BALTIMORE CONCISE 30-DAY CATECHISM 


Section 1: APOLOGETICS


I. How does our reason reveal God’s existence?

*History and man’s actions in an orderly universe.

  History: all that cultures worshiped God in some way (inborn practice of religion)

  Man actions: are often spiritually motivated and the physical restrained (soul)

  Orderly universe: could not have been created by chance or accident (God)

 

Ib. What does reason reveal about religion?

If God revealed a particular religion, then all men should join it.


Ib. Has God directly revealed a particular religion to mankind?

*Christ established one True Church.

   Christ was the Son of God

   Christ established the one True Church


V. How can we prove that Christ was God and could establish a Church?

  Prophecy: Christ's life fulfilled numerous prophecies of the Old Testament

  Miracles: Christ worked miracles in the physical world to legitimize his spiritual teachings.


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

The Catholic Church.


VII. How can we prove that the only true Church of Christ is the Catholic Church?

  Marks: only it has the identifying characteristics as the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church

  History: it alone can trace its history back to Christ (through the Popes).


153. What are the marks of the True Church?

  One: all share the same faith, sacrifice, sacraments and visible head (the Pope)

  Holy: it teaches the holy doctrines of its holy founder (Jesus)

  Catholic: it will teach all people God's revealed truths until the end of time

  Apostolic: it was founded by Christ on the apostles and governed by their lawful successors.


** What is a sacrament?
An outward sign instituted by Christ that conveys grace.

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VI. What did Christ teach about His Church?

  Permanence: He promised that the Church would last until the end of time

  Exclusive: He declared that all men must believe and be baptized (join His Church) for salvation

  Disciples: He gave certain men His authority to govern the Church.

154. What is meant by the ‘marks‘?

Certain clear signs or characteristics.


 

Section 2: BAPTISM

            315/317. What does Baptism make us? (BACH)+

              Born again members of the Church (subject to its laws)

              Able to receive other sacraments

Children of God

              Heirs of heaven


            316. What sins does Baptism take away?

Original sin

               Actual sins with any punishment due (as long as the person is truly contrite).


319. How would a layman give Baptism in an emergency situation when no Priest is available?

By pouring ordinary water on the forehead of the person while saying: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."


320. Why is Baptism necessary for the salvation?

Because Christ has said so.**


321/322/323. How can those be saved who through no fault of their own have not received Baptism?

  Baptism of blood: dying as a martyr for Christ

  Baptism of desire: loving God completely and seeking to do His Will


324. When should children be baptized?

As soon as possible after birth (delay is a mortal sin for parents).


128. What are the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit?

   Charity: loving God above all things and our neighbor for God’s sake

  Joy: comfort resulting from knowing that we are sons of God

   Peace: tranquility of order resulting from harmony with God’s Will

   Patience: remaining resigned and composed in trials and suffering


   Kindness: charity shown to others (benignity)

   Goodness: readiness to be benevolent towards others

   Gentleness: subduing anger and checking the tongue when dealing with others (mildness or meekness)


   Faith: fidelity to our duties as Christians to God and our neighbor

   Long-suffering: bearing our own faults and infirmities and those of our neighbor (longanimity)


   Chastity: keeping the purity required of our state in life (thought, word and deed)

   Continency: curbing sensual desires in order maintain the dominance of the spirit over the flesh (interior purity)

   Modesty: the outward expression of moderation in desires for things of the world (exterior purity)


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+ BACH - baptism creates a new ‘batch’ of Christians

320.** "Unless a man be born again of water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

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

To serve as a model of virtue and ask the saint's protection.

328/329. What are the qualifications of a godparent?

  A Catholic who knows and lives his Faith and who will see that the child is taught the Faith if the parents do not.



Section 3: BIBLE AND TRADITION

23. Besides natural reason, how can we now God?

By supernatural revelation -- the truths found in Sacred Scripture and in Tradition.


23B. What is the Bible?

The written word of God.


23B2. Why was it given to the Church?

For the instruction and sanctification of mankind.


23C. What does it mean that Bible is 'inspired'?

God is the author who guided men to write only those things He desired.


23D. How is the Bible divided?

 Old Testament (for Israel/the Jews) written before the birth of Jesus Christ

 New Testament (for the Church) written after Christ’s Ascension into heaven.


