CONVERT’S CATECHISM
OF
CATHOLIC DOCTRINE
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REV. PETER G E I E R M A N N , C.SS.R.
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“• BY
S T . I.O D IS , M O . A N D F R E IB U R G ( B A D E N )
P u b lis h e d h y B . H e r d e r
1910
IM PRIM ATUR
N IH IL OBSTAT
IM PR IM ATUR
APPENDIX.
I. Phayebs, D e v o tio n s an d Good W o r k s . 93
II. O b lig a tio n s — T e n Com m andm ents — P r e
cepts — D ay s of O b lig a t io n — A b s t i
n ence D ay s — F a s t in g D a y s . . . . 99
III. R eception o f Co n v e r t —
a) Profession of F a i t h .......................... 101
b) Ceremony of B a p t i s m ..................... 102
IV. D e fin itio n s o f C a t h o lic T e rm s . . . 105
INTRODUCTION
I*\KT I. T IIE C A T H O L IC D O C T R IN E IN
GENERAL
I
• CHAPTER I
* XATITHAL TRUTHS
I
j a. Fundamental T ruths.
i Q. What Religious T ru th s can man discover by
J/it< oiin c/foris?
J A. By Lis own efforts man can discover cspo-
\ ciallv the existence of these four religious trutlis:
^ (1.) Tliere is a God, Creator and Preserver of the
I'niverse. ( 2 .) Man lias a free will. ( 3 .) God
rewards tiie good and punishes the wicked. ( 4 .)
Tlie human soul is immortal.
Q. What is God?
A. God is a spirit, who exists of Himself, and
on whom all things depend.
Q. What is man?
A. Man is a creature composed of a material
bodv and a spiritual soul.
11
12
b.O b l ig a t io n o f R e l ig io n .
*
Q. W hat relationship exists between God c
m an?
A. Between God and man there exists a k
fold relationship: (1 ) God is the Creator ^
is llis creature. (2 ) God is the Benefactor, iv
is I Lis beneficiary. ( 3 ) God is the Stipt^
l ’uler, man is H is subject. ( 4 ) God is the £
of all creation; in God alone man can find It.
ing happiness.
Q. What obligation flows fro m this rclaH.
ship?
A. From this relationship flows man’s oli!;
tion of Religion.
Q. What is R e lig io n ?
A. Religion is man’s obligation to know,
love, and to serve God.
Q. Is man free to serve God as he pleasest
A. Man is not free to serve God as he plea-
lie must serve God, as God, his Supreme Mas
ordains.
c. H e l ig io x L eads to H a p p in e s s .
CHAPTER II
KEVELATIOX — TRADITION — TIIE BIBLE — TIIE
CAXOX OF TIIE BIBLE
a. R evelation.
Q. lias God ever spoken to man?
A. “ God, who, sundry times and in diverse
mariners spoke in times past to the fathers by the
prophots, last of all in these days hath spoken to
us l>y Ilis Son.” Eph. i, 1- 2 .
'1 4
h. T r a d it io n .
Q. H ow teas divine Revelation preseriei
transm itted to m an?
A . In the beginning of the world’s historr
vine Revelation was preserved and transit;
only by Tradition or the reverential belief:
teaching of succeeding ages. In the course of-
God inspired holy men to record many of Hi,
vealed Truths. Finally Jesus Christ made
Church the custodian and interpreter of It,-
tion.
c. T h e B ib l e .
Q. 117iaf lias become o f the truths rrcoritt
der the in spira tion o f God?
A. The truths recorded under the inspiratir.
God have been collected into the Bible and i-
lated into every known language.
Q. W hen was the first com plete collection s;
In sp ired W ritin g s made?
A. The first complete collection of the In;;
Writings was made only towards the close o!
fourth century of the Christian era.
d. T iie Ca x o x of t h e B ib l e .
Q. W hat is the list o f the various inspired,
ings called?
A. The list of the various inspired writi;
called the Canon of the Bible.
Q. When teas the present Canon o f the Bil
fin a lly declared authentic?
\ The present Canon of the Bible was officially
declared authentic by the universal Council of
Trent, August 8, 1510'.
CHAPTER III
1. T h e L ord 's P r a ye r .
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed beT>-
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, '{■
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day ou r^
bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we f'.'.
give those who trespass against us. And lead
not into, temptation: but deliver us from
Amen.
2. T iie A n g e l ic a l S a l u t a t io n *.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, tho Lord is with fc-
blessed art thou among women, and blessed is t
fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother
God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour
our death. Amen.
3. Act of C o n tritio n .
0 my God, I am heartily sorry for all my s:;
because by them I have lost heaven and desert
hell, but, more than all, because I have often':
Thee, my God, Who art infinitely good and wor.
of all mv love. I am firmly resolved, with;
help of Thy grace, never to sin again and to av
all the occasions of sin.
4. A ct of F a it ii.
0 my God, I firmly believe all the sacred tnr
which the holy Catholic Church believes i
teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, ?
eanst neither deceive nor be deceived.
