The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism #2 (Part 3: The Sacraments)

Front 1

304. What is a sacrament?

Back 1

A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

Front 2

305. How many sacraments are there?

Back 2

There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Front 3

306. From whom do the sacraments receive their power to give grace?

Back 3

The sacraments receive their power to give grace from God, through the merits of Jesus Christ.

Front 4

307. Do the sacraments give sanctifying grace?

Back 4

The sacraments do give sanctifying grace.

Front 5

308. Does each of the sacraments also give a special grace?

Back 5

Each of the sacraments also gives a special grace, called sacramental grace, which helps one to carry out the particular purpose of that sacrament.

Front 6

309. Do the sacraments always give grace?

Back 6

The sacraments always give grace if we receive them with the right dispositions.

Front 7

310. Why are Baptism and Penance called sacraments of the dead?

Back 7

Baptism and Penance are called sacraments of the dead because their chief purpose is to give the supernatural life of sanctifying grace to souls spiritually dead through sin.

Front 8

311. Why are Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony called sacraments of the living?

Back 8

Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony are called sacraments of the living because their chief purpose is to give more grace to souls already spiritually alive through sanctifying grace.

Front 9

312. What sin does one commit who knowingly receives a sacrament of the living in mortal sin?

Back 9

He who knowingly receives a sacrament of the living in mortal sin commits a mortal sin of sacrilege, because he treats a sacred thing with grave irreverence.

Front 10

313. Which are the sacraments that can be received only once?

Back 10

The sacraments that can be received only once are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Front 11

314. Why can Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders be received only once?

Back 11

Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders can be received only once because they imprint on the soul a spiritual mark, called a character, which lasts forever.

Front 12

315. What is Baptism?

Back 12

Baptism is the sacrament that gives our souls the new life of sanctifying grace by which we become children of God and heirs of heaven.

Front 13

316. What sins does Baptism take away?

Back 13

Baptism takes away original sin; and also actual sin and all the punishment due to them, if the person baptized be guilty of any actual sins and truly sorry for them.

Front 14

317. What are the effects of the character imprinted on the soul by Baptism?

Back 14

The effects of the character imprinted on the soul by Baptism are that we become members of the Church, subject to its laws, and capable of receiving other sacraments.

Front 15

318. Who can administer Baptism?

Back 15

The priest is the usual minister of Baptism, but if there is danger that someone will die without Baptism, anyone else may and should baptize.

Front 16

319. How would you give Baptism?

Back 16

I would give Baptism by pouring ordinary water on the forehead of the person to be baptized, saying while pouring it: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Front 17

320. Why is Baptism necessary for the salvation of all men?

Back 17

Baptism is necessary for the salvation of all men because Christ has said: "Unless a man be born again of water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Front 18

321. How can those be saved who through no fault of their own have not received the sacrament of Baptism?

Back 18

Those who through no fault of their own have not received the sacrament of Baptism can be saved through what is called baptism of blood or baptism of desire.

Front 19

322. How does an unbaptized person receive the baptism of blood?

Back 19

An unbaptized person receives the baptism of blood when he suffers martyrdom for the faith of Christ.

Front 20

323. How does an unbaptized person receive the baptism of desire?

Back 20

An unbaptized person receives the baptism of desire when he loves God above all things and desires to do all that is necessary for his salvation.

Front 21

324. When should children be baptized?

Back 21

Children should be baptized as soon as possible after birth.

Front 22

325. What sin do Catholic parents commit who put off for a long time, or entirely neglect, the Baptism of their children?

Back 22

Catholic parents who put off for a long time, or entirely neglect, the Baptism of their children, commit a mortal sin.

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326. What do we promise through our godparents in Baptism?

Back 23

We promise through our godparents in Baptism to renounce the devil and to live according to the teachings of Christ and of His Church.

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327. Why is the name of a saint given in Baptism?

Back 24

The name of a saint is given in Baptism in order that the person baptized may imitate his virtues and have him for a protector.

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328. What is the duty of a godparent after Baptism?

Back 25

The duty of a godparent after Baptism is to see that the child is brought up a good Catholic, if this is not done by the parents.

Front 26

329. Who should be chosen as godparents for Baptism?

Back 26

Only Catholics who know their faith and live up to the duties of their religion should be chosen as godparents for Baptism.

Front 27

330. What is Confirmation?

Back 27

Confirmation is the sacrament through which the Holy Ghost comes to us in a special way and enables us to profess our faith as strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.

Front 28

331. Who is the usual minister of Confirmation?

Back 28

The bishop is the usual minister of Confirmation.

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332. What does the bishop do when he gives Confirmation?

Back 29

The bishop extends his hands over those who are to be confirmed, prays that they may receive the Holy Ghost, and, while laying his hand on the head of each person, anoints the forehead with holy chrism in the form of a cross.