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

The good news (Gospel) of salvation through Jesus Christ.


23I. What is Divine Tradition?

The originally unwritten word of God not contained in the Bible.


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

Yes.


XIV. Why is there a need for the Church when we have the Bible and Divine Tradition?

In order to know the true meaning and application of the doctrines they contain.


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

*Authority, infallibility and indefectibility.

  Authority: the successors of the apostles are empowered to teach, sanctify and rule the faithful

  Infallibility: the Holy Spirit prevents the Church from erring when it teaches a doctrine of faith or morals

  Indefectibility: it will last until the end of time


164. When does the Church teach infallibly?

When the Pope defines a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by all the faithful.

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231B. How do we know what Tradition taught? 

It was later recorded by the Fathers of the Church.

 

 


Section 4: CATHOLICISM: THE ONE TRUE CHURCH

136. What is the Church?

 Union of all the baptized persons under the authority of the Pope

 United by one faith, sacrifice and sacraments.


137. Who founded the Church and why?

Jesus Christ in order to bring all men to eternal salvation.


140. When did Holy Spirit first visibly indwell the Church?

Pentecost Sunday, when He came down upon the apostles as fire and wind.


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

Until the end of time.


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

God the Father and God the Son.


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

Exercise the authority to teach, sanctify, and rule the faithful in the name of Christ.


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

No, but also by their successors:

  PETER...the popes

  APOSTLES...the bishops

  SEVENTY TWO...the priests


148m/d. Who is the head of the Church?

Christ is the invisible head

            The Pope is the visible head.


150. Who are the laity of the Church?

All members who are not priests or religious (monks/nuns).


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

Christ made the Catholic Church the only means of salvation and commanded all to enter it.


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

Baptism of desire: a person loves God and tries to do His will but is ignorant of the Catholic Church.


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145. To whom did Christ first give this the authority?

To the apostles, the first bishops of the Church.

151m/d. How can the laity help the Church?

Set a good example

Work to evangelize others in word and deed.

280. Who exercises the Church's right to make laws?

The Pope makes laws for the Universal Church while bishops exercise authority in their diocese.

 

Section 5: COMMANDMENT 1

198. What is the first commandment God?

I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.


199. What are we commanded to do by the first commandment?

To worship God alone.


200. How do we worship God?

Adore God through prayer and acts of worship.


205. How does a Catholic sin against faith? (FAITH))

   Failing to know the Faith - lack of ongoing study

   Apostasy - rejecting the entire Christian faith.

   Indifferentism - believing that all religions are equal

  Taking part in non-Catholic worship - by participation or presence

  Heresy - rejecting or doubting a defined doctrine of the Catholic Church

 


206. Why does a Catholic sin by taking part in non-Catholic worship.

  Scandal: seeming to endorse defective (man-made) worship of God.


207. What are the sins against hope?

  Presumption: thinking that we can save ourselves with personal effort without God;

     or, that God will save us with no personal effort

  Despair: deliberately doubting that God will give the help needed for salvation.


210. What are the sins against charity? (HESSSS)+

*Hatred, envy, sloth, scandal, superstition and sacrilege.

  Hatred of God/neighbor - intense dislike or ill will

  Envy - resenting another's success

  Sloth - laziness especially in good works

  Scandal - setting a bad example that can lead others to sin

  Superstition - attributing power to a created thing that belongs to God alone (charms)

  Sacrilege - mistreating sacred persons, places, or things


214. How do we correctly honor the saints in heaven?

  Worship and adore the Persons of the Trinity (alone)

  Venerate and honor the saints.


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

If they are worshiped themselves or used in false worship.



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+HESSS - like the hiss of Satan, the serpent and enemy of charity

 


Section 6: COMMANDMENT 1b

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

Because Christ is the Head and the faithful are the parts of a supernatural body.


169A. Who are full members of the Mystical Body of Christ?

 The baptized who profess the Catholic faith

 The baptized who are not separated or excluded from the Church.


170. What is the "communion of saints"?

The Mystical Body of the faithful...

  Church Militant: on earth

  Church Triumphant: in heaven

  Church Suffering: in purgatory


69B. How is full membership in the Mystical Body lost?