5. Act of H o pe .
0 my God, relying on Thy infinite goodness i
promises, I hope to obtain the pardon of myr
the assistance of Thy grace, and life everlas:
17
through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and
Redeemer.
6 . A ct o f C h a k it y .
2. T h e A po s tle s ’ C reed .
1 believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator
of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, H is only
Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried.
He descended into hell: the third day H e arose
again from the dead: H e ascended into heaven, sit-
teth at the right hand of God, the Father A l
mighty; from thence H e shall come to judge the
living and the dead. I believe in the H oly Ghost,
the Holy Catholio Church, the communion of
Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of
the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Q. Why w ill man go to heaven i f he perseveres
in prayer?
A. Man will go to heaven if he perseveres in
18
prayer, because God is infinitely good, has crea>
all men for heaven, and has promised to hear ti»-
prayer.
b. G ood W orks .
f
c. T u b K u l e o f F a it h .
Q. W hat is T h e R ule o f F a ith ?
A. The Rule of Faith is a divine guide wherr
man can infallibly possess revealed truth.
Q. Why is a Ride o f F a ith nccessary ?
A. A L’ule of Faith is necessary: (1 ) to discor
revealed truth; ( 3 ) to preserve purity of doctro
( 3 ) to settle religious controversies with dir:
authority.
Q. W hat is this guide o r R ule o f F a ith witht
vine auth ority?
A. This guide or Hule of Faith with divine t
thority is a teaching body sent by God, and pic
by Him, in leading the faithful to life eternal.
19
a T iie M o tiv e s of F a it h .
Q JIow has God safeguarded the genuineness
of His Revelation f
\ God has safeguarded the genuineness of Hia
Revelation by Miracles and Prophecies.
Q. What is a M ira cle?
A. A Miracle is an evident, supernatural and
extraordinary effect produced by God for the bene
fit of Religion.
Q. What is a Prophecy f
A. A Prophecy is an exact prediction of an event
that can be foreseen only by God.
Q. Why should man accept divine R evelation?
A. Man should acccpt divine Revelation because
God neither can nor will deceive.
Q. On what docs man to-day base his F a ith in
?
Revelation
A. Man to-day bases his Faith in Revelation on
the divinity of Jesus Christ, of H is Teaching, and
of His Church.
CHAPTER IV
JESCS CHRIST— IIIS PERSONALITY — HIS MISSION
a. H is P ersonality.
Q. Who is Jesus C hrist?
A. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Second
Person of the Blessed Trinity, true God and true
man.
Q. What is the Blessed T r in ity ?
A. The Blessed Trinity is the union of three
divine Persons in one God. See Matt, xxviii, 19 .
20
Q. Why is Jesus Christ true God?
A . Jesus C h rist is true G od: (1 ) Because
H im were fulfilled the prophecies made concern^
the M essias; (2 ) Because H e proved H is Divit-
by H is m iracles, especially by H is Resurrect;-
from the dead; (3 ) Because H is Church hast-'
umphed over tho powers of hell as H e predict'
See M att, iii , 1 7 ; Luke iii, 22.
Q. Why is Jesus Christ true man?
A . Jesus C hrist is true man because He hast
human mother, and a human body and soul li
ours. See Luke i, 2G-39; ii, 1 -5 2 ; x x iii,
Q. H ad Jesus Christ a human father?
A . Jesus C h rist had no human fath er: He t.
conceived by the power of the H o ly Ghost. ^
Is . v ii, 1 4 ; Lu k e i, 35.
Q. Who is the Mother of Jesus Christ?
A . The Blessed V irg in M ary is the mother-
Jesus C hrist.
Q. Give an outline of the life of Jesus Christ.
A . The advent of Jesus C hrist was annouii'
by the Angel Gabriel. H is birth in the stable
Bethlehem was proclaimed by Angels to shepher;
H e spent about seven years of H is childhood,
exile in Egypt. U p to H is thirtieth year He u-
lived in seclusion at Nazareth. H is public t
istry lasted three and one-half years. H e lived
poverty and privation, and died on the cross
Mount Calvary on Good F rid a y .
Q. How many natures are there in Jesus Chii
A . In Jesus C hrist there are two natures,:
nature of God and the nature of man. See J;
v i, 7 0 ; v ii, 12.
Q. Is Jesus Christ more than one person?
21
\ Jesus Christ is but one D ivine Person. See
Matt, x xii, 41-14.
Q Why is there but one person in Jesus Christ?
\ There is hut one person in Jesus Christ be
cause His human nature never existed independ-
mtlv of His D ivinity, but was united to I t at the
moment H is soul was created. See P s. Jxxi, 1 1 ;
Apoc. i, 5 ; 1 John iv, 3.
Q, What do we call the union of the divine and
the human nature in Jesus Christ?
A. The union of the divine and the human na
ture in Jesus Christ we call the Incarnation of the
Son of Ciod— “ The Word was made flesh.” John
i. 11.
Q. Ilow many wills are there in Jesus Christ ?
A. In Jesus Christ there are two w ills, a human
anil a divine w ill. See M att, v iii, 2 9 ; ix , 2r.
b. IIis M ission-.
