The Baltimore Complete Catechism

Question 1304:
Are we obliged to repair the damage we have unjustly caused?
Answer:
We are bound to repair the damage we have unjustly caused.

Question 1305:
What is the eighth Commandment?
Answer:
The eighth Commandment is: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Question 1306:
What are we commanded by the eighth Commandment?
Answer:
We are commanded by the eighth Commandment to speak the truth in all things, and to be careful of the honor and reputation of every one.

Question 1307:
What is a lie?
Answer:
A lie is a sin committed by knowingly saying what is untrue with the intention of deceiving. To swear to a lie makes the sin greater, and such swearing is called perjury. Pretense, hypocrisy, false praise, boasting, etc., are similar to lies.

Question 1308:
How can we know the degree of sinfulness in a lie?
Answer:
We can know the degree of sinfulness in a lie by the amount of harm it does and from the intention we had in telling it.

Question 1309:
Will a good reason for telling a lie excuse it?
Answer:
No reason, however good, will excuse the telling of a lie, because a lie is always bad in itself. It is never allowed, even for a good intention to do a thing that is bad in itself.

Question 1310:
What is forbidden by the eighth Commandment?
Answer:
The eighth Commandment forbids all rash judgments, backbiting, slanders, and lies.

Question 1311:
What are rash judgment, backbiting, slander and detraction?
Answer:
Rash judgment is believing a person guilty of sin without a sufficient cause. Backbiting is saying evil things of another in his absence. Slander is telling lies about another with the intention of injuring him. Detraction is revealing the sins of another without necessity.

Question 1312:
Is it ever allowed to tell the faults of another?
Answer:
It is allowed to tell the faults of another when it is necessary to make them known to his parents or superiors, that the faults may be corrected and the wrong doer prevented from greater sin.

Question 1313:
What is tale-bearing, and why is it wrong?
Answer:
Tale-bearing is the act of telling persons what others have said about them, especially if the things said be evil. It is wrong, because it gives rise to anger, hatred and ill-will, and is often the cause of greater sins.

Question 1314:
What must they do who have lied about their neighbor and seriously injured his character?
Answer:
They who have lied about their neighbor and seriously injured his character must repair the injury done as far as they are able, otherwise they will not be forgiven.

Question 1315:
What is the ninth Commandment?
Answer:
The ninth Commandment is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.

Question 1316:
What are we commanded by the ninth Commandment?
Answer:
We are commanded by the ninth Commandment to keep ourselves pure in thought and desire.

Question 1317:
What is forbidden by the ninth Commandment?
Answer:
The ninth Commandment forbids unchaste thoughts, desires of another's wife or husband, and all other unlawful impure thoughts and desires.

Question 1318:
Are impure thoughts and desires always sins?
Answer:
Impure thoughts and desires are always sins, unless they displease us and we try to banish them.

Question 1319:
What is the tenth Commandment?
Answer:
The tenth Commandment is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.

Question 1320:
What does covet mean?
Answer:
Covet means to wish to get wrongfully what another possesses or to begrudge his own to him.

Question 1321:
What are we commanded by the tenth Commandment?
Answer:
By the tenth Commandment we are commanded to be content with what we have, and to rejoice in our neighbor's welfare.

Question 1322:
Should we not, then, try to improve our position in the world?
Answer:
We should try to improve our position in the world, provided we can do so honestly and without exposing ourselves to greater temptation or sin.

Question 1323:
What is forbidden by the tenth Commandment?
Answer:
The tenth Commandment forbids all desires to take or keep wrongfully what belongs to another.

Question 1324:
In what does the sixth commandment differ from the ninth, and the seventh differ from the tenth?
Answer:
The sixth commandment differs from the ninth in this, that the sixth refers chiefly to external acts of impurity, while the ninth refers more to sins of thought against purity. The seventh commandment refers chiefly to external acts of dishonesty, while the tenth refers more to thoughts against honesty.LESSON 35: On the First and Second Commandments of the Church

Question 1325:
Are not the commandments of the Church also commandments of God?
Answer:
The commandments of the Church are also commandments of God, because they are made by His authority, and we are bound under pain of sin to observe them.

