 Section 1 of the Penny Catechism, a Catechism of Christian Doctrine. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by David S. Odeberg, Tidmarsh, England. The Penny Catechism, a Catechism of Christian Doctrine by the Catholic Truth Society. Title page. A Catechism of Christian Doctrine, approved by the Archbishops and Bishops of England and Wales and directed to be used in all their diocese. This is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. John 17.3. London Catholic Truth Society. Summary of the Catechism of Christian Doctrine. 1. Faith as to man, his first beginning, his last end. As to the belief in God the Father, in Jesus Christ, in the Holy Ghost, in the Holy Catholic Church. 2. Hope. The Our Father. The Seven Blessings. To be hoped for and to be prayed for. The Hail Mary. Assistance of the Blessed Virgin and of the Angels and Saints. 3. Charity. The Commandments. First of God. Second of the Church. 4. The Sacraments. The seven great means of grace corresponding to 1. The Birth. 2. The Growth. 3. The Nourishment. 4. The Medicine. And 5. The Journey of the Soul. 6. The Christian Priesthood. And 7. The Christian Family. A. The Virtues and Contrary Vices. B. The Christian's Rule of Life. C. The Christian's Daily Exercise. The Spiritual House of the Soul, says Saint Augustine, 20 Sermon in Verb Sap. Is built up in time and solemnly dedicated in eternity. Faith is the foundation. Hope the walls. Charity the roof or covering. The Sacraments are the great means of grace or the chief instruments required for the building. The Virtues, the Christian's Rule of Life and the Daily Exercise may be likened to the adornment and furniture of the house. Nihil Obstat. Guglielmus Canonis Sutcliff. Imprimator. Franciscus Cardinalis Bern. Archie Episcopus. West Monasteriensis. November the 12th, 1921. End of Section 1. Recording by David S. Odeberg, Tidmarsh, England. Section 2 of The Penny Catechism. A Catechism of Christian Doctrine by the Catholic Truth Society. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by David S. Odeberg, Tidmarsh, England. Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, Part 1. Faith. Chapter 1. 1. Who made you? God made me. 2. Why did God make you? God made me to know him, love him and serve him in this world and to be happy with him forever in the next. 3. To whose image and likeness did God make you? God made me to his own image and likeness. 4. Is this likeness to God in your body or in your soul? This likeness to God is chiefly in my soul. 5. How is your soul like to God? My soul is like to God because it is a spirit and is immortal. 6. What do you mean when you say that your soul is immortal? When I say my soul is immortal, I mean that my soul can never die. 7. Of which must you take most care of your body or of your soul? I must take most care of my soul, for Christ has said, What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul? Matthew 16, 26. 8. What must you do to save your soul? To save my soul, I must worship God by faith, hope and charity. That is, I must believe in him, I must hope in him and I must love him with my whole heart. Chapter 2, 9. What is faith? Faith is a supernatural gift of God which enables us to believe without doubting whatever God has revealed. 10. Why must you believe whatever God has revealed? I must believe whatever God has revealed because God is the very truth and can neither deceive nor be deceived. 11. How are you to know what God has revealed? I am to know what God has revealed by the testimony, teaching and authority of the Catholic Church. 12. Who gave the Catholic Church divine authority to teach? Jesus Christ gave the Catholic Church divine authority to teach when he said, Go ye and teach all nations. Matthew 28, 19. The Apostles Creed 13. What other chief things which God has revealed? The chief things which God has revealed are contained in the Apostles Creed. 14. Say the Apostles Creed. 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, dead and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, 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 life everlasting. Amen. 15. How is the Apostles Creed divided? The Apostles Creed is divided into twelve parts or articles. First article of the Creed 16. What is the first article of the Creed? The first article of the Creed is, I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. 17. What is God? God is the Supreme Spirit, who alone exists of himself and is infinite in all perfections. 18. Why is God called Almighty? God is called Almighty because he can do all things. With God, all things are possible. Matthew 1926 19. Why is God called Creator of heaven and earth? God is called Creator of heaven and earth because he made heaven and earth, and all things out of nothing by his word. 20. Had God any beginning? God had no beginning. He always was, he is, and he always will be. 21. Where is God? God is everywhere. 22. Does God know and see all things? God knows and sees all things, even our most secret thoughts. 23. Has God any body? God has no body, he is a spirit. 24. Is there only one God? There is only one God. 25. Are there three persons in God? There are three persons in God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. 26. Are these three persons three gods? These three persons are not three gods. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are all one and the same God. 27. What is the mystery of the three persons in one God called? The mystery of the three persons in one God is called the mystery of the Blessed Trinity. 28. What do you mean by a mystery? By a mystery I mean a truth which is above reason but revealed by God. 29. Is there any likeness to the Blessed Trinity in your soul? There is this likeness to the Blessed Trinity in my soul. That as in one God there are three persons, so in my one soul there are three powers. 30. Which are the three powers of your soul? The three powers of my soul are my memory, my understanding, and my will. 31. What is the second article of the Creed? The second article of the Creed is, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. 32. Who is Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ is God the Son made man for us. 33. Is Jesus Christ truly God? Jesus Christ is truly God. 34. Why is Jesus Christ truly God? Jesus Christ is truly God because He has one and the same nature with God the Father. 35. Was Jesus Christ always God? Jesus Christ was always God, born of the Father from all eternity. 36. Which person of the Blessed Trinity is Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ is the second person of the Blessed Trinity. 37. Is Jesus Christ truly man? Jesus Christ is truly man. 38. Why is Jesus Christ truly man? Jesus Christ is truly man because He has the nature of man, having a body and soul like ours. 39. Was Jesus Christ always man? Jesus Christ was not always man. He has been man only from the time of His incarnation. 40. What do you mean by the incarnation? I mean by the incarnation that God the Son took to Himself the nature of man. 41. The word was made flesh. John 1. 14. 41. How many natures are there in Jesus Christ? There are two natures in Jesus Christ, the nature of God and the nature of man. 42. Is there only one person in Jesus Christ? There is only one person in Jesus Christ, which is the person of God the Son. 43. Why was God the Son made man? God the Son was made man to redeem us from sin and hell and to teach us the way to heaven. 44. What does the Holy Name Jesus mean? The Holy Name Jesus means Saviour. Matthew 1. 21. 45. What does the name Christ mean? The name Christ means anointed. 46. Where is Jesus Christ? As God, Jesus Christ is everywhere. As God made man, He is in heaven and in the blessed sacrament of the altar. 47. What is the third article of the Creed? The third article of the Creed is who is conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary. 48. What does the third article mean? The third article means that God the Son took a body and soul like ours in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Ghost. 49. Had Jesus Christ any father on earth? Jesus Christ had no father on earth. Saint Joseph was only his guardian or foster father. 50. Where was our Saviour born? Our Saviour was born in a stable in Bethlehem. 51. On what day was our Saviour born? Our Saviour was born on Christmas Day. 52. What is the fourth article of the Creed? The fourth article of the Creed is suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified, dead and buried. 53. What were the chief sufferings of Christ? The chief sufferings of Christ were first his agony and his sweat of blood in the garden. 52. Secondly, his being scourged at the pillar and crowned with thorns. 53. And thirdly, his carrying his cross, his crucifixion and his death between two thieves. 54. What are the chief sufferings of our Lord called? The chief sufferings of our Lord are called the passion of Jesus Christ. 55. Why did our Saviour suffer? Our Saviour suffered to atone for our sins and to purchase for us eternal life. 56. Why is Jesus Christ called our edema? Jesus Christ is called our edema because his precious blood is the price by which we were ransomed. 57. On what day did our Saviour die? Our Saviour died on Good Friday. 