Baltimore's Catechism - LESSON 15 -- The Two Great Commandments


LESSON 16 -- The First Commandmend of God

198. What is the first commandment of God?

The first commandment of God is: I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.

Thou shalt not have strange Gods before me. Thou shalt not make to thyself a graven thing, nor the likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, nor of those things that are in the waters under the earth. (Ex 20,3-4)

199. What are we commanded by the first commandment?

By the first commandment we are commanded to offer to God alone the supreme worship that is due Him.

It is written, "The Lord thy God shalt thou worship, and him only shalt thou serve." (Lc 4,8)

200. How do we worship God?

We worship God by acts of faith, hope, and charity, and by adoring Him and praying to Him.

201. What does faith oblige us to do?

Faith obliges us: first, to make efforts to find out what God has revealed; second, to believe firmly what God has revealed; third, to profess our faith openly whenever necessary.

Therefore, everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. (Mt 10,32)

202. What does hope oblige us to do?

Hope obliges us to trust firmly that God will give us eternal life and the means to obtain it.

Paul, a servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, in accordance with the faith of God's elect and the full knowledge of the truth which is according to piety, in the hope of life everlasting which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began. (Tt 1,1-2)

203. What does charity oblige us to do?

Charity obliges us to love God above all things because He is infinitely good, and to love our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.

And one of them, a doctor of the Law, putting him to the test, asked him, "Master, which is the great commandment in the Law?" Jesus said to him, "'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind.' This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like it, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Mt 22,35-40)

204. How can a Catholic best safeguard his faith?

A Catholic can best safeguard his faith by making frequent acts of faith, by praying for a strong faith, by studying his religion very earnestly, by living a good life, by good reading, by refusing to associate with the enemies of the Church, and by not reading books and papers opposed to the Church and her teaching.

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will get in among you, and will not spare the flock. And from among your own selves men will rise speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Ac 20,29-30)

205. How does a Catholic sin against faith?

A Catholic sins against faith by apostasy, heresy, indifferentism, and by taking part in non-Catholic worship.

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

A Catholic sins against faith by taking part in non-Catholic worship when he intends to identify himself with a religion he knows is defective.

This is why I was born, and why I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice. (Jn 18,37)

207. What are the sins against hope?

The sins against hope are presumption and despair.

208. When does a person sin by presumption?

A person sins by presumption when he trusts that he can be saved by his own efforts without God's help, or by God's help without his own efforts.

Nay I do not even judge my own self. For I have nothing on my conscience, yet I am not thereby justified. (1Co 4,4)

209. When does a person sin by despair?

A person sins by despair when he deliberately refuses to trust that God will give him the necessary help to save his soul.

May no temptation take hold of you but such as man is equal to. God is faithful and will not permit you to be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also give you a way out that you may be able to bear it. (1Co 10,13)

210. What are the chief sins against charity?

The chief sins against charity are hatred of God and of our neighbor, envy, sloth, and scandal.

Charity does not envy. (1Co 13,4)

211. Besides the sins against faith, hope, and charity, what other sins does the first commandment forbid?

Besides the sins against faith, hope, and charity, the first commandment forbids also superstition and sacrilege.

212. When does a person sin by superstition?

A person sins by superstition when he attributes to a creature a power that belongs to God alone, as when he makes use of charms or spells, believes in dreams or fortune-telling, or goes to spiritists.

Neither let there be found among you any one that ... consulteth soothsayers, or observeth dreams and omens. Neither let there be any wizard, nor charmer. (Dt 19,10-11)

213. When does a person sin by sacrilege?

A person sins by sacrilege when he mistreats sacred persons, places, or things.

They have set thy sanctuary ablaze, they have profaned the dwelling of thy name on the earth. (Ps 73,7)




LESSON 17 -- Honoring the Saints, Relics, and Images

214. Does the first commandment forbid us to honor the saints in heaven?

The first commandment does not forbid us to honor the saints in heaven, provided we do not give them the honor that belongs to God alone.

For, behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. (Lc 1,48)

215. Why do we honor the saints in heaven?

We honor the saints in heaven because they practiced great virtue when they were on earth, and because in honoring those who are the chosen friends of God we honor God Himself.

216. How can we honor the saints?

We can honor the saints: first, by imitating their holy lives; second, by praying to them; third, by showing respect to their relics and images.