Front 30

333. What does the bishop say in anointing the person he confirms?

Back 30

In anointing the person he confirms, the bishop says: "I sign you with the sign of the cross and I confirm you with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Front 31

334. What is holy chrism?

Back 31

Holy chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balm, blessed by the bishop on Holy Thursday.

Front 32

335. What does the anointing of the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross signify.

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The anointing of the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross signifies that the Catholic who is confirmed must always be ready to profess his faith openly and to practice it fearlessly.

Front 33

336. Why does the bishop give the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek?

Back 33

The bishop gives the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek to remind him that he must be ready to suffer everything, even death, for the sake of Christ.

Front 34

337. What are the effects of Confirmation?

Back 34

Confirmation increases sanctifying grace, gives its special sacramental grace, and imprints a lasting character on the soul.

Front 35

338. What does the sacramental grace of Confirmation help us to do?

Back 35

The sacramental grace of Confirmation helps us to live our faith loyally and to profess it courageously.

Front 36

339. What is the character of Confirmation?

Back 36

The character of Confirmation is a spiritual and indelible sign which marks the Christian as a soldier in the army of Christ.

Front 37

340. What is necessary to receive Confirmation properly?

Back 37

To receive Confirmation properly it is necessary to be in the state of grace, and to know well the chief truths and duties of our religion.

Front 38

341. After we have been confirmed, why should we continue to study our religion even more earnestly than before?

Back 38

After we have been confirmed, we should continue to study our religion even more earnestly than before, so that we may be able to explain and defend our faith, and thus cooperate with the grace of Confirmation.

Front 39

342. Why should all Catholics be confirmed?

Back 39

All Catholics should be confirmed in order to be strengthened against the dangers to salvation and to be prepared better to defend their Catholic faith.

Front 40

343. What is the Holy Eucharist?

Back 40

The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice. In the Holy Eucharist, under the appearances of bread and wine, the Lord Christ is contained, offered, and received.

Front 41

344. When did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist?

Back 41

Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the night before He died.

Front 42

345. Who were present when Our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist?

Back 42

When Our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist the apostles were present.

Front 43

346. How did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist?

Back 43

Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist in this way: He took bread, blessed and broke it, and giving it to His apostles, said: "Take and eat; this is My body"; then He took a cup of wine, blessed it, and giving it to them, said: "All of you drink of this; for this is My blood of the new covenant which is being shed for many unto the forgiveness of sins"; finally, He gave His apostles the commission: "Do this in remembrance of Me."

Front 44

347. What happened when Our Lord said: "This is My body . . . this is My blood"?

Back 44

When Our Lord said, "This is My body," the entire substance of the bread was changed into His body; and when He said, "This is My blood," the entire substance of the wine was changed into His blood.

Front 45

348. Did anything of the bread and wine remain after their substance had been changed into Our Lord's body and blood?

Back 45

After the substance of the bread and wine had been changed into Our Lord's body and blood, there remained only the appearances of bread and wine.

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349. What do we mean by the appearances of bread and wine?

Back 46

By the appearances of bread and wine we mean their color, taste, weight, shape, and whatever else appears to the senses.

Front 47

350. What is the change of the entire substance of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ called?

Back 47

The change of the entire substance of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is called Transubstantiation.

Front 48

351. Is Jesus Christ whole and entire both under the appearances of bread and under the appearances of wine?

Back 48

Jesus Christ is whole and entire both under the appearances of bread and under the appearances of wine.

Front 49

352. How was Our Lord able to change bread and wine into His body and blood?

Back 49

Our Lord was able to change bread and wine into His body and blood by His almighty power.

Front 50

353. Does this change of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ continue to be made in the Church?

Back 50

The change of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ continues to be made in the Church by Jesus Christ, through the ministry of His priests.

Front 51

354. When did Christ give His priests the power to change bread and wine into His body and blood?

Back 51

Christ gave His priests the power to change bread and wine into His body and blood when He made the apostles priests at the Last Supper by saying to them: "Do this in remembrance of Me."

Front 52

355. How do priests exercise their power to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ?

Back 52

Priests exercise their power to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ by repeating at the Consecration of the Mass the words of Christ: "This is My Body ... this is My blood."

Front 53

356. Why does Christ give us His own body and blood in the Holy Eucharist?

Back 53

Christ gives us His own body and blood in the Holy Eucharist: first, to be offered as a sacrifice commemorating and renewing for all time the sacrifice of the cross; second, to be received by the faithful in Holy Communion; third, to remain ever on our altars as the proof of His love for us, and to be worshiped by us.

Front 54

357. What is the Mass?

Back 54

The Mass is the sacrifice of the New Law in which Christ, through the ministry of the priest, offers Himself to God in an unbloody manner under the appearances of bread and wine.

Front 55

358. What is a sacrifice?

Back 55

A sacrifice is the offering of a victim by a priest to God alone, and the destruction of it in some way to acknowledge that He is the Creator of all things.

