"A tree that is cultivated and guarded through the care of its owner produces its fruit at the expected time. "

St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"Let persons in the world sanctify themselves in their own houses, for neither the court, professions, or labour, are any hindrance to the service of God."

St Philip Neri

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"For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God?"

Thomas á Kempis

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About this "Penny" Catechism - Visit the more detailed "Catechism of the Catholic Church" here.

 
 

FROM THE "PENNY CATECHISM"
     

The Seven Sacraments and The Mass
249.

What is a Sacrament?
 

A Sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Jesus Christ, by which grace is given to our souls.
 
250. Do the Sacraments always give grace?

 

The Sacraments always give grace to those who receive them worthily.
 
  251. Whence have the Sacraments the power of giving grace?
 
 

The Sacraments have the power of giving grace from the merits of Christ's Precious Blood which they apply to our souls.
 
  252. Ought we to have a great desire to receive the Sacraments?
 
 

We ought to have a great desire to receive the Sacraments, because they are the chief means of our salvation.
 
  253. Is a character given to the soul by any of the Sacraments?
 
 

A character is given to the soul by the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.
 
  254. What is a character?
 
 

A character is a mark or seal on the soul which cannot be effaced, and therefore the Sacrament conferring it may not be repeated.
 
  255. How many Sacraments are there?
 
 

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

 
   
 

Baptism

  256. What is Baptism?
 
 

Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and members of the Church.
 
  257. Does Baptism also forgive actual sins?
 
 

Baptism also forgives actual sins, with all punishment due to them, when it is received in proper disposition by those who have been guilty of actual sin.
 
  258. Who is the ordinary minister of Baptism?
 
 

The ordinary minister of Baptism is a Bishop, a priest or a deacon; in case of necessity such as danger of death, any one may baptize.
 
  259. How is Baptism given?
 
 

Baptism is given by pouring water on the head of the child, saying at the same time these words:'I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit'.
 
  260. What do we promise in Baptism?
 
 

We promise in Baptism to renounce the devil and all his works and pomps.
 
  261. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
 
 

Baptism is necessary for salvation, because Christ has said: 'Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God'. John 3:5
 
   
 

Confirmation
  262. What is Confirmation?
 
 

Confirmation is a Sacrament by which we receive the Holy Spirit, in order to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
 
  263. Who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation?
 
 

The ordinary minister of Confirmation is a Bishop.
 
  264. How does the Bishop administer the Sacrament of Confirmation?
 
 

The Bishop administers the Sacrament of Confirmation by praying that the Holy Spirit may come down upon those who are to be confirmed; and by laying his hand on them, and making the sign of the cross with chrism on their foreheads, at the same time pronouncing certain words.
 
  265. What are the words used in Confirmation?
 
 

The words used in Confirmation are these: 'N., be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit'.