Q. Why did Jesus Christ come into the world?
A. Jesus Christ came into the w orld: (1 ) To
make Atonement to l l i s heavenly Fath er for tho
fins of the world; (2 ) To effect the Kedemption
of the human race from the slavery of S a ta n ; (3 )
To begin the Sanctification of mankind by the A p
plication of H is Merits. See I John iii, 8 ; Luke
ii, 1 1 ; x iii, 34; Matt, x x iii, 3 7 ; Ep h . ii, 18.
Q. Why are the merits of Christ infinite?
A. The merits of Christ are infinite because H e
is a Divine Person. See Col. i, 20.
Q. How did Jesus Christ make Atonement for
the fins of the world ?
A. Jesus Christ made Atonement for the sins of
the world by H is suffering and death.
22
Q. What were the chief sufferings of
Christ ?
A . The chief sufferings of Jesus Christ ti
l l is bloody sweat, H is cruel scourging, His in.
minious crowning w ith thorns, and H is p aj
death on the cross.
Q. What are the effects of Christ’s triumph <*,
Satan?
A . The effects of C hrist’s trium ph over Sa^
are : (1 ) C hrist became Lord and Master of-
w orld; ( 2 ) H e made it possible for man to bej;.
tified.
Q. What is Justification f
A . Justification is that application of Chrk
merits to man, w h ich : ( 1 ) frees him from;
slavery of S a ta n ; (2 ) gives him spiritual life ;(
makes him a child of God and an heir to the ki;
dom of heaven. See Rom. iv , 2 5 ; v, 18.
Q. What is Sanctification?
A. Sanctification is man’s growth in grace, t
tue, holiness and m erit.
Q. IIoiv is man sanctified?
A . Man is sanctified by avoiding evil, -and
using the means of grace, which C hrist has
him , to do God’s w ill in all things.
Q. What did Jesus Christ to facilitate k
S anctification ?
A . To facilitate man’s Sanctification J-
C hrist did chiefly six thing s: ( 1 ) H e comp!-
divine Revelation, thus clearly indicating thei
to heaven; (2 ) H e promulgated a New Law.
fining how man should make the journey of:
(3 ) He instituted special means of grace, a
Sacraments, to enable all to keep the Law;
23
followers into a Society, which
H e o r g a n iz e d H i s
H e ca lle d H is Church; ( 5 ) H e gave that Church
the u n e r r in g guidance of the H o ly Ghost in help
ing all of good w ill to sanctify themselves; ( 6 ) He
promised to watch over that Church to the end of
time.
CH APTER V
TIIK CHURCH — a DIVINE SOCIETY— HER ATTRI-
JU TKS — HER MARKS — TIIE TRUE CHURCH TO-
| DAY
? a. A D iv in e S o c ie ty .
: (). What is the Church?
5 A. Tho Church is a divine society composed of
• all who profess to pay God the debt of Religion as
(prescribed by divine A uthority,
j Q . Of whom in the Church composed?
i A. The Church is composed of all who profess
Jthe faith of Christ, partake of the same Saera-
fments, and are governed by their law ful pastors
under one visible head.
Q. Has the Church a divine and a human ele
menti
A. The Church has a divine and a human ele
ment.
Q. Why is the Church divine?
A. The Church is d ivin e: (1 ) Because she is
the mystical body of C h ris t; (2 ) Because she has
Christ for her Founder and spiritual H e ad ; (3 )
Because she has the H oly Ghost for her Soul
or Principle of undying lif e ; (4 ) Because she is
instituted to lead mankind to God. See Col. i, 1 8 ;
Cor. iii, 1 1 ; Eph. iv , 1 5 .
24
Q. Why is the Church visible and human?
A . The Church is visible and human because■
»
is composed of visible human beings.
b. H e r A t t r ib u t e s .
CH A PTER V I
TOE POPE — TIIE PRIMACY OF PETER — THE IN
FALLIBILITY OF THE POPE
a. T iie T o pe,
S E C T IO N I . W H A T T H E C A T H O L IC
CHURCH T E A C H E S .
CH A PER I
OX GOD
CH A PTER II
ON’ CREATION' AND T IIE FALL OF MAX.
CH APTER III
OX REDEMPTION
C H A PTER IV
OX S A X C T I F I C A T I O X *
S E C T IO N I I . W H A T T H E CA TH O LIC
C H U R C H O R D A IN S
CH APTER I
KNOWLEDGE OF TIIE WORD OF GOD
CH A PTER II
T in ; I.AW OF GOD
CH A PTER I I I
SIN
Q. What is sin?
A. Sin is any w ilfu l breaking of God’s law.
Q. Which are the Seven Capital sins, or Sources
of sins?
A. The Seven Capital sins, or Sources of sin
are: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony,
envy, and sloth.
1. S ix o f t h e A n g e l s — C o n s e q u e n c e op
T h e ir T r ia l.
4. V e n ia l S ix — P dkgatoky ,
life.
