Chapter 4

340. Q. Does the first Commandment forbid us to honor relics? A. The first Commandment does not forbid us to honor relics, because relics are the bodies of the saints, or objects directly connected with them 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 are made to be adored as gods, but it does not forbid the making of them to put 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 Christ and His saints? A. It is right to show respect to the pictures and images of Christ and His saints, because they are the representations and memorials of them.

343. Q. Is it allowed to pray to the crucifix or to the images and relics of the saints? A. It is not allowed to pray to the crucifix or images and relics of the saints, for they have no life, nor power to help us, nor sense to hear us.

344. Q. Why do we pray before the crucifix and the images and relics of the saints? A. We pray before the crucifix and images and relics of the saints because they enliven our devotion by exciting pious affections and desires, and by reminding us of Christ and of the saints, that we may imitate their virtues.

LESSON THIRTY-SECOND FROM 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 Lord thy 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 of God and of the saints, and of all holy things, and to keep our lawful oaths and vows.

347. Q. What is an oath? A. An oath is the calling upon God to witness the truth of what we say.

348. Q. When may we take an oath? A. We may take an oath when it is ordered by lawful authority or required for God's honor or for our own or our neighbor's good.

349. Q. What is necessary to make an oath lawful? A. To make an oath lawful it is necessary that what we swear to, be true, and that there be a sufficient cause for taking an oath.

350. Q. What is a vow? A. A vow is a deliberate promise made to God to do something that is pleasing 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 the nature 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, and unnecessary 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.

354. Q. What are we commanded by the third Commandment? A. By the third Commandment we are commanded to keep holy the Lord's day and the holydays of obligation, on which we are to give our time to the service and worship of God.

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 by hearing Mass, by prayer, and by other good works.

356. Q. Are the Sabbath day and the Sunday the same? A. The Sabbath day and the Sunday are not the same. The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, and is the day which was kept holy in the Old Law; the Sunday is the first day of the week, and is the day which is kept holy in the New Law.

357. Q. Why does the Church command us to keep the Sunday holy instead of the Sabbath? A. The Church commands us to keep the Sunday holy instead of the Sabbath because on Sunday Christ rose from the dead, and on Sunday He sent the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles.

358. Q. What is forbidden by the third Commandment? A. The third Commandment forbids all unnecessary servile work and whatever 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 of mind.

360. Q. Are servile works on Sunday ever lawful? A. Servile works are lawful on Sunday when the honor of God, the good of our neighbor, or necessity requires them.

LESSON THIRTY-THIRD FROM 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 obey our 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.

364. Q. Have parents and superiors any duties towards those who are under their charge? A. It is the duty of parents and superiors to take good care of all under their charge and give them proper direction and example.

365. Q. What is forbidden by the fourth Commandment? A. The fourth Commandment forbids all disobedience, contempt, and stubbornness 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 union with our neighbor, to respect his rights, to seek his spiritual and bodily 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 and modest 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's wife 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 and immodest books and newspapers? A. The sixth Commandment does forbid the reading of bad and immodest books and newspapers.

LESSON THIRTY-FOURTH FROM 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 what belongs 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 what belongs 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, as far 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 against thy neighbor.

379. Q. What are we commanded by the eighth Commandment? A. 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.

380. Q. What is forbidden by the eighth Commandment? A. The eighth Commandment forbids all rash judgments, backbiting, slanders, and lies.

381. Q. What must they do who have lied about their neighbor and seriously injured his character? A. 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.

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 in thought and desire.

384. Q. What is forbidden by the ninth Commandment? A. The ninth Commandment forbids unchaste thoughts, desires of another's wife or husband, and all other unlawful impure thoughts and desires.

385. Q. Are impure thoughts and desires always sins? A. Impure thoughts and desires are always sins, unless they displease us and we try to banish them.

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 we have, 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 wrongfully what belongs to another.

LESSON THIRTY-FIFTH ON 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 of obligation? A. 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.

391. Q. Why were holydays instituted by the Church? A. Holydays were instituted by the Church to recall to our minds the great mysteries of religion and the virtues and rewards of the saints.

392. Q. How should we keep the holydays of obligation? A. We should keep the holydays of obligation as we should keep the Sunday.

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 eat flesh-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 may mortify our passions and satisfy for our sins.

396. Q. Why does the Church command us to abstain from flesh-meat on Fridays? A. The Church commands us to abstain from flesh-meat on Fridays, in honor of the day on which our Saviour died.

LESSON THIRTY-SIXTH ON 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 we are obliged, under pain of mortal sin, to go to confession within the year.

398. Q. Should we confess only once a year? A. We should confess frequently, if we wish to lead a good life.

399. Q. Should children go to Confession? A. Children should go to Confession when they are old enough to commit sin, which is commonly about the age of seven years.

