A CATECHISM OFCHRISTIAN DOCTRINE Prepared and Enjoined by Order ofThe Third Plenary Council of Baltimore QUESTIONS NUMBERED TO AGREE WITH"EXPLANATION OF THE BALTIMORE CATECHISM" WITH PRAYERS AND HYMNS No. 1 {For First Communion Classes} IMPRIMATUR New York, April 6, 1885. John Cardinal McCloskey, Archbishop of NewYork. Baltimore, April 6, 1885. "The Catechism ordered by The Third PlenaryCouncil of Baltimore, having been diligently compared and examined, ishereby approved. "+ James Gibbons, Archbishop of Baltimore, Apostolic Delegate. {Transcriber's Note: This book is commonly known as "The BaltimoreCatechism No. 1" and is part of a four volume e-text collection. Seethe author's note to Baltimore Catechism No. 3 for the background andpurpose of the series. Please note that there are gaps in the numbering, and some questions are out of order, because Catechism No. 1 isessentially an abridgement of Catechism No. 2. There are also minorphrasing differences in some of the questions and answers of this textcompared with No. 2. This e-text collection is substantially based onfiles generously provided by http://www. Catholic. Net/ with some missingmaterial transcribed and added for this release. Transcriber's notes inthis series are placed within braces, and usually prefixed "T. N. :". } PRAYERS THE LORD'S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come;Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our dailybread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespassagainst us: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. THE ANGELICAL SALUTATION Hail Mary, full of grace! the Lord is with thee: blessed art thouamongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. THE APOSTLES' CREED I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; andin Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the HolyGhost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, wascrucified: died, and was buried. He descended into hell: the third dayHe arose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, sitteth at theright hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come tojudge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost the HolyCatholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, theresurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. THE CONFITEOR I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary, ever Virgin, to blessedMichael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy ApostlesPeter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly inthought, word and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through mymost grievous fault. Therefore, I beseech blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holyApostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to pray to the Lord our Godfor me. May the Almighty God have mercy on me, and forgive me my sins, and bringme to everlasting life. Amen. May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution, andremission of all my sins. Amen. AN ACT OF FAITH O my God! I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three DivinePersons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I believe that Thy Divine Sonbecame man, and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge theliving and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the HolyCatholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, who canstneither deceive nor be deceived. AN ACT OF HOPE O my God! relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope toobtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. AN ACT OF LOVE O my God! I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor asmyself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and askpardon of all whom I have injured. AN ACT OF CONTRITION O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest allmy sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, butmost of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all-good anddeserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. THE BLESSING BEFORE MEALS + Bless us, O Lord! and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receivefrom Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen. GRACE AFTER MEALS + We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, O Almighty God, who livestand reignest forever, and may the souls of the faithful departedthrough the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. THE MANNER IN WHICH A LAY PERSON IS TO BAPTIZE IN CASE OF NECESSITY Pour common water on the head or face of the person to be baptized, andsay while pouring it: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of theHoly Ghost. " N. B. Any person of either sex who has reached the use of reason canbaptize in case of necessity, but the same person must say the wordswhile pouring the water. CATECHISM LESSON FIRSTON THE END OF MAN 1. Q. Who made the world?A. God made the world. 2. Q. Who is God?A. God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things. 3. Q. What is man?A. Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made to the imageand likeness of God. 6. Q. Why did God make you?A. God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in the next. 9. Q. What must we do to save our souls?A. To save our souls, we must worship God by faith, hope, and charity;that is, we must believe in Him, hope in Him, and love Him with all ourheart. 10. Q. How shall we know the things which we are to believe?A. We shall know the things which we are to believe from the CatholicChurch, through which God speaks to us. 11. Q. Where shall we find the chief truths which the Church teaches?A. We shall find the chief truths which the Church teaches in theApostles' Creed. 12. Q. Say the Apostles' Creed. A. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by theHoly Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, wascrucified; died, and was buried. He descended into hell: the third dayHe arose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sitteth atthe right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come tojudge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the HolyCatholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, theresurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. LESSON SECONDON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS 13. Q. What is God?A. God is a spirit infinitely perfect. 14. Q. Had God a beginning?A. God had no beginning; He always was and He always will be. 15. Q. Where is God?A. God is everywhere. 16. Q. If God is everywhere, why do we not see Him?A. We do not see God, because He is a pure spirit and cannot be seenwith bodily eyes. 17. Q. Does God see us?A. God sees us and watches over us. 18. Q. Does God know all things?A. God knows all things, even our most secret thoughts, words, andactions. 19. Q. Can God do all things?A. God can do all things, and nothing is hard or impossible to Him. 20. Q. Is God just, holy, and merciful?A. God is all just, all holy, all merciful, as He is infinitely perfect. LESSON THIRDON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD 21. Q. Is there but one God?A. Yes; there is but one God. 22. Q. Why can there be but one God?A. There can be but one God, because God, being supreme and infinite, cannot have an equal. 23. Q. How many Persons are there in God?A. In God there are three Divine Persons, really distinct, and equal inall things--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 24. Q. Is the Father God?A. The Father is God and the first Person of the Blessed Trinity. 25. Q. Is the Son God?A. The Son is God and the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 26. Q. Is the Holy Ghost God?A. The Holy Ghost is God and the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. 27. Q. What is the Blessed Trinity?A. The Blessed Trinity is one God in three Divine Persons. 29. Q. Are the three Divine Persons one and the same God?A. The three Divine Persons are one and the same God, having one and thesame Divine nature. LESSON FOURTHON THE ANGELS AND OUR FIRST PARENTS 34. Q. Which are the chief creatures of God?A. The chief creatures of God are men and angels. 35. Q. What are angels?A. Angels are bodiless spirits created to adore and enjoy God in heaven. 39. Q. Who were the first man and woman?A. The first man and woman were Adam and Eve. 40. Q. Were Adam and Eve innocent and holy when they came from the handof God?A. Adam and Eve were innocent and holy when they came from the hand ofGod. 