Front 56

359. Who is the principal priest in every Mass?

Back 56

The principal priest in every Mass is Jesus Christ, who offers to His heavenly Father, through the ministry of His ordained priest, His body and blood which were sacrificed on the cross.

Front 57

360. Why is the Mass the same sacrifice as the sacrifice of the cross?

Back 57

The Mass is the same sacrifice as the sacrifice of the cross because in the Mass the victim is the same, and the principal priest is the same, Jesus Christ.

Front 58

361. What are the purposes for which the Mass is offered?

Back 58

The purposes for which the Mass is offered are: first, to adore God as our Creator and Lord; second, to thank God for His many favors; third, to ask God to bestow His blessings on all men; fourth, to satisfy the justice of God for the sins committed against Him.

Front 59

362. Is there any difference between the sacrifice of the cross and the Sacrifice of the Mass?

Back 59

The manner in which the sacrifice is offered is different. On the cross Christ physically shed His blood and was physically slain, while in the Mass there is no physical shedding of blood nor physical death, because Christ can die no more; on the cross Christ gained merit and satisfied for us, while in the Mass He applies to us the merits and satisfaction of His death on the cross.

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363. How should we assist at Mass?

Back 60

We should assist at Mass with reverence, attention, and devotion.

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364. What is the best method of assisting at Mass?

Back 61

The best method of assisting at Mass is to unite with the priest in offering the Holy Sacrifice, and to receive Holy Communion.

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364A. How can we best unite with the priest in offering the Holy Sacrifice?

Back 62

We can best unite with the priest in offering the Holy Sacrifice by joining in mind and heart with Christ, the principal Priest and Victim, by following the Mass in a missal, and by reciting or chanting the responses.

Front 63

365. Who said the first Mass?

Back 63

Our Divine Savior said the first Mass, at the Last Supper, the night before He died.

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366. What is Holy Communion?

Back 64

Holy Communion is the receiving of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Front 65

367. What is necessary to receive Holy Communion worthily?

Back 65

To receive Holy Communion worthily it is necessary to be free from mortal sin, to have a right intention, and to obey the Church's laws on the fast required before Holy Communion out of reverence for the body and blood of Our Divine Lord. However, there are some cases in which Holy Communion may be received without fasting.

Front 66

368. Does he who knowingly receives Holy Communion in mortal sin receive the body and blood of Christ and His graces?

Back 66

He who knowingly receives Holy Communion in mortal sin receives the body and blood of Christ; but he does not receive His graces and he commits a grave sin of sacrilege.

Front 67

369. What should we do to receive more abundantly the graces of Holy Communion?

Back 67

To receive more abundantly the graces of Holy Communion we should strive to be most fervent and to free ourselves from deliberate venial sin.

Front 68

370. Does the Church now command us to fast from midnight before Holy Communion?

Back 68

The Church does not now command us to fast from midnight before Holy Communion, as it did formerly. The laws enacted by Pope Pius XII now regulate this matter by the number of hours we must fast.

Front 69

371. When may Holy Communion be received without fasting?

Back 69

Holy Communion may be received without fasting when one is in danger of death, or when it is necessary to save the Blessed Sacrament from insult or injury.

Front 70

372. What are the laws enacted by Pope Pius XII regarding the fast required before Holy Communion?

Back 70

The laws enacted by Pope Pius XII regarding the fast required before Holy Communion are the following: 1. Water may be taken at any time before Holy Communion without breaking the fast. 2. Sick persons, though not confined to bed, may receive Holy Communion after taking medicine or nonalcoholic drinks. A priest's permission is not necessary. 3. All Catholics may receive Holy Communion after fasting one hour from food and drink including even alcoholic beverages in moderation. This rule applies to Holy Communion at midnight Mass as well as at Masses celebrated in the morning, afternoon or evening. A priest's permission is not needed. 4. One may not receive Holy Communion a second time on the same day, unless the danger of death arises, when he can receive the Blessed Sacrament as Viaticum. But one who has received the Holy Eucharist at the midnight Mass of Christmas or at the Mass of the Easter Vigil may receive again in the course of the day. These rules show the Church's desire that all Catholics partake of the Holy Eucharist frequently.

Front 71

373. How should we prepare ourselves for Holy Communion?

Back 71

We should prepare ourselves for Holy Communion by thinking of Our Divine Redeemer whom we are about to receive, and by making fervent acts of faith, hope, love, and contrition.

Front 72

374. What should we do after Holy Communion?

Back 72

After Holy Communion we should spend some time adoring Our Lord, thanking Him, renewing our promises of love and of obedience to Him, and asking Him for blessings for ourselves and others.

Front 73

375. What are the chief effects of a worthy Holy Communion?

Back 73

The chief effects of a worthy Holy Communion are: first, a closer union with Our Lord and a more fervent love of God and of our neighbor; second, an increase of sanctifying grace; third, preservation from mortal sin and the remission of venial sin; fourth, the lessening of our inclinations to sin and the help to practice good works.

Front 74

376. When are we obliged to receive Holy Communion?

Back 74

We are obliged to receive Holy Communion during Easter time each year and when in danger of death.

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377. Why is it well to receive Holy Communion often, even daily?

Back 75

It is well to receive Holy Communion often, even daily, because this intimate union with Jesus Christ, the Source of all holiness and the Giver of all graces, is the greatest aid to a holy life.

Front 76

378. How should we show our gratitude to Our Lord for remaining always on our altars in the Holy Eucharist?

Back 76

We should show our gratitude to Our Lord for remaining always on our altars in the Holy Eucharist by visiting Him often, by reverence in church, by assisting every day at Mass when this is possible, by attending parish devotions, and by being present at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Front 77

379. What is the sacrament of Penance?

Back 77

Penance is the sacrament by which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven through the absolution of the priest.

Front 78

380. Whence has the priest the power to forgive sins?

Back 78

The priest has the power to forgive sins from Jesus Christ, who said to His apostles and to their successors in the priesthood: "Receive the Holy Ghost; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

Front 79

381. With what words does the priest forgive sins?

Back 79

The priest forgives sins with the words: "I absolve thee from thy sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Front 80

382. What are the effects of the sacrament of Penance, worthily received?

Back 80

The effects of the sacrament of Penance, worthily received, are: first, the restoration or increase of sanctifying grace; second, the forgiveness of sins; third, the remission of the eternal punishment, if necessary, and also of part, at least, of the temporal punishment, due to our sins; fourth, the help to avoid sin in future; fifth, the restoration of the merits of our good works if they have been lost by mortal sin.

Front 81

383. What else does the sacrament of Penance do for us?

Back 81

The sacrament of Penance also gives us the opportunity to receive spiritual advice and instruction from our confessor.

Front 82

384. What must we do to receive the sacrament of Penance worthily?

Back 82

To receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, we must: first, examine our conscience; second, be sorry for our sins; third, have the firm purpose of not sinning again;@fourth, confess our sins to the priest; fifth, be willing to perform the penance the priest gives us.

Front 83

385. What is an examination of conscience?

Back 83

An examination of conscience is a sincere effort to call to mind all the sins we have committed since our last worthy confession.

Front 84

386. What should we do before our examination of conscience?

Back 84

Before our examination of conscience we should ask God's help to know our sins and to confess them with sincere sorrow.

Front 85

387. How can we make a good examination of conscience?

Back 85

We can make a good examination of conscience by calling to mind the commandments of God and of the Church, and the particular duties of our state of life, and by asking ourselves how we may have sinned with regard to them.

Front 86

388. What is contrition?

Back 86

Contrition is sincere sorrow for having offended God, and hatred for the sins we have committed, with a firm purpose of sinning no more.

Front 87

389. Will God forgive us any sin unless we have true contrition for it?

Back 87

God will not forgive us any sin, whether mortal or venial, unless we have true contrition for it.

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390. When is sorrow for sin true contrition?

Back 88

Sorrow for sin is true contrition when it is interior, supernatural supreme, and universal.

Front 89

391. When is our sorrow interior?

Back 89

Our sorrow is interior when it comes from our heart, and not merely from our lips.

Front 90

392. When is our sorrow supernatural?

Back 90

Our sorrow is supernatural when, with the help of God's grace, it arises from motives which spring from faith and not merely from natural motives.

Front 91

393. When is our sorrow supreme?

Back 91

Our sorrow is supreme when we hate sin above every other evil, and are willing to endure any suffering rather than offend God in the future by sin.

Front 92

394. When is our sorrow universal?

Back 92

Our sorrow is universal when we are sorry for every mortal sin which we may have had the misfortune to commit.

Front 93

395. Should we always try to have sorrow for all our venial sins when receiving the sacrament of Penance?

Back 93

We should try to have sorrow for all our venial sins when receiving the sacrament of Penance, and, when we have only venial sins to confess, we must have sorrow for at least one of them or for some sin of our past life which we confess.

Front 94

396. Why should we have contrition for mortal sin?

Back 94

We should have contrition for mortal sin because it is the greatest of all evils, gravely offends God, keeps us out of heaven, and condemns us forever to hell.

Front 95

397. Why should we have contrition for venial sin?

Back 95

We should have contrition for venial sin because it is displeasing to God, merits temporal punishment, and may lead to mortal sin.

Front 96

398. How many kinds of contrition are there?

Back 96

There are two kinds of contrition: perfect contrition and imperfect contrition.

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399. When is our contrition perfect?

Back 97

Our contrition is perfect when we are sorry for our sins because sin offends God, whom we love above all things for His own sake.

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400. When is our contrition imperfect?

Back 98

Our contrition is imperfect when we are sorry for our sins because they are hateful in themselves or because we fear God's punishment.

Front 99

401. To receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, what kind of contrition is sufficient?

Back 99

To receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, imperfect contrition is sufficient.