400. Q. What sin does he commit who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time? A. He who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time commits a mortal sin.

401. Q. What is the Easter time? A. The Easter time is, in this country, the time between the first Sunday 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 to bear our share in the expenses of the church and school.

403. Q. What is the meaning of the commandment not to marry within the third degree of kindred? A. 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.

404. Q. What is the meaning of the command not to marry privately? A. The command not to marry privately means that none should marry without the blessing of God's priests or without witnesses.

405. Q. What is the meaning of the precept not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times? A. 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.

406. Q. What is the nuptial Mass? A. A nuptial Mass is a Mass appointed by the Church to invoke a special blessing upon the married couple.

407. Q. Should Catholics be married at a nuptial Mass? A. 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.

LESSON THIRTY-SEVENTH ON 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 last day.

409. Q. What is the judgment called which we have to undergo immediately after death? A. The judgment we have to undergo immediately after death is called the Particular Judgment.

410. Q. What is the judgment called which all men have to undergo on the last day? A. The judgment which all men have to undergo on the last day is called the General Judgment.

411. Q. Why does Christ judge men immediately after death? A. Christ judges men immediately after death to reward or punish them according to their deeds.

412. Q. What are the rewards or punishments appointed for men's souls after the Particular Judgment? A. The rewards or punishments appointed for men's souls after the Particular 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 they are deprived of the sight of God for all eternity, and are in dreadful torments.

414. Q. What is Purgatory? A. Purgatory is a 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.

415. Q. Can the faithful on earth help the souls in Purgatory? A. 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.

416. Q. If every one is judged immediately after death, what need is there of a General Judgment? A. 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.

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.

418. Q. In what state will the bodies of the just rise? A. The bodies of the just will rise glorious and immortal.

419. Q. Will the bodies of the damned also rise? A. The bodies of the damned will also rise, but they will be condemned to eternal punishment.

420. Q. What is Heaven? A. 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.

421. Q. What words should we bear always in mind? A. 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."

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 Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor and the Acts of Faith, Hope, Love and Contrition which you have probably memorized. If you do not know 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 as thy property and possession.

TO SAINT JOSEPH. Saint Joseph, model and patron of those who love the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 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 my friends. 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 upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

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.

Make the Sign of the Cross.

EVENING PRAYERS

Never go to bed without thanking God for all the benefits you have received during the day and during your whole life. Kneel down. Make the Sign 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 on your soul? Any little sins? Try to tell Jesus how sorry you are for all your 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, rest in 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' and Girls' Prayer Book). They follow closely in simplified language the spirit and liturgy of the "Ordinary of the Mass," so that children will become readily accustomed to using the Church's own prayers and follow the priest at the altar. The rubrics when to sit, stand or kneel at Low Mass are given.

If it is found desirable to have the children recite prayers aloud and in unison at Mass, certain parts suitable for this purpose are marked with an asterisk (*).]

Remember that the church is the house of God, where the living God dwells. And where God is, His holy angels too are present. In church, therefore, be reverent and modest in your behavior, and always be in time. When you enter, bless yourself with holy water and go quietly to your 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 with all 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. The priest 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 of the 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 and say 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 are here, 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. We praise You. We bless You. We glorify You. We give You thanks for Your great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty. O Lord God, Son of the Father, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. You only, O Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost, are most high in the 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, O Lord. For without You we cannot please You. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

THE EPISTLE

The Epistle is a letter. Most of these letters were written by Saint Paul. The priest now reads one of these. You may read the following:

Dear children: Be happy, be good, be brave; agree with one another, and be at peace. The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, God's love, and the wisdom 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 priest bows 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 children to Him, that He might bless them. The disciples told them not to bother Jesus. But Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come to Me and forbid them not. For of such is the kingdom of heaven." And Jesus blessed 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 small gold plate on which is the bread, called the host.

*Take, O holy Father, almighty and eternal God, this spotless host which I, Your unworthy servant, offer to You for my many sins and for all who serve You, living and dead. May it help them and me to gain eternal life.

The priest goes to the right side of the altar. He pours wine and water into the chalice. Then the priest goes back to the middle of the altar and raises the chalice.

THE OFFERING OF THE CHALICE

*We offer You, O Lord, this chalice. May it help us and all the world to gain 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 some prayers. 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 says the Preface:

Truly, it is right and just that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O holy Lord, Father almighty, Who, with Your only Son and the Holy Ghost are one God, one Lord. All the angels daily praise 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 the Canon, i.e. from the Sanctus to the Pater Noster, must be said in silence.]

The priest bows low and kisses the altar.