58. Where did our Saviour die? Our Saviour died on Mount Calvary. 59. Why do we make the sign of the cross? We make the sign of the cross first to put us in mind of the blessed Trinity, and secondly to remind us that God the Son died for us on the cross. 60. In making the sign of the cross, how are we reminded of the blessed Trinity? In making the sign of the cross, we are reminded of the blessed Trinity by the words in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. 61. In making the sign of the cross, how are we reminded that Christ died for us on the cross? In making the sign of the cross, we are reminded that Christ died for us on the cross by the very form of the cross which we make upon ourselves. The fifth article. 62. What is the fifth article of the Creed? The fifth article of the Creed is, He descended into Hell. The third day, He rose again from the dead. 63. What do you mean by the words He descended into Hell? By the words He descended into Hell, I mean that as soon as Christ was dead, His blessed soul went down into that part of Hell called Limbo. 64. What do you mean by Limbo? By Limbo, I mean a place of rest where the souls of the just who died before Christ were detained. 65. Why were the souls of the just detained in Limbo? The souls of the just were detained in Limbo because they could not go up to the kingdom of heaven till Christ had opened it for them. 66. What do you mean by the words The third day He rose again from the dead? By the words The third day He rose again from the dead, I mean that after Christ had been dead and buried part of three days, He raised His blessed body to life again on the third day. 67. On what day did Christ rise again from the dead? Christ rose again from the dead on Easter Sunday. 68. What is the sixth article of the Creed? The sixth article of the Creed is He ascended into Heaven. Sidoth had the right hand of God the Father Almighty. 69. What do you mean by the words He ascended into Heaven? By the words He ascended into Heaven, I mean that our Saviour went up body and soul into Heaven on a sentient day, 40 days after His resurrection. 70. What do you mean by the words Sidoth of the right hand of God the Father Almighty? By the words Sidoth of the right hand of God the Father Almighty, I do not mean that God the Father has hands for He is a Spirit, but I mean that Christ as God is equal to the Father and as man is in the highest place in Heaven. End of section 2, recording by David S. Odeberg, Tidmarsh, England. Section 3 of the Pentecatechism, a Catechism of Christian Doctrine. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by David S. Odeberg, Tidmarsh, England. The Pentecatechism, a Catechism of Christian Doctrine by the Catholic Truth Society. Chapter 2, Part 2. 71. What is the seventh article of the Creed? The seventh article of the Creed is from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. 72. When will Christ come again? Christ will come again from heaven at the last day to judge all mankind. 73. What other things Christ will judge? Christ will judge our thoughts, words, works and omissions. 74. What will Christ say to the wicked? Christ will say to the wicked, depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. 75. What will Christ say to the just? Christ will say to the just, come ye blessed of my father, possess ye the kingdom prepared for you. Matthew 25 34 76. Will everyone be judged at death as well as at the last day? Everyone will be judged at death as well as at the last day. It is appointed unto men once to die and after this the judgment. Hebrews 9 27 The eighth article. What is the eighth article of the Creed? The eighth article of the Creed is I believe in the Holy Ghost. 78. Who is the Holy Ghost? The Holy Ghost is the third person of the Blessed Trinity. 79. From whom doth the Holy Ghost proceed? The Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father and the Son. 80. Is the Holy Ghost equal to the Father and the Son? The Holy Ghost is equal to the Father and to the Son for he is the same Lord and God as they are. 81. When did the Holy Ghost come down on the Apostles? The Holy Ghost came down on the Apostles on which Sunday in the form of parted tongues as it were of fire? Acts 2 3 82. Why did the Holy Ghost come down on the Apostles? The Holy Ghost came down on the Apostles to confirm their faith to sanctify them and to enable them to found the Church. 83. What is the ninth article of the Creed? The ninth article of the Creed is the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints. 84. What is the Catholic Church? The Catholic Church is the union of all the faithful under one head. 85. Who is the head of the Catholic Church? The head of the Catholic Church is Jesus Christ our Lord. 86. Has the Church a visible head on earth? The Church has a visible head on earth. The Bishop of Rome who is the vicar of Christ. 87. Why is the Bishop of Rome the head of the Church? The Bishop of Rome is the head of the Church because he is the successor of Saint Peter. 88. How do you know that Christ appointed Saint Peter to be the head of the Church? I know that Christ appointed Saint Peter to be the head of the Church because Christ said to him Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And to thee I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven. 86. Matthew 16 verses 18 and 19. 89. What is the Bishop of Rome called? The Bishop of Rome is called the Pope, which word signifies father. 90. Is the Pope the spiritual father of all Christians? The Pope is the spiritual father of all Christians. 91. Is the Pope the shepherd and teacher of all Christians? The Pope is the shepherd and teacher of all Christians because Christ made Saint Peter the shepherd of the whole flock when he said, Feed my lambs, feed my sheep. He also prayed that his faith might never fail and commanded him to confirm his brethren. John 21 15 2 17. 92. Is the Pope infallible? The Pope is infallible. 93. What do you mean when you say that the Pope is infallible? When I say that the Pope is infallible, I mean that the Pope cannot err and as shepherd and teacher of all Christians, he defines a doctor and concerning faith or morals to be held by the whole church. 94. Has the Church of Christ any marks by which we may know her? The Church of Christ has four marks by which we may know her. She is one, she is holy, she is Catholic, she is apostolic. 95. How is the Church one? The Church is one because all her members agree in one faith, have all the same sacrifice and sacraments and are all united under one head. 96. How is the Church holy? The Church is holy because she teaches a holy doctrine, offers to all the means of holiness and is distinguished by the eminent holiness of so many thousands of her children. 97. What does the word Catholic mean? The word Catholic means universal. 98. How is the Church Catholic or universal? The Church is Catholic or universal because she subsists in all ages, teaches all nations and is the one arch of salvation for all. 99. How is the Church apostolic? The Church is apostolic because she holds the doctrines and traditions of the apostles and because, through the unbroken succession of her pastors, she derives her orders and her mission from them. 100. Can the Church err in what she teaches? The Church cannot err in what she teaches as to faith or morals, for she is our infallible guide in both. 101. How do you know that the Church cannot err in what she teaches? The Church cannot err in what she teaches because Christ promised that the gates of hell shall never prevail against his Church, that the Holy Ghost shall teach her all things and that he himself will be with her all days, even to the consummation of the world. 102. What do you mean by the communion of saints? By the communion of saints, I mean that all the members of the Church in heaven, on earth and in purgatory are in communion with each other as being one body in Jesus Christ. 103. How are the faithful on earth in communion with each other? The faithful on earth are in communion with each other by professing the same faith, obeying the same authority, and assisting each other with their prayers and good works. 104. How are we in communion with the saints in heaven? We are in communion with the saints in heaven by honouring them as the glorified members of the Church and also by our praying to them and by their praying for us. 105. How are we in communion with the souls in purgatory? We are in communion with the souls in purgatory by helping them with our prayers and good works. It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from sins. 2 Maccabees 12 46 106. What is purgatory? Purgatory is a place where souls suffer for a time after death on account of their sins. 107. What souls go to purgatory? Those souls go to purgatory that depart this life in venial sin or that have not fully paid the debt of temporal punishment due to those sins of which the guilt has been forgiven. 