Front 100

402. Should we always try to have perfect contrition in the sacrament of Penance?

Back 100

We should always try to have perfect contrition in the sacrament of Penance because perfect contrition is more pleasing to God, and because with His help we can always have it.

Front 101

403. How can a person in mortal sin regain the state of grace before receiving the sacrament of Penance?

Back 101

A person in mortal sin can regain the state of grace before receiving the sacrament of Penance by making an act of perfect contrition with the sincere purpose of going to confession.

Front 102

404. What should we do if we have the misfortune to commit a mortal sin?

Back 102

If we have the misfortune to commit a mortal sin, we should ask God's pardon and grace at once, make an act of perfect contrition, and go to confession as soon as we can.

Front 103

405. May we receive Holy Communion after committing a mortal sin if we merely make an act of perfect contrition?

Back 103

We may not receive Holy Communion after committing a mortal sin if we merely make an act of perfect contrition; one who has sinned grievously must go to confession before receiving Holy Communion.

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406. What is the firm purpose of sinning no more?

Back 104

The firm purpose of sinning no more is the sincere resolve not only to avoid sin but to avoid as far as possible the near occasions of sin.

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407. What purpose of amendment must a person have if he has only venial sins to confess?

Back 105

If a person has only venial sins to confess, he must have the purpose of avoiding at least one of them.

Front 106

408. What is confession?

Back 106

Confession is the telling of our sins to an authorized priest for the purpose of obtaining forgiveness.

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409. Why must we confess our sins?

Back 107

We must confess our sins because Jesus Christ obliges us to do so in these words, spoken to the apostles and to their successors in the priesthood: "Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

Front 108

410. How do these words of Christ oblige us to confess our sins?

Back 108

These words of Christ oblige us to confess our sins because the priest cannot know whether he should forgive or retain our sins unless we tell them to him.

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411. Is it necessary to confess every sin?

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It is necessary to confess every mortal sin which has not yet been confessed and forgiven; it is not necessary to confess our venial sins, but it is better to do so.

Front 110

412. What are the chief qualities of a good confession?

Back 110

The chief qualities of a good confession are three: it must be humble, sincere, and entire.

Front 111

413. When is our confession humble?

Back 111

Our confession is humble when we accuse ourselves of our sins with a conviction of guilt for having offended God.

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414. When is our confession sincere?

Back 112

Our confession is sincere when we tell our sins honestly and frankly.

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415. When is our confession entire?

Back 113

Our confession is entire when we confess at least all our mortal sins, telling their kind, the number of times we have committed each sin, and any circumstances changing their nature.

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416. What are we to do if without our fault we forget to confess a mortal sin?

Back 114

If without our fault we forget to confess a mortal sin, we may receive Holy Communion, because we have made a good confession and the sin is forgiven; but we must tell the sin in confession if it again comes to our mind.

Front 115

417. What happens if we knowingly conceal a mortal sin in confession?

Back 115

If we knowingly conceal a mortal sin in confession, the sins we confess are not forgiven; moreover, we commit a mortal sin of sacrilege.

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418. What must a person do who has knowingly concealed a mortal sin in confession?

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A person who has knowingly concealed a mortal sin in confession must confess that he has made a bad confession, tell the sin he has concealed, mention the sacraments he has received since that time, and confess all the mortal sins he has committed since his last good confession.

Front 117

419. Why should a sense of shame and fear of telling our sins to the priest never lead us to conceal a mortal sin in confession?

Back 117

A sense of shame and fear of telling our sins to the priest should never lead us to conceal a mortal sin in confession because this is a grave sacrilege, and also because the priest, who represents Christ Himself, is bound by the seal of the sacrament of Penance never to reveal anything that has been confessed to him.

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420. Why does the priest give us a penance after confession?

Back 118

The priest gives us a penance after confession that we may make some atonement to God for our sins, receive help to avoid them in the future, and make some satisfaction for the temporal punishment due to them.

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421. What kinds of punishment are due to sin?

Back 119

Two kinds of punishment are due to sin: the eternal punishment of hell, due to unforgiven mortal sins, and temporal punishment, lasting only for a time, due to venial sins and also to mortal sins after they have been forgiven.

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422. Does the sacrament of Penance, worthily received, always take away all punishment?

Back 120

The sacrament of Penance, worthily received, always takes away all eternal punishment; but it does not always take away all temporal punishment.

Front 121

423. Why does God require temporal punishment for sin?

Back 121

God requires temporal punishment for sin to satisfy His justice, to teach us the great evil of sin, and to warn us not to sin again.

Front 122

424. Where do we pay the debt of our temporal punishment?

Back 122

We pay the debt of our temporal punishment either in this life or in purgatory.

Front 123

425. What are the chief means of satisfying the debt of our temporal punishment, besides the penance imposed after confession?

Back 123

Besides the penance imposed after confession, the chief means of satisfying the debt of our temporal punishment are: prayer, attending Mass, fasting, almsgiving, the works of mercy, the patient endurance of sufferings, and indulgences.