43. Q. Did Adam and Eve remain faithful to God?A. Adam and Eve did not remain faithful to God; but broke His command byeating the forbidden fruit. 44. Q. What befell Adam and Eve on account of their sin?A. Adam and Eve, on account of their sin, lost innocence and holiness, and were doomed to misery and death. 45. Q. What evil befell us through the disobedience of our firstparents?A. Through the disobedience of our first parents we all inherit theirsin and punishment, as we should have shared in their happiness if theyhad remained faithful. 47. Q. What is the sin called which we inherit from our first parents?A. The sin which we inherit from our first parents is called originalsin. 50. Q. Was any one ever preserved from original sin?A. The Blessed Virgin Mary, through the merits of her Divine Son, waspreserved free from the guilt of original sin, and this privilege iscalled her Immaculate Conception. LESSON FIFTHON SIN AND ITS KINDS 51. Q. Is original sin the only kind of sin?A. Original sin is not the only kind of sin; there is another kind ofsin, which we commit ourselves, called actual sin. 52. Q. What is actual sin?A. Actual sin is any wilful thought, word, deed or omission contrary tothe law of God. 53. Q. How many kinds of actual sin are there?A. There are two kinds of actual sin--mortal and venial. 54. Q. What is mortal sin?A. Mortal sin is a grievous offense against the law of God. 57. Q. What is venial sin?A. Venial sin is a slight offense against the law of God in matters ofless importance; or in matters of great importance it is an offensecommitted without sufficient reflection or full consent of the will. 59. Q. Which are the chief sources of sin?A. The chief sources of sin are seven: Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, and Sloth; and they are commonly called capital sins. LESSON SIXTHON THE INCARNATION AND REDEMPTION 60. Q. Did God abandon man after he fell into sin?A. God did not abandon man after he fell into sin, but promised him aRedeemer, who was to satisfy for man's sin and reopen to him the gatesof heaven. 61. Q. Who is the Redeemer?A. Our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of mankind. 62. Q. What do you believe of Jesus Christ?A. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the second Person ofthe Blessed Trinity, true God and true man. 69. Q. What do you mean by the Incarnation?A. By the Incarnation I mean that the Son of God was made man. 70. Q. How was the Son of God made man?A. The Son of God was conceived and made man by the power of the HolyGhost, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 74. Q. On what day was the Son of God conceived and made man?A. The Son of God was conceived and made man on Annunciation day--theday on which the Angel Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary thatshe was to be the Mother of God. 75. Q. On what day was Christ born?A. Christ was born on Christmas day in a stable at Bethlehem, overnineteen hundred years ago. LESSON SEVENTHON OUR LORD'S PASSION, DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION 78. Q. What did Jesus Christ suffer?A. Jesus Christ suffered a bloody sweat, a cruel scourging, was crownedwith thorns, and was crucified. 79. Q. On what day did Christ die?A. Christ died on Good Friday. 83. Q. Why did Christ suffer and die?A. Christ suffered and died for our sins. 89. Q. On what day did Christ rise from the dead?A. Christ rose from the dead, glorious and immortal, on Easter Sunday, the third day after His death. 91. Q. After Christ had remained forty days on earth, whither did He go?A. After forty days Christ ascended into heaven, and the day on which Heascended into heaven is called Ascension day. LESSON EIGHTHON THE HOLY GHOST AND HIS DESCENT UPON THE APOSTLES 94. Q. Who is the Holy Ghost?A. The Holy Ghost is the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. 97. Q. On what day did the Holy Ghost come down upon the Apostles?A. The Holy Ghost came down upon the Apostles ten days after theAscension of our Lord; and the day on which He came down upon theApostles is called Whitsunday, or Pentecost. 99. Q. Who sent the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles?A. Our Lord Jesus Christ sent the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles. 100. Q. Why did Christ send the Holy Ghost?A. Christ sent the Holy Ghost to sanctify His Church, to enlighten andstrengthen the Apostles, and to enable them to preach the Gospel. LESSON NINTHON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION 102. Q. Which are the chief effects of the Redemption?A. The chief effects of the Redemption are two: The satisfaction ofGod's justice by Christ's sufferings and death, and the gaining of gracefor men. 103. Q. What do you mean by grace?A. By grace I mean a supernatural gift of God bestowed on us, throughthe merits of Jesus Christ, for our salvation. 104. Q. How many kinds of grace are there?A. There are two kinds of grace, sanctifying grace and actual grace. 105. Q. What is sanctifying grace?A. Sanctifying grace is that grace which makes the soul holy andpleasing to God. 110. Q. What is actual grace?A. Actual grace is that help of God which enlightens our mind and movesour will to shun evil and do good. {T. N. : The above question is out of numerical order in the printedsource of Baltimore Catechism No. 1. } 107. Q. What is Faith?A. Faith is a Divine virtue by which we firmly believe the truths whichGod has revealed. 108. Q. What is Hope?A. Hope is a Divine virtue by which we firmly trust that God will giveus eternal life and the means to obtain it. 109. Q. What is Charity?A. Charity is a Divine virtue by which we love God above all things forHis own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. LESSON TENTHON THE CHURCH 114. Q. Which are the means instituted by our Lord to enable men at alltimes to share in the fruits of the Redemption?A. The means instituted by our Lord to enable men at all times to sharein the fruits of His Redemption are the Church and the Sacraments. 115. Q. What is the Church?A. The Church is the congregation of all those who profess the faith ofChrist, partake of the same Sacraments, and are governed by their lawfulpastors under one visible Head. 116. Q. Who is the invisible Head of the Church?A. Jesus Christ is the invisible Head of the Church. 117. Q. Who is the visible Head of the Church?A. Our Holy Father the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, is the Vicar of Christon earth, and the visible Head of the Church. 128. Q. Has the Church any marks by which it may be known?A. The Church has four marks by which it may be known: it is One; it isHoly; it is Catholic; it is Apostolic. 133. Q. In which Church are these marks found?A. These marks are found in the Holy Roman Catholic Church alone. LESSON ELEVENTHON THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL 136. Q. What is a Sacrament?A. A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. 137. Q. How many Sacraments are there?A. There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. 138. Q. Whence have the Sacraments the power of giving grace?A. The Sacraments have the power of giving grace from the merits ofJesus Christ. 147. Q. Do the Sacraments always give grace?A. The Sacraments always give grace, if we receive them with the rightdispositions. 148. Q. Can we receive the Sacraments more than once?A. We can receive the Sacraments more than once, except Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. LESSON TWELFTHON BAPTISM 152. Q. What is Baptism?A. Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes usChristians, children of God, and heirs of heaven. 153. Q. Are actual sins ever remitted by Baptism?A. Actual sins and all the punishment due to them are remitted byBaptism, if the person baptized be guilty of any, and is rightlydisposed. 154. Q. Is Baptism necessary to salvation?A. Baptism is necessary to salvation, because without it we cannot enterinto the kingdom of heaven. 155. Q. Who can administer Baptism?A. The priest is the ordinary minister of Baptism; but in case ofnecessity any one who has the use of reason may baptize. 156. Q. How is Baptism given?A. Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to bebaptized, and say, while pouring the water: I baptize thee in the nameof the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. LESSON THIRTEENTHON CONFIRMATION 166. Q. What is Confirmation?A. Confirmation is a Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghostto make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. 167. Q. Who administers Confirmation?A. The bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation. 