Brethren, be imitators of me, and mark those who walk after the pattern you have in us. (Ph 3,17)

217. When we pray to the saints what do we ask them to do?

When we pray to the saints we ask them to offer their prayers to God for us.

218. How do we know that the saints will pray for us?

We know that the saints will pray for us because they are with God and have great love for us.

219. Why do we honor relics?

We honor relics because they are the bodies of the saints or objects connected with the saints or with Our Lord.

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

The first commandment forbids the making or the use of statues and pictures only when they promote false worship.

Thou shalt not have strange Gods before me. Thou shalt not make to thyself a graven thing, nor the likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, nor of those things that are in the waters under the earth. (Ex 20,3-4)

221. Is it right to show respect to the statues and pictures of Christ and of the saints?

It is right to show respect to the statues and pictures of Christ and of the saints, just as it is right to show respect to the images of those whom we honor or love on earth.

222. Do we honor Christ and the saints when we pray before the crucifix, relics, and sacred images?

We honor Christ and the saints when we pray before the crucifix, relics, and sacred images because we honor the persons they represent; we adore Christ and venerate the saints.

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

We do not pray to the crucifix or to the images and relics of the saints, but to the persons they represent.




LESSON 18 - The Second and Third Commandments of God

224. What is the second commandment of God?

The second commandment of God is: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that shall take the name of the Lord in vain. (Ex 20,7)

225. What are we commanded by the second commandment?

By the second commandment we are commanded always to speak with reverence of God, of the saints, and of holy things, and to be truthful in taking oaths and faithful to them and to our vows.

Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. From the rising of the sun unto its going down, may the name of the Lord be praised. (Ps 112,2-3)

226. What is an oath?

An oath is the calling on God to witness the truth of what we say.

For men swear by one greater than themselves, and an oath given as a guarantee is the final settlement of all their disagreement. (He 6,16)

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

To make an oath lawful, three things are necessary: first, we must have a good reason for taking an oath; second, we must be convinced that what we say under oath is true; third, we must not swear, that is, take an oath, to do what is wrong.

And thou shalt swear: As the Lord liveth, in truth, and in judgment and in justice. (Jr 4,2)

228. What great sin does a person commit who deliberately calls on God to bear witness to a lie?

A person who deliberately calls on God to bear witness to a lie commits the very grievous sin of perjury.

Thou shalt not swear falsely by my name, nor profane the name of thy God. (Lv 19,12)

229. What is a vow?

A vow is a deliberate promise made to God by which a person binds himself under pain of sin to do something that is especially pleasing to God.

When thou hast made a vow to the Lord thy God, thou shalt not delay to pay it; because the Lord thy God will require it. ()

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

By taking God's name in vain is meant that the name of God or the holy name of Jesus Christ is used without reverence; for example, to express surprise or anger.

Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. From the rising of the sun unto its going down, may the name of the Lord be praised. (Ps 112,2-3)

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

It is a sin to take God's name in vain; ordinarily, it is a venial sin.

232. What is cursing?

Cursing is the calling down of some evil on a person, place, or thing.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Rm 12,14)

233. What is blasphemy?

Blasphemy is insulting language which expresses contempt for God, either directly or through His saints and holy things.

Amen I say to you, that all sins shall be forgiven to the sons of men, and the blasphemies wherewith they may blaspheme; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Ghost never has forgiveness, but will be guilty of an everlasting sin. (Mc 3,28-30)

234. What is the third commandment of God?

The third commandment of God is: Remember thou keep holy the Lord's day.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. (Gn 2,2)

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

The Church commands us to keep Sunday as the Lord's day, because on Sunday Christ rose from the dead, and on Sunday the Holy Ghost descended upon the apostles.

236. What are we commanded by the third commandment?

By the third commandment we are commanded to worship God in a special manner on Sunday, the Lord's day.

Keep you my sabbath; for it is holy unto you. (Ex 31,14)

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

The Church commands us to worship God on Sunday by assisting at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

238. What is forbidden by the third commandment of God?

By the third commandment of God all unnecessary servile work on Sunday is forbidden.

Six days shall you do work; in the seventh day is the sabbath, the rest holy to the Lord. (Ex 31,15)

239. What is servile work?

Servile work is that which requires labor of body rather than of mind.

240. When is servile work allowed on Sunday?

Servile work is allowed on Sunday when the honor of God, our own need, or that of our neighbor requires it.




LESSON 19 -- The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of God

241. What is the fourth commandment of God?

The fourth commandment of God is: Honor thy father and thy mother.