108. What is temporal punishment? Temporal punishment is punishment which will have an end either in this world or in the world to come. 109. How do you prove that there is a purgatory? I prove that there is a purgatory from the constant teaching of the church and from the doctrine of holy scripture which declares that God will render to every man according to his works, that nothing defile shall enter heaven, and that some will be saved, yet so as by fire. 116. Matthew 16 27 117. Apocalypse 21 27 1 Corinthians 3 15 The 10th article 110. What is the 10th article of the Creed? The 10th article of the Creed is the forgiveness of sins. 111. What do you mean by the forgiveness of sins? By the forgiveness of sins I mean that Christ has left the power of forgiving sins to the pastors of his church. John 20 23 112. By what means are sins forgiven? Sins are forgiven principally by the sacraments of baptism and penance. 113. What is sin? Sin is an offense against God by any thought, word, deed or omission against the law of God. 114. How many kinds of sin are there? There are two kinds of sin, original sin and actual sin. 115. What is original sin? Original sin is that guilt and stain of sin which we inherit from Adam who is the origin and head of all mankind. 116. What was the sin committed by Adam? The sin committed by Adam was the sin of disobedience when he ate the forbidden fruit. 117. Have all mankind contracted the guilt and stain of original sin? All mankind have contracted the guilt and stain of original sin except the Blessed Virgin who, through the merits of her Divine Son, was conceived without the least guilt or stain of original sin. 118. What is this privilege of the Blessed Virgin called? This privilege of the Blessed Virgin is called the Immaculate Conception. 119. What is actual sin? Actual sin is every sin which we ourselves commit. 120. How is actual sin divided? Actual sin is divided into mortal sin and venial sin. 121. What is mortal sin? Mortal sin is a grievous offense against God. 122. Why is it called mortal sin? It is called mortal sin because it kills the soul and deserves hell. 123. How does mortal sin kill the soul? Mortal sin kills the soul by depriving it of sanctifying grace, which is the supernatural life of the soul. 124. Is it a great evil to fall into mortal sin? It is the greatest of all evils to fall into mortal sin. 125. Where will they go who die in mortal sin? They who die in mortal sin will go to hell for all eternity. 126. What is venial sin? Venial sin is an offense which does not kill the soul yet displeases God and often leads to mortal sin. 127. Why is it called venial sin? It is called venial sin because it is more easily pardoned than mortal sin. 11. What is the 11th article of the Creed? The 11th article of the Creed is the resurrection of the body. 129. What do you mean by the resurrection of the body? By the resurrection of the body, I mean that we shall all rise again with the same bodies of the Day of Judgment. 123. What is the 12th article of the Creed? The 12th article of the Creed is life everlasting. 131. What does life everlasting mean? Life everlasting means that the good shall live forever in the glory and happiness of heaven. 132. What is the glory and happiness of heaven? The glory and happiness of heaven is to see, love and enjoy God forever. 133. What does the Scripture say of the happiness of heaven? The Scripture says of the happiness of heaven that I have not seen nor ear heard. Neither have it entered into the heart of man. What things God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Corinthians 2 9. 134. Shall not the wicked also live forever? The wicked also shall live and be punished forever in the fire of hell. End of Section 3 Recording by David S. Odeberg, Tidmarsh, England Section 4 of the Penny Catechism. A Catechism of Christian Doctrine by the Catholic Truth Society. This Libra Box recording is in the public domain. Recording by David S. Odeberg, Tidmarsh, England Hope Chapter 3 135. Will faith alone save us? Faith alone will not save us without good works. We must also have hope and charity. 136. What is hope? Hope is a supernatural gift of God by which we firmly trust that God will give us eternal life. And all the means necessary to obtain it if we do what he requires of us. 137. Why must we hope in God? We must hope in God because he is infinitely good, infinitely powerful and faithful to his promises. 138. Can we do any good work of ourselves towards our salvation? We can do no good work of ourselves towards our salvation. We need the help of God's grace. 139. What is grace? Grace is a supernatural gift of God, freely bestowed upon us for our sanctification and salvation. 140. How must we obtain God's grace? We must obtain God's grace chiefly by prayer and the holy sacraments. Prayer. 141. What is prayer? Prayer is the raising up of the mind and heart to God. 142. How do we raise up our mind and heart to God? We raise up our mind and heart to God by thinking of God, by adoring, praising and thanking Him, and by begging of Him all blessings for soul and body. 143. Do those pray well who at their prayers think neither of God nor of what they say? Those who at their prayers think neither of God nor of what they say do not pray well, but they offend God if their distractions are willful. 144. Which is the best of all prayers? The best of all prayers is the Our Father or the Lord's Prayer. 145. Who made the Lord's Prayer? Jesus Christ Himself made the Lord's Prayer. 146. Say the Lord's Prayer. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. 147. In the Lord's Prayer, who is called our Father? In the Lord's Prayer, God is called our Father. 148. Why is God called our Father? God is called our Father because He is the Father of all Christians, whom He has made His children by holy baptism. 149. Is God also the Father of all mankind? God is also the Father of all mankind because He made them all, and loves and preserves them all. 150. Why do we say our Father and not my Father? We say our Father and not my Father because, being all brethren, we are to pray not for ourselves only, but also for all others. 151. When we say hallowed be thy name, what do we pray for? When we say hallowed be thy name, we pray that God may be known, loved and served by all His creatures. 152. When we say thy kingdom come, what do we pray for? When we say thy kingdom come, we pray that God may come and reign in the hearts of all by His grace in this world and bring us all hereafter to His heavenly kingdom. 153. When we say thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, what do we pray for? When we say thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, we pray that God may enable us, by His grace, to do His will in all things as the blessed do in heaven. 154. When we say give us this day our daily bread, what do we pray for? When we say give us this day our daily bread, we pray that God may give us daily all that is necessary for soul and body. 155. When we say forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us, what do we pray for? When we say forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us, we pray that God may forgive us our sins as we forgive others the injuries they do to us. 156. When we say lead us not into temptation, what do we pray for? When we say lead us not into temptation, we pray that God may give us grace not to yield to temptation. 157. When we say deliver us from evil, what do we pray for? When we say deliver us from evil, we pray that God may free us from all evil, both of soul and body. 158. Should we ask the angels and saints to pray for us? We should ask the angels and saints to pray for us because they are our friends and brethren and because their prayers have great power with God. 159. How can we show that the angels and saints know what passes on earth? We can show that the angels and saints know what passes on earth from the words of Christ. There shall be joy before the angels of God upon one sinner doing penance. Luke 1510. 160. What is the chief prayer to the Blessed Virgin which the church uses? The chief prayer to the Blessed Virgin which the church uses is the Hail Mary. 161. Say the Hail Mary. Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and of the hour of our death. Amen. 162. Who made the first part of the Hail Mary? The angel Gabriel and Saint Elizabeth inspired by the Holy Ghost made the first part of the Hail Mary. 163. Who made the second part of the Hail Mary? The church of God guided by the Holy Ghost made the second part of the Hail Mary. 164. Why should we frequently say the Hail Mary? We should frequently say the Hail Mary to put us in mind of the Incarnation of the Son of God and to honour our Blessed Lady, the Mother of God. 165. Have we another reason for often saying the Hail Mary? We have another reason for often saying the Hail Mary to ask our Blessed Lady to pray for us sinners at all times but especially at the hour of our death. 166. Why does the Catholic Church show great devotion to the Blessed Virgin? The Catholic Church shows great devotion to the Blessed Virgin because she is the Immaculate Mother of God. 167. How is the Blessed Virgin Mother of God? The Blessed Virgin is Mother of God because Jesus Christ, her Son, who is born of her as man, is not only man but is also truly God. 168. Is the Blessed Virgin our Mother also? The Blessed Virgin is our Mother also because being the brethren of Jesus, we are the children of Mary. Charity. Chapter 4. The Commandments of God. 169. What is charity? Charity is a supernatural gift of God by which we love God above all things and our neighbour as ourselves for God's sake. 170. Why must we love God? We must love God because he is infinitely good in himself and infinitely good to us. 171. How do we show that we love God? We show that we love God by keeping His commandments for Christ says, If you love me, keep my commandments. John 14. 