168. Q. How does the bishop give Confirmation?A. The bishop extends his hands over those who are to be confirmed, prays that they may receive the Holy Ghost, and anoints the forehead ofeach with holy chrism in the form of a cross. 170. Q. What does the bishop say in anointing the person he confirms?A. In anointing the person he confirms the bishop says: I sign thee withthe sign of the cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 173. Q. To receive Confirmation worthily is it necessary to be in thestate of grace?A. To receive Confirmation worthily it is necessary to be in the stateof grace. 173a. Q. What is a state of grace?A. A state of grace is freedom from mortal sin. {T. N. : The above question is numbered 174 in the printed source, but adifferent question is given in its place in Baltimore Catechism Nos. 2and 4, where the topic is covered in Q. 55 and elsewhere. } 175. Q. Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation?A. It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially in these evil dayswhen faith and morals are exposed to so many and such violenttemptations. LESSON FOURTEENTHON THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE 187. Q. What is the Sacrament of Penance?A. Penance is a Sacrament in which the sins committed after Baptism areforgiven. 191. Q. What must we do to receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily?A. To receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily we must do five things: 1. We must examine our conscience. 2. We must have sorrow for our sins. 3. We must make a firm resolution never more to offend God. 4. We must confess our sins to the priest. 5. We must accept the penance which the priest gives us. 192. Q. What is the examination of conscience?A. The examination of conscience is an earnest effort to recall to mindall the sins we have committed since our last worthy confession. LESSON FIFTEENTHON CONTRITION 195. Q. What is contrition, or sorrow for sin?A. Contrition, or sorrow for sin, is a hatred of sin and a true grief ofthe soul for having offended God, with a firm purpose of sinning nomore. 201. Q. Why should we be sorry for our sins?A. We should be sorry for our sins, because sin is the greatest of evilsand an offense against God our Creator, Preserver, and Redeemer, andbecause mortal sin shuts us out of heaven and condemns us to the eternalpains of hell. 206. Q. What do you mean by a firm purpose of sinning no more?A. By a firm purpose of sinning no more I mean a fixed resolve not onlyto avoid all mortal sin, but also its near occasions. 207. Q. What do you mean by the near occasions of sin?A. By the near occasions of sin I mean all the persons, places, andthings that may easily lead us into sin. LESSON SIXTEENTHON CONFESSION 208. Q. What is Confession?A. Confession is the telling of our sins to a duly authorized priest, for the purpose of obtaining forgiveness. 209. Q. What sins are we bound to confess?A. We are bound to confess all our mortal sins, but it is well also toconfess our venial sins. 214. Q. What should we do if we cannot remember the number of our sins?A. If we cannot remember the number of our sins, we should tell thenumber as nearly as possible. 216. Q. Is it a grievous offense wilfully to conceal a mortal sin inConfession?A. It is a grievous offense wilfully to conceal a mortal sin inConfession, because we thereby tell a lie to the Holy Ghost, and makeour Confession worthless. 217. Q. What must he do who has wilfully concealed a mortal sin inConfession?A. He who has wilfully concealed a mortal sin in Confession must notonly confess it, but must also repeat all the sins he has committedsince his last worthy Confession. 218. Q. Why does the priest give us a penance after Confession?A. The priest gives us a penance after Confession that we may satisfyGod for the temporal punishment due to our sins. LESSON SEVENTEENTHON INDULGENCES 231. Q. What is an Indulgence?A. An Indulgence is the remission in whole or in part of the temporalpunishment due to sin. 233. Q. How many kinds of Indulgences are there?A. There are two kinds of Indulgences--Plenary and Partial. 234. Q. What is a Plenary Indulgence?A. A Plenary Indulgence is the full remission of the temporal punishmentdue to sin. 235. Q. What is a Partial Indulgence?A. A Partial Indulgence is the remission of a part of the temporalpunishment due to sin. 237. Q. What must we do to gain an Indulgence?A. To gain an Indulgence we must be in the state of grace and performthe works enjoined. LESSON EIGHTEENTHON THE HOLY EUCHARIST 238. Q. What is the Holy Eucharist?A. The Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament which contains the body andblood, soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearancesof bread and wine. 245. Q. What do you mean by the appearances of bread and wine?A. By the appearances of bread and wine I mean the figure, the color, the taste, and whatever appears to the senses. 249. Q. When did Christ give His priests the power to change bread andwine into His body and blood?A. Christ gave His priests the power to change bread and wine into Hisbody and blood when He said to the Apostles, Do this for a commemorationof Me. 250. Q. How do the priests exercise this power of changing bread andwine into the body and blood of Christ?A. The priests exercise this power of changing bread and wine into thebody and blood of Christ through the words of consecration in the Mass, which are the words of Christ: This is My body; this is My blood. LESSON NINTEENTHON THE ENDS FOR WHICH THE HOLY EUCHARIST WAS INSTITUTED 251. Q. Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist?A. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist-- 1. To unite us to Himself and to nourish our soul with His body and blood. 2. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. 3. To lessen our evil inclinations. 4. To be a pledge of everlasting life. 5. To fit our bodies for a glorious resurrection. 6. To continue the sacrifice of the cross in His Church. 253. Q. What is Holy Communion?A. Holy Communion is the receiving of the body and blood of Christ. 254. Q. What is necessary to make a good Communion?A. To make a good Communion it is necessary to be in the state ofgrace and to be fasting for one hour from food and all drinks, exceptwater. [This answer has been changed in the 1977 edition to bring it up todate with the current rules. ] 255. Q. Does he who receives Communion in mortal sin receive the bodyand blood of Christ?A. He who receives Communion in mortal sin receives the body and bloodof Christ, but does not receive His grace, and he commits a greatsacrilege. LESSON TWENTIETHON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS 262. Q. When are the bread and wine changed into the body and blood ofChrist?A. The bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ atthe consecration in the Mass. 263. Q. What is the Mass?A. The Mass is the unbloody sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ. 265. Q. Is the Mass the same sacrifice as that of the cross?A. The Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the cross. 269. Q. How should we assist at Mass?A. We should assist at Mass with great interior recollection and piety, and with every outward mark of respect and devotion. LESSON TWENTY-FIRSTON EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS 271. Q. What is the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?A. Extreme Unction is the Sacrament which, through the anointing andprayer of the priest, gives health and strength to the soul, andsometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sickness. 274. Q. Which are the effects of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?A. The effects of Extreme Unction are: 1st, to comfort us in the painsof sickness and to strengthen us against temptation; 2d, to remit venialsins and to cleanse our soul from the remains of sin; 3d, to restore usto health, when God sees fit. 278. Q. What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?A. Holy Orders is a Sacrament by which bishops, priests, and otherministers of the Church are ordained and receive the power and grace toperform their sacred duties. LESSON TWENTY-SECONDON MATRIMONY 282. Q. What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?A. The Sacrament of Matrimony is the Sacrament which unites a Christianman and woman in lawful marriage. 