Question 1326:
What is the difference between the commandments of God and the Commandments of the Church?
Answer:
The commandments of God were given by God Himself to Moses on Mount Sinai; the commandments of the Church were given on different occasions by the lawful authorities of the Church. The Commandments given by God Himself cannot be changed by the Church; but the commandments made by the Church itself may be changed by its authority as necessity requires.

Question 1327:
Which are the chief commandments of the Church?
Answer:
The chief commandments of the Church are six:1.1. To hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation. 2.2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed. 3.3. To confess at least once a year. 4.4. To receive the Holy Eucharist during the Easter time. 5.5. To contribute to the support of our pastors. 6.6. 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. 7.

Question 1328:
Why has the Church made commandments?
Answer:
The Church has made commandments to teach the faithful how to worship God and to guard them from the neglect of their religious duties.

Question 1329:
Is it a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday of obligation?
Answer:
It is a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday of obligation, unless we are excused for a serious reason. They also commit a mortal sin who, having others under their charge, hinder them from hearing Mass, without a sufficient reason.

Question 1330:
What is a "serious reason" excusing one from the obligation of hearing Mass? A A "serious reason" excusing one from the obligation of hearing Mass is any reason that makes it impossible or very difficult to attend Mass, such as severe illness, great distance from the Church, or the need of certain works that cannot be neglected or postponed.

Question 1331:
Are children obliged, under pain of mortal sin, the same as grown persons, to hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation?
Answer:
Children who have reached the use of reason are obliged under pain of mortal sin, the same as grown persons, to hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation; but if they are prevented from so doing by parents, or others, then the sin falls on those who prevent them.

Question 1332:
Why were holydays instituted by the church?
Answer:
Holydays were instituted by the Church to recall to our minds the great mysteries of religion and the virtues and rewards of the saints.

Question 1333:
How many holydays of obligation are there in this country?
Answer:
In this country there are six holydays of obligation, namely:

1. Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th);
2. Christmas (December 25th);
3. Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord (January 1st);
4. Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord (forty days after Easter);
5. Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (August 15th); and
6. Feast of All Saints (November 1st).

Question 1334:
How should we keep the holydays of obligation?
Answer:
We should keep the holydays of obligation as we should keep the Sunday.

Question 1335:
Why are certain holydays called holydays of obligation?
Answer:
Certain holydays are called holydays of obligation because on such days we are obliged under pain of mortal sin to hear Mass and keep from servile works as we do on Sundays.

Question 1336:
What should one do who is obliged to work on a holyday of obligation?
Answer:
One who is obliged to work on a holyday of obligation should, if possible, hear Mass before going to work, and should also explain this necessity in confession, so as to obtain the confessor's advice on the subject.

Question 1337:
What do you mean by fast-days?
Answer:
By fast-days I mean days on which we are allowed but one full meal.

Question 1338:
Is it permitted on fast days to take any food besides the one full meal?
Answer:
It is permitted on fast days, besides the one full meal, to take two other meatless meals, to maintain strength, according to each one's needs. But together these two meatless meals should not equal another full meal.

Question 1339:
Who are obliged to fast?
Answer:
All persons over 21 and under 59 years of age, and whose health and occupation will permit them to fast.

Question 1340:
Does the Church excuse any classes of persons from the obligation of fasting?
Answer:
The Church does excuse certain classes of persons from the obligation of fasting on account of their age, the condition of their health, the nature of their work, or the circumstances in which they live. These things are explained in the Regulations for Lent, read publicly in the Churches each year.

Question 1341:
What should one do who doubts whether or not he is obliged to fast?
Answer:
In doubt concerning fast, a parish priest or confessor should be consulted.

Question 1342:
When do fast days chiefly occur in the year?
Answer:
Fast days chiefly occur in the year during Lent and Advent, on the Ember days and on the vigils or eves of some great feasts. A vigil falling on a Sunday is not observed.

Question 1343:
What do you mean by Lent, Advent, Ember days and the vigils of great feasts?
Answer:
Lent is the seven weeks of penance preceding Easter. Advent is the four weeks of preparation preceding Christmas. Ember days are three days set apart in each of the four seasons of the year as special days of prayer and thanksgiving. Vigils are the days immediately preceding great feasts and spent in spiritual preparation for them.

Question 1344:
What do you mean by days of abstinence?
Answer:
By days of abstinence I mean days on which no meat at all may be taken (complete abstinence) or on which meat may be taken only once a day (partial abstinence). This is explained in the regulations for Lent. All the Fridays of the year are days of abstinence except when a Holyday of obligation falls on a Friday outside of Lent.

Question 1345:
Are children and persons unable to fast bound to abstain on days of abstinence?
Answer:
Children, from the age of seven years, and persons who are unable to fast are bound to abstain on days of abstinence, unless they are excused for sufficient reason.

Question 1346:
Why does the Church command us to fast and abstain?
Answer:
The Church commands us to fast and abstain, in order that we may mortify our passions and satisfy for our sins.

Question 1347:
What is meant by our passions and what by mortifying them?
Answer:
By our passions are meant our sinful desires and inclinations. Mortifying them means restraining them and overcoming them so that they have less power to lead us into sin.

Question 1348:
Why does the Church command us to abstain from flesh-meat on Fridays?
Answer:
The Church commands us to abstain from flesh-meat on Fridays in honor of the day on which our Saviour died.LESSON 36: On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church

Question 1349:
What is meant by the command of confessing at least once a year?
Answer:
By the command of confessing at least once a year is meant that we are obliged, under pain of mortal sin, to go to confession within the year.

Question 1350:
Should we confess only once a year?
Answer:
We should confess frequently, if we wish to lead a good life.

Question 1351:
Should we go to confession at our usual time even if we think we have not committed sin since our last confession?
Answer:
We should go to confession at our usual time even if we think we have not committed sin since our last confession, because the Sacrament of Penance has for its object not only to forgive sins, but also to bestow grace and strengthen the soul against temptation.

Question 1352:
Should children go to confession?
Answer:
Children should go to confession when they are old enough to commit sin, which is commonly about the age of seven years.

Question 1353:
What sin does he commit who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time?
Answer:
He who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time commits a mortal sin.

Question 1354:
What is the Easter time?
Answer:
The Easter time is, in this country, the time between the first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday.

Question 1355:
When is Trinity Sunday?
Answer:
Trinity Sunday is the Sunday after Pentecost, or eight weeks after Easter Sunday; so that there are fourteen weeks in which one may comply with the command of the Church to receive Holy Communion between the first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday.

Question 1356:
Are we obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors?
Answer:
We are obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors, and to bear our share in the expense of the Church and school.

Question 1357:
Where did the duty of contributing to the support of the Church and clergy originate?
Answer:
The duty of contributing to the support of the Church and clergy originated in the Old Law, when God commanded all the people to contribute to the support of the temple and of its priests.

Question 1358:
What does the obligation of supporting the Church and school imply?
Answer:
The obligation of supporting the Church and school implies the duty of making use of the Church and school by attending religious worship in the one and by giving Catholic education in the other; because if the Church and school were not necessary for our spiritual welfare we would not be commanded to support them.

Question 1359:
Does the fifth commandment of the Church include the support only of our pastors and the Church and school?
Answer:
The fifth commandment of the Church includes the support also of our holy father, the Pope, bishops, priests, missions, religious institutions and religion in general.

Question 1360:
What is the meaning of the commandment not to marry within the third degree of kindred?
Answer:
The meaning of the commandment not to marry within the third degree of kindred is that no one is allowed to marry another within the third degree of blood relationship.

Question 1361:
Who are in the third degree of blood relationship?
Answer:
Second cousins are in the third degree of blood relationship, and persons whose relationship is nearer than second cousins are in closer degrees of kindred. It is unlawful for persons thus related to marry without a dispensation or special permission of the Church.