Front 124

426. Before entering the confessional, how should we prepare ourselves for a good confession?

Back 124

Before entering the confessional, we should prepare ourselves for a good confession by taking sufficient time not only to examine our conscience but, especially, to excite in our hearts sincere sorrow for our sins and a firm purpose not to commit them again.

Front 125

427. How should we begin our confession?

Back 125

We should begin our confession in this manner: Entering the confessional, we kneel, and making the sign of the cross we say to the priest: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned"; and then we tell how long it has been since our last confession.

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428. After telling the time of our last confession, what do we confess?

Back 126

After telling the time of our last confession, if we have committed any mortal sins since that time we must confess them, and also any that we have forgotten in previous confessions, telling the nature and number of each; we may also confess any venial sins we wish to mention.

Front 127

429. What should we do if we cannot remember the exact number of our mortal sins?

Back 127

If we cannot remember the exact number of our mortal sins, we should tell the number as nearly as possible, or say how often we have committed the sins in a day, a week, a month, or a year.

Front 128

430. What should we do when we have committed no mortal sin since our last confession?

Back 128

When we have committed no mortal sin since our last confession, we should confess our venial sins or some sin told in a previous confession, for which we are again sorry, in order that the priest may give us absolution.

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431. How should we end our confession?

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We should end our confession by saying: "I am sorry for these and all the sins of my past life, especially for ..."; and then it is well to tell one or several of the sins which we have previously confessed and for which we are particularly sorry.

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432. What should we do after confessing our sins?

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After confessing our sins, we should answer truthfully any question the priest asks, seek advice if we feel that we need any, listen carefully to the spiritual instruction and counsel of the priest, and accept the penance he gives us.

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433. What should we do when the priest is giving us absolution?

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When the priest is giving us absolution, we should say from our heart the act of contrition in a tone to be heard by him.

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434. What should we do after leaving the confessional?

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After leaving the confessional we should return thanks to God for the sacrament we have received, beg Our Lord to supply for the imperfections of our confession, and promptly and devoutly perform our penance.

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435. What is an indulgence?

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An indulgence is the remission granted by the Church of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven.

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436. How many kinds of indulgences are there?

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There are two kinds of indulgences, plenary and partial.

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437. What is a plenary indulgence?

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A plenary indulgence is the remission of all the temporal punishment due to our sins.

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438. What is a partial indulgence?

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A partial indulgence is the remission of part of the temporal punishment due to our sins.

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439. How does the Church by means of indulgences remit the temporal punishment due to sin?

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The Church by means of indulgences remits the temporal punishment due to sin by applying to us from her spiritual treasury part of the infinite satisfaction of Jesus Christ and of the superabundant satisfaction of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saints.

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440. What is the superabundant satisfaction of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saints?

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The superabundant satisfaction of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saints is that which they gained during their lifetime but did not need, and which the Church applies to their fellow members of the communion of saints.

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441. What must we do to gain an indulgence for ourselves?

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To gain an indulgence for ourselves we must be in the state of grace, have at least a general intention of gaining the indulgence, and perform the works required by the Church.

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442. Can we gain indulgences for others?

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We cannot gain indulgences for other living persons, but we can gain them for the souls in purgatory, since the Church makes most indulgences applicable to them.

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443. What is Extreme Unction?

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Extreme Unction is the sacrament which, through the anointing with blessed oil by the priest, and through his prayer, gives health and strength to the soul and sometimes to the body when we are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age.

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444. Who should receive Extreme Unction?

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All Catholics who have reached the use of reason and are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age should receive Extreme Unction.

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445. What are the effects of the sacrament of Extreme Unction?

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The effects of the sacrament of Extreme Unction are: first, an increase of sanctifying grace; second, comfort in sickness and strength against temptation; third, preparation for entrance into heaven by the remission of our venial sins and the cleansing of our souls from the remains of sin; fourth, health of body when it is good for the soul.

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446. When does Extreme Unction take away mortal sin?

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Extreme Unction takes away mortal sin when the sick person is unconscious or otherwise unaware that he is not properly disposed, but has made an act of imperfect contrition.

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447. How should we prepare ourselves to receive Extreme Unction worthily?

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We should prepare ourselves to receive Extreme Unction worthily by a good confession, by acts of faith, hope, charity, and, especially, by resignation to the will of God.

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448. Who can administer Extreme Unction?

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Only a priest can administer Extreme Unction.

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449. When is it advisable to call the priest to visit the sick?

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It is advisable to call the priest to visit the sick in any serious illness, even though there be no apparent danger of death, as it is the duty of the priest to visit the sick and to administer to them the sacraments they need.

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450. In case of sudden or unexpected death, should a priest be called?

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In case of sudden or unexpected death a priest should be called always, because absolution and Extreme Unction can be given conditionally for some time after apparent death.

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451. What is Holy Orders?