Honor thy father and thy mother, that thou mayest be long-lived upon the land which the Lord thy God will give thee. (Ex 20,12)

242. What are we commanded by the fourth commandment?

By the fourth commandment we are commanded to respect and love our parents, to obey them in all that is not sinful, and to help them when they are in need.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for that is right. (Ep 6,1)

243. Does the fourth commandment oblige us to respect and to obey others besides our parents?

Besides our parents, the fourth commandment obliges us to respect and obey all our lawful superiors.

Let everyone be subject to the higher authorities, for there exists no authority except from God, and those who exist have been appointed by God. Therefore he who resists authority resists the ordinance of God; and they that resist bring on themselves condemnation. (Rm 13,1-2)

244. What duty have parents toward their children and superiors toward those under their care?

Parents must provide for the spiritual and bodily welfare of their children; superiors, according to their varying degrees of responsibility, must care for those entrusted to them.

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but rear them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. (Ep 6,4)

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

A citizen must love his country, be sincerely interested in its welfare, and respect and obey its lawful authority.

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

A citizen shows a sincere interest in his country's welfare by voting honestly and without selfish motives, by paying just taxes, and by defending his country's rights when necessary.

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

We must respect and obey the lawful authority of our country because it comes from God, the Source of all authority.

248. Why are we obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship?

We are obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship because right reason requires citizens to work together for the public welfare of the country.

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

The chief duties of those who hold public office are to be just to all in exercising their authority and to promote the general welfare.

Give ear, you that rule the people, and that please yourselves in multitudes of nations; for power is given you by the Lord, and strength by the most High, who will examine your works, and search out your thoughts. (Sg 6,3-4)

250. What does the fourth commandment forbid?

The fourth commandment forbids disrespect, unkindness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors.

Cursed be he that honoreth not his father and mother. (Dt 27,16)

251. What is the fifth commandment of God?

The fifth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not kill. (Ex 20,13)

252. What are we commanded by the fifth commandment?

By the fifth commandment we are commanded to take proper care of our own spiritual and bodily well-being and that of our neighbor.

253. What does the fifth commandment forbid?

The fifth commandment forbids murder and suicide, and also fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, drunkenness, reckless driving, and bad example.

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (1Jn 3,15)

254. What is the sixth commandment of God?

The sixth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Ex 20,14)

255. What are we commanded by the sixth commandment?

By the sixth commandment we are commanded to be pure and modest in our behavior.

I exhort you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice, living, holy, pleasing to God. (Rm 12,1)

256. What does the sixth commandment forbid?

The sixth commandment forbids all impurity and immodesty in words, looks, and actions, whether alone or with others.

But immorality and every uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becomes saints. (Ep 5,3)

257. What are the chief dangers to the virtue of chastity?

The chief dangers to the virtue of chastity are: idleness, sinful curiosity, bad companions, drinking, immodest dress, and indecent books, plays, and motion pictures.

258. What are the chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity?

The chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity are to avoid carefully all unnecessary dangers, to seek God's help through prayer, frequent confession, Holy Communion, and assistance at Holy Mass, and to have a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

Be sober, be watchful! For your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking someone to devour. (1P 5,8)




LESSON 20 -- The Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Commandments of God

259. What is the seventh commandment of God?

The seventh commandment of God is: Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not steal. (Ex 20,15)

260. What are we commanded by the seventh commandment?

By the seventh commandment we are commanded to respect what belongs to others, to live up to our business agreements, and to pay our just debts.

Better is a little with justice, than great revenue with iniquity. (Pr 16,8)

261. What does the seventh commandment forbid?

Besides stealing, the seventh commandment forbids cheating, unjust keeping of what belongs to others, unjust damage to the property of others, and the accepting of bribes by public officials.

Do not any unjust thing in judgment, in rule, in weight, or in measure. Let the balance be just and the weights equal, the bushel just, and the sextary equal. (Lv 19,35-36)

262. Are we obliged to restore to the owner stolen goods, or their value?

We are obliged to restore to the owner stolen goods, or their value, whenever we are able.

If any man steal an ox or a sheep, and kill or sell it, he shall restore five oxen for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep. (Ex 22,1)

263. Are we obliged to repair damage unjustly done to the property of others?

We are obliged to repair damage unjustly done to the property of others, or to pay the amount of the damage, as far as we are able.