5. J cdgm est, P a r t ic u l a r — G e n e r a l .
'Q. 117.hi trill man be judged?
V Man w ill be ju d g e d a t th e m o m e n t o f d e a t h
and at the end o f th e w o rld .
y. Who trill he man’s judge?.
A . Je su s C h rist w ill be m a n ’s j u d g e .
C H A P T E R IV
CONSCIENCE
Q. What is conscience?
A . Conscience is the judgment of man’s
regarding the m orality of his actions.
Q. Why did God give man a consciencef
A . God gave man a conscience to discern;
from evil, and to judge him self so that Goc
not judge him unfavorably after this life.
Q. How is conscience divided?
A. Conscience is divided into true, right, r
erroneous, and doubtful.
Q. What is a true conscience?
A . A true conscience is one that agrees r:.
m ind of God.
Q. What is a right conscience?
A . A right conscience is one which is sin
dictated according to the La w of God.
Q. What is a wrong conscience?
47
\ A wrong' conscience is one that is know-
•E ‘jy dictated contrary to the La w of God.
q" U'fiat is an erroneous conscience?
An erroneous conscience is one that is sin
cerely dictated contrary to the La w of God.
Q. What is a doubtful conscience?
A. A doubtful conscience is that state of mind
jn which man has not sufficient knowledge of a
particular right or duty to form a ju st judgment
of the morality of his action.
Q. Is it right to act with a doubtful conscience f
A. It is n o t r i g h t to a c t w i t h a d o u b t f u l c o n -
Kicnce.
Q. How can man dispose of his doubt?
A. Man can dispose of his doubt, (1 ) B y
further investigation; (2 ) B y following the pre
sumption in the case, if the doubt s till remains.
Q. What does the presumption favor?
A. Presumption favors ( 1 ) Hum an Lib erty as
Jong as it is not evidently restrained by the La w ‘
of Uod; (2 ) I t then favors the La w u n til Liberty
is evidently freed again.
Q. ll’Aa/ is the first obligation of conscience?
A. The first obligation of conscience is to strive
to form a true conscience.
Q. What hinder the formation of a true con
sciencef
A. Ignorance, Passion, and H um an Respect
hinder the formation of a true conscience.
Q. What is the result of acting with a right
conscience?
A. The result of acting with a right conscience
is moral goodness or holiness.
48
CH APTER Y
T H E TEX COMMAXDMEXTS
1. T he F ir s t C o j ij ia x d j ie x t .
2. T h e S econd Co m m a n d m e n t .
Q. What is the Second Commandment?
A. The Second Commandment is : Thou shalt
not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Q. H'Aaf does the Second Commandment com -
m andf
A. The Second Commandment commands us
( 1 ) To use the name of God reverently; ( 2 ) To
speak with respect of God, holy persons, and holy
things; (3) To keep our law ful oaths and vows.
Q. ll’Aaf does the Second Commandment for
bidt
A. The Second Commandment forbids the tak
ing of God’s name in vain, profane words, blas
phemy, cursing, false and unjust oaths.
Q. Do transgressions against the Second Com
mandment constitute a light or a grievous matter?
A. Blasphemy, cursing and perjury constitute a
grievous matter. Taking God’s name in vain and
profane words are ordinarily a light matter.
3. The T h ir d Com m andm ent.
Q. What is the Third Commandment?
A. The Third Commandment is : Remember
that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
50
Q. Which is the Sabbath d a y ?
A . Saturday is the Sabbath day.
Q. Why do we observe Sunday instead of ?-
day?
A . We observe Sunday instead of Satur^,
cause the Catholic Church, in the Count-.
Laodieea (A .D . 3 3 6 ), transferred the sole-
from Saturday to Sunday. .
Q. Why did the Catholic Church sub-:
Sunday for Saturday?
A . The Church substituted Sunday for Sc
day, because Christ rose from the dead on»>
day, and the H o ly Ghost descended upon the i
ties on a Sunday.
Q. B y ivhat authority did the Church suit1
Sunday for Saturday?
A . The Church substituted Sunday for Si
day by the plenitude of that divine power»
Jesus C h rist bestowed upon her.
Q. What does the Third Commandment
viand?
A . Tho T h ird Commandment commands
sanctify Sunday as the Lo rd ’s Day.
Q. What does the Third Commandment /:
A . The T h ird Commandment forbids (1
omission of prayer and divine worship; (j
unnecessary servile w o rk; (3 ) 'Whatever fc
the keeping of the Lo rd ’s Day holy.
Q. Is the desecration of the Lord’s Day a
ous matter?
A . The desecration of the Lo rd ’s Day is i
ous matter in itself, though it admits of lig!
ter.
51
4. T u e F o u r th C om m an dm en t.
n What is the Fourth Commandment?
\The Fourth Commandment i s : Honor thy
father and thy mother.
q What Joes the Fourth Commandment com -
6. T h e S i x t h a n d t h e N i n t h Command
m e n ts.
Q. What is the Sixth Commandment f
A . The S ix th Commandment is : Thou sh.
not commit adultery.