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Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men receive the power and grace to perform the sacred duties of bishops, priests, and other ministers of the Church.

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452. What are some of the requirements that a man may receive Holy Orders worthily?

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That a man may receive Holy Orders worthily it is necessary:@first, that he be in the state of grace and be of excellent character; second, that he have the prescribed age and learning; third, that he have the intention of devoting his life to the sacred ministry; fourth, that he be called to Holy Orders by his bishop.

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452A. What is meant essentially by a vocation to the priesthood?

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By a vocation to the priesthood is meant essentially that invitation to receive Holy Orders given by the proper ecclesiastical superior to a man who, after a sufficient period of preparation and trial, gives signs that he has been called by God to the priesthood.

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452B. What are the chief signs that a man has been called by God to the priesthood?

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The chief signs that a man has been called by God to the priesthood are: a sincere desire to become a priest, a virtuous life, and sufficient bodily health and intellectual ability to enable him to make the required studies and to perform the duties of the priestly life.

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452C. Do religious brothers and sisters receive the sacrament of Holy Orders?

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No; religious brothers and sisters do not receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, but they have received from God a vocation to dedicate their lives to His service.

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453. What are the effects of ordination to the priesthood?

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The effects of ordination to the priesthood are: first, an increase of sanctifying grace; second, sacramental grace, through which the priest has God's constant help in his sacred ministry; third, a character, lasting forever, which is a special sharing in the priesthood of Christ and which gives the priest special supernatural powers.

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454. What are the chief supernatural powers of the priest?

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The chief supernatural powers of the priest are: to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and to forgive sins in the sacrament of Penance.

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455. Why should Catholics show reverence and honor to the priest?

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Catholics should show reverence and honor to the priest because he is the representative of Christ Himself and the dispenser of His mysteries.

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456. Who is the minister of the sacrament of Holy Orders?

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The bishop is the minister of the sacrament of Holy Orders.

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457. What is the sacrament of Matrimony?

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Matrimony is the sacrament by which a baptized man and a baptized woman bind themselves for life in a lawful marriage and receive the grace to discharge their duties.

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458. What are the chief duties of husband and wife in the married state?

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The chief duties of husband and wife in the married state are to be faithful to each other, and to provide in every way for the welfare of the children God may give them.

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459. Why does the bond of the sacrament of Matrimony last until the death of husband or wife?

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The bond of the sacrament of Matrimony lasts until the death of husband or wife because Christ has said: "What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder."

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460. What is meant by the unity of the sacrament of Matrimony?

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By the unity of the sacrament of Matrimony is meant that the husband cannot during the life of his wife have another wife, nor the wife during the life of her husband have another husband.

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461. Why is every true marriage between a baptized man and a baptized woman a sacrament?

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Every true marriage between a baptized man and a baptized woman is a sacrament because Christ Himself raised every marriage of this kind to the dignity of a sacrament.

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462. Why has the Catholic Church alone the right to make laws regulating the marriages of baptized persons?

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The Catholic Church alone has the right to make laws regulating the marriages of baptized persons because the Church alone has authority over the sacraments and over sacred matters affecting baptized persons.

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463. What authority has the State regarding the marriages of baptized persons?

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Regarding the marriages of baptized persons, the State has the authority to make laws concerning their effects that are merely civil.

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464. What is necessary to receive the sacrament of Matrimony worthily?

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To receive the sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, to know the duties of married life, and to obey the marriage laws of the Church.

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465. In whose presence do the laws of the Church require a Catholic to be married?

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The laws of the Church require a Catholic to be married in the presence of the parish priest, or the bishop of the diocese, or a priest delegated by either of them, and before two witnesses.

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466. What are the chief effects of the sacrament of Matrimony?

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The chief effects of the sacrament of Matrimony are: first, an increase of sanctifying grace; second, the special help of God for husband and wife to love each other faithfully, to bear with each other's faults, and to bring up their children properly.

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467. What should Catholics do to prepare for a holy and happy marriage?

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To prepare for a holy and happy marriage, Catholics should: first, pray that God may direct their choice; second, seek the advice of their parents and confessors; third, practice the virtues, especially chastity: fourth, frequently receive the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist.

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468. How can Catholics best obtain God's blessing for their marriage?

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Catholics can best obtain God's blessing for their marriage by being married at a Nuptial Mass and by receiving Holy Communion devoutly.

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469. What are sacramentals?

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Sacramentals are holy things or actions of which the Church makes use to obtain for us from God, through her intercession, spiritual and temporal favors.

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470. How do the sacramentals obtain favors from God?

Back 171

The sacramentals obtain favors from God through the prayers of the Church offered for those who make use of them, and through the devotion they inspire.

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471. What are the chief benefits obtained by the use of the sacramentals?

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The chief benefits obtained by the use of the sacramentals are: first, actual graces; second, the forgiveness of venial sins; third, the remission of temporal punishment; fourth, health of body and material blessings; fifth, protection from evil spirits.