*Heresy, apostasy, schism and excommunication. (HASE)

   Heresy: openly rejecting or doubting a defined doctrine of the Catholic Church

   Apostasy: openly rejecting the entire Christian faith

   Schism: refusing to obey the lawful commands of Church authority (particularly the Pope)

   Excommunication: denying the sacraments and communion to a person by lawful Church authority.


* How is the Mystical Body of Christ organized?

      Head: Christ

      Body: baptized believers in heaven, purgatory and on earth

      Soul: Holy Spirit

      Life: grace

      Mother: Blessed Virgin Mary

      Patron or Guardian: St. Joseph

      Protector or Defender: St. Michael the Archangel


216. How can we honor the saints?

  Honor their relics and images

  Imitate their holy lives

  Pray to them to gain their prayers/intercession for us.


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

No, we pray to the persons they represent.


217. Why to we pray to the saints?

We ask them as special friends of God whose prayers are very effective.


219. Why do we honor relics?

Because they are directly connected with the saints or Our Lord.


Section 7: COMMANDMENTS 2-3

224. What is the second commandment?

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

 

225. What are we commanded to do by the second commandment?

  Speak with reverence of God, the saints, and holy things

  Make worthwhile oaths and vows.


226. What is an oath?

Calling God as a witness to the truth of what we say.


228. What sin does a person commit who swears falsely?

Perjury.


229. What is a vow?

Promising God to do something under pain of sin.


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

Using a name in the Trinity without reverence.


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

Yes, normally a venial sin.


232/233. What are some examples?

  Blasphemy: insulting God, the Church or any holy thing

  Cursing: wishing evil on a person or object

  Profanity: ‘bad’ words and expressions like ‘my God’


234. What is the third commandment?

Remember thou keep holy the Lord's day.


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

  Christ rose from the dead on the First Day of the week

  The Holy Ghost descended upon the apostles on Sunday.


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

  Assisting at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

  Avoiding unnecessary servile work.

 

239. What is servile work?

Physical labor.


240. When is servile work allowed on Sunday?

  When required for our own or our neighbor's need

  To the honor God or holy things.


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

A good reason

Believe that what we say is true

Not swear to do what is wrong.

Section 8: COMMANDMENT 4-5


241. What is the fourth commandment?

Honor thy father and thy mother.


242. What are we commanded by the fourth commandment to our parents?

 Respect, love and help them when in need

 Obey their rightful commands.


250. What does the fourth commandment forbid?

Disrespect, unkindness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors.


244. What duties to parents and superiors have?

To provide for the spiritual and bodily welfare of those in their care.


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

Because all authority comes from God.


  ** When must we not obey the lawful authority of our country?

If it decrees laws contrary to those of God and the Church


251. What is the fifth commandment?

Thou shalt not kill.


252. What does this require us to do?

To take care of our body and soul and that of our neighbor.


253. What does the fifth commandment forbid? (FRESH-MADS)+

  Fighting

  Revenge

  Endangering others

  Suicide

  Hatred

  Murder

  Anger

  Drunkenness

  Scandal.

 

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+Anger always brings fresh madness

243. Who should we obey others besides our parents?

All lawful superiors.

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

 Love/interest in its welfare

 Respect/obedience to lawful authority.

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

Voting unselfishly, paying just taxes, and defending the country's rights.

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

Advancing justice and the welfare of all citizens.

 



Section 9: COMMANDMENTS 6-8

 

254. What is the sixth commandment?

Thou shalt not commit adultery.


255. What does this require us to do?

Purity and modesty in our behavior (alone or with others).


257. What are the chief dangers to the virtue of chastity? (SIBIDI)+

  Sinful curiosity

  Idleness

  Bad companions

  Immodest dress

  Drinking

  Indecent books and entertainment.


259. What is the seventh commandment

Thou shalt not steal.


261. What does the seventh commandment forbid? (SACKD)++

   Stealing

   Accepting bribes

  Cheating

  Keeping the property of others

  Damaging the property of others


262/263. Are we obliged to restore and repair the property of others?

Yes, as quickly and as much as we are able.


264. What is the eighth commandment of God?

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.


265/266. What does eighth commandment forbid? (LISRD)

  Lies: telling that which is untrue

  Intentionally telling secrets: when an office, promise or need of another forbids it

  Slander: (calumny) injuring another’s reputation by lying

  Rash judgment: quickly believing something harmful about another

  Detraction: revealing the hidden faults of another without good cause.