Q. What is the Ninth Commandment ?
A . The N inth Commandment i s : Thou iu
not covet thy neighbor’s w ife.
Q. What do the Sixth and the Ninth Comm'
ments command?
A . The S ix th and N inth Commandments cc
mand us to be chaste in thought, desire, mr
and actions.
Q. What does the Sixth and Ninth Comma
ments forbid?
A . The S ix th and N in th Commandments f
53
bid all immodesty in thoughts, desires, words and
actions.
0 Is a transgression against the Sixth and
Xinth Com mandm ents a grievous matter?
' \ \ direct transgression ag ainst the S ix th and
Ninth Commandments is always a grievous mat
ter.
7 T h e S e v e n th a n d T e n t h C om m an dm en ts.
Q. What is the Seventh Commandment?
a ! The Seventli Commandment i s : Thou shalt
not steal.
Q. What is the Tenth Commandment?
A. The Tenth Commandment is : Thou shalt
not covet thy neighbor’s goods.
Q. What do the Seventh and Tenth Command
ments command?
A. The Seventh and Tenth Commandments
command us to respect our neighbor’s right to his
property in desire and in action.
Q. What do the Seventh and Tenth Command-
mints forbid?
A. The Seventh and Tenth Commandments for
bid to desire, take, keep, or damage our neighbor’s
goods.
Q. ir/ia/ must he do who has wilfully wronged
his neighbors right to his property?
A. He who has w ilfu lly wronged his neighbor’s
right to his property must make Restitution as
soon as possible.
Q. Is a transgression against the Seventh and
Tenth Commandments a grievous or a light mat
in f
A. A transgression against the Seventh and
54
Tenth Commandments may be either a grievoy,
a light matter.
8. T h e E ig h t h C o jijia x d jie x t.
Q. What is the Eighth Commandment?
A . The Eig h th Commandment' i s : Thou th.-
not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Q. does the Eighth Commandment t%
mand?
A . The Eig h th Commandment commands
tell the truth and to be charitable in our words.
Q. What does the Eighth Commandment j.
lid ?
A . The Eig hth Commandment forbids us toL
to our neighbor, or to injure him by calumni.
detractions, violations of secrecy, unjust suspicion
rash judgments, or unkind words.
Q. What must he do who has injured his nil--
lor’s good name?
A . H e who has injured his neighbor’s p
name must undo the harm as soon as possible.
Q. Is a transgression against the Eighth Ct<
mandment a grievous or a light matter?
A . A transgression against the Eighth Ce
mandment may be either a grievous or a light m
ter.
CH APTER V I
TIIE s i x p recep ts o f t h e ch u rc h
CH APTER V II
THE EVANGELICAL COUNSELS — VOCATION
Q. What are the Evangelical Counsels f
The Evangelical Counsels are our Saviour’s
um iifl* to practice voluntary Poverty, virginal
Chastitv, and i>erfect Obedience out of love for
GoJ.
Q. Win/ arc they called Evangelical Counsels?
A. They are called Evangelical Counsels be
cause they are recorded by the Evangelist.
Q. Dots the practice of the Evangelical Coun-
s(lf lead to the summit of Christian Perfection?
A. The practice of the Evangelical Counsels
does lead to the summit of Christian Perfection.
Q. How dots the practice of the Evangelical
Counsels lead to the summit of Christian Perfec
tion t
A. The practice of the Evangelical Counsels
leads to the summit of Christian Perfection by
r e m e d y in g the three great sources of moral evil,
which’ ^t. John calls “ the concupiscence of the
eves, the concupiscence of the flesh, and the pride
of life."
Q. Who should embrace the Evangelical Coun
sels?
A. Only those should embrace the Evangelical
Counsels who have received a special Vocation
from God.
64
Q. What are the general signs of a divine IV
tion to a particular state in life?
A . The general signs of a divine Vocation t
particular state in life a re : (1 ) A constant desb
sanctify oneself in that state; ( 2 ) Mental, ^
physical fitness;* (3 ) The absence of impedi***
to that state.,
Q. IIow many kinds of divine Vocation t
there?
A . There are four kinds of divine Vocatk-.
(1) To the Clerical S tate; (2 ) To the Reljp'
S tate ; (3 ) To the L ife of V irg in ity in the \Yo.v
(4 ) T o the M arried State.
Q. Which is nobler, the Married State or f.
ginity?
A . V irg in ity is nobler than the Married Sir
See I Cor. v ii, 1 —10 .
Q. What is a necessary and sure preparation
a divine Vocation?
A. A pure and devout life is a necessary t
sure preparation for any Vocation.
S E C T IO N I I I . T H E S P I R I T U A L A ID S Fi'
T E R E D B Y T H E CHURCH
CH APTER I
ON GRACE
Q. What can man do when left to his nalt-
strength ?
A . When le ft to his natural strength mans
live only a natural, human life.
65
Q What does man need to live the life of a
, ^,' f of God f
\ To live the life of a child of God man needs
the grace of God.
Q. What is Grace?
\ Grace is a divine help given to man, through
the merits of Christ, for his salvation.