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472. Which are the chief kinds of sacramentals?

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The chief kinds of sacramentals are: first, blessings given by priests and bishops;second, exorcisms against evil spirits; third, blessed objects of devotion.

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473. Which are the blessed objects of devotion most used by Catholics?

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The blessed objects of devotion most used by Catholics are: holy water, candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, medals, rosaries, scapulars, and images of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, and the saints.

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474. How should we make use of sacramentals?

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We should make use of the sacramentals with faith and devotion, and never make them objects of superstition.

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475. What is prayer?

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Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God.

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476. Why do we pray?

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We pray: first, to adore God, expressing to Him our love and loyalty; second, to thank Him for His favors; third, to obtain from Him the pardon of our sins and the remission of their punishment; fourth, to ask for graces and blessings for ourselves and others.

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477. How should we pray?

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We should pray: first, with attention; second, with a conviction of our own helplessness and our dependence upon God; third, with a great desire for the graces we beg of Him; fourth, with loving trust in His goodness; fifth, with perseverance.

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478. For whom should we pray?

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We should pray especially for ourselves, for our parents, relatives, friends, and enemies, for sinners, for the souls in purgatory, for the Pope, bishops, and priests of the Church, and for the officials of our country.

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479. How do we know that God always hears our prayers if we pray properly?

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We know that God always hears our prayers if we pray properly because Our Lord has promised: "If you ask the Father anything in My name, He will give it to you."

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480. Why do we not always obtain what we pray for?

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We do not always obtain what we pray for, either because we have not prayed properly or because God sees that what we are asking would not be for our good.

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481. Are distractions in our prayers always displeasing to God?

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Distractions in our prayers are not displeasing to God, unless they are willful.

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482. How many kinds of prayer are there?

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There are two kinds of prayer: mental prayer and vocal prayer.

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483. What is mental prayer?

Back 184

Mental prayer is that prayer by which we unite our hearts with God while thinking of His holy truths.

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484. What is vocal prayer?

Back 185

Vocal prayer is that prayer which comes from the mind and heart and is spoken by the lips.

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485. May we use our own words in praying to God?

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We may use our own words in praying to God, and it is well to do so often.

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486. What are the prayers that every Catholic should know by heart?

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The prayers that every Catholic should know by heart are: the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor, the Glory be to the Father, and the acts of faith, hope, charity, and contrition.

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487. How do we usually begin and end our prayers?

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We usually begin and end our prayers with the sign of the cross.

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488. Why do we make the sign of the cross?

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We make the sign of the cross to express two important mysteries of the Christian religion, the Blessed Trinity and the Redemption.

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489. How are these mysteries expressed by the sign of the cross?

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When we say "In the name," we express the truth that there is only one God; when we say "of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," we express the truth that there are three distinct Persons in God; and when we make the form of the cross on ourselves, we express the truth that the Son of God, made man, redeemed us by His death on the cross.

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490. Why is the Our Father the best of all prayers?

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The Our Father is the best of all prayers because it is the Lord's Prayer, taught us by Jesus Christ Himself, and because it is a prayer of perfect and unselfish love.

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491. Why is the Our Father a prayer of perfect and unselfish love?

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The Our Father is a prayer of perfect and unselfish love because in saying it we offer ourselves entirely to God and ask from Him the best things, not only for ourselves but also for our neighbor.

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492. Why do we address God as "Our Father who art in heaven"?

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We address God as "Our Father who art in heaven" because we belong to Him, our loving Father, who created us and watches over us, who adopts us through sanctifying grace as His children, and who destines us to live forever with Him in heaven, our true home.

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493. For what do we pray when we say "hallowed be Thy name"?

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When we say "hallowed be Thy name," we pray that God may be known and honored by all men.

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494. For what do we pray when we say "Thy kingdom come"?

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When we say "Thy kingdom come," we pray that the kingdom of God's grace may be spread throughout the world, that all men may come to know and to enter the true Church and to live as worthy members of it, and that, finally, we all may be admitted to the kingdom of God's glory.

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495. For what do we pray when we say "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven"?

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When we say "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," we pray that all men may obey God on earth as willingly as the saints and angels obey Him in heaven.

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496. For what do we pray when we say "Give us this day our daily bread"?

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When we say "Give us this day our daily bread," we pray that God will give us each day all that is necessary to support the material life of our bodies and the spiritual life of our souls.

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497. For what do we pray when we say "and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us"?

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When we say "and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," we pray that God will pardon the sins by which we have offended Him, and we tell Him that we pardon our fellow men who have offended us.

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498. For what do we pray when we say "and lead us not into temptation"?

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When we say "and lead us not into temptation," we pray that God will always give us the grace to overcome the temptations to sin which come to us from the world, the flesh, and the devil.

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499. For what do we pray when we say "but deliver us from evil"?

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When we say "but deliver us from evil," we pray that God will always protect us from harm, and especially from harm to our souls.