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+SIBIDI has a similar sound as ‘chastity’

++Stolen property is often ‘sacked’ for carrying

260. What does the seven commandment require?

  Respect the property of others

  Live up to our agreements

  Pay our just debts.

258z. What are the chief ways of avoiding these and other sins (PADS)?

Prayer

Avoid near occasions of sin

Devotion to the Blessed Virgin

Sacraments (frequent confession and communion)



 


Section 10: COMMANDMENTS 9-10

 

272. What is the ninth commandment?

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.


276. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment?

All impure (unchaste) thoughts and desires.


275. When do thoughts/desires about impure things become sinful?

When a person enjoys or gives mental consent to them.


277. What is the tenth commandment of God?

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.


278. What does the tenth commandment forbid?

  Taking or keeping what belongs to others

   Envying another’s success.


129. What are the eight beatitudes?

 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 2. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth.

 3. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

 4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.

 5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

 6. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.

 7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

 8. Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


*. What are the three eminent good works?

Prayer, fasting and almsdeeds (material gifts).


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271. How do we atone for detraction, slander or revealing a secret?

We must repair the damage as much as possible.


Section 11: SALVATION AND WORKS

188/190. Besides believing what God has revealed (faith), what else must we do to be saved?

    Keep the commandments of God and the Church

    Perform works of mercy.


191. What are the corporal works of mercy? (Parallel to daily rising)+

 1. Clothe the naked.

 2. Give drink to the thirsty.

 3. Feed the hungry.

 4. Shelter the homeless.

 5. Visit the imprisoned.

 6. Visit the sick.

 7. Bury the dead.


192. What are the spiritual works of mercy? (CAB-F-PIC)++

 1. Counsel the doubtful.

 2. Admonish the sinner.

 3. Bear wrongs patiently.

 4. Forgive all injuries.

 5. Pray for the living and the dead.

 6. Instruct the ignorant.

 7. Comfort the sorrowful.


194. How can ordinary works done every day to help others become true works of mercy?

By doing them in the name of Christ.


197. What else does the Church recommend?

The three Evangelical Counsels.

  1. Voluntary poverty

  2. Perpetual chastity

  3. Perfect obedience

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+Get dressed, something to eat and drink in your house(1-4); visit those with problems(5-7)

++The CABinet has a Framed PICture of a priest helping others

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

 1. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and

          with thy whole strength

 2. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

195. What are the commandments of God?

  1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.

  2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

  3. Remember thou keep holy the Lord's day.

  4. Honor thy father and thy mother.

  5. Thou shalt not kill.

  6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

  7. Thou shalt not steal.

  8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

  9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.

 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.


Section 12: SIN


57. What do we inherit from Adam’s original sin?

  Lack of sanctifying grace at birth

  D I I S (death, ignorance, inclination to sin and suffering).

 

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

No, because sanctifying grace was a special gift, not a right.


64. What is actual sin?

Any thought, word, deed or omission forbidden by the God's law.


65. What are the two kinds of actual sin?

   Mortal sin: serious offense deadly to the soul

   Venial: less serious offense.

 

68. What does mortal sin do to the soul?

  Loss of sanctifying grace

  Loss of the merits of good works

  Loss of heaven.

 

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

*Full consent to a serious sin after sufficient reflection.

  Serious sin (know that the sin not venial)

  Sufficient reflection (consider and understand that the act is sinful)

  Full consent to the action (commit the sin without reservation).


72. How does venial sin harm us?

  Less desire to serve God

  Less resistance to mortal sin

  More just punishments in this life or purgatory.

 

73. How can we keep from committing sin? (SPAIR)+

   Sacraments (frequently)

   Prayer

  Avoid near occasions of sin

  Immediately resist temptations

  Remember God is always with us.



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+These practices will ‘spare’ us from sin.

Section 13: SIN AND ITS CAUSES


74. What are the main sources of actual sin? (G-G-LEAPS)+

The capital sins (vs virtue)...

  Gluttony: over-eating or drinking (moderation)

  Greed: love of material things (generosity)

  Lust: unlawful physical pleasure (chastity)

  Envy: resenting another’s success (brotherly love)

  Anger: strong emotional reaction to trials (meekness)

  Pride: self love (humility)

  Sloth: laziness (diligence).


46. Where do temptations some from?

  Ourselves

  Near occasions of sin

  Evil angels.