285. Q. Which are the effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony?A. The effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony are: 1st, to sanctify thelove of husband and wife; 2d, to give them grace to bear with eachother's weaknesses; 3d, to enable them to bring up their children in thefear and love of God. 286. Q. To receive the Sacrament of matrimony worthily is it necessaryto be in the state of grace?A. To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to bein the state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the lawsof the Church. LESSON TWENTY-THIRDON THE SACRAMENTALS 292. Q. What is a sacramental?A. A sacramental is anything set apart or blessed by the Church toexcite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through thesemovements of the heart to remit venial sin. 294. Q. Which is the chief sacramental used in the Church?A. The chief sacramental used in the Church is the sign of the cross. 295. Q. How do we make the sign of the cross?A. We make the sign of the cross by putting the right hand to theforehead, then on the breast, and then to the left and right shoulders, saying, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolyGhost. Amen. 296. Q. Why do we make the sign of the cross?A. We make the sign of the cross to show that we are Christians and toprofess our belief in the chief mysteries of our religion. 300. Q. What other sacramental is in very frequent use?A. Another sacramental in very frequent use is holy water. 301. Q. What is holy water?A. Holy water is water blessed by the priest with solemn prayer to begGod's blessing on those who use it, and protection from the powers ofdarkness. 302. Q. Are there other sacramentals besides the sign of the cross andholy water?A. Besides the sign of the cross and holy water there are many othersacramentals, such as blessed candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, imagesof the Blessed Virgin and of the saints, rosaries and scapulars. LESSON TWENTY-FOURTHON PRAYER 303. Q. Is there any other means of obtaining God's grace than theSacraments?A. There is another means of obtaining God's grace, and it is prayer. 304. Q. What is prayer?A. Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God to adore Him, to thank Him for His benefits, to ask His forgiveness, and to beg of Himall the graces we need, whether for soul or body. 305. Q. Is prayer necessary to salvation?A. Prayer is necessary to salvation, and without it no one having theuse of reason can be saved. 306. Q. At what particular times should we pray?A. We should pray particularly on Sundays and holydays, every morningand night, in all dangers, temptations, and afflictions. 308. Q. Which are the prayers most recommended to us?A. The prayers most recommended to us are the Lord's Prayer, the HailMary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor, and the Acts of Faith, Hope, Love and Contrition. 309. Q. Are prayers said with distractions of any avail?A. Prayers said with wilful distractions are of no avail. LESSON TWENTY-FIFTHON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD 310. Q. Is it enough to belong to God's Church in order to be saved?A. It is not enough to belong to the Church in order to be saved, but wemust also keep the Commandments of God and of the Church. 313. Q. Which are the Commandments of God?A. The Commandments of God are these ten: 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 Sabbath 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. LESSON TWENTY-SIXTHON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT 315. Q. What is the first Commandment?A. The first Commandment is: I am the Lord thy God: thou shalt not havestrange gods before Me. 317. Q. How do we adore God?A. We adore God by faith, hope, and love, by prayer and sacrifice. 318. Q. How may the first Commandment be broken?A. The first Commandment may be broken by giving to a creature the honorwhich belongs to God alone; by false worship; and by attributing to acreature a perfection which belongs to God alone. 320. Q. Are sins against faith, hope, and charity also sins against thefirst Commandment?A. Sins against faith, hope, and charity are also sins against the firstCommandment. 321. Q. How does a person sin against faith?A. A person sins against faith: 1st, by not trying to know what God hastaught; 2d, by refusing to believe all that God has taught; 3d, byneglecting to profess his belief in what God has taught. 326. Q. Are we obliged to make open profession of our faith?A. We are obliged to make open profession of our faith as often as God'shonor, our neighbor's spiritual good, or our own requires it. 327. Q. Which are the sins against hope?A. The sins against hope are presumption and despair. 328. Q. What is presumption?A. Presumption is a rash expectation of salvation without making properuse of the necessary means to obtain it. 329. Q. What is despair?A. Despair is the loss of hope in God's mercy. LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTHTHE FIRST COMMANDMENT--ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS 331. Q. Does the first Commandment forbid the honoring of the saints?A. The first Commandment does not forbid the honoring of the saints, butrather approves of it, because by honoring the saints, who are thechosen friends of God, we honor God Himself. 332. Q. Does the first Commandment forbid us to pray to the saints?A. The first Commandment does not forbid us to pray to the saints. 333. Q. What do we mean by praying to the saints?A. By praying to the saints we mean the asking of their help andprayers. 340. Q. Does the first Commandment forbid us to honor relics?A. The first Commandment does not forbid us to honor relics, becauserelics are the bodies of the saints or objects directly connected withthem or with our Lord. 341. Q. Does the first Commandment forbid the making of images?A. The first Commandment does forbid the making of images if they aremade to be adored as gods, but it does not forbid the making of them toput us in mind of Jesus Christ, His Blessed Mother, and the saints. 342. Q. Is it right to show respect to the pictures and images of Christand His saints?A. It is right to show respect to the pictures and images of Christ andHis saints, because they are the representations and memorials of them. 343. Q. Is it allowed to pray to the crucifix or to the images andrelics of the saints?A. It is not allowed to pray to the crucifix or images and relics of thesaints, for they have no life, nor power to help us, nor sense to hearus. 344. Q. Why do we pray before the crucifix and the images and relics ofthe saints?A. We pray before the crucifix and images and relics of the saintsbecause they enliven our devotion by exciting pious affections anddesires, and by reminding us of Christ and of the saints, that we mayimitate their virtues. LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTHFROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT 345. Q. What is the second Commandment?A. The second Commandment is: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lordthy God in vain. 346. Q. What are we commanded by the second Commandment?A. We are commanded by the second Commandment to speak with reverence ofGod and of the saints, and of all holy things, and to keep our lawfuloaths and vows. 347. Q. What is an oath?A. An oath is the calling upon God to witness the truth of what we say. 350. Q. What is a vow?A. A vow is a deliberate promise made to God to do something that ispleasing to Him. 351. Q. Is it a sin not to fulfill our vows?A. Not to fulfill our vows is a sin, mortal or venial, according to thenature of the vow and the intention we had in making it. 352. Q. What is forbidden by the second Commandment?A. The second Commandment forbids all false, rash, unjust, andunnecessary oaths, blasphemy, cursing, and profane words. 353. Q. What is the third Commandment?A. The third Commandment is: Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 355. Q. How are we to worship God on Sundays and holydays of obligation?A. We are to worship God on Sundays and holydays of obligation byhearing Mass, by prayer, and by other good works. 358. Q. What is forbidden by the third Commandment?A. The third Commandment forbids all unnecessary servile work andwhatever else may hinder the due observance of the Lord's day. 359. Q. What are servile works?A. Servile works are those which require labor rather of body than ofmind. 360. Q. Are servile works on Sunday ever lawful?A. Servile works are lawful on Sunday when the honor of God, the good ofour neighbor, or necessity requires them. LESSON TWENTY-NINTHFROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT 361. Q. What is the fourth Commandment?A. The fourth Commandment is: Honor thy father and thy mother. 