"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."

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

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"It is not God's will that we should abound in spiritual delights, but that in all things we should submit to his holy will."

Blessed Henry Suso

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"God has no need of men."

St Philip Neri

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

 
 

FROM THE "PENNY CATECHISM"
     

Anointing of the Sick
301.

What is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

 

This Sacrament is the anointing of the sick with holy oil, accompanied with prayer.
 
302. When is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick given?

 

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given when we are in danger of death by sickness.
 
  303. What are the effects of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
 
 

Our Lord instituted the Sacrament of Penance when he breathed on his Apostles and gave them power to forgive sins, saying: 'Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven.' John 20:23

 
  304. What authority is there in Scripture for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
 
 

The authority in Scripture for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is in the 5th chapter of St. James, where it is said: 'Is any one sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man; and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he be in sins they shall be forgiven him'. James 5:14-15
 
 
 

Holy Orders
  305. What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?
 
 

Holy Orders is the Sacrament by which bishops, priests, and deacons of the Church are ordained, and receive power and grace to perform their sacred duties.
 
   
 

Matrimony
  306. What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?
 
 

Matrimony is the Sacrament which sanctifies the contract of a Christian marriage, and gives a special grace to those who receive it worthily.
 
  307. What special grace does the Sacrament of Matrimony
 
 

The Sacrament of Matrimony gives to those who receive it worthily a special grace, to enable them to bear the difficulties of their state, to love and be faithful to one another, and to bring up their children in the fear of God.

 
  308. Is it a sacrilege to contract marriage in serious sin, or in disobedience to the laws of the Church?
 
 

It is a sacrilege to contract marriage in serious sin, or in disobedience to the laws of the Church, and, instead of a blessing, the guilty parties draw upon themselves the anger of God. For a marriage of a Catholic to be valid there must be present 1. either the Bishop or the Parish Priest, or another Priest duly delegated, and 2. two witnesses.
 
  309.  What is a 'mixed marriage'?
 
 

A 'mixed marriage' is a marriage in which only one partner is a Catholic.
 
  310. Does the Church encourage mixed marriages?
 
 

The Church does not encourage mixed marriages and considers them dangerous.

 
  311. Does the Church sometimes permit mixed marriages?
 
 

The Church sometimes permits mixed marriages by granting a dispensation, and under special conditions.
 
  311a. What does the Catholic partner of a mixed marriage promise?
 
 

The Catholic partner of a mixed marriage promises to do everything possible to preserve the faith and have all children of the marriage baptized and brought up in the Catholic religion.
 
  312. Can any human power dissolve the bond of marriage?
 
 

No human power can dissolve the bond of marriage, because Christ has said: 'What God has joinedtogether, let not man put asunder'. Matt. 19:6