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Baltimore Catechism No. 2

Baltimore Catechism · Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Historic reference, not the current Catechism. Answers retain the source wording and historical terminology.

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Lesson 1 — ON THE END OF MAN

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Where shall we find the chief truths which the Church teaches?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 1, question 11

We shall find the chief truths which the Church teaches in the Apostles' Creed.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Say the Apostles' Creed.

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 1, question 12

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into hell: the third day He arose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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  • Apostles' Creed ↗Shared wording: “i believe in god the father almighty creator of heaven”
  • Act of Faith ↗Shared wording: “come to judge the living and the dead i believe”

Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 2 — ON GOD AND HIS PERFECTIONS

Lesson 3 — ON THE UNITY AND TRINITY OF GOD

Lesson 4 — ON CREATION

Lesson 5 — ON OUR FIRST PARENTS AND THE FALL

Lesson 6 — ON SIN AND ITS KINDS

Lesson 7 — ON THE INCARNATION AND REDEMPTION

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What do you believe of Jesus Christ?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 7, question 62

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity, true God and true man.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 8 — ON OUR LORD'S PASSION, DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION

Lesson 9 — ON THE HOLY GHOST AND HIS DESCENT UPON THE APOSTLES

Lesson 10 — ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEMPTION

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What do you call those graces or gifts of God by which we believe in Him, hope in Him, and love Him?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 10, question 106

Those graces or gifts of God by which we believe in Him, and hope in Him, and love Him, are called the Divine virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 11 — ON THE CHURCH

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the means instituted by our Lord to enable men at all times to share in the fruits of the Redemption?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 11, question 114

The means instituted by our Lord to enable men at all times to share in the fruits of His Redemption are the Church and the Sacraments.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Why is the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, the visible Head of the Church?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 11, question 118

The Pope, the Bishop of Rome, is the visible Head of the Church because he is the successor of St. Peter, whom Christ made the chief of the Apostles and the visible Head of the Church.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 12 — ON THE ATTRIBUTES AND MARKS OF THE CHURCH

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

When does the Church teach infallibly?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 12, question 125

The Church teaches infallibly when it speaks through the Pope and the bishops, united in general council, or through the Pope alone when he proclaims to all the faithful a doctrine of faith or morals.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

In whom are these attributes found in their fullness?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 12, question 127

These attributes are found in their fullness in the Pope, the visible Head of the Church, whose infallible authority to teach bishops, priests, and people in matters of faith or morals will last till the end of the world.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 13 — ON THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the Sacraments that increase sanctifying grace in our soul?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 13, question 142

The Sacraments that increase sanctifying grace in our soul are: Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony; and they are called Sacraments of the living.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Why are Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony called Sacraments of the living?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 13, question 143

Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony are called Sacraments of the living, because those who receive them worthily are already living the life of grace.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 14 — ON BAPTISM

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How is Baptism given?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 14, question 156

Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to be baptized, and say, while pouring the water: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What is Baptism of water?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 14, question 158

Baptism of water is that which is given by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptized, and saying at the same time: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 15 — ON CONFIRMATION

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What does the bishop say in anointing the person he confirms?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 15, question 170

In anointing the person he confirms the bishop says: I sign thee with the sign of the cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What is meant by anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 15, question 171

By anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross is meant, that the Christian who is confirmed must openly profess and practice his faith, never be ashamed of it, and rather die than deny it.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 16 — ON THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY GHOST

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the Beatitudes?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 16, question 185

The Beatitudes are: 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land. 3. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. 4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall be filled. 5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 6. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. 8. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 17 — ON THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How do you know that the priest has the power of absolving from the sins committed after Baptism?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 17, question 189

I know that the priest has the power of absolving from the sins committed after Baptism, because Jesus Christ granted that power to the priests of His Church when He said: "Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What must we do to receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 17, question 191

To receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily we must do five things: 1. We must examine our conscience. 2. We must have sorrow for our sins. 3. We must make a firm resolution never more to offend God. 4. We must confess our sins to the priest. 5. We must accept the penance which the priest gives us.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How can we make a good examination of conscience?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 17, question 193