76. What are the near occasions of sin?

Persons, places, or things that easily lead us into sin.

 

47. Can we always resist temptations?

Yes, and God will always help us if we ask Him.


*. What are the four sins shouting/crying to heaven for vengeance?

      Sin of Sodom (homosexuality)

      Willful murder

      Oppression of the poor

      Defrauding the worker of his/her wage.


*. When are we answerable for the sins of others?

    When we purposely cause or share in them.


*. In what nine ways may we either cause or share the guilt of another's sin?

      Counsel                    Consent 

      Command                 Concealment

      Praise                       Provocation

      Partner

      Silence                    Defense


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+Gluttony and Greed are LEAPS into capital sins



 

Section 14: CONFESSION

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

Christ has given to the Church (through priests) the power to forgive sins.


            379. What is the sacrament of Penance (confession)?

The sacrament by which sins committed after baptism are forgiven.


384. What must we do to receive the sacrament of Penance worthily? (PIT-CP)+

  Prayerful examination of conscience

  Intention to not sin again

 Total sorrow for all of our sins

  Confess our sins to the priest

  Perform the penance


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

  Prayer: ask God's help in recalling sins

 Commandments: of God and Church as a guide.


388/390. What is true contrition?

  True sorrow from our heart for having offended God

  True determination not sin again (firm purpose of amendment)

  True hatred for all of our sins.


398. How many kinds of contrition are there?

   Perfect contrition: sorrow for our sins because they offend and hurt the God we love

  Imperfect contrition: sorrow for our sins because they are evil and we fear God's punishment.

 

403/404. What should we do if we commit a mortal sin? (arm injury analogy)

  Ask God's pardon and grace immediately (recognize the injury)

  Recite an act of perfect contrition (bandage the injury)

  Make a confession to a priest as soon as possible (go to the hospital).


407. What is a person has only venial sins to confess?

He must have true contrition and firm purpose of amendment for at least one of them.


409. Why must we confess our sins to a priest?

   Christ gave the power to forgive sins to the apostles and their successors

   Priests cannot absolve us of sins if we do not tell him what they are

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+It is a PITy to Confess Poorly

380. From where does the priest receive the power to forgive sins?

From Jesus Christ who said to the Apostles.* *Jesus 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."

382. What are the effects of the sacrament of Penance? (FIRIR)

   Forgiveness of sins

   Increase in or restoration of sanctifying grace

   Remission of eternal punishment and part of temporal punishment due to sin

   Increase in resistance to temptation

   Restoration of the merits of our good works lost by mortal sin).

385. What is an examination of conscience?

Carefully recalling all sins committed since our last confession.

389. Is contrition necessary for the forgiveness of sins?

Yes, there is no forgiveness without true contrition.

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

Determination to avoid sin and near occasions of sin (for mortal and venial sins).

395. Why should we have true contrition for all sin?

  Mortal: gravely offends God and will condemn us eternally to hell

  Venial: displeases God, merits temporal punishment, and may lead to mortal sin.

401. Which kind of contrition allows us to receive Penance worthily?

Perfect or imperfect, but perfect is more pleasing to God.


Section 15: CONFESSION PART 2

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

  Complete: honestly telling the kind, number and circumstances of all mortal sins (and venial sins)

  Humble: realizing our guilt and sinfulness before God


427. How should we begin our confession?

After entering, kneel, making the sign of the cross and say "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was..." “


428/429/430. What follows?

Mortal, venial, old and forgotten sins.

   Confess all mortal sins and the frequency of them (or a close estimate)

   Confess venial sins

   Confess older sins that comes to mind (if there is no mortal sin to confess)

   Confession sins the you may have forgotten to mention


431. How should we end our confession? (LAMP)+

   Listen to the priest

   Act of contrition said when prompted

   Make the sign of the cross when the absolution is given

   Promptly perform the penance after leaving the confessional.


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

   Bad confession is made: none of our sins are forgiven

   Sacrilege: irreverent treatment of a sacred person or thing (Sacrament).


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

  Partially atone for our sins

  Encourage us to avoid sin in the future

  Need to satisfy some of the temporal punishment due.


294. Why should we go to confession frequently?

 To obtain sanctifying grace to grow in virtue and overcome temptation.