15. 172. How many commandments are there? There are ten commandments. 173. Say the ten commandments. I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of bondage. 171. Thou shalt not have strange gods before me. Thou shalt not make to thyself any 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. 172. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 173. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 174. Honor thy father and thy mother. 175. Thou shalt not kill. 176. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 177. Thou shalt not steal. 188. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 199. Thou shalt not cover thy neighbour's wife. 1910. Thou shalt not cover thy neighbour's goods. 174. Who gave the ten commandments? God gave the ten commandments to Moses in the old law and Christ confirmed them in the new. 1. 175. What is the first commandment? The first commandment is, I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt not have strange gods before me. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven thing nor the likeness of any thing 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. 176. What are we commanded to do by the first commandment? By the first commandment we are commanded to worship the one true and living God by faith, hope, charity and religion. 177. What are the sins against faith? The sins against faith are all false religions, willful doubt, disbelief or denial of any article of faith and also culpable ignorance of the doctrines of the church. 178. How do we expose ourselves to the danger of losing our faith? We expose ourselves to the danger of losing our faith by neglecting our spiritual duties, reading bad books, going to non-Catholic schools and taking part in the services or prayers of a false religion. 179. What are the sins against hope? The sins against hope are despair and presumption. 180. What are the chief sins against religion? The chief sins against religion are the worship of false gods or idols and the giving to any creature whatsoever, the honour which belongs to God alone. 181. Does the first commandment forbid the making of images? The first commandment does not forbid the making of images but the making of idols. That is, it forbids us to make images to be adored or honoured as gods. 182. Does the first commandment forbid dealing with the devil and superstitious practices? The first commandment forbids all dealing with the devil and superstitious practices such as consulting spiritualists and fortune-tellers and trusting to charms, omens, dreams and such like fulleries. 183. Are all sins of sacrilege and simony also forbidden by the first commandment? All sins of sacrilege and simony are also forbidden by the first commandment. 184. Is it forbidden to give divine honour or worship to the angels and saints? It is forbidden to give divine honour or worship to the angels and saints for this belongs to God alone. 185. What kind of honour or worship should we pay to the angels and saints? We should pay to the angels and saints an inferior honour or worship for this is due to them as the servants and special friends of God. 186. What honour should we give to relics, crucifixes and holy pictures? We should give to relics, crucifixes and holy pictures a relative honour as they relate to Christ and his saints and our memorials of them. 187. Do we pray to relics or images? We do not pray to relics or images for they can neither see nor hear nor help us. 2. 188. What is the second commandment? The second commandment is thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 189. What are we commanded by the second commandment? By the second commandment we are commanded to speak with reverence of God and all holy persons and things and to keep our lawful oaths and vows. 190. What does the second commandment forbid? The second commandment forbids all false, rash, unjust and unnecessary oaths as also blaspheming, cursing and profane words. 191. Is it ever lawful to swear or to take an oath? It is lawful to swear or to take an oath only when God's honour or our own or our neighbour's good requires it. 3. 192. What is the third commandment? The third commandment is remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 193. What are we commanded by the third commandment? By the third commandment we are commanded to keep the Sunday holy. 194. How are we to keep the Sunday holy? We are to keep the Sunday holy by hearing mass and resting from servile works. 195. Why are we commanded to rest from servile works? We are commanded to rest from servile works that we may have time and opportunity for prayer, going to the sacraments, hearing instructions and reading good books. 4. 196. What is the fourth commandment? The fourth commandment is honour thy father and thy mother. 197. What are we commanded by the fourth commandment? By the fourth commandment we are commanded to love, reverence and obey our parents in all that is not sin. 198. Are we commanded to obey our parents only? We are commanded to obey not only our parents but also our bishops and pastors, the civil authorities and our lawful superiors. 199. Are we bound to assist our parents in their wants? We are bound to assist our parents in their wants, both spiritual and temporal. 200. Are we bound in justice to contribute to the support of our pastors? 4. St. Paul says the Lord ordained that they who preach the gospel should live by the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9 14 201. What is the duty of parents towards their children? The duty of parents towards their children is to provide for them, to instruct and correct them and to give them a good Catholic education. 202. What is the duty of masters, mistresses and other superiors? The duty of masters, mistresses and other superiors is to take proper care of those under their charge and to enable them to practice their religious duties. 203. What does the fourth commandment forbid? The fourth commandment forbids all contempt, stubbornness and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors. 204. Is it sinful to belong to a secret society? It is sinful to belong to any secret society that plots against the church or state or to any society that by reason of its secrecy is condemned by the church. 4. St. Paul says let every soul be subject to the higher powers. 5. He that resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God and they that resist purchase to themselves damnation. Romans 13 1 and 2 5. 205. What is the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment is thou shalt not kill. 206. What does the fifth commandment forbid? The fifth commandment forbids all willful murder, fighting, quarrelling injurious words and also scandal and bad example. 207. Does the fifth commandment forbid anger? The fifth commandment forbids anger and still more hatred and revenge. 208. Why are scandal and bad example forbidden by the fifth commandment? Scandal and bad example are forbidden by the fifth commandment because they lead to the injury and spiritual death of those souls. 209. What is the sixth commandment? The sixth commandment is thou shalt not commit adultery. 210. What does the sixth commandment forbid? The sixth commandment forbids all sins of impurity with another's wife or husband. 211. Does the sixth commandment forbid whatever is contrary to holy purity? The sixth commandment forbids whatever is contrary to holy purity in looks, words or actions. 212. Are immodest plays and dances forbidden by the sixth commandment? Immodest plays and dances are forbidden by the sixth commandment and it is sinful to look at them. 213. Does the sixth commandment forbid immodest songs, books and pictures? The sixth commandment forbids songs, books and pictures because they are most dangerous to the soul and lead to mortal sin. 7. 214. What is the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment is thou shalt not steal. 215. What does the seventh commandment forbid? The seventh commandment forbids all unjust taking away or keeping what belongs to another. 216. Is all manner of cheating in buying and selling forbidden by the seventh commandment? All manner of cheating in buying and selling is forbidden by the seventh commandment and also every other way of wronging our neighbour. 217. Are we bound to restore ill-gotten goods? We are bound to restore ill-gotten goods if we are able or else the sin will not be forgiven. We must also pay our debts. 218. Is it dishonest in servants to waste their master's time or property? It is dishonest in servants to waste their master's time or property because it is wasting what is not their own. 8. 219. What is the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment is thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 220. What does the eighth commandment forbid? False testimony, rash judgment and lies. 221. Are calamity and detraction forbidden by the eighth commandment? Calamity and detraction are forbidden by the eighth commandment and also tail-bearing and any words which injure our neighbour's character. 