We can make a good examination of conscience by calling to memory the commandments of God, the precepts of the Church, the seven capital sins, and the particular duties of our state in life, to find out the sins we have committed.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 18 — ON CONTRITION

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What do you mean by saying that our sorrow should be supernatural?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 18, question 198

When I say that our sorrow should be supernatural, I mean that it should be prompted by the grace of God, and excited by motives which spring from faith, and not by merely natural motives.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Why should we be sorry for our sins?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 18, question 201

We should be sorry for our sins, because sin is the greatest of evils and an offense against God our Creator, Preserver, and Redeemer, and because it shuts us out of heaven and condemns us to the eternal pains of hell.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 19 — ON CONFESSION

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What should we do if we cannot remember the number of our sins?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 19, question 214

If we cannot remember the number of our sins, we should tell the number as nearly as possible, and say how often we may have sinned in a day, a week, or a month, and how long the habit or practice has lasted.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Is our Confession worthy if, without our fault, we forget to confess a mortal sin?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 19, question 215

If without our fault we forget to confess a mortal sin, our Confession is worthy, and the sin is forgiven; but it must be told in Confession if it again comes to our mind.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the chief means by which we satisfy God for the temporal punishment due to sin?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 19, question 221

The chief means by which we satisfy God for the temporal punishment due to sin are: Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving, all spiritual and corporal works of mercy, and the patient suffering of the ills of life.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the chief spiritual works of mercy?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 19, question 222

The chief spiritual works of mercy are seven: To admonish the sinner, to instruct the ignorant, to counsel the doubtful, to comfort the sorrowful, to bear wrongs patiently, to forgive all injuries, and to pray for the living and the dead.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the chief corporal works of mercy?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 19, question 223

The chief corporal works of mercy are seven: To feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to ransom the captive, to harbor the harborless, to visit the sick, and to bury the dead.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 20 — ON THE MANNER OF MAKING A GOOD CONFESSION

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

After telling the time of our last Confession and Communion what should we do?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 20, question 226

After telling the time of our last Confession and Communion we should confess all the mortal sins we have since committed, and all the venial sins we may wish to mention.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 21 — ON INDULGENCES

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How does the Church by means of Indulgences remit the temporal punishment due to sin?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 21, question 236

The Church by means of Indulgences remits the temporal punishment due to sin by applying to us the merits of Jesus Christ, and the superabundant satisfactions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saints; which merits and satisfactions are its spiritual treasury.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 22 — ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How did our Lord institute the Holy Eucharist?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 22, question 241

Our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist by taking bread, blessing, breaking, and giving to His Apostles, saying: Take ye and eat. This is My body; and then by taking the cup of wine, blessing and giving it, saying to them: Drink ye all of this. This is My blood which shall be shed for the remission of sins. Do this for a commemoration of Me.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What happened when our Lord said, This is My body; this is My blood?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 22, question 242

When our Lord said, This is My body, the substance of the bread was changed into the substance of His body; when He said, This is My blood, the substance of the wine was changed into the substance of His blood.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Did anything remain of the bread and wine after their substance had been changed into the substance of the body and blood of our Lord?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 22, question 244

After the substance of the bread and wine had been changed into the substance of the body and blood of our Lord there remained only the appearances of bread and wine.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Does this change of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ continue to be made in the Church?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 22, question 248

This change of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ continues to be made in the Church by Jesus Christ through the ministry of His priests.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How do the priests exercise this power of changing bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 22, question 250

The priests exercise this power of changing bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ through the words of consecration in the Mass, which are the words of Christ: This is My body; this is My blood.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 23 — ON THE ENDS FOR WHICH THE HOLY EUCHARIST WAS INSTITUTED

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 251

Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist — 1. To unite us to Himself and to nourish our soul with His divine life. 2. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. 3. To lessen our evil inclinations. 4. To be a pledge of everlasting life. 5. To fit our bodies for a glorious resurrection. 6. To continue the sacrifice of the Cross in His Church.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Is it enough to be free from mortal sin to receive plentifully the graces of Holy Communion?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 256

To receive plentifully the graces of Holy Communion it is not enough to be free from mortal sin, but we should be free from all affection to venial sin, and should make acts of faith, hope, and love.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What is the fast necessary for Holy Communion?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 257

The fast necessary for Holy Communion is to abstain from all food, beverages, and alcoholic drinks for one hour before Holy Communion. Water may be taken at any time. The sick may take food, non-alcoholic drinks, and any medicine up to Communion time. [This answer has been changed in the 1977 printing to bring it up to date with the current rules.]