If any man hurt a field or a vineyard, and put in his beast to feed upon that which is other men's, he shall restore the best of whatsoever he hath in his own field, or in his vineyard, according to the estimation of the damage. (Ex 22,5)

264. What is the eighth commandment of God?

The eighth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Ex 20,16)

265. What are we commanded by the eighth commandment?

By the eighth commandment we are commanded to speak the truth in all things, but especially in what concerns the good name and honor of others.

Wherefore, put away lying and speak truth each one with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. (Ep 4,25)

266. What does the eighth commandment forbid?

The eighth commandment forbids lies, rash judgment, detraction, calumny, and the telling of secrets we are bound to keep.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. (Pr 12,22)

267. When does a person commit the sin of rash judgment?

A person commits the sin of rash judgment when, without sufficient reason, he believes something harmful to another's character.

Before thou inquire, blame no man. (Si 11,7)

268. When does a person commit the sin of detraction?

A person commits the sin of detraction when, without a good reason, he makes known the hidden faults of another.

A good name is better than great riches, and good favor is above silver and gold. (Pr 22,1)

269. When does a person commit the sin of calumny or slander?

A person commits the sin of calumny or slander when by lying he injures the good name of another.

Devise not a lie against thy brother, neither do the like against thy friend. (Si 7,13)

270. When are we obliged to keep a secret?

We are obliged to keep a secret when we have promised to do so, when our office requires it, or when the good of another demands it.

271. What must a person do who has sinned by detraction or calumny, or has told a secret he is bound to keep?

A person who has sinned by detraction or calumny, or who has told a secret he is bound to keep, must repair the harm he has done to his neighbor, as far as he is able.

272. What is the ninth commandment of God?

The ninth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. (Dt 5,21)

273. What are we commanded by the ninth commandment?

By the ninth commandment we are commanded to be pure in thought and desire.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. (Mt 5,8)

274. Are mere thoughts about impure things always sinful in themselves?

Mere thoughts about impure things are not always sinful in themselves, but such thoughts are dangerous.

275. When do thoughts about impure things become sinful?

Thoughts about impure things become sinful when a person thinks of an unchaste act and deliberately takes pleasure in so thinking, or when unchaste desire or passion is aroused and consent is given to it.

276. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment?

The ninth commandment forbids all thoughts and desires contrary to chastity.

277. What is the tenth commandment of God?

The tenth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his house. (Dt 5,21)

278. What does the tenth commandment forbid?

The tenth commandment forbids all desire to take or to keep unjustly what belongs to others, and also forbids envy at their success.

Take heed and guard yourself from all covetousness, for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. (Lc 12,15)




LESSON 21 -- The Commandments of the Church; The First and Second Commandments

279. Whence has the Catholic Church the right to make laws?

The Catholic Church has the right to make laws from Jesus Christ, who said to the apostles, the first bishops of His Church: "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven."

Amen I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed also in heaven. (Mt 18,18)

280. By whom is this right to make laws exercised?

This right to make laws is exercised by the bishops, the successors of the apostles, and especially by the Pope, who as the successor of the chief of the apostles, Saint Peter, has the right to make laws for the Universal Church.

And I say to thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Mt 16,18)

281. Which are the chief commandments, or laws, of the Church?

The chief commandments, or laws, of the Church are these six:

1. To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holydays of obligation.

2. To fast and to abstain on the days appointed.

3. To confess our sins at least once a year.

4. To receive Holy Communion during the Easter time.

5. To contribute to the support of the Church.

6. To observe the laws of the Church concerning marriage.

282. What sin does a Catholic commit who through his own fault misses Mass on a Sunday or holyday of obligation?

A Catholic who through his own fault misses Mass on a Sunday or holyday of obligation commits a mortal sin.

Keep you my sabbath; for it is holy unto you. (Ex 31,14)

283. Which are the holydays of obligation in the United States?

The holydays of obligation in the United States are these six:

Christmas Day (December 25)

The Octave of the Nativity (January 1)

Ascension Thursday (40 days after Easter)

The Assumption (August 15)

All Saints' Day (November 1)

The Immaculate Conception (December 8)

284. What else does the Church oblige us to do on holydays of obligation?

The Church obliges us to abstain from servile work on holydays of obligation, just as on Sundays, as far as we are able.

285. Why were holydays instituted by the Church?

Holydays were instituted by the Church to remind us of the mysteries of our religion and of the important events in the lives of Christ and of His Blessed Mother, and to recall to us the virtues and the rewards of the saints.