Q. What claim has man on God’s help?
X. Man's only claim on God’s help rests on the
and Promises of God and the Merits of
his Saviour.
Q. //on* may man dispose himself for the grace
of d u J i
,\. Man disposes himself for the grace of God
j,v observing the Law of God as far as he knows
it, and by practicing charity towards his neighbor.
Q. How is grace divided?
A. Grace is divided into Sanctifying and Actual
Grace.
Q. What is Sanctifying Grace?
A. Sanctifying Grace is that grace which makes
nan holy and pleasing in the sight of God. I t is
also railed Habitual Grace, and the Grace of Jus-
tification.
Q. How may man obtain Sanctifying Grace?
A. Man may obtain Sanctifying Grace (1 ) B y
receiving the Sacraments of Baptism and Pen
ance; ( 2 ) By perfect sorrow for his sins and
ardent desire to do whatever God has ordained for
his salvation.
Q. How docs man lose Sanctifying Grace?
A. Man loses Sanctifying Grace by committing
any mortal sin.
66
Q. What is Actual Grace?
A. Actual Grace is a transient help 0f i
which enlightens the mind, and moves the t
perform virtuous actions.
Q. Can man neglect the grace of God?
A . Man can, and unfortunately often does ■
lect the grace of God.
Q. What is the Grace of Perseverance?
A . The Grace of Perseverance is a chain of
tual Graces which enables man to persevere i*"
friendship of God u n til death.
Q. How can man obtain the grace of Godt
A . Man can obtain the grace of God bv Pn
the devout reception of the Sacraments,' as-
pious use of the Sacramentals.
CH APTER II
T IIE SACRAMENTS
Q. What are the great means institute
Christ to give grace?
A . The great means instituted by Christ to;
grace are the Sacraments.
Q. What is a Sacrament?
A. A Sacrament is an outward sign instir
by C hrist to give grace.
Q. How many Sacraments are there?
A. There are seven Sacraments.
Q. Which are the seven Sacraments?
A . The seven Sacraments a re : Baptism,
flrmation, H oly Eu ch arist, l ’enance, Er.
Unction, H o ly Orders, and Matrimony.
67
Q Why did Christ institute seven Sacraments?
A* C h rist in s t it u t e d se v e n Sacraments to sup-
!v jjie seven spiritual wants of mankind.
g Which are the seven spiritual wants of man-
2. C o n fir m a t io n .
Q. What is Confirmation?
A . Confirmation is the Sacrament which in
parts to baptized persons the grace of the Hr
Ghost to profess and practice their faith.
Q. Who is the ordinary minister of Confim
tion ?
A . The Bishop is the ordinary m inister of Cc-
firmation.
71
Q Iloa does the Bishop administer Gonfirma-
^A^The Bishop, (1 ) Extends his hands over all
that'are to be confirmed and prays that they may
revive the Holy Ghost; (2 ) H e then anoints the
forehead of each with H oly Chrism in the form
of a cross and says, “ I sign thee with the Sign
of the Cross, and 1 confirm thee with tlie Chrism
of Salvation, in the name of the Father, and of
the'son and of the H oly G host” ; (3 ) H e gives
those confirmed a slight blow on tlie cheek to re
mind them that they must be ready to suffer any
thing for the faith of C h ris t; (4 ) He concludes by
imparting to them his Episcopal Blessing.
Q. Ilow must Confirmation be received?
A. Confirmation m ust be received in tlie state
of grace.
Q. What knowledge should a person to be con-
finned possess?
A. A person to be confirmed should know the
mysteries of faith, the duties of a Christian, and
the nature and effects of this Sacrament.
Q. Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation?
A. It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially
now when Faith and Morals are exposed to so
many and violent temptations.
Q. Which are the Seven Gifts of the Holy
Ghost?
A. Tlie Seven G ifts of the H oly Ghost are:
Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude,
Knowledge, Piety and Fe ar of the Lord.
72
3. T h e H o ly E u c h a r is t — a. I t s Ixs^
t io x .
Q. What is the Holy Eucharist?
A. The H oly Eucharist is, ( 1 ) The Saeru-
which contains the Body and Blood, Soul as.]' =
v in ity of Jesus C hrist, under the appears^
bread and v in e ; ( 2 ) The Sacrifice of the !i.
Law .
Q. When did Christ promise the Holy £t-,
rist ?
A . Christ promised the H oly Eucharist t'.
the miraculous m ultiplication of bread, aW.
year before H e died. “ I am the living I-,
which came down from heaven. I f any maj.
of this bread, lie shall live for ever; and the
that I w ill give is My flesh, for the life of;
world.” John v i, 51-52.
Q. When did Christ institute the Holy Eu-
rist?
A . Christ instituted the H oly Eucharist ah
L a st Supper, the night before H e died.
Q. Who were present when Christ instituted:
Holy Eucharist P
A . When C hrist instituted the H oly Eucha:,
the twelve Apostles were present.
Q. How did Christ institute the Holy Et-:
rist ?