222. If you have injured your neighbour by speaking ill of him, what are you bound to do? If I have injured my neighbour by speaking ill I am bound to make him satisfaction by restoring his good name as far as I can. 9. 223. What is the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment is thou shalt not cover thy neighbour's wife. 224. What does the ninth commandment forbid? The ninth commandment forbids all willful consent to impure thoughts and desires and all willful pleasure in the positions of the flesh. 225. What sins commonly lead to the breaking of the sixth and ninth commandments? The sins that commonly lead to the breaking of the sixth and ninth commandments are gluttony, drunkenness and intemperance and also idleness, bad company and the neglect of prayer. 10. 226. What is the tenth commandment? The tenth commandment is thou shalt not cover thy neighbour's goods. 227. What does the tenth commandment forbid? The tenth commandment forbids all envious and covetous thoughts and unjust desires of our neighbour's goods and profits. End of Section 4 Recording by David S. Odeberg, Tidmarsh, England. Section 5 of The Penny Catechism A Catechism of Christian Doctrine by the Catholic Truth Society. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by David S. Odeberg, Tidmarsh, England. Chapter 5 The Commandments of the Church 228. Are we bound to obey the Church? We are bound to obey the Church because Christ has said to the pastors of the Church, he that heareth you, heareth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me. Luke 10 16 229. What are the chief commandments of the Church? The chief commandments of the Church are 1. To keep the Sundays and holy days of obligation holy by hearing mass and resting from servile works. 2. To keep the days of fasting and abstinence appointed by the Church. 3. To go to confession at least once a year. 4. To receive the blessed sacrament at least once a year and that at Easter or thereabouts. 5. To contribute to the support of our pastors. 6. Not to marry within certain degrees of kindred nor to solemnize marriage at the forbidden times. 230. What is the first commandment of the Church? The first commandment of the Church is to keep the Sundays and holy days of obligation holy by hearing mass and resting from servile works. 231. Which are the holy days of obligation observed in England? The holy days of obligation observed in England are Christmas Day, the Circumcision, the Epiphany, the Ascension, Corpus Christi, since Peter and Paul, Lady and All Saints. 232. Is it a mortal sin to neglect to hear mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation? It is a mortal sin to neglect to hear mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. 233. Are parents, masters and mistresses bound to provide that those under their charge shall hear mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation? 234. What is the second commandment of the Church? The second commandment of the Church is to keep the days of fasting and abstinence appointed by the Church. 235. What are fasting days? Fasting days are days on which we are allowed to attend the Church. 236. What are fasting days? Fasting days are days on which we are allowed to take only one full meal. 236. Which are the fasting days? The fasting days are the weekdays of Lent, certain vigils and the ember days. Footnote 1. Lent ends at midday on Holy Saturday. The vigils are those of Pentecost, the Assumption, All Saints and Christmas. 237. What are days of abstinence? Days of abstinence are days on which we are forbidden to take flesh meat and soups made from meat. 238. Which are the days of abstinence? The days of abstinence are all Fridays except any Friday on which a holy day of obligation falls. The Wednesdays of Lent in England, the four vigils unless one falls on a Sunday and the ember days. Footnote 2. When December 26 falls on a Friday the abstinence is at present dispensed in England. 239. Why does the church command us to fast and abstain? The church commands us to fast and abstain that so we may mortify the flesh and satisfy God for our sins. 240. What is the third commandment of the church? The third commandment of the church is to go to confession at least once a year. 241. How soon are children bound to go to confession? Children are bound to go to confession as soon as they have come to the use of reason and are capable of mortal sin. 242. When are children generally supposed to come to the use of reason? Children are generally supposed to come to the use of reason about the age of seven years. 243. What is the fourth commandment of the church? The fourth commandment of the church is to receive the blessed sacrament at least once a year and that at Easter or thereabouts. 244. How soon are Christians bound to receive the blessed sacrament? Children are bound to receive the blessed sacrament as soon as they are capable of distinguishing the body of Christ from ordinary bread and are judged to be sufficiently instructed. 245. What is the fifth commandment of the church? The fifth commandment of the church is to contribute to the support of our pastors. 246. Is it a duty to contribute to the support of religion? 247. What is the sixth commandment of the church? The sixth commandment of the church is not to marry within certain degrees of kindred nor to solemnize marriage at the forbidden times. 248. Which are the times in which it is forbidden to marry with solemnity? The times in which it is forbidden to marry with solemnity are from the first Sunday of Advent till after Christmas Day and from Ash Wednesday till after Easter Sunday. The sacraments. 249. What is a sacrament? A sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace ordained by Jesus Christ by which grace is given to our souls. 250. Do the sacraments always give grace? The sacraments always give grace to those who receive them worthily. 251. Whence have the sacraments the power of giving grace? The sacraments have the power of giving grace from the merits of Christ's precious blood which they apply to our souls. 252. Or do we to have a great desire to receive the sacraments? We ought to have a great desire to receive the sacraments because they are the chief means of our salvation. 253. Is a character given to the soul by any of the sacraments? A character is given to the soul by the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and holy order. 254. What is a character? A character is a mark or seal on the soul and therefore the sacrament conferring it may not be repeated. 255. How many sacraments are there? There are seven sacraments baptism, confirmation, holy Eucharist, penance, extreme unction, holy order and matrimony. 256. What is baptism? Baptism is a sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God and members of the church. 257. Does baptism also forgive actual sins? Baptism also forgives actual sins with all punishment due to them when it is received in proper dispositions by those who have been guilty of actual sin. 258. Who is the ordinary minister of baptism? The ordinary minister of baptism is a priest but anyone may baptize in case of necessity when a priest cannot be had. 259. How is baptism given? Baptism is given by pouring water on the head of the child saying at the same time these words I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. 260. What is the promise in baptism? We promise in baptism to renounce the devil and all his works and pumps. 261. Is baptism necessary for salvation? Baptism is necessary for salvation because Christ has said unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3 5. 262. What is confirmation? Confirmation is a sacrament by which we receive the Holy Ghost in order to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. 263. Who is the ordinary minister of confirmation? The ordinary minister of confirmation is a bishop. 264. How does the bishop administer the sacrament of confirmation? The bishop administers the sacrament of confirmation by praying that the Holy Ghost may come down upon those who are to be confirmed and by laying his hand on them and making a sign of the cross with chrism on their foreheads at the same time pronouncing certain words. 265. What are the words used in confirmation? The words used in confirmation are these. 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. Amen. 266. What is the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist? The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the true body and blood of Jesus Christ together with his soul and divinity under the appearances of bread and wine. 267. How are the bread and wine changed into the body and blood of Christ? The bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ by the power of God to whom nothing is impossible or difficult. 268. When are the bread and wine changed into the body and blood of Christ? The bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ when the words of consecration ordained by Jesus Christ are pronounced by the priest Jesus Christ. 269. Why has Christ given himself to us in the Holy Eucharist? Christ has given himself to us in the Holy Eucharist to be the life and the food of our souls. He that eateth me the same also shall live by me. He that eateth this bread shall live forever. John 6 verses 58 and 59. 270. Is Christ received whole and entire under either kind alone? Christ is received whole and entire under either kind alone. 271. In order to receive the Blessed Sacrament worthily what is required? In order to receive the Blessed Sacrament worthily it is required that we be in a state of grace and fasting from midnight. 272. What is it to be in a state of grace? To be in a state of grace is to be free from mortal sin and pleasing to God. 273. Is it a great sin to receive Holy Communion in mortal sin? It is a great sin to receive Holy Communion in mortal sin. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself. 1 Corinthians 11 29 274. Is the Blessed Eucharist a Sacrament only? The Blessed Eucharist is not a Sacrament only, it is also a Sacrifice. 275. What is a Sacrifice? A Sacrifice is the offering of a victim by a priest to God alone in testimony of his being the sovereign Lord of all things. 276. What is the Sacrifice of the New Law? The Sacrifice of the New Law is the Holy Mass. 277. What is the Holy Mass? The Holy Mass is the Sacrifice of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, really present on the altar under the appearances of bread and wine, and offered to God for the living and the dead. 278. Is the Holy Mass one and the same Sacrifice with that of the cross? The Holy Mass is one and the same Sacrifice with that of the cross in as much as Christ who offered himself a bleeding victim on the cross to his Heavenly Father continues to offer himself in an unbloody manner on the altar through the ministry of his priests. 279. For what ends is the Sacrifice offered? The Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for four ends. First, to give supreme honour and glory to God. Secondly, to thank him for all his benefits. Thirdly, to satisfy God for our sins and to obtain the grace of repentance. And fourthly, to obtain all other graces and blessings through Jesus Christ. 280. The Mass is also a memorial of the passion and death of our Lord for Christ at his last supper said, do this for a commemoration of me. Luke 22 19. End of Section 5 Recording by David S. Odeberg Tidmarsh England Section 6 of The Penny Catechism A Catechism of Christian Doctrine This is a LibriVox Recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by David S. Odeberg Tidmarsh England The Penny Catechism A Catechism of Christian Doctrine by The Catholic Truth Society Section 6 Part 2 4 281 What is the sacrament of penance? Penance is a sacrament whereby the sins where the mortal or venial which we have committed after baptism are forgiven. 282 Does the sacrament of penance increase the grace of God in the soul? The sacrament of penance increases the grace of God in the soul besides forgiving sin. We should therefore often go to confession. 283 When did our Lord institute the sacrament of penance? Our Lord instituted the sacrament of penance when he breathed on his apostles and gave them power to forgive sins, saying whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven. John 20 23 284 How does the priest forgive sins? The priest forgives sins by the power of God when he pronounces the words of absolution. 285 What are the words of absolution? The words of absolution are I absolve thee from thy sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. 286 Are any conditions of forgiveness required on the part of the penitent? Three conditions for forgiveness are required on the part of the penitent. Contrition, confession and satisfaction. 287 What is contrition? Contrition is a hearty sorrow for our sins because by them we have offended so good a God, together with a firm purpose of amendment. 288 What is a firm purpose of amendment? A firm purpose of amendment is a resolution to avoid by the grace of God not only sin but also the dangerous occasions of sin. 289 How may we obtain a hearty sorrow for our sins? We may obtain a hearty sorrow for our sins by earnestly praying for it and by making use of such considerations as may lead us to it. 290 What consideration concerning God will lead us to sorrow for our sins? This consideration concerning God will lead us to sorrow for our sins. That by our sins we have offended God who is infinitely good in himself and infinitely good to us. 291 What consideration concerning our Saviour will lead us to sorrow for our sins? This consideration concerning our Saviour will lead us to sorrow for our sins. That our Saviour died for our sins and that those who sin grievously crucify again to themselves the Son of God making him a mockery. Hebrews 6 8 292 Is sorrow for our sins because by them we have lost heaven and deserved hell sufficient when we go to confession? Sorrow for our sins because by them we have lost heaven and deserved hell is sufficient when we go to confession. 293 What is a perfect contrition? Perfect contrition is sorrow for sin arising purely from the love of God. 294 What special value has perfect contrition? Perfect contrition has this special value that by it our sins are forgiven immediately even before we confess them but nevertheless if they are mortal we are strictly bound to confess them afterwards. 295 What is confession? Confession is to accuse ourselves of our sins to a priest approved by the bishop. 296 What if a person willfully conceal a mortal sin in confession? If a person willfully conceal a mortal sin in confession he is guilty of a great sacrilege by telling a lie to the Holy Ghost in making a bad confession. 297 How many things have we to do in order to prepare for confession? We have four things to do in order to prepare for confession. First we must heartily pray for grace to make a good confession. Secondly we must carefully examine our conscience. Thirdly we must take time and care to make a good active contrition. And fourthly we must resolve by the help of God to renounce our sins and new life for the future. 298 What is satisfaction? Satisfaction is doing the penance given us by the priest. 299 Does the penance given by the priest always make full satisfaction for our sins? The penance given by the priest does not always make full satisfaction for our sins. We should therefore add to it other good works and penances to gain indulgences. 300 What is an indulgence? An indulgence is a remission granted by the church of the temporal punishment which often remains due to sin after its guilt has been forgiven. 5301 What is the sacrament of extreme unction? The sacrament of extreme unction is the anointing of the sick with holy oil 302 When is extreme unction given? Extreme unction is given when we are in danger of death by sickness. 303 What are the effects of the sacrament of extreme unction? The effects of the sacrament of extreme unction are to comfort and strengthen the soul, to remit sin and even to restore health when God sees it to be expedient. 304 What authority is there in Scripture for the sacrament of extreme unction? The authority in Scripture for the sacrament of extreme unction is in the fifth chapter of St. James where it is said Is anyone sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church and let them pray over him anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of faith shall save the sick man and the Lord shall raise him up and if he sins they shall be forgiven him. James 5 14 and 15 60 305 What is the sacrament of Holy Order? Holy Order is the sacrament by which bishops, priests and other ministers of the church are ordained and receive power and grace to perform their sacred duties. 70 306 What is the sacrament of Matrimony? Matrimony is the sacrament which sanctifies the contract of a Christian marriage and gives a special grace to those who receive it worthily. 307 What special grace does the sacrament of matrimony give to those who receive it worthily? The sacrament of matrimony gives to those who receive it worthily a special grace to enable them to bear the difficulties of love and be faithful to one another and to bring up their children in the fear of God. 308 Is it a sacrilege to contract marriage in mortal sin or in disobedience to the laws of the church? It is a sacrilege to contract marriage in mortal sin or in disobedience to the laws of the church and instead of a blessing the guilty parties draw down upon themselves the anger of God. Note 1 For the marriage of a Catholic to be valid there must be present one either the bishop or the parish priest or another priest duly delegated and two two witnesses. 309 What is a mixed marriage? A mixed marriage is a marriage between a Catholic and one who though baptized does not profess the Catholic faith. 310 The church has always forbidden mixed marriages The church has always forbidden mixed marriages and consider them unlawful and pernicious. 311 Does the church sometimes permit mixed marriages? The church sometimes permits mixed marriages by granting a dispensation for very grave reasons and under special conditions. 312 Can any human power dissolve the bond of marriage? No human power can dissolve the bond of marriage because Christ has said what God hath joined together let no man put asunder. Matthew 19 6 Chapter 7 of Virtues and Vices 313 Which are the theological virtues? The theological virtues are Faith Hope and Charity 1st Corinthians 13 13 314 Why are they called theological virtues? They are called theological virtues because they relate immediately to God. 315 What are the chief mysteries of faith which every Christian is bound to know? The chief mysteries of faith which every Christian is bound to know are the unity and trinity of God who will render to every man according to his works and the incarnation death and resurrection of our Saviour. 316 Which are the cardinal virtues? The cardinal virtues are Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance. Wisdom 8 7 317 They are called cardinal virtues They are called cardinal virtues because they are, as it were, the hinges on which all other moral virtues turn. 318 Which are the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost? The seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are Wisdom Understanding Council Fortitude Knowledge The Fear of the Lord Isaiah 11 2 and 3 319 Which are the 12 fruits of the Holy Ghost? The 12 fruits of the Holy Ghost are Charity Joy Peace Patience Goodness Mildness Faith Chastity Galatians 5 22 320 Which are the two great precepts of charity? The two great precepts of charity are 1. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind and with thy whole strength 2. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself Mark 12 30 31 Which are the seven corporal works of mercy? The seven corporal works of mercy are To feed the hungry To give drink to the thirsty To clothe the naked To harbour the harbourless To visit the sick To visit the imprisoned To bury the dead Matthew 25 35 36 Tobias 12 12 322 Which are the seven spiritual works of mercy? The seven spiritual works of mercy are To convert the sinner To instruct the ignorant To counsel the doubtful To comfort the sorrowful To bear wrongs patiently To forgive injuries To pray for the living And the dead 323 Which are the eight Beatitudes? The eight 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 have their fill 5. Blessed are the merciful For they shall obtain a 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's sake For theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matthew 5 3-10 324 Which are the seven capital sins or vices and their contrary virtues? The seven capital sins or vices and their contrary virtues are 1. Pride Contrary virtue 2. Covetousness Contrary virtue Liberality 3. Lust Contrary virtue Chastity 4. Anger Contrary virtue Meekness 5. Gluttony Contrary virtue Temperance 6. Envy Contrary virtue 7. Sloth Contrary virtue Diligence 325 Why are they called capital sins? They are called capital sins because they are the sources from which all other sins take their rise 326 Which are the six sins against the Holy Ghost? The six sins against the Holy Ghost are 1. Presumption 2. Despair 3. Resisting the known truth 4. Envy of another's spiritual good 5. Obstinacy in sin 6. Final impenitence 327 Which are the four sins crying to Heaven for vengeance? The four sins crying to Heaven for vengeance are 1. Willful murder 2. Sin of Sodom 3. Oppression of the poor 4. Exodus 4. Defrauding labourers of their wages James 5 328 When are we answerable for the sins of others? We are answerable for the sins of others whenever we either call the sins of others whenever we either cause them or share in them through our own fault 329 In how many ways may we either cause or share the guilt of another sin? We may either cause or share the guilt of another sin in nine ways 1. By counsel 2. By command 3. By consent 4. By vocation 5. By praise or flattery 6. By concealment 7. By being a partner in the sin 8. By silence 9. By defending the ill done 330 Which are the three eminent good works? The three eminent good works are prayer, fasting and arms deeds 331 The evangelical councils The evangelical councils are voluntary poverty perpetual chastity and entire obedience 332 What are the four last things to be ever remembered? The four last things to be ever remembered are death, judgment hell and heaven Ecclesiasticus 7 End of section 6 recording by David S. Odeberg Tidmarsh, England section 7 of The Penny Catechism a catechism of Christian doctrine by the Catholic Truth Society This LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by David S. Odeberg Tidmarsh, England Chapter 8 The Christian's Rule of Life 333 What rule of life must we follow if we hope to be saved? If we hope to be saved we must follow the rule of life taught by Jesus Christ 334 What are we bound to do by the rule of life taught by Jesus Christ? By the rule of life taught by Jesus Christ we are bound always to hate sin and to love God 335 How must we hate sin? We must hate sin above all other evils so as to be resolved never to commit a willful sin for the love or fear of anything whatsoever 336 How must we love God? We must love God above all things and with our whole heart 337 How must we learn to love God? We must learn to love God by begging of God to teach us to love Him Oh my God, teach me to love thee 338 What will the love of God lead us to do? The love of God will lead us often to think how good God is often to speak to Him in our hearts and always to seek to please Him 339 Does Jesus Christ also command us to love one another? Jesus Christ also commands us to love one another that is all persons without exception for His sake 340 How are we to love one another? We are to love one another by wishing well to one another and praying for one another and by never allowing ourselves any thought, word or deed to the injury of anyone 341 Are we also bound to love our enemies? We are also bound to love our enemies not only by forgiving them from our hearts but also by wishing them well and praying for them 342 Has Jesus Christ given us another great rule? Jesus Christ has given us another great rule in these words If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me Luke 9 23 343 How are we to deny ourselves? We are to deny ourselves by giving up our own will and by going against our own humours, inclinations and passions 344 Why are we bound to deny ourselves? We are bound to deny ourselves because our natural inclinations lead us into evil from our very childhood and if not corrected by self-denial they will certainly carry us to hell 345 How are we to take up our cross daily? We are to take up our cross daily by submitting daily with patience to the labours and sufferings of this short life and by bearing them willingly for the love of God 346 How are we to follow our blessed Lord? We are to follow our blessed Lord by walking in his footsteps and imitating his virtues 347 What are the principle virtues we are to learn of our blessed Lord? The principle virtues which we are to learn of our blessed Lord are meekness, humility and obedience 348 Which are the enemies we must fight against all the days of our life? The enemies which we must fight against all the days of our life are the devil, the world and the flesh 349 What do you mean by the devil? By the devil I mean Satan and all his wicked angels who are ever seeking to draw us into sin that we may be damned with them 350 What do you mean by the world? By the world I mean the false maxims of the world and the society of those who love the vanities riches and pleasures of this world better than God 351 Why do you number the devil and the world amongst the enemies of the soul? I number the devil and the world amongst the enemies of the soul because they are always seeking by temptation and by word or example to carry us along with them in the broad road that leads to damnation 352 What do you mean by the flesh? By the flesh I mean our own corrupt inclinations and passions which are the most dangerous of all our enemies 353 What must we do to hinder the enemies of our soul from drawing us into sin? To hinder the enemies of our soul from drawing us into sin we must watch, pray and fight against all their suggestions and temptations 354 In the warfare against the devil the world and the flesh on whom must we depend? In the warfare against the devil the world and the flesh we must depend not on ourselves but on God only I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me Philippians 4 13 Chapter 9 The Christians Daily Exercise 355 How should you begin the day? I should begin the day by making the sign of the cross as soon as I awake in the morning and by saying some short prayer such as, oh my God I offer my heart and soul to thee 356 How should you rise in the morning? I should rise in the morning diligently dress myself modestly and then kneel down and say my morning prayers 357 Should you also hear mass if you have time and opportunity? I should also hear mass if I have time and opportunity for to hear mass is by far the best and most profitable of all devotions 358 Is it useful to make daily meditation? It is useful to make daily meditation for such was the practice of all the saints 359 On what ought we to meditate? We ought to meditate especially on the four last things and the life and passion of our blessed Lord 360 ought we frequently to read good books We ought frequently to read good books such as the holy gospels the lives of the saints and other spiritual works which nourish our faith and piety against the false maxims of the world 361 And what should you do as to your eating, drinking, sleeping and amusements? As to my eating, drinking, sleeping and amusements I should use all these things with moderation and with a desire to please God 362 Say the grace before meals Bless us, O Lord Please thy gifts which we are going to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord Amen 363 Say the grace after meals We give thee thanks, almighty God for all thy benefits who livest and reignest world without end Amen May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace Amen What should you sanctify your ordinary actions and employments of the day? I should sanctify my ordinary actions and employments of the day by often raising up my heart to God whilst I am about them and saying some short prayer to him 365 What should you do when you find yourself tempted to sin? When I find myself tempted to sin I should make the sign of the cross on my heart and call on God as earnestly as I can saying Lord save me or I perish 366 If you have fallen into sin what should you do? If I have fallen into sin I should cast myself in spirit at the feet of Christ and humbly beg his pardon by a sincere act of contrition 367 When God sends you any cross or sickness or pain what should you say? When God sends me any cross or sickness or pain I should say Lord thy will be done I take this for my sins 368 What little indulgenced prayers would you do well to say often to yourself during the day? I should do well to say often to myself during the day such little indulgenced prayers will you 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 In all things may the most holy, the most just and the most lovable will of God be done praised and exalted above all forever O sacrament most holy O sacrament divine all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment vine evermore my Jesus, mercy Mary, help 369 How should you finish the day? I should finish the day by kneeling down and saying my night prayers 370 After your night prayers what should you do? After my night prayers I should observe you modesty in going to bed Occupy myself with the thoughts of death and endeavor to compose myself to rest at the foot of the cross and give my last thoughts to my crucified saviour End of section 7 Recording by David S. Odeberg Tidmarsh England Section 8 of The Penny Catechism A Catechism of Christian Doctrine by the Catholic Truth Society This LibriVox recording is in the public domain Recording by David S. Odeberg Tidmarsh England Appendix The Confiteor I confess to Almighty God to Blessed Mary Ever a Virgin to Blessed Michael the Archangel to Blessed John the Baptist to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and to all the saints that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed through my fault through my most grievous fault Therefore I beseech Blessed Mary Ever a Virgin Blessed Michael the Archangel Blessed John the Baptist to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and to all the saints to pray to the Lord our God for me Amen An act of faith I firmly believe there is one God and that in this one God there are three persons the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost that the Son took to himself the nature of man from the womb and that in this our human nature he was crucified and died for us that afterwards he rose again and ascended into heaven from whence he shall come to repay the just with everlasting glory and the wicked with everlasting punishment Moreover, I believe whatsoever else the Catholic Church proposes to be believed and this because God, who is the sovereign truth and can neither deceive nor be deceived has revealed all these things in his church An act of hope Oh my God, relying on thine almighty power and thine infinite mercy and goodness and because thou art faithful to thy promises I trust in thee that thou wilt grant me the forgiveness of my sins through the merits of Jesus Christ, thy Son and that thou wilt give me the assistance of thy grace with which I may labour to continue to the end in the diligent exercise of all good works and may deserve to obtain in heaven the glory which thou hast promised An act of charity Oh Lord my God I love thee with my whole heart and above all things because thou, O God, art the sovereign good and for thine own infinite perfections art most worthy of all love and for thy sake I also love my neighbour as myself An act of contrition Oh my God I am sorry and beg pardon for all my sins bless them above all things because they deserve thy dreadful punishments because they have crucified my loving Saviour Jesus Christ and most of all because they offend thine infinite goodness and I firmly resolve by the help of thy grace never to offend thee again and carefully to avoid the occasions of sin The Divine Praises Blessed be God Blessed be his holy name Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man Blessed be the name of Jesus Blessed be his most sacred heart Blessed be Jesus in the most holy sacrament of the altar Blessed be the great mother of God Mary most holy Blessed be her holy and immaculate conception Blessed be the name of Mary, virgin and mother Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints Blessed be God The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary and she conceived of the Holy Ghost Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen Behold the hand made of the Lord be it done unto me according to thy word Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen Pray for us, oh holy mother of God that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ Let us pray Pour forth we beseech the oh Lord thy grace into our hearts that we to whom the incarnation of Christ thy son was made known by the message of an angel may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection through the same Christ our Lord Amen The Regina chaeli to be said standing during pascal time instead of the Angelus Queen of heaven rejoice alleluia for he whom thou was made worthy to bear alleluia hath risen as he said alleluia Pray for us to God alleluia Rejoice and be glad O Virgin Mary alleluia for the Lord is truly risen alleluia Let us pray O God who through the resurrection of thy son our Lord Jesus Christ has vouchsafed to give joy to the whole world grant us we beseech thee that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary his mother we may obtain the joys of eternal life through the same Christ our Lord Amen The Salve Regina Hail Holy Queen Mother of Mercy hail our life, our sweetness and our hope to thee do we cry poor banished children of Eve to thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this veil of tears turn then most gracious advocate thine eyes of mercy towards us and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus O Clement, O loving O sweet Virgin Mary Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ The Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection implored thy help and the intercession was left unaided Inspired with this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgin my mother, to thee I come before thee I stand sinful and sorrowful O Mother of the Word Incarnate despise not my petitions but in thy mercy, hear and answer me Amen The Magnificat My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour He hath regarded the humility of his handmaid for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed because he that is mighty hath done great things to me and holy is his name and his mercy is from generation unto generations to them that fear him He hath shown might in his arm He hath scattered the proud of the conceit of their heart He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich he hath sent empty away He hath received Israel his servant being mindful of his mercy as he spoke to our fathers to Abraham and his seed forever 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 The Day Profundis Out of the depths I have cried to thee O Lord hear my voice Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication If thou, O Lord, shalt observe iniquities Lord, who shall injure it? For with thee there is merciful forgiveness and by reason of thy law I have waited for thee, O Lord My soul hath relied on his word My soul hath hoped in the Lord from the morning watch even until night let Israel hope in the Lord Because with the Lord there is mercy and with him plenteous redemption and he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them May they rest in peace Amen O Lord, hear my prayer and let my cry come unto thee Let us pray O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful Grant to the souls of thy servants departed the remission of all their sins that through pious supplications they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired who livest and reignest world without end Amen A morning offering O Jesus, through the most pure heart of Mary I offer thee the prayers, works and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of thy divine heart Aspiration Jesus, Mary and Joseph I give you my heart and my soul Jesus, Mary and Joseph assist me in my last agony Jesus, Mary and Joseph may I die in peace and in your blessed company End of Section 8 Recording by David S. Odeberg Tidmarsh, England End of the Penny Catechism A Catechism of Christian doctrine by the Catholic Truth Society