362. Q. What are we commanded by the fourth Commandment?A. We are commanded by the fourth Commandment to honor, love, and obeyour parents in all that is not sin. 363. Q. Are we bound to honor and obey others than our parents?A. We are also bound to honor and obey our bishops, pastors, magistrates, teachers, and other lawful superiors. 365. Q. What is forbidden by the fourth Commandment?A. The fourth Commandment forbids all disobedience, contempt, andstubbornness towards our parents or lawful superiors. 366. Q. What is the fifth Commandment?A. The fifth Commandment is: Thou shalt not kill. 367. Q. What are we commanded by the fifth Commandment?A. We are commanded by the fifth Commandment to live in peace and unionwith our neighbor, to respect his rights, to seek his spiritual andbodily welfare, and to take proper care of our own life and health. 368. Q. What is forbidden by the fifth Commandment?A. The fifth Commandment forbids all wilful murder, fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, and bad example. 369. Q. What is the sixth Commandment?A. The sixth Commandment is: Thou shalt not commit adultery. 370. Q. What are we commanded by the sixth Commandment?A. We are commanded by the sixth Commandment to be pure in thought andmodest in all our looks, words, and actions. 371. Q. What is forbidden by the sixth Commandment?A. The sixth commandment forbids all unchaste freedom with another'swife or husband; also all immodesty with ourselves or others in looks, dress, words, or actions. 372. Q. Does the sixth Commandment forbid the reading of bad andimmodest books and newspapers?A. The sixth Commandment does forbid the reading of bad and immodestbooks and newspapers. LESSON THIRTIETHFROM THE SEVENTH TO THE END OF THE TENTH COMMANDMENT 373. Q. What is the seventh Commandment?A. The seventh Commandment is: Thou shalt not steal. 374. Q. What are we commanded by the seventh Commandment?A. By the seventh Commandment we are commanded to give to all men whatbelongs to them and to respect their property. 375. Q. What is forbidden by the seventh Commandment?A. The seventh Commandment forbids all unjust taking or keeping whatbelongs to another. 376. Q. Are we bound to restore ill-gotten goods?A. We are bound to restore ill-gotten goods, or the value of them, asfar as we are able; otherwise we cannot be forgiven. 377. Q. Are we obliged to repair the damage we have unjustly caused?A. We are bound to repair the damage we have unjustly caused. 378. Q. What is the eighth Commandment?A. The eighth Commandment is: Thou shalt not bear false witness againstthy neighbor. 379. Q. What are we commanded by the eighth Commandment?A. We are commanded by the eighth Commandment to speak the truth in allthings, and to be careful of the honor and reputation of every one. 380. Q. What is forbidden by the eighth Commandment?A. The eighth Commandment forbids all rash judgments, backbiting, slanders, and lies. 382. Q. What is the ninth Commandment?A. The ninth Commandment is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. 383. Q. What are we commanded by the ninth Commandment?A. We are commanded by the ninth Commandment to keep ourselves pure inthought and desire. 384. Q. What is forbidden by the ninth Commandment?A. The ninth Commandment forbids unchaste thoughts, desires of another'swife or husband, and all other unlawful impure thoughts and desires. 386. Q. What is the tenth Commandment?A. The tenth Commandment is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods. 387. Q. What are we commanded by the tenth Commandment?A. By the tenth Commandment we are commanded to be content with what wehave, and to rejoice in our neighbor's welfare. 388. Q. What is forbidden by the tenth Commandment?A. The tenth Commandment forbids all desires to take or keep wrongfullywhat belongs to another. LESSON THIRTY-FIRSTON THE FIRST AND SECOND COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH 389. Q. Which are the chief commandments of the Church?A. The chief commandments of the Church are six: 1. To hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation. 2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed. 3. To confess at least once a year. 4. To receive the Holy Eucharist during the Easter time. 5. To contribute to the support of our pastors. 6. Not to marry persons who are not Catholics, or who are related to us within the third degree of kindred, nor privately without witnesses, nor to solemnize marriage at forbidden times. 390. Q. Is it a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday ofobligation?A. It is a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday ofobligation unless we are excused for a serious reason. They also commita mortal sin who, having others under their charge, hinder them fromhearing Mass, without a sufficient reason. 393. Q. What do you mean by fast-days?A. By fast-days I mean days on which we are allowed but one full meal. 394. Q. What do you mean by days of abstinence?A. By days of abstinence, I mean days on which we are forbidden to eatflesh-meat, but are allowed the usual number of meals. 395. Q. Why does the Church command us to fast and abstain?A. The Church commands us to fast and abstain in order that we maymortify our passions and satisfy for our sins. LESSON THIRTY-SECONDON THE THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH AND SIXTH COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH 397. Q. What is meant by the command of confessing at least once a year?A. By the command of confessing at least once a year is meant that weare obliged, under pain of mortal sin, to go to Confession within theyear. 400. Q. What sin does he commit who neglects to receive Communion duringthe Easter time?A. He who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time commits amortal sin. 401. Q. What is the Easter time?A. The Easter time is, in this country, the time between the firstSunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday. 402. Q. Are we obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors?A. We are obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors, and tobear our share in the expenses of the Church and school. LESSON THIRTY-THIRDON THE LAST JUDGMENT AND THE RESURRECTION, HELL, PURGATORY, AND HEAVEN 408. Q. When will Christ judge us?A. Christ will judge us immediately after our death, and on the lastday. 409. Q. What is the judgment called which we have to undergo immediatelyafter death?A. The judgment we have to undergo immediately after death is called theParticular Judgment. 410. Q. What is the judgment called which all men have to undergo on thelast day?A. The judgment which all men have to undergo on the last day is calledthe General Judgment. 412. Q. What are the rewards or punishments appointed for men's soulsafter the Particular Judgment?A. The rewards or punishments appointed for men's souls after theParticular Judgment are Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell. 413. Q. What is Hell?A. Hell is a state to which the wicked are condemned, and in which theyare deprived of the sight of God for all eternity, and are in dreadfultorments. 414. Q. What is Purgatory?A. Purgatory is a state in which those suffer for a time who die guiltyof venial sins, or without having satisfied for the punishment due totheir sins. 417. Q. Will our bodies share in the reward or punishment of our souls?A. Our bodies will share in the reward or punishment of our souls, because through the resurrection they will again be united to them. 420. Q. What is Heaven?A. Heaven is the state of everlasting life in which we see God face toface, are made like unto Him in glory, and enjoy eternal happiness. MORNING PRAYERS As soon as you awake, think of God. Make the Sign of the Cross and say: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then dress quickly and kneel down. Now say the Our Father, the HailMary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor and the Acts of Faith, Hope, Love and Contrition which you have probably memorized. If you do notknow them by heart you will find them on pages 2-4. Then if you have time also say the following prayers: TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN. My Lady, and my Mother, remember I am thine; protect and defend me asthy property and possession. TO SAINT JOSEPH. Saint Joseph, model and patron of those who love the Sacred Heart ofJesus, pray for us. TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL. Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom His love commits me here, Ever this day be at my side, To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. God bless Papa and Mamma. God bless Brothers and Sisters, and all myfriends. God bless me, and make me a good child. FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine uponthem. May they rest in peace. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it wasin the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Make the Sign of the Cross. EVENING PRAYERS Never go to bed without thanking God for all the benefits you havereceived during the day and during your whole life. Kneel down. Make theSign of the Cross. Then say the Our Father, Hail Mary, the Apostles'Creed, the Confiteor, and Glory be. Now think how you have acted during the day. Are there any big sins onyour soul? Any little sins? Try to tell Jesus how sorry you are for allyour sins, and say the Act of Contrition (page 4). Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you. O my God, bless my father, mother, and all my relatives and friends. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, restin peace. Amen. Bless yourself with holy water. + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYERS FOR MASS [The Mass prayers are an arrangement of those contained in Father Finn's"Prayer Book for Catholic Youth" (also known as Father Finn's Boys' andGirls' Prayer Book). They follow closely in simplified language thespirit and liturgy of the "Ordinary of the Mass, " so that children willbecome readily accustomed to using the Church's own prayers and followthe priest at the altar. The rubrics when to sit, stand or kneel at LowMass are given. If it is found desirable to have the children recite prayers aloud andin unison at Mass, certain parts suitable for this purpose are markedwith an asterisk (*). ] Remember that the church is the house of God, where the living Goddwells. And where God is, His holy angels too are present. In church, therefore, be reverent and modest in your behavior, and always be intime. When you enter, bless yourself with holy water and go quietly toyour seat, genuflect on your right knee and enter the pew. PRAYER BEFORE MASS O my God, I am only a child; help me to be attentive, and to pray withall my heart during this holy Mass. The priest comes out to begin Mass. Stand The priest carries in his hands the chalice, covered with a cloth. Thepriest goes up to the middle of the altar, and sets down the chalice. Then he goes to the right side and opens the book. After that he comes down to the foot of the altar, and makes the Sign ofthe Cross. THE MASS OF THE CATECHUMENS(From the Beginning to the Offertory) Kneel *In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. *I will go in to the altar of God, to God Who gives joy to my youth. *Judge me, O God. Keep me safe from all evil. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. I will go in to the altar of God. To God Who gives joy to my youth. Here the priest makes the Sign of the Cross. Our help is in the name of the Lord. Who made heaven and earth. The priest, bowing down, says the Confiteor. Then the altar-boys bow andsay it after him. Read it as on p. 2. The priest goes up to the altar and says: O Lord, we beg You, by the goodness of Your saints whose relics arehere, and of all Your saints, to forgive us all our sins. THE INTROIT AND KYRIE ELEISON The priest goes to the right side of the altar and reads from the book. Then going back to the middle of the altar he says the Kyrie Eleison. THE GLORIA Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will. Wepraise You. We bless You. We glorify You. We give You thanks for Yourgreat glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty. O LordGod, Son of the Father, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercyon us. You only, O Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost, are most high inthe Glory of God the Father. Amen. The priest turns to the people and says: The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. THE COLLECT The priest goes to the right side of the altar and reads from the book. *Let us pray: Let Your grace and pity guide our hearts, we beg You, OLord. For without You we cannot please You. Through Our Lord, JesusChrist, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the HolyGhost, world without end. Amen. THE EPISTLE The Epistle is a letter. Most of these letters were written by SaintPaul. The priest now reads one of these. You may read the following: Dear children: Be happy, be good, be brave; agree with one another, andbe at peace. The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, God's love, and thewisdom of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. Thanks be to God. The altar-boy carries the book to the left side of the altar. The priestbows at the middle of the altar and says a prayer. THE GOSPEL The priest goes to the left and reads from the book. Stand While Jesus was speaking to the people, mothers brought their childrento Him, that He might bless them. The disciples told them not to botherJesus. But Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come to Me andforbid them not. For of such is the kingdom of heaven. " And Jesusblessed the children. Praise be to You, O Christ. Sit The priest now turns back to the middle of the altar and says the Creed. You also say it (see page 2). THE MASS OF THE FAITHFUL(From the Offertory to the Communion) THE OFFERING OF THE HOST The priest takes the cloth off the chalice. Then he holds up a smallgold plate on which is the bread, called the host. *Take, O holy Father, almighty and eternal God, this spotless host whichI, Your unworthy servant, offer to You for my many sins and for all whoserve You, living and dead. May it help them and me to gain eternallife. The priest goes to the right side of the altar. He pours wine and waterinto the chalice. Then the priest goes back to the middle of the altarand raises the chalice. THE OFFERING OF THE CHALICE *We offer You, O Lord, this chalice. May it help us and all the world togain eternal life. Amen. The priest goes to the right side of the altar to wash his hands. Returning to the middle of the altar, the priest bows down and says someprayers. Then he turns to the people and says the Orate Fratres. Now the priest prays in a low voice and then in a louder voice he saysthe Preface: Truly, it is right and just that we should at all times and in allplaces give thanks to You, O holy Lord, Father almighty, Who, with Youronly Son and the Holy Ghost are one God, one Lord. All the angels dailypraise You, singing with one voice: *THE SANCTUS Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. The bell is rung three times. Kneel THE CANON [Note, --By a Decree of the Church (Aug. 4, 1922), the prayers during theCanon, i. E. From the Sanctus to the Pater Noster, must be said insilence. ] The priest bows low and kisses the altar. O most merciful Father, we pray You, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, OurLord, to take and bless these gifts. We offer them to You for Your holyCatholic Church, for our Pope and Bishop and for all those in theCatholic Faith. PRAYER FOR THE LIVING Be mindful, O Lord, of Your servants (name those for whom you wish topray especially), and all who are now hearing this Mass. Hear, O Lord, the prayers they are offering for themselves, their friends and theirfamilies. THE CONSECRATION OF THE HOST The priest now bends low over the host and says: THIS IS MY BODY At these words, the bread is changed into the body of Our Lord. The bellrings. The priest kneels and then raises the Sacred Body of Our Lord. Now look at the Sacred Host and say: My Lord and my God. Then bow yourhead as the priest kneels again. THE CONSECRATION OF THE WINE The priest bends over the chalice and says: THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD At these words, the wine becomes the Precious Blood of Our Lord. Thebell rings. The priest kneels and then raises the chalice. Now thepriest continues to pray silently. Look at the chalice and say: Jesus inthe Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us. The priest kneels. The bell rings again. The priest prays silently. PRAYER FOR THE DEAD Remember also, O Lord, Your servants (here name dead relatives andfriends) who have gone before us with the sign of faith and sleep thesleep of peace. Now the priest says the "Pater Noster. " Say the "Our Father. " Soon after the priest strikes his breast and says the "Agnus Dei. " THE PRIEST'S COMMUNION The priest after saying some prayers silently, takes