DAY ONE

1. Who made you?
God made me.

2. Why did God make you?
God made me to know, love and serve Him in this world, and 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 primarily in your body or in your soul?
This likeness to God is primarily in my soul because it is an immortal spirit which will never die.

5.What must you do to save your soul?
I must worship God by Faith, Hope and Charity.

6.What is faith?
Faith is a supernatural gift that enables us to believe without doubting whatever God, who can neither deceive nor be deceived,has revealed.

7.How are you to know what God has revealed?
By the testimony, teaching, and authority of the Catholic Church which was commissioned by Christ to 'Go ye and teach all nations.' Matt.28:19

8.The chief things which God has revealed are contained in 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 Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; - suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;- he descended into hell; the third day he rose againfrom the dead; - he ascended into heaven; is seatedat the right hand of God the Father Almighty; - from thence he shall come to judge the living and thedead. - I believe in the Holy Spirit; - the HolyCatholic Church; the Communion of Saints; - the forgiveness of sins; - the resurrection of the body; - and life everlasting.Amen.

DAY TWO

1.What is the first article of the Creed?
'I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth'.

2.Who is God?
God is the supreme, self-existing, infinitely perfect Spirit.

3.What are characteristics of God?
Almighty: He can do all things: 'With God all things are possible'.Matt 19:26
Creator: of heaven and earth by his word.
Eternal: God had no beginning: he always was, he is, and he always will be.
Omnipresent: He is everywhere at all times.
All-knowing: God sees and knows all things, even our thoughts.

4.Does God the Father have a body?
No, He is a spirit.

5.How many Gods are there?
There is only one God.

6.How many persons are there in God?
Three:God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the mystery of the Trinity.

7.What is a mystery?
A truth which is above reason, but revealed by God and accepted by faith.

8.How is our soul like the Trinity?
In the soul's three powers: memory, understanding, and will.

9.What does supernatural mean?
That which is above our natural power to acquire to merit.

10. What are the Theological Virtues?
The Virtues are 'Faith, Hope, andCharity' (1 Cor. 13:13) and have God as their object and source.

DAY THREE

1.What is the second article of the Creed?
The second article of the Creed is, 'and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord'.

2.Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is God the Son, made man for us.

3.Is Jesus Christ truly God?
Yes, He was God from all eternity and He has the same nature with the Father.

4.Was Jesus Christ always God?
Jesus Christ was always God, born of the Father from all eternity.

5.Is Jesus Christ truly man?
Yes, because he has the nature of man: a body and a soul.

6.Was Jesