providence.

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20. What do we mean when we say that God is almighty?

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When we say that God is almighty we mean that He can do all things.

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21. Is God all–wise, all–holy, all–merciful, and all–just?

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Yes, God is all–wise, all–holy, all–merciful, and all–just.

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22. Can we know by our natural reason that there is a God?

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We can know by our natural reason that there is a God, for natural reason tells us that the world we see about us could have been made only by a self–existing Being, all–wise and almighty.

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23. Can we know God in any other way than by our natural reason?

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Besides knowing God by our natural reason, we can also know Him from supernatural revelation ––that is, from the truths, found in Sacred Scripture and in Tradition, which God Himself has revealed to us.

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23A. What do we mean when we say that God has revealed these truths to us?

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When we say that God has revealed these truths to us we mean that He has made them known to certain persons, to be announced to their fellow men as the word of God.

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23B. What is the Bible?

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The Bible is the written word of God, committed to His Church for the instruction and sanctification of mankind.

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23C. What do we mean when we say that the entire Bible is inspired?

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When we say that the entire Bible is inspired we mean that its principal author is God, though it was written by men whom God enlightened and moved to write all those things, and only those things, that He wished to be written.

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23D. How is the Bible divided?

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The Bible is divided into the Old Testament, written before the coming of Jesus Christ, and the New Testament, written after His ascension into heaven.

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23E. Are all the passages of the Bible to be understood according to our modern manner of expression?

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No; some of the passages of the Bible are not to be understood according to our modern manner of expression, since they contain certain figures of speech, parables, and literary forms used by the people of ancient times but not employed in the present.

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23F. How can we know the true meaning of the Bible?

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We can know the true meaning of the Bible from the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, which has received from Jesus Christ the right and the duty to teach and to explain all that God has revealed.

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23G. Are Catholics encouraged by the Church to read the Bible?

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Yes; Catholics are encouraged by the Church to read the Bible, especially the Gospels, which tell about the earthly life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man.

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23H. What is the chief message of the New Testament?

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The chief message of the New Testament is the joyful announcement of our salvation through Jesus Christ.

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23I. What is Divine Tradition?

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Divine Tradition is the unwritten word of God –– that is, truths revealed by God, though not written in the Bible, and given to the Church through word of mouth by Jesus Christ or by the apostles under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

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23J. Has Divine Tradition ever been committed to writing?

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Divine Tradition has been committed to writing, especially by saintly writers called Fathers, who lived in the early centuries but were not inspired, as were those who wrote the Bible.

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23K. Has Divine Tradition the same force as the Bible?

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Yes; Divine Tradition has the same force as the Bible, since it too contains God's revelation to men.

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23L. By what kind of act do we believe the doctrines contained in the Bible and in Divine Tradition?

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We believe the doctrines contained in the Bible and Divine Tradition by an act of divine faith, which means that we accept them on the authority of God, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.

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24. Is there only one God?

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Yes, there is only one God.

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25. How many Persons are there in God?

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In God there are three Divine Persons –– the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

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26. Is the Father God?

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The Father is God and the first Person of the Blessed Trinity.

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27. Is the Son God?

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The Son is God and the second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

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28. Is the Holy Ghost God?

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The Holy Ghost is God and the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

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29. What do we mean by the Blessed Trinity?

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By the Blessed Trinity we mean, one and the same God in three Divine Persons.

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30. Are the three Divine Persons really distinct from one another?

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The three Divine Persons are really distinct from one another.

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31. Are the three Divine Persons perfectly equal to one another?

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The three Divine Persons are perfectly equal to one another, because all are one and the same God.

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32. How are the three Divine Persons, though really distinct from one another, one and the same God?

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The three Divine Persons, though really distinct from one another, are one and the same God because all have one and the same Divine nature.

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33. Can we fully understand how the three Divine Persons, though really distinct from one another, are one and the same God?

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We cannot fully understand how the three Divine Persons, though really distinct from one another, are one and the same God because this is a supernatural mystery.

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34. What is a supernatural mystery?

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A supernatural mystery is a truth which we cannot fully understand, but which we firmly believe because we have God's word for it.

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35. What do we mean when we say that God is the Creator of heaven and earth?

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When we say that God is the Creator of heaven and earth we mean that He made all things from nothing by His almighty power.

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36. Which are the chief creatures of God?

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The chief creatures of God are angels and men.

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37. What are angels?

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Angels are created spirits, without bodies, having understanding and free will.

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38. What gifts did God bestow on the angels when He created them?

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When God created the angels He bestowed on them great wisdom, power, and holiness.

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39. Did all the angels remain faithful to God?

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Not all the angels remained faithful to God; some of them sinned.

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40. What happened to the angels who remained faithful to God?

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The angels who remained faithful to God entered into the eternal happiness of heaven, and these are called good angels.

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41. What do the good angels do in heaven?

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In heaven the good angels see, love, and adore God.

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42. How do the good angels help us?

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The good angels help us by praying for us, by acting as messengers from God to us, and by serving as our guardian angels.

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43. How do our guardian angels help us?

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Our guardian angels help us by praying for us, by protecting us from harm, and by inspiring us to do good.

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44. What happened to the angels who did not remain faithful to God?

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The angels who did not remain faithful to God were cast into hell, and these are called bad angels, or devils.

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45. What is the chief way in which the bad angels try to harm us?

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The chief way in which the bad angels try to harm us is by tempting us to sin.

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46. Do all temptations come from the bad angels?

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Some temptations come from the bad angels; but other temptations come from ourselves and from the persons and things about us.

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47. Can we always resist temptations?

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We can always resist temptations, because no temptation can force us into sin, and because God will always help us if we ask Him.

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48. What is man?

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Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made to the image and likeness of God.

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49. Is this likeness to God in the body or in the soul?

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This likeness to God is chiefly in the soul.

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50. How is the soul like God?

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The soul is like God because it is a spirit having understanding and free will, and is destined to live forever.

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51. Who were the first man and woman?

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The first man and woman were Adam and Eve, the first parents of the whole human race.

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52. What was the chief gift bestowed on Adam and Eve by God?

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The chief gift bestowed on Adam and Eve by God was sanctifying grace, which made them children of God and gave them the right to heaven.

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53. What other gifts were bestowed on Adam and Eve by God?

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The other gifts bestowed on Adam and Eve by God were happiness in the Garden of Paradise, great knowledge, control of the passions by reason, and freedom from suffering and death.

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54. What commandment did God give Adam and Eve?

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God gave Adam and Eve the commandment not to eat of the fruit of a certain tree that grew in the Garden of Paradise.

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55. Did Adam and Eve obey the commandment of God?

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Adam and Eve did not obey the commandment of God, but ate of the forbidden fruit.

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56. What happened to Adam and Eve on account of their sin?

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On account of their sin Adam and Eve lost sanctifying grace, the right to heaven, and their special gifts; they became subject to death, to suffering, and to a strong inclination to evil, and they were driven from the Garden of Paradise.

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57. What has happened to us on account of the sin of Adam?

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On account of the sin of Adam, we, his descendants, come into the world deprived of sanctifying grace and inherit his punishment, as we would have inherited his gifts had he been obedient to God,

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58. What is this sin in us called?

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This sin in us is called original.

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59. Why is this sin called original?

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This sin is called original because it comes down to us through our origin, or descent, from Adam.

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60. What are the chief punishments of Adam which we inherit through original sin?

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The chief punishments of Adam which we inherit through original sin are: death, suffering, ignorance, and a strong inclination to sin.

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61. Is God unjust in punishing us on account of the sin of Adam?

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God is not unjust in punishing us on account of the sin of Adam, because original sin does not take away from us anything to which we have a strict right as human beings, but only the free gifts which God in His goodness would have bestowed on us if Adam had not sinned.

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62. Was any human person ever preserved from original sin?

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The Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved from original sin in view of the merits of her Divine Son, and this privilege is called her Immaculate Conception.

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63. Is original sin the only kind of sin?

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Original sin is not the only kind of sin; there is another kind, called actual sin, which we ourselves commit.

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64. What is actual sin?

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Actual sin is any willful thought, desire, word, action, or omission forbidden by the law of God.

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65. How many kinds of actual sin are there?

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There are two kinds of actual sin: mortal sin and venial sin.

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66. What is mortal sin?

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Mortal sin is a grievous offense against the law of God.

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67. Why is this sin called mortal?

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This sin is called mortal, or deadly, because it deprives the sinner of sanctifying grace, the supernatural life of the soul.

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68. Besides depriving the sinner of sanctifying grace, what else does mortal sin do to the soul?

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Besides depriving the sinner of sanctifying grace, mortal sin makes the soul an enemy of God, takes away the merit of all its good actions, deprives it of the right to everlasting happiness in heaven, and makes it deserving of everlasting punishment in hell.

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69. What three things are necessary to make a sin mortal?

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To make a sin mortal these three things are needed: first, the thought, desire, word, action, or omission must be seriously wrong or considered seriously wrong; second, the sinner, must be mindful of the serious wrong; third, the sinner must fully consent to it.

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70. What is venial sin?

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Venial sin is a less serious offense against the law of God, which does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace, and which can be pardoned even without sacramental confession.

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71. How can a sin be venial?

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A sin can be venial in two ways: first, when the evil done is not seriously wrong; second, when the evil done is seriously wrong, but the sinner sincerely believes it is only slightly wrong, or does not give full consent to it.

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72. How does venial sin harm us?

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Venial sin harms us by making us less fervent in the service of God, by weakening our power to resist mortal sin, and by making us deserving of God's punishments in this life or in purgatory.

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73. How can we keep from committing sin?

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We can keep from committing sin by praying and by receiving the sacraments; by remembering that God is always with us; by recalling that our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost; by keeping occupied with work or play; by promptly resisting the sources of sin within us; by avoiding the near occasions of sin.

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74. What are the chief sources of actual sin?

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The chief sources of actual sin are: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth, and these are commonly called capital sins.

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75. Why are these called capital sins?

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They are called capital sins, not because they, in themselves, are the greatest sins, but because they are the chief reasons why men commit sin.

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76. What are the near occasions of sin?

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The near occasions of sin are all persons, places, or things that may easily lead us into sin.

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77. Did God abandon man after Adam fell into sin?

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God did not abandon man after Adam fell into sin, but promised to send into the world a Saviour to free man from his sins and to reopen to him the gates of heaven.

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78. Who is the Saviour of all men?

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The Saviour of all men is Jesus Christ.

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79. What is the chief teaching of the Catholic Church about Jesus Christ?

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The chief teaching of the Catholic Church about Jesus Christ is that He is God made man.

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80. Why is Jesus Christ God?

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Jesus Christ is God, because He is the only Son of God, having the same Divine nature as His Father.

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81. Why is Jesus Christ man?

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Jesus Christ is man, because He is the son of the Blessed Virgin Mary and has a body and soul like ours.

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82. Is Jesus Christ more than one Person?

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No, Jesus Christ is only one Person; and that Person is the second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

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83. How many natures has Jesus Christ?

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Jesus Christ has two natures: the nature of God and the nature of man.

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84. Was the Son of God always man?

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The Son of God was not always man, but became man at the time of the Incarnation.

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85. What is meant by the Incarnation?

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By the Incarnation is meant that the Son of God, retaining His Divine nature, took to Himself a human nature, that is, a body and soul like ours.

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86. How was the Son of God made man?

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The Son of God was conceived and made man by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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87. When was the Son of God conceived and made man?

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The Son of God was conceived and made man on Annunciation Day, the day on which the Angel Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the Mother of God.

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88. Is Saint Joseph the father of Jesus Christ?

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Jesus Christ had no human father, but Saint Joseph was the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the guardian, or foster father, of Christ.

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89. When was Christ born?

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Christ was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Christmas Day, in Bethlehem, more than nineteen hundred years ago.

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89A. How many years did Jesus Christ live on earth?

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Jesus Christ lived on earth about thirty–three years.

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89B. How did Jesus Christ spend His life on earth?

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Jesus Christ spent His childhood, youth and early manhood in the home of His mother Mary and His foster father Joseph, working as a carpenter in the village of Nazareth in Palestine; He spent His last years in the work of His public ministry.

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89C. What work did Jesus Christ perform in the course of His public ministry?

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In the course of His public ministry Jesus Christ gave us an example of great virtue, preached the message of salvation, proved the truth of His message through miracles and prophecies, and established the Church with its sacrifice and sacraments for the salvation of men until the end of time.

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90. What is meant by the Redemption?

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By the Redemption is meant that Jesus Christ, as the Redeemer of the whole human race, offered His sufferings and death to God as a fitting sacrifice in satisfaction for the sins of men, and regained for them the right to be children of God and heirs of heaven.

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91. What were the chief sufferings of Christ?

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The chief sufferings of Christ were His bitter agony of soul, His bloody sweat, His cruel scourging, His crowning with thorns, His crucifixion, and His death on the cross.

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92. When did Christ die?

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Christ died on Good Friday.

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93. Where did Christ die?

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Christ died on Golgotha, a place outside the city of Jerusalem.

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94. What do we learn from the sufferings and death of Christ?

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From the sufferings and death of Christ we learn God's love for man and the evil of sin, for which God, who is all–just, demands such great satisfaction.

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95. What do we mean when we say in the Apostles' Creed that Christ descended into hell?

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When we say that Christ descended into hell we mean that, after He died, the soul of Christ descended into a place or state of rest, called limbo, where the souls of the just were waiting for Him.

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96. Why did Christ go to limbo?

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Christ went to limbo to announce to the souls waiting there the joyful news that He had reopened heaven to mankind.

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97. Where was Christ's body while His soul was In limbo?

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While His soul was in limbo, Christ's body was in the holy sepulchre.

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98. When did Christ rise from the dead?

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Christ rose from the dead, glorious and immortal, on Easter Sunday, the third day after His death.

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99. Why did Christ rise from the dead?

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Christ rose from the dead to show that He is true God and to teach us that we, too, shall rise from the dead.

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100. Will all men rise from the dead?

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All men will rise from the dead, but only those who have been faithful to Christ will share in His glory.

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101. When did Christ ascend into heaven?

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Christ ascended, body and soul, into heaven on Ascension Day, forty days after His Resurrection.

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102. Why did Christ remain on earth forty days after His Resurrection?

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Christ remained on earth forty days after His Resurrection to prove that He had truly risen from the dead and to complete the instruction of the apostles.

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103. What do we mean when we say that Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty?

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When we say that Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, we mean that Our Lord as God is equal to the Father, and that as man He shares above all the saints in the glory of His Father and exercises for all eternity the supreme authority of a king over all creatures.

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104. What do we mean when we say that Christ will come from thence to judge the living and the dead?

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When we say that Christ will come from thence to judge the living and the dead, we mean that on the last day Our Lord will come to pronounce a sentence of eternal reward or of eternal punishment on everyone who has ever lived in this world.

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105. Who is the Holy Ghost?

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The Holy Ghost is God and the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

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106. From whom does the Holy Ghost proceed?

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The Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father and the Son.

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107. Is the Holy Ghost equal to the Father and the Son?

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The Holy Ghost is equal to the Father and the Son, because He is God.

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108. What does the Holy Ghost do for the salvation of mankind?

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The Holy Ghost dwells in the Church as the source of its life and sanctifies souls through the gift of grace.

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109. What is grace?

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Grace is a supernatural gift of God bestowed on us through the merits of Jesus Christ for our salvation.

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110. How many kinds of grace are there?

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There are two kinds of grace: sanctifying grace and actual grace.

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111. What is sanctifying grace?

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Sanctifying grace is that grace which confers on our souls a new life, that is, a sharing in the life of God Himself.

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112. What are the chief effects of sanctifying grace?

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The chief effects of sanctifying grace are: first, it makes us holy and pleasing to God; second, it makes us adopted children of God; third, it makes us temples of the Holy Ghost; fourth, it gives us the right to heaven.

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113. What is actual grace?

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Actual grace is a supernatural help of God which enlightens our mind and strengthens our will to do good and to avoid evil.

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114. Can we resist the grace of God?

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We can resist the grace of God, for our will is free, and God does not force us to accept His grace.

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115. Why is sanctifying grace necessary for salvation?

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Sanctifying grace is necessary for salvation because it is the supernatural life, which alone enables us to attain the supernatural happiness of heaven.

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116. Is actual grace necessary for all who have attained the use of reason?

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Actual grace is necessary for all who have attained the use of reason, because without it we cannot long resist the power of temptation or perform other actions which merit a reward in heaven.

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117. What are the principal ways of obtaining grace?

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The principal ways of obtaining grace are prayer and the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist.

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118. How can we make our most ordinary actions merit a heavenly reward?

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We can make our most ordinary actions merit a heavenly reward by doing them for the love of God and by keeping ourselves in the state of grace.

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119. What are the chief supernatural powers that are bestowed on our souls with sanctifying grace?

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The chief supernatural powers that are bestowed on our souls with sanctifying grace are the three theological virtues and the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.

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120. Why are these virtues called theological virtues?

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These virtues are called theological virtues because they have God for their proper object.

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121. What are the three theological virtues?

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The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity.

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122. What is faith?

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Faith is the virtue by which we firmly believe all the truths God has revealed, on the word of God revealing them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.

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123. What is hope?

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Hope is the virtue by which we firmly trust that God, who is all–powerful and faithful to His promises, will in His mercy give us eternal happiness and the means to obtain it.

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124. What is charity?

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Charity is the virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.

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125. Which are the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost?

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The seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

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126. How do the gifts of the Holy Ghost help us?

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The gifts of the Holy Ghost help us by making us more alert to discern and more ready to do the will of God.

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127. Which are some of the effects in us of the gifts of the Holy Ghost?

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Some of the effects in us of the gifts of the Holy Ghost are the fruits of the Holy Ghost and the beatitudes.

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128. Which are the twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost?

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The twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost are: charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long–suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity.

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129. Which are the eight beatitudes?

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The eight beatitudes are: 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth. 3. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied. 5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 6. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 8. Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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130. Are there any other virtues besides the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity?

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Besides the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity there are other virtues, called moral virtues.

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131. Why are these virtues called moral virtues?

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These virtues are called moral virtues because they dispose us to lead moral, or good lives, by aiding us to treat persons and things in the right way, that is, according to the will of God.

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132. Which are the chief moral virtues?

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The chief moral virtues are: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance; these are called cardinal virtues.

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133. Why are these virtues called cardinal virtues?

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These virtues are called cardinal virtues because they are like hinges on which hang all the other moral virtues and our whole moral life. The word "cardinal" is derived from the Latin word "cardo" meaning hinge.

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134. How do prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance dispose us to lead good lives?

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Prudence disposes us in all circumstances to form right judgments about what we must do or not do. Justice disposes us to give everyone what belongs to him. Fortitude disposes us to do what is good in spite of any difficulty. Temperance disposes us to control our desires and to use rightly the things which please ourselves.

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135. Which are some of the other moral virtues?

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Some of the other moral virtues are: Filial piety and patriotism, which dispose us to honor, love, and respect our parents and our country. Obedience, which disposes us to do the will of our superiors. Veracity, which disposes us to tell the truth. Liberality, which disposes us rightly to use worldly goods. Patience, which disposes us to bear up under trials and difficulties. Humility, which disposes us to acknowledge our limitations. Chastity, or purity, which disposes us to be pure in soul and body. Besides these, there are many other moral virtues.

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136. What is the Church?

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The Church is the congregation of all baptized persons united in the same true faith, the same sacrifice, and the same sacraments, under the authority of the Sovereign Pontiff and the bishops in communion with him.

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137. Who founded the Church?

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Jesus Christ founded the Church.

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138. Why did Jesus Christ found the Church?

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Jesus Christ founded the Church to bring all men to eternal salvation.

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139. How is the Church enabled to lead men to salvation?

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The Church is enabled to lead men to salvation by the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, who gives it life.

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140. When was the dwelling of the Holy Ghost in the Church first visibly manifested?

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The dwelling of the Holy Ghost in the Church was first visibly manifested on Pentecost Sunday, when He came down upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire.

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141. How long will the Holy Ghost dwell in the Church?

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The Holy Ghost will dwell in the Church until the end of time.

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142. Who sent the Holy Ghost to dwell in the Church?

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God the Father and God the Son sent the Holy Ghost to dwell in the Church.

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143. What does the indwelling of the Holy Ghost enable the Church to do?

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The indwelling of the Holy Ghost enables the Church to teach, to sanctify, and to rule the faithful in the name of Christ.

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144. What is meant by teaching, sanctifying, and ruling in the name of Christ?

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By teaching, sanctifying, and ruling in the name of Christ is meant that the Church always does the will of its Divine Founder, who remains forever its invisible Head.

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145. To whom did Christ give the power to teach, to sanctify, and to rule the members of His Church?

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Christ gave the power to teach, to sanctify, and to rule the members of His Church to the apostles, the first bishops of the Church.

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146. Did Christ intend that this power should be exercised by the apostles alone?

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No, Christ intended that this power should be exercised also by their successors, the bishops of the Church.

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147. Did Christ give special power in His Church to any one of the apostles?

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Christ gave special power in His Church to Saint Peter by making him the head of the apostles and the chief teacher and ruler of the entire Church.

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148. Did Christ intend that the special power of chief teacher and ruler of the entire Church should be exercised by Saint Peter alone?