Question 1362:
Are there other relationships besides blood relationship that render marriage unlawful without a dispensation?
Answer:
There are other relationships besides blood relationship that render marriage unlawful without a dispensation, namely, the relationships contracted by marriage, which are called degrees of affinity, and the relationship contracted by being sponsors at Baptism, which is called spiritual affinity.

Question 1363:
What should persons about to marry do, if they suspect they are related to each other?
Answer:
Persons about to marry, if they suspect they are related to each other, should make known the facts to the priest, that he may examine the degree of relationship and procure a dispensation if necessary.

Question 1364:
What is the meaning of the command not to marry privately?
Answer:
The command not to marry privately means that none should marry without the blessing of God's priests or without witnesses.

Question 1365:
What sin is it for Catholics to be married before the minister of another religion?
Answer:
It is a mortal sin for Catholics to be married before the minister of another religion, and they who attempt to do so incur excommunication, and absolution from their sin is reserved to the bishop.

Question 1366:
What is the meaning of the precept not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times?
Answer:
The meaning of the precept not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times is that during Lent and Advent the marriage ceremony should not be performed with pomp or a nuptial Mass.

Question 1367:
What is the nuptial Mass?
Answer:
The nuptial Mass is a Mass appointed by the Church to invoke a special blessing upon the married couple.

Question 1368:
Should Catholics be married at a nuptial Mass?
Answer:
Catholics should be married at a nuptial Mass, because they thereby show greater reverence for the holy Sacrament and bring richer blessings upon their wedded life.

Question 1369:
What restrictions does the Church place on the ceremonies of marriage when one of the persons is not a Catholic?
Answer:
The Church places several restrictions on the ceremonies of marriage when one of the persons is not a Catholic. The marriage cannot take place in the church; the priest cannot wear his sacred vestments nor use holy water nor bless the ring nor the marriage itself. The Church places these restrictions to show her dislike for such marriages, commonly called mixed marriages.

Question 1370:
Why does the Church dislike mixed marriages?
Answer:
The Church dislikes mixed marriages because such marriages are frequently unhappy, give rise to many disputes, endanger the faith of the Catholic member of the family, and prevent the religious education of the children.LESSON 37: On the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven

Question 1371:
When will Christ judge us?
Answer:
Christ will judge us immediately after our death, and on the last day.

Question 1372:
What is the judgment called which we have to undergo immediately after death?
Answer:
The judgment we have to undergo immediately after death is called the Particular Judgment.

Question 1373:
Where will the particular judgment be held?
Answer:
The particular judgment will be held in the place where each person dies, and the soul will go immediately to its reward or punishment.

Question 1374:
What is the judgment called which all men have to undergo on the last day?
Answer:
The judgment which all men have to undergo on the last day is called the General Judgment.

Question 1375:
Will the sentence given at the particular judgment be changed at the general judgment?
Answer:
The sentence given at the particular judgment will not be changed at the general judgment, but it will be repeated and made public to all.

Question 1376:
Why does Christ judge men immediately after death?
Answer:
Christ judges men immediately after death to reward or punish them according to their deeds.

Question 1377:
How may we daily prepare for our judgment?
Answer:
We may daily prepare for our judgment by a good examination of conscience, in which we will discover our sins and learn to fear the punishment they deserve.

Question 1378:
What are the rewards or punishments appointed for men's souls after the Particular Judgment?
Answer:
The rewards or punishments appointed for men's souls after the Particular Judgment are Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell.

Question 1379:
What is Hell?
Answer:
Hell is a state to which the wicked are condemned, and in which they are deprived of the sight of God for all eternity, and are in dreadful torments.

Question 1380:
Will the damned suffer in both mind and body?
Answer:
The damned will suffer in both mind and body, because both mind and body had a share in their sins. The mind suffers the "pain of loss" in which it is tortured by the thought of having lost God forever, and the body suffers the "pain of sense" by which it is tortured in all its members and senses.

Question 1381:
What is Purgatory?
Answer:
Purgatory is the state in which those suffer for a time who die guilty of venial sins, or without having satisfied for the punishment due to their sins.