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Is any one ever allowed to receive Holy Communion when not fasting?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 258

Any one in danger of death is allowed to receive Holy Communion when not fasting or when it is necessary to save the Blessed Sacrament from insult or injury.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 24 — ON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How is the Mass the same sacrifice as that of the Cross?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 266

The Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the Cross because the offering and the priest are the same—Christ our Blessed Lord; and the ends for which the sacrifice of the Mass is offered are the same as those of the sacrifice of the Cross.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What were the ends for which the sacrifice of the Cross was offered?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 267

The ends for which the sacrifice of the Cross was offered were: 1st, To honor and glorify God; 2d, To thank Him for all the graces bestowed on the whole world; 3d, To satisfy God's justice for the sins of men; 4th, To obtain all graces and blessings.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Is there any difference between the sacrifice of the Cross and the sacrifice of the Mass?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 268

Yes; the manner in which the sacrifice is offered is different. On the Cross Christ really shed His blood and was really slain; in the Mass there is no real shedding of blood nor real death, because Christ can die no more; but the sacrifice of the Mass, through the separate consecration of the bread and the wine, represents His death on the Cross.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 25 — ON EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What is the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 25, question 271

Extreme Unction is the Sacrament which, through the anointing and prayer of the priest, gives health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sickness.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the effects of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 25, question 274

The effects of Extreme Unction are: 1st, To comfort us in the pains of sickness and to strengthen us against temptation; 2d, To remit venial sins and to cleanse our soul from the remains of sin; 3d, To restore us to health, when God sees fit.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 26 — ON MATRIMONY

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Can a Christian man and woman be united in lawful marriage in any other way than by the Sacrament of Matrimony?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 26, question 283

A Christian man and woman cannot be united in lawful marriage in any other way than by the Sacrament of Matrimony, because Christ raised marriage to the dignity of a Sacrament.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 26, question 285

The effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony are: 1st, To sanctify the love of husband and wife; 2d, To give them grace to bear with each other's weaknesses; 3d, To enable them to bring up their children in the fear and love of God.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

To receive the Sacrament of matrimony worthily is it necessary to be in the state of grace?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 26, question 286

To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the laws of the Church.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Who has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of marriage?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 26, question 287

The Church alone has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of marriage, though the state also has the right to make laws concerning the civil effects of the marriage contract.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Why does the Church forbid the marriage of Catholics with persons who have a different religion or no religion at all?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 26, question 289

The Church forbids the marriage of Catholics with persons who have a different religion or no religion at all, because such marriages generally lead to indifference, loss of faith, and to the neglect of the religious education of the children.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How should Christians prepare for a holy and happy marriage?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 26, question 291

Christians should prepare for a holy and happy marriage by receiving the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist; by begging God to grant them a pure intention and to direct their choice; and by seeking the advice of their parents and the blessing of their pastors.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 27 — ON THE SACRAMENTALS

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What is the difference between the Sacraments and the sacramentals?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 27, question 293

The difference between the Sacraments and the sacramentals is: 1st, The Sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ and the sacramentals were instituted by the Church; 2d, The Sacraments give grace of themselves when we place no obstacle in the way; the sacramentals excite in us pious dispositions, by means of which we may obtain grace.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How do we make the sign of the Cross?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 27, question 295

We make the sign of the Cross by putting the right hand to the forehead, then on the breast, and then to the left and right shoulders, saying, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How is the sign of the Cross a profession of faith in the chief mysteries of our religion?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 27, question 297

The sign of the Cross is a profession of faith in the chief mysteries of our religion because it expresses the mysteries of the Unity and Trinity of God and of the Incarnation and death of our Lord.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How does the sign of the Cross express the mystery of the Unity and Trinity of God?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 27, question 298

The words, In the name, express the Unity of God; the words that follow, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, express the mystery of the Trinity.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Are there other sacramentals besides the sign of the Cross and holy water?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 27, question 302