A. Christ took bread, blessed, broke and ga%
H is disciples, saying : “ Take ye and eat, ths
M y Body.” H e then took a cup of -wiise i
blessed it, saying: “ D rin k ye a ll of th is : for:
is My Blood of the New Testament, which k
be shed for many unto remission of sins. . ,
73
nn this in commemoration of Me.” M a tt xx v i,
j " s s ; Luke x x ii, 19.
Q ir*y did Christ institute the Holy Eucha-
* t f
Q. What is Transubslantiation ?
A. Transubstantiation is the changing of the
substance of bread and wine into the substance of
the lknly and Blood of Jesus C hrist.
Q. When was the substance of bread and trine
first changed into the substance of the Body and
Blood of Christ f
A. The substance of bread and wine was first
changed into the substance of the Body and Blood
of Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, when He said:
“ T his is M y B ody — T h is is M y B lood.”
Q. How is Transuhstantiation effected?
A. Transuhstantiation is effected by the al
mighty power of Jesus C hrist.
Q. 1Yhat remained of the bread and wine after
Christ said: “ This is M y Body — This is M y
11loot! " t
A. After Christ said: “ T h is is My Body —
This is My Blood,” the accidents, or appearances,
of bread and wine alone remained.
74
Q. What are the accidents, or appearance
bread and wine?
A . The accidents, or appearances, of bread t
wine are whatever appears to the senses, as f.
taste, shape and the like.
Q. Is Christ whole and entire, both unit,-
form of bread and under the form of wine?
A . Christ is whole and entire, both undi-r«
form of bread and under the form of wine.
Q. Why is Christ whole and entire, both i-
the appearance of bread and under the appoint
of wine?
A . C hrist is whole and entire both under ■ „
appearancc of bread and under the appcaranit
wine, because in I l i s Living Personality His
and Blood are united.
Q. When did Christ make the Apostles pi',
and give them the power to transubstantiatei
A. Christ made I l i s Apostles priests and p
them the power to transubstantiate, when lie si
“ Do this in commemoration of Me.” Luke u.
19.
Q. When does the priest to-day change b.
and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ!
A . The priest to-day changes bread and i.
into the Body and Blood of Christ at the Cto-
cration of the Mass.
Q. Is the Holy Eucharist preserved on our {
tars?
A. T lie H o ly Eu ch arist is preserved on our i
tars.
Q. What do we call the Holy Eucharist rl
preserved on our Altars?
A . We call the H oly Eu ch arist, when present
75
onr .\Itars, r / if /‘Va/ Presence or 17/c Blessed
- Q „ ; iy , j {he Blessed Sacrament kept on our
^ ^ T lie Blessed Sacrament is kept on our A l-
urs*( ! ) T ° 1)6 adored by the fa ith fu l; (2 ) To be
nve’n in Holy Communion; (3 ) To be our Em -
csiiuel or God-With-Us to the end of the world.
c. H oly C o m m u n io n .
d. The S a c rific e o f t h e N e w L a w .
Q. How do we call the Holy Eucharist as the
Sacrifice of the New Law ?
A. As the Sacrifice of the New La w we call the
Holy Eucharist the -Mass.
Q. What is the Mass?
A. The Mass- is the unbloody Sacrifice of the
IVnly and Blood of Christ.
Q. What is a sacrifice?
A. A sacrifice is the offering of an object by a
priest to God alone, and the destroying of it as the
Mipreme act of adoration, thanksgiving, petition
and reparation.
78
6. I n du lg en ces.
Q. W hat is an Indulgence?
A. A n Indulgence is the remission of thf
poral punishment due to sin.
85
n flow are the Indulgences divided f
{ In d u lg e n c e s are divided into Plenary and
r-rlid.
Q What is a Plenary Indulgence?
\ A Plenary Indulgence is the fu ll remission
v.( the temporal' punishment due to sin.
Q. What is a Partial Indulgence?
\ A Partial Indulgence is the remission in
jait'of the temporal punishment due to sin.
q Why can the Church grant an Indulgence?
\. The Church can grant an Indulgence, bc-
vsu*' Christ gave her the power to fo rgive sin and
the punishment due to sin.
<}. How dues the Church grant an Indulgence?
A. The Church grants an Indulgence by apply-
ir.'» to tiie faithful the merits of Jesus C h rist out
vie of the Sacraments.
(j. What must a person do to gain an Indul-
fi ncif
A. To gain an Indulgence a person must be in
a state of grace and perform the works prescribed.
7. E x t r e m e U n c t io n .
Q. What is Extreme Unction?
A. Extreme Unction is the Sacrament which
rives grace and sometimes restores health to those
»ho are in danger of death from sickness.
Q. HVio w the minister of Extreme Unction?
A. The Priest is the m inister of Extrem e U nc
tion.
Q. How docs the Priest give Extrem e Unction?
A. The Priest gives Extrem e Unction by pray
ing over the sick and anointing them in the name
of the Lord.
dG
Q. When should the P riest be called to t ,
person ?
A . A Priest should be called to a sick
when the illness has become serious.