286. What is a fast day?

A fast day is a day on which only one full meal is allowed, but in the morning and evening some food may be taken, the quantity and quality of which are determined by approved local custom.

287. Who are obliged to observe the fast days of the Church?

All baptized persons between the ages of twenty-one and fifty-nine are obliged to observe the fast days of the Church, unless they are excused or dispensed.

288. What is a day of abstinence?

A day of abstinence is a day on which we are not allowed the use of meat.

289. Who are obliged to observe the abstinence days of the Church?

All Catholics who have passed their fourteenth birthday and have attained the use of reason are obliged to observe the abstinence days of the Church, unless excused or dispensed.

290. Why does the Church command us to fast and to abstain?

The Church commands us to fast and to abstain in order that we may control the desires of the flesh, raise our minds more freely to God, and make satisfaction for sin.

But thou, when thou dost fast, anoint thy head wash thy face, so that thou mayest not be seen fasting by men, but by thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who sees in secret, will reward thee. (Mt 6,18)

291.Why does the Church make Fridays of Lent days of abstinence?

The Church makes Fridays of Lent days of abstinence in order that we may do penance for our sins, and also in order that we may prepare ourselves more worthily for Good Friday, when we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ.

292. How can we know the days appointed for fast or abstinence?

We can know the days appointed for fast or abstinence from the instructions of our bishops and priests.




LESSON 22 -- The Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church

293. What is meant by the commandment to confess our sins at least once a year?

By the commandment to confess our sins at least once a year is meant that we are strictly obliged to make a good confession within the year, if we have a mortal sin to confess.

Confess, therefore, your sins to one another. (Jc 5,16)

294. Why should we go to confession frequently?

We should go to confession frequently because frequent confession greatly helps us to overcome temptation, to keep in the state of grace, and to grow in virtue.

295. What sin does a Catholic commit who neglects to receive Holy Communion worthily during the Easter time?

A Catholic who neglects to receive Holy Communion worthily during the Easter time commits a mortal sin.

He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life everlasting and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. (Jn 6,55-56)

296. What is the Easter time in the United States?

The Easter time in the United States begins on the first Sunday of Lent and ends on Trinity Sunday.

297. What is meant by the commandment to contribute to the support of the Church?

By the commandment to contribute to the support of the Church is meant that each of us is obliged to bear his fair share of the financial burden of the Holy See, of the diocese, and of the parish.

So also the Lord directed that those who preach the gospel should have their living from the gospel. (1Co 9,14)

298. What is the ordinary law of the Church to be observed at the wedding of a Catholic?

The ordinary law of the Church to be observed at the wedding of a Catholic is this: A Catholic can contract a true marriage only in the presence of an authorized priest and two witnesses.

299. Does the Church forbid Catholics to contract marriage with certain persons?

The Church does forbid Catholics to contract marriage with certain persons, and the following are examples: first, a marriage with a non-Catholic; this is a mixed marriage; second, a marriage with a second cousin, or any relative closer than a second cousin.

300. Why does the Church forbid Catholics to marry non-Catholics?

The Church forbids Catholics to marry non-Catholics because mixed marriages often bring about family discord, loss of faith on the part of the Catholic, and neglect of the religious training of the children.

And it is better to die without children, than to leave ungodly children. (Si 16,4)

301. Does the Church ever permit mixed marriages or marriages between close relatives?

For grave reasons the Church sometimes permits mixed marriages or marriages between close relatives; such a permission is called a dispensation.

302. Does the Church allow Catholics to marry during Lent and Advent?

The Church allows Catholics to marry during Lent and Advent, though they should do so without much festivity. A Nuptial Mass is now allowed during these seasons.

303. What is a Nuptial Mass?

A Nuptial Mass is a Mass which has special prayers to beg God's blessing on the married couple.


PART THREE -- THE SACRAMENTS AND PRAYER


LESSON 23 -- The Sacraments

304. What is a sacrament?

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

305. How many sacraments are there?

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

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

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

Let a man so account us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1Co 4,1)

307. Do the sacraments give sanctifying grace?

The sacraments do give sanctifying grace.

Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (Ac 8,17)

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

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

309. Do the sacraments always give grace?

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

Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily, will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. (1Co 11,27)

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

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

Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (Jn 3,5)

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

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

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

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

Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily, will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. (1Co 11,27)

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

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

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

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

And do not grieve the Holy Ghost of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ep 4,30)




Baltimore's Catechism - LESSON 15 -- The Two Great Commandments