Question 1382:
Why is this state called Purgatory?
Answer:
This state is called Purgatory because in it the souls are purged or purified from all their stains; and it is not, therefore, a permanent or lasting state for the soul.

Question 1383:
Are the souls in Purgatory sure of their salvation?
Answer:
The souls in Purgatory are sure of their salvation, and they will enter heaven as soon as they are completely purified and made worthy to enjoy that presence of God which is called the Beatific Vision.

Question 1384:
Do we know what souls are in Purgatory, and how long they have to remain there?
Answer:
We do not know what souls are in Purgatory nor how long they have to remain there; hence we continue to pray for all persons who have died apparently in the true faith and free from mortal sin. They are called the faithful departed.

Question 1385:
Can the faithful on earth help the souls in Purgatory?
Answer:
The faithful on earth can help the souls in Purgatory by their prayers, fasts, alms, deeds; by indulgences, and by having Masses said for them.

Question 1386:
Since God loves the souls in Purgatory, why does He punish them?
Answer:
Though God loves the souls in Purgatory, He punishes them because His holiness requires that nothing defiled may enter heaven and His justice requires that everyone be punished or rewarded according to what he deserves.

Question 1387:
If every one is judged immediately after death, what need is there of a general judgment?
Answer:
There is need of a general judgment, though every one is judged immediately after death, that the providence of God, which, on earth, often permits the good to suffer and the wicked to prosper, may in the end appear just before all men.

Question 1388:
What is meant by "the Providence of God"?
Answer:
By "the Providence of God" is meant the manner in which He preserves, provides for, rules and governs the world and directs all things by His infinite Will.

Question 1389:
Are there other reasons for the general judgment?
Answer:
There are other reasons for the general judgment, and especially that Christ Our Lord may receive from the whole world the honor denied Him at His first coming, and that all may be forced to acknowledge Him their God and Redeemer.

Question 1390:
Will our bodies share in the reward or punishment of our souls?
Answer:
Our bodies will share in the reward or punishment of our souls, because through the resurrection they will again be united to them.

Question 1391:
When will the general resurrection or rising of all the dead take place?
Answer:
The general resurrection or rising of all the dead will take place at the general judgment, when the same bodies in which we lived on earth will come forth from the grave and be united to our souls and remain united with them forever either in heaven or in hell.

Question 1392:
In what state will the bodies of the just rise?
Answer:
The bodies of the just will rise glorious and immortal.

Question 1393:
Will the bodies of the damned also rise?
Answer:
The bodies of the damned will also rise, but they will be condemned to eternal punishment.

Question 1394:
Why do we show respect for the bodies of the dead?
Answer:
We show respect for the bodies of the dead because they were the dwelling-place of the soul, the medium through which it received the Sacraments, and because they were created to occupy a place in heaven.

Question 1395:
What is Heaven?
Answer:
Heaven is the state of everlasting life in which we see God face to face, are made like unto Him in glory, and enjoy eternal happiness.

Question 1396:
In what does the happiness in heaven consist?
Answer:
The happiness in heaven consists in seeing the beauty of God, in knowing Him as He is, and in having every desire fully satisfied.

Question 1397:
What does St. Paul say of heaven?
Answer:
St. Paul says of heaven, "That eye hath not seen. nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man what things God hath prepared for them that love Him." (I. Cor. ii., 9.)

Question 1398:
Are the rewards in heaven and the punishments in hell the same for all who enter into either of these states?
Answer:
The rewards of heaven and the punishments in hell are not the same for all who enter into either of these states, because each one's reward or punishment is in proportion to the amount of good or evil he has done in this world. But as heaven and hell are everlasting, each one will enjoy his reward or suffer his punishment forever.

Question 1399:
What words should we bear always in mind?
Answer:
We should bear always in mind these words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: "What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul, or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then will He render to every man according to his works."

1. That there is but one God, and He will reward the good and punish the wicked.
2. That in God there are three Divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and these Divine Persons are called the Blessed Trinity.
3. That Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, became man and died for our redemption.
4. That the grace of God is necessary for our salvation.
5. That the human soul is immortal.