the Sacred Host andpaten in his left hand and striking his breast with the right hand says(the bell rings three times): *O Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Say butthe word and my soul shall be healed. The priest bows down and receives the Body of Our Lord. He remains inprayer for a short time. Then he uncovers the chalice and drinks theSacred Blood of Our Lord. THE COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE The priest now opens the tabernacle and takes out the Blessed Sacramentto give holy communion to the people. Turning to the people and holdingthe ciborium in his left hand, he lifts up a Sacred Host to the peoplein his right hand. Now say with the priest three times: "Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter my soul; say but the wordand my soul shall be healed. " AFTER THE COMMUNION Having replaced the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, the priestafter taking water and wine, covers the chalice and goes to the rightside of the altar to read from the book. Then going back to the middlehe turns to the people and says: The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Then the priest again goes to the right side of the altar and reads: THE PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION *Let us pray: We have been filled with Your gifts, O Lord. Grant thatthey may make us clean and strong. May the gift of this divine Sacramentkeep us pure, O Lord. Through the help of the Blessed Virgin, of St. Joseph, of Sts. Peter and Paul and all the saints, may it free us fromall evil. The priest goes back to the middle of the altar and turning to thepeople says: The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Go, the Mass is ended. Thanks be to God. THE BLESSING The priest bows down and says a prayer. Then turning to the people heblesses them saying: May almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless you. Amen. The priest goes to the left side of the altar. Stand The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. THE LAST GOSPEL The priest makes a cross on forehead, lips, and breast, and says theGospel of St. John. Remain standing until the priest has left the sanctuary or kneels downto say the prayers after Mass. THE RIGHT MANNER OF CONFESSING [From Father Finn's Prayer Book for Catholic Youth. ] PRAYER BEFORE EXAMINING YOUR CONSCIENCE O Holy Spirit, help me to know all my sins. Help me to remember thatJesus died for me. Help me to make a good confession and I promise thatI will try never to sin again. Now think of your sins. PRAYER BEFORE ENTERING THE CONFESSIONAL O God, I am very sorry for all my sins. I promise that I will try to begood and never again to hurt You by sin. Dear Jesus, help me. Mother ofGod, pray that I may please Your Son by true sorrow for my sins. When your turn comes, go into the confession box. Make the Sign of theCross and wait till the priest opens the little door. Say what you havebeen taught to say. Or you may say this: Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It is (say how long) since my lastconfession. Since then I have committed these sins. Now tell all your sins and how many times you committed each. If thereis something you don't know how to tell, just say, "Please help me, Father, " and the priest will help you. After you have told all yoursins, say what you have been taught to say. Or you may say: That is all, Father. In case you have no big sins to confess, it is well to end yourconfession with: "In my past life I sinned through anger or impurity"(or some sin that you know you did and that you are sorry for). The priest tells you what prayers to say for a penance. Then he tellsyou to say the Act of Contrition. When you come out, kneel down near thealtar. Say your penance at once. Then thank God for being so good toyou. COMMUNION PRAYERS ACTS BEFORE COMMUNION Act of Faith. Jesus Christ, my Sovereign Lord, I firmly believe thatThou art really present in the Holy Eucharist, and that it is Thy body, Thy blood, Thy soul, and Thy divinity that I shall receive in thatAdorable Sacrament. Act of Hope. Thou hast said, O my God, that those hoping in Thee shallnever be confounded. I place all my confidence in Thy promises, and Ihope that, having nourished myself with Thy body on earth, I shall havethe happiness of seeing and possessing Thee eternally in heaven. Act of Love. O my divine Jesus, Who hast so loved me as to nourish mewith Thy adorable flesh, I love Thee with all my heart and above allthings; I wish to live and die in Thy holy love. Act of Humility. My Saviour and my God, Thou art all sanctity. I am notworthy that Thou shouldst enter my heart; yet, speak but the word and mysoul shall be healed. Act of Desire. My soul desires Thee, O my God! Thou art its joy andhappiness. Come, O divine Jesus, come into my heart; it desires ardentlyto receive Thee. ACTS AFTER COMMUNION Act of Adoration. I adore Thee, O Jesus, as the Lamb of God immolatedfor the salvation of mankind. I join in the profound adoration which theangels and saints pay to Thee in heaven. Act of Thanksgiving. Lord, Thou hast looked on my unworthiness. I wassick, and Thou hast healed me. I was poor, and Thou hast bestowed uponme Thy numberless benefits. How shall I be able to thank Thee, O myLord, for all Thy favors? I will invoke Thy holy name, and eternallysing Thy mercies. Act of Offering. What can I offer Thee, O my God, for the grace ofhaving given Thyself to me? I consecrate to Thy glory my body, my soul, and all that I possess! Dispose of me according to Thy holy will. Act of Petition. My divine Redeemer, Thou hast taken possession of me. Do not let the enemy of my salvation ravish the precious treasure I bearin my heart. Preserve me from all sin, and defend me against temptation, that I may persevere until death in the practice of Thy holy law. Amen. THE ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN THE FIVE JOYFUL MYSTERIES(Assigned for Mondays and Thursdays throughout the year, the Sundays ofAdvent, and after Epiphany until Lent. ) First Mystery. The Annunciation. Second Mystery. The Visitation. Third Mystery. The Nativity. Fourth Mystery. The Presentation. Fifth Mystery. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. THE FIVE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES(For Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year, and Sundays in Lent. ) First Mystery. The Prayer and Bloody Sweat of our blessed Saviour in theGarden. Second Mystery. The Scourging of Jesus at the Pillar. Third Mystery. The Crowning of Jesus with Thorns. Fourth Mystery. Jesus Carrying His Cross. Fifth Mystery. The Crucifixion. THE FIVE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES(For Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year, and Sundays afterEaster until after Advent. ) First Mystery. The Resurrection. Second Mystery. The Ascension. Third Mystery. The Descent of the Holy Ghost. Fourth Mystery. The Assumption. Fifth Mystery. The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin. THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS A plenary indulgence can be gained each time one makes the Stations, subject to the usual conditions. To make the Stations and gain the indulgences, no special prayer isrequired. We have but to begin at the first Station and go around to thelast, thinking devoutly of the Passion and Death of Christ. HYMNS Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest 1. Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, And in our hearts take up Thy rest;Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid|| To fill the hearts which Thou hast made. || 2. O Comforter, to Thee we cry, Thou heavenly Gift of God most high, Thou Fount of life and Fire of love, || And sweet Anointing from above. || 3. Praise we the Father and the Son, And Holy Spirit with them One;And may the Son on us bestow|| The gifts that from the Spirit flow. || O Salutaris 1. O Salutaris Hostia! Quae coeli pandis ostium:Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium. 2. Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria, Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in Patria. Amen. Tantum Ergo 1. Tantum ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernui;Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui;Praestet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui. 2. Genitori, Genitoque Laus et jubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio;Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. Amen. V. Panem de coelo praestitisti eis, R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. Adeste Fideles 1. Adeste, fideles, Laeti triumphantes;Venite, venite in Bethlehem;Natum videteRegem Angelorum, Venite, adoremus, Venite, adoremus, Venite, adoremus Dominum. 