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Christ did not intend that the special power of chief teacher and ruler of the entire Church should be exercised by Saint Peter alone, but intended that this power should be passed down to his successor, the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, who is the Vicar of Christ on earth and the visible head of the Church.

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149. Who assist the bishops in the care of souls?

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The priests, especially parish priests, assist the bishops in the care of souls.

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150. Who are the laity of the Church?

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The laity of the Church are all its members who do not belong to the clerical or to the religious state.

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151. How can the laity help the Church in her care of souls?

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The laity can help the Church in her care of souls by leading lives that will reflect credit on the Church, and by cooperating with their bishops and priests, especially through Catholic Action.

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151A. What is Catholic Action?

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Catholic Action is the active participation of the laity in the apostolate of the Church under the guidance of the hierarchy.

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151B. In what ways can the laity participate actively in the apostolate of the Church?

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The laity can participate actively in the apostolate of the Church when they arouse the interest of non–Catholics in the Catholic faith; promote high standards in the press, motion pictures, radio and television; participate in the work of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; take part in the activities of Catholic societies and organizations; represent, under proper direction, the Church's position in speaking and writing; and go as lay missionaries to foreign lands.

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152. Which is the one true Church established by Christ?

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The one true Church established by Christ is the Catholic Church.

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153. How do we know that the Catholic Church is the one true Church established by Christ?

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We know that the Catholic Church is the one true Church established by Christ because it alone has the marks of the true Church.

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154. What do we mean by the marks of the Church?

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By the marks of the Church we mean certain clear signs by which all men can recognize it as the true Church founded by Jesus Christ.

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155. What are the chief marks of the Church?

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The chief marks of the Church are four: It is one, holy, catholic or universal, and apostolic.

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156. Why is the Catholic Church one?

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The Catholic Church is one because all its members, according to the will of Christ, profess the same faith, have the same sacrifice and sacraments, and are united under one and the same visible head, the Pope.

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157. Why is the Catholic Church holy?

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The Catholic Church is holy because it was founded by Jesus Christ, who is all–holy, and because it teaches, according to the will of Christ, holy doctrines, and provides the means of leading a holy life, thereby giving holy members to every age.

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158. Why is the Catholic Church catholic or universal?

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The Catholic Church is catholic or universal because, destined to last for all time, it never fails to fulfill the divine commandment to teach all nations all the truths revealed by God.

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159. Why is the Catholic Church apostolic?

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The Catholic Church is apostolic because it was founded by Christ on the apostles and, according to His divine will, has always been governed by their lawful successors.

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160. How do we know that no other church but the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ?

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We know that no other church but the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ because no other church has these four marks.

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161. What are the chief attributes of the Catholic Church?

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The chief attributes of the Catholic Church are authority, infallibility, and indefectibility. They are called attributes because they are qualities perfecting the nature of the Church.

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162. What is meant by the authority of the Catholic Church?

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By the authority of the Catholic Church is meant that the Pope and the bishops, as the lawful successors of the apostles, have power from Christ Himself to teach, to sanctify, and to govern the faithful in spiritual matters.

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163. What is meant by the infallibility of the Catholic Church?

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By the infallibility of the Catholic Church is meant that the Church, by the special assistance of the Holy Ghost, cannot err when it teaches or believes a doctrine of faith or morals.

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164. When does the Church teach infallibly?

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The Church teaches infallibly when it defines, through the Pope alone, as the teacher of all Christians, or through the Pope and the bishops, a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by all the faithful.

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165. What is meant by the indefectibility of the Catholic Church?

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By the indefectibility of the Catholic Church is meant that the Church, as Christ founded it, will last until the end of time.

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166. Are all obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved?

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All are obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved.

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167. What do we mean when we say, "Outside the Church there is no salvation?"

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When we say, "Outside the Church there is no salvation," we mean that Christ made the Catholic Church a necessary means of salvation and commanded all to enter it, so that a person must be connected with the Church in some way to be saved.

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168. How can persons who are not members of the Catholic Church be saved?

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Persons who are not members of the Catholic Church can be saved if, through no fault of their own, they do not know that the Catholic Church is the true Church, but they love God and try to do His will, for in this way they are connected with the Church by desire.

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

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The Catholic Church is called the Mystical Body of Christ because its members are united by supernatural bonds with one another and with Christ, their Head, thus resembling the members and head of the living human body.