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+The second part of confession is a LAMP for our path to holiness

405. If in mortal sin, may we take communion after an act of perfect contrition?

No, we must go to confession first.

426. How should be prepare ourselves before entering the confessional?

  Take adequate time to examine our conscience so that we have true sorrow for our sins

  Resolve not to repeat them.

416. What if we honestly forget to confess a mortal sin?

We may receive communion but must go and confess the sin if it returns to mind.

418. What must we do if we conceal a mortal sin in confession? (BACS)

  Confess that a bad confession was made

  Confess the concealed sin

  Confess all the mortal sins committed since the last good confession

  Confess the sacraments badly received since that time

419. Why should we never conceal a sin out of shame?

  It is a moral sin itself

  All priests bound ('sealed') to never to reveal anything that has been confessed.



Section 16: DEATH AND JUDGEMENT


171. How can the blessed in heaven help souls in purgatory and the faithful on earth?

By praying for them.


172. Why should the faithful on earth honor and pray to the blessed in heaven?

They are worthy of honor and can intercede (pray) for us.


173. How can the sufferings of the poor souls in purgatory be relieved? (POOR)

   Prayer

   Offering Masses

   Obtaining indulgences

   Rewards from fasting and good works.


174. Can the faithful on earth help one another?

Spiritual and corporal works of mercy (supernatural charity).


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

The reuniting of the body with the soul.

 

177/179. Why will there be a resurrection?

So that the body will share in the reward or punishment of the soul for eternity.


*. What are the four last things to be always remembered?

Death, judgement heaven and hell.


181. What is the judgment passed on each person immediately after death?

Particular judgment: where each individual soul sent to heaven, purgatory, or hell.


186. How do we merit heaven?

Die in a state of grace with no venial sin or temporal punishment due.


184. Who are punished in purgatory?

Those who die in the state of grace with:

  Unforgiven venial sin

  Unsatisfied temporal punishment.


184z. What determines the length of time in purgatory?

  The amount of venial sin and unsatisfied temporal punishment

  The help (or lack of help) given to souls by the living.

 

185. What happens to those in hell?

Those who die in mortal sin never see God and suffer dreadful torments (fire) for all eternity.


180. What is the judgment called which will taken place after general resurrection?

General or 'last' judgment.

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 178. Has there been any resurrection besides Jesus?

 Yes: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

186a. What is the reward of heaven?

To see God face to face and share in His glory and happiness forever.

182. Why is there a need for a general judgment?

 So that God's justice, wisdom, and mercy may be seen by all

 So that the body will share the reward/punishment of the soul.



Section 17: CONFIRMATION

            330/338. What does the sacrament of Confirmation do?

Gives the soul sacramental grace to profess, live and defend the Faith.

 

             125. What are the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost? (PUCK-WFF)

Piety - loving God as our Father and desiring to do His will

              Understanding - recognizing true Catholic teaching while detecting false doctrine

              Counsel - discovering the will of God under difficult circumstances

              Knowledge - knowing God and the teachings of the Church

              Wisdom - recognizing the emptiness of earthly things and God and the spiritual as the highest good

              Fortitude - strength under trial to do God’s will

              Fear of God - dreading sin as the greatest of evils while quelling fear of men and human respect.


331. Who is the usual minister of Confirmation?

The bishop who anoints with Holy Chrism (blessed olive oil and balm).


340. What is necessary to receive Confirmation properly?

  Be in the state of grace

  Know the chief truths and duties of the Faith well.


341. What should be do after we have been confirmed?

Continue to study our religion to better profess and defend the Faith.


Section 17b: EXTREME UNCTION

            443. What is sacrament of Extreme Unction?

The anointing with blessed oil and prayer by the priest when there is danger of death.

            445. What are the effects of Extreme Unction? (RICH)+

              Remission of venial sins (general cleansing of our souls from the remains of sin)

              Increase of sanctifying grace

Comfort in sickness and strength against temptation

              Health for body when it is good for the soul.


446. When does Extreme Unction take away mortal sin?

 When the sick person has made a previous, recent act of contrition but is now unconscious or unable to make a confession.


448. Who can administer Extreme Unction?

Only a priest.

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+Extreme unction makes us RICH in grace

126. How do the gifts help us?

They make us more alert to see and do the will of God.

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

To remind him that he must be ready to suffer or die for the sake of Christ.