Q. W hat arc the effects of Extrem e Unri;.
A . The effects of Extrem e Unction are- "
A n increase of grace; (2 ) Resignation to fo
w ill; (3 ) Comfort in p a in ; (4 ) Strength in&.■
tation; (5 ) Remission of venial sin ; (fyl
mission of mortal sins, if the sick person be
for them ; (7 ) The restoration of health if!,
see fit.
8. H o ly O rders.
CH APTER I I I
PRAYER — D E V O T IO N T O M A R Y — IN T E R C E S S IO N O F
T H K S A IN T S — V E N E R A T IO N O F S A IN T S , R E L IC S
A.VD IJIA C E S — P R A Y E R S F O R T I I E D E A D .
Q. What is Prayer?
A. Prayer is asking God’s help.
88
C H A P TER IV
THE M l ’ IlAMKN’ TAI-S — III.KSSINGS OF T H E CIIUItC H
— a iit ic l k s of d k v o t i o .v — C A TH O LIC DEVO
TIONS.
Q. What is a Sacramental?
A. A Sacramental is an external act of Re
ligion, established by the Church, to draw God’s
blessings on the faith ful.
Q. / low many kinds of Sacramentals arc there?
A. There are four kinds of Sacram entals: (1 )
The Kites and Ceremonies used in the adminis
tration of the Sacraments; (2 ) ’ Blessings and
Exorcisms used independently of the Sacram ents;
(;!) The use of Sacred names, signs and things,
such as the name of Jesus, the Sign of the Cross,
the Use of Blessed A rticle s; (4 ) The use of pious
exercises, as the recitation of the Lo rd ’s Prayer,
praying in a consecrated church, giving alms pre
scribed by the Church, and many others.
Q. What benefits are derived from the devout
use of the Sacramentals?
90
A . The benefits derived from the devout r»
the Sacramentals are five : ( 1 ) They excite
thoughts and increase devotion; ( 2 ) Ther t
venial sin by inspiring one w ith sorrow f0^
same; (3 ) They remit temporal punishme^
acts of satisfaction; (4 ) They strength* 1
against temptations and put the powers°of i
ness to flig h t; (5 ) They sometimes effect haV
body and other temporal favors.
Q. Whence do the Sacramentals deriu
power?
A . The Sacramentals derive their power !•
the institution and prayer of the Church, whii;
always pleasing to God.
Q. What is a Blessing?
A . A Blessing, as a Sacramental, is a relif
Ceremony, which draws the protection of Got
a person, or on a thing and those who use it;
voutly.
Q. W hat is an A rticle of Devotion?
A . A n A rticle of Devotion is anything r;
drawn from profane use and devoted to thee;,
cise of Religion.
Q. Which are the principal Articles of Dttc
in use among Catholics?
A . Th e principal A rticles of Devotion in •,
among Catholics a re : The C ru cifix, Holy F
tures, Rosary Beads, Medals, Scapulars, Can!
H oly W ater, and Blessed Palm and Ashes.
Q. W hat is a Catholic Devotion ?
A . A Catholic Devotion is a pious practkft
proved by the Church.
Q. Name, the principal devotions apprntd
the Church?
91
The principal devotions approved by the
I'hutvh are. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament,
Frequent Communion, D evotion to the Sacred
Heart, The Way o f the Cross, Devotion to the
Blessed Virgin, The Eosary, the Scapulars, besides
various other devQtions in honor o f St. Joseph and
other Saints and Angels.
A P P E N D IX
I
P J U V E K S , D E V O T IO N 'S A N D G OOD W O R K S
S ig n o f t h e C r o s s .
T h e A ngelus.
Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, Thyj-
into our hearts, that we, to whom the incam
of C hrist, T h y Son, was made known by the:
sage of an angel, may, by H is passion ande
be brought to the glory of H is resume
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, t
97
Vav the divine assistance remain always with
The E ig h t B e a t it u d e s .
M a tt. 5.
The S p ir it u a l W o r k s o f Mercy.
II
OBLIGATIONS
T he T en Co m m a n d m e n ts.
The P kecepts.
III
RECEPTION' OF A CONVERT
a. T h e P r o f e s s io n o f F a i t h .
b. C e r e m o n ie s o f B a p t is m .
y» —
U r Da fast days at the beginning o f the fou r
;«K>ns of the year.
r „ l , r o ! Counsels — poverty, chastity and obedience
l"o be practised in accordance w ith the advice o f our
Sivjor.
r u in a t i o n of the Conscience — an earnest e ffo rt to
call to inind the sin3 we have committed.
flalloirrd — sacred.
Holy Ikiys of Derotion — feast days which we arc recom
mended to keep holy.
Holy Itovs of Obligation — days which we must keep as
Sundays.
Holy Oils — blessed oils used in adm inistering some oi
the sacraments.
Holy Water — natural w ater m ixed w ith a little blessed
u lt and blessed by the priest.
Holy flVrfc — the week before Easter Sunday.
Hoj* — a divine virtue by which we tru st th a t God
will give us eternal life and the means to attain it.