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169A. What conditions are necessary in order that a person be a member of the Mystical Body in the full sense?

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In order that a person be a member of the Mystical Body in the full sense, it is necessary that he be baptized, that he profess the Catholic faith, and that he neither separate himself from the Mystical Body nor be excluded by lawful authority.

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169B. How does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body?

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A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by open and deliberate heresy, apostasy or schism.

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169C. How does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by heresy?

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A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by heresy when he openly rejects or doubts some doctrine proposed by the Catholic Church as a truth of divine–Catholic faith, though still professing himself a Christian.

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169D. When does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by apostasy?

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A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by apostasy when he openly rejects the entire Christian faith.

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169E. When does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by schism?

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A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by schism when he openly refuses obedience to the lawful authorities of the Church, particularly to the Pope.

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169F. When is a baptized person separated from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by lawful authority?

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A baptized person is separated from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by lawful authority when he incurs one of the more severe forms of excommunication.

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170. What is meant by "the communion of saints" in the Apostles' Creed?

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By "the communion of saints" is meant the union of the faithful on earth, the blessed in heaven, and the souls in purgatory, with Christ as their Head.

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171. Through the communion of saints, what can the blessed in heaven do for the souls in purgatory and the faithful on earth?

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Through the communion of saints, the blessed in heaven can help the souls in purgatory and the faithful on earth by praying for them.

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172. Should the faithful on earth, through the communion of saints, honor the blessed in heaven and pray to them?

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The faithful on earth, through the communion of saints, should honor the blessed in heaven and pray to them, because they are worthy of honor and as friends of God will help the faithful on earth.

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173. Can the faithful on earth, through the communion of saints, relieve the sufferings of the souls in purgatory?

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The faithful on earth, through the communion of saints, can relieve the sufferings the souls in purgatory by prayer, fasting, and other good works, by indulgences, and by having Masses offered for them.

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174. Can the faithful on earth help one another?

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The faithful on earth, as members of the Mystical Body of Christ, can help one another by practicing supernatural charity and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

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175. What is meant in the Apostles' Creed by "the forgiveness of sins"?

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By "the forgiveness of sins" in the Apostles' Creed is meant that God has given to the Church, through Jesus Christ, the power to forgive sins, no matter how great or how many they are, if sinners truly repent.

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176. What is meant by "the resurrection of the body"?

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By "the resurrection of the body" is meant that at the end of the world the bodies of all men will rise from the earth and be united again to their souls, nevermore to be separated.

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177. Why will the bodies of the just rise?

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The bodies of the just will rise to share forever in the glory of their souls.

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178. Has the body of any human person ever been raised from the dead and taken into heaven?

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By the special privilege of her Assumption, the body of the Blessed Virgin Mary, united to her immaculate soul, was glorified and taken into heaven.

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179. Why will the bodies of the damned also rise?

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The bodies of the damned will also rise to share in the eternal punishment of their souls.

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180. What is the judgment called which will be passed on all men immediately after the general resurrection?

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The judgment which will be passed on all men immediately after the general resurrection is called the general judgment.

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181. What is the judgment called which will be passed on each one of us immediately after death?

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The judgment which will be passed on each one of us immediately after death is called the particular judgment.

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182. If everyone is judged immediately after death, why will there be a general judgment?

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Although everyone is judged immediately after death, it is fitting that there be a general judgment in order that the justice, wisdom, and mercy of God may be glorified in the presence of all.

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183. What are the rewards or punishments appointed for men after the particular judgment?

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The rewards or punishments appointed for men after the particular judgment are heaven, purgatory, or hell.

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184. Who are punished in purgatory?

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Those are punished for a time in purgatory who die in the state of grace but are guilty of venial sin, or have not fully satisfied for the temporal punishment due to their sins.

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185. Who are punished in hell?

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Those are punished in hell who die in mortal sin; they are deprived of the vision of God and suffer dreadful torments, especially that of fire, for all eternity.

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186. Who are rewarded in heaven?

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Those are rewarded in heaven who have died in the state of grace and have been purified in purgatory, if necessary, from all venial sin and all debt of temporal punishment; they see God face to face and share forever in His glory and happiness.

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187. What is meant by the word "Amen," with which we end the Apostles' Creed?

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By the word "Amen," with which we end the Apostles' Creed, is meant "So it is," or "So be it"; the word expresses our firm belief in all the doctrines that the Creed contains.