2. Deum de Deo, Lumen de lumine, Gestant puellae viscera;Deum verum, Genitum non factum, Venite, etc. 3. Cantet nunc Io!Chorus Angelorum;Cantet nunc aula coelestium. GloriaIn excelsis Deo, Venite, etc. 4. Ergo, qui natusDie hodierna, Jesu! tibi sit gloria, Patris aeterniVerbum caro factum, Venite, etc. Jesus, My Lord, My God(REV. F. W. FABER) 1. Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all! How can I love Thee as I ought?And how revere this wondrous gift, So far surpassing hope or thought? CHORUS. --Sweet Sacrament! we Thee adore, Oh, make us love Thee more and more, Oh, make us love Thee more and more. 2. Had I but Mary's sinless heart To love Thee with, my dearest King, Oh, with what bursts of fervent praise Thy goodness, Jesus, would I sing! To Jesus' Heart All Burning(REV. A. J. CHRISTIE, S. J. ) 1. To Jesus' Heart, all burning With fervent love for men, My heart with fondest yearning Shall raise the joyful strain. CHORUS. --While ages course along, Blest be with loudest song|| The Sacred Heart of JesusBy every heart and tongued. || 2. O Heart for me on fire With love no man can speak, My yet untold desire God gives me for Thy sake. 3. Too true I have forsaken Thy flock by wilful sin;Yet now let me be taken Back to Thy fold again. Jesus, Gentlest Saviour(REV. F. W. FABER) 1. Jesus, gentlest Saviour! God of might and power;Thou Thyself art dwelling In us at this hour. Nature cannot hold Thee, Heav'n is all too straitFor Thine endless glory, And Thy royal state. 2. Out beyond the shining Of the farthest star, Thou art ever stretching Infinitely far. Yet the hearts of children Hold what worlds cannot, And the God of wonders Loves the lowly spot. Jesus! Saviour of My Soul 1. Jesus! Saviour of my soul, Let me to Thy refuge fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is nigh. CHORUS. --Hide me, O my Saviour, hide Till the storm of life is past;Safe into Thy haven guide, O receive my soul at last. Jesus! Saviour of my soul, Let me to Thy refuge fly;Ave, Ave, Jesus mild, Deign to hear Thy lowly child. 2. Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on Thee, Leave, oh, leave me not alone, Still support and strengthen me. Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee(REV. E. CASWALL) 1. Jesus, the very thought of Thee With rapture fills my breast;But sweeter far Thy Face to see, And in Thy presence rest. 2. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, Nor can the mem'ry findA sweeter sound than Thy blest Name, O Saviour of mankind! 3. Jesus, our only joy be Thou, As Thou our prize wilt be;O Jesus, be our glory now And through eternity. What Happiness Can Equal Mine?(REV. F. W. FABER) 1. What happiness can equal mine? I've found the object of my love:My Jesus dear, my King Divine, Is come to me from heav'n above;He chose my heart for His abode, He there becomes my daily bread;There on me flows His healing blood; There with His flesh my soul is fed. CHORUS. --What happiness can equal mine? I've found the object of my love:My Jesus dear, my King Divine, Is come to me from heav'n above. 2. I am my love's, and He is mine: In me He dwells, in Him I live;What greater treasures could I find? And could, ye heavens, a greater give?O sacred banquet, heav'nly feast! O overflowing source of grace, Where God the food, and man, the guest, Meet and unite in sweet embrace! The Love of Jesus 1. O the priceless love of Jesus: O the strength of grace divine;All His gifts are showered upon me, All His blessings may be mine. He is throned in Heavenly glory Where no sin nor death can be;Yet He loves me in this darkness, Yet He does not turn from me. 2. I am blind, and poor, and wretched, By temptations sorely tried;Yet His watchful care abounding Keeps me ever at His side. He is God and King Eternal, Higher than all height can be;Yet His Heart is with me always, Yet He stoopeth down to me. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name(REV. C. WALWORTH) 1. Holy God, we praise Thy name, Lord of all, we bow before Thee!All on earth Thy sceptre claim, All in heav'n above adore Thee. || Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy name. || 2. Hark! the loud celestial hymn, Angel choirs above are raising!Cherubim and Seraphim, In unceasing chorus praising. || Fill the heavens with sweet accord; Holy! Holy! Holy Lord. || Hail, Heavenly Queen! 1. Hail, heavenly Queen! Hail, foamy ocean star!O be our guide, diffuse thy beams afar;Hail, Mother of God! above all virgins blest, Hail, happy gate of heav'n's eternal rest. CHORUS. --Hail foamy ocean star! Hail, heav'nly Queen!|| O be our guide to endless joys unseen. || 2. "Hail, full of grace, " with Gabriel we repeat;Thee, Queen of heav'n, from him we learn to greet;Then give us peace which heav'n alone can give, And dead thro' Eve, thro' Mary let us live. Mother Dear, Oh, Pray for Me 1. Mother dear, oh, pray for me, Whilst far from heav'n and theeI wander in a fragile bark, O'er life's tempestuous sea;O Virgin Mother, from thy throne, So bright in bliss above, Protect thy child and cheer my path, With thy sweet smile of love. CHORUS. --Mother dear, remember me, And never cease thy care, Till in heaven eternally Thy love and bliss I share. 2. Mother dear, oh, pray for me, Should pleasure's siren layE'er tempt thy child to wander far From virtue's path away;When thorns beset life's devious way, And darkling waters flow, Then, Mary, aid thy weeping child, Thyself a mother show. Ora Pro Me 1. Ave Maria! bright and pure, Hear, O hear me when I pray, Pains and pleasures try the pilgrim On his long and dreary way. Fears and perils are around me, Ave Maria! bright and pure, Ore pro me, ora pro me. 2. Ave Maria! Queen of Heaven, Teach, O teach me to obey, Lead me on, tho' fierce temptations Stand and meet me in the way. When I fail and faint, my Mother, Ave Maria! bright and pure, Ora pro me, ora pro me. I'll Sing a Hymn to Mary(REV. FR. WYSE) I'll sing a hymn to Mary, The Mother of my God, The Virgin of all Virgins, Of David's royal blood. Oh, teach me, holy Mary A loving song to frame, When wicked men blaspheme thee To love and bless thy name. When troubles dark afflict me In sorrow and in care, Thy light doth ever guide me O beauteous Morning Star. Lo, I'll be ever ready Thy goodly help to claim, When wicked men blaspheme thee I'll love and bless thy name. Daily, Daily Sing to Mary 1. Daily, daily sing to Mary Sing, my soul, her praises due;All her feasts, her actions worship, With the heart's devotion true. Lost in wond'ring contemplation, Be her majesty confess'd;Call her Mother, call her Virgin, Happy Mother, Virgin blest. 2. She is mighty to deliver; Call her, trust her lovingly;When the tempest rages round thee, She will calm the troubled sea. Gifts of heaven she has given, Noble Lady, to our race;She the Queen who decks her subject, With the light of God's own grace. Hymn to St. Joseph 1. With grateful hearts we breathe to-day The tender accents of our love. We carol forth a little lay To thee, great saint in heaven above. CHORUS. --O Joseph dear, from thy bright throne, Incline thine ear unto our prayer. And o'er us all as o'er thine own, Extend thy fond paternal care, And o'er us all as o'er thine own, Extend thy fond paternal care, Extend thy fond paternal care. 2. More favored than earth's greatest king. Thou wert the guardian of that Child, Around whose crib full choirs did sing, With cadenced voices soft and mild. Dear Guardian of Mary(REV. F. W. FABER) 1. Dear Guardian of Mary! dear nurse of her child!Life's ways are full weary, the desert is wild;Bleak sands are all round us, no home can we see;Sweet Spouse of our Lady! we lean upon thee. 2. For thou to the pilgrim art father and guide, And Jesus and Mary felt safe at thy side;Ah! blessed Saint Joseph, how safe should I be, Sweet Spouse of our Lady! if thou wert with me. Dear Angel, Ever at My Side(REV. F. W. FABER) 1. Dear Angel, ever at my side, How loving must thou be, To leave thy home in heaven to guide A little child like me. 2. Thy beautiful and shining face I see not, though so near;The sweetness of thy soft, low voice I am too deaf to hear. Hymn at the Communion O Lord, I am not worthy That Thou shouldst come to me, But speak the words of comfort, My spirit healed shall be. And humbly I'll receive Thee, The bridegroom of my soul, No more by sin to grieve Thee, Or fly Thy sweet control.