Besides the sign of the Cross and holy water there are many other sacramentals, such as blessed candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, images of the Blessed Virgin and of the saints, rosaries, and scapulars.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 28 — ON PRAYER

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How should we pray?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 28, question 307

We should pray: 1st, With attention; 2d, With a sense of our own helplessness and dependence upon God; 3d, With a great desire for the graces we beg of God; 4th, With trust in God's goodness; 5th, With perseverance.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the prayers most recommended to us?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 28, question 308

The prayers most recommended to us are the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor, and the Acts of Faith, Hope, Love, and Contrition.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 29 — ON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the Commandments that contain the whole law of God?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 29, question 311

The Commandments which contain the whole law of God are these two: 1st, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, with thy whole soul, with thy whole strength, and with thy whole mind; 2d, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Why do these two Commandments of the love of God and of our neighbor contain the whole law of God?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 29, question 312

These two Commandments of the love of God and of our neighbor contain the whole law of God because all the other Commandments are given either to help us to keep these two, or to direct us how to shun what is opposed to them.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the Commandments of God?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 29, question 313

The Commandments of God are these ten. 1. I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 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. Thou shalt not adore them, nor serve them. 2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 3. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 4. Honor thy father and thy mother. 5. Thou shalt not kill. 6. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 7. Thou shalt not steal. 8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 30 — ON THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

How may the first Commandment be broken?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 30, question 318

The first Commandment may be broken by giving to a creature the honor which belongs to God alone; by false worship; and by attributing to a creature a perfection which belongs to God alone.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Do those who make use of spells and charms, or who believe in dreams, in mediums, spiritists, fortune-tellers, and the like, sin against the first Commandment?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 30, question 319

Those who make use of spells and charms, or who believe in dreams, in mediums, spiritists, fortunetellers and the like, sin against the first Commandment, because they attribute to creatures perfections which belong to God alone.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Can they who fail to profess their faith in the true Church in which they believe expect to be saved while in that state?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 30, question 325

They who fail to profess their faith in the true Church in which they believe cannot expect to be saved while in that state, for Christ has said: "Whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven."

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Are we obliged to make open profession of our faith?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 30, question 326

We are obliged to make open profession of our faith as often as God's honor, our neighbor's spiritual good, or our own requires it. "Whosoever," says Christ, "shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven."

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 31 — THE FIRST COMMANDMENT—ON THE HONOR AND INVOCATION OF SAINTS

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Does the first Commandment forbid the honoring of the saints?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 31, question 331

The first Commandment does not forbid the honoring of the saints, but rather approves of it; because by honoring the saints, who are the chosen friends of God, we honor God Himself.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What benefits are derived from the communion of saints?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 31, question 339

The following benefits are derived from the communion of saints:—the faithful on earth assist one another by their prayers and good works, and they are aided by the intercession of the saints in heaven, while both the saints in heaven and the faithful on earth help the souls in purgatory.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Does the first Commandment forbid the making of images?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 31, question 341

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Why do we pray before the crucifix and the images and relics of the saints?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 31, question 344

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 32 — FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What is the second Commandment?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 32, question 345

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

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Are the Sabbath day and the Sunday the same?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 32, question 356

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Why does the Church command us to keep the Sunday holy instead of the Sabbath?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 32, question 357

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 33 — FROM THE FOURTH TO THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What are we commanded by the fifth Commandment?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 33, question 367

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 34 — FROM THE SEVENTH TO THE END OF THE TENTH COMMANDMENT

Lesson 35 — ON THE FIRST AND SECOND COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Which are the chief commandments of the Church?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 35, question 389

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

Is it a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday of obligation?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 35, question 390

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 36 — ON THE THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH AND SIXTH COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What is the meaning of the commandment not to marry within the third degree of kindred?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 36, question 403

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What is the meaning of the precept not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 36, question 405

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Lesson 37 — ON THE LAST JUDGMENT AND THE RESURRECTION, HELL, PURGATORY, AND HEAVEN

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

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

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 37, question 416

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.

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

Source Archive · CatechismCatholic

What words should we bear always in mind?

Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 37, question 421

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."

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Reference edition: Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ↗Historic Catholic catechism, introduced in 1885

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