Matrimony and Holy Orders

1.  What is Holy Orders? 

    The Sacrament by which bishops,  priests, and deacons of the Church are         
      ordained, receiving power and grace to perform their duties. 

2.  What supernatural functions does the priest obtain through Holy Orders? 

   ~ Power to consecrate the Host

 ~ Power to forgive sins in confession 

3.  Is 'Cardinal'  a separate 'Holy Order'?

No, he is an advisor to the Pope (Prince of the Church).

4. What Matrimony do? 

 ~  Sanctifies the contract of a Christian marriage 

 ~ Gives special grace to  those who receive it worthily (no mortal sin, obey  Church laws)

5. What are the special graces given? 

   ~   To  bear the difficulties of married life

 ~    To love and to be faithful to one another 

   ~   To  bring  up children in the fear of God 

6. What is a 'mixed marriage'? 

    Marriage in which only one  partner is a Catholic, allowed on the promise that the  children will be  raised as Catholics. 

7. Can any human power dissolve a  marriage? 

    No:  'What God has joined  together, let not man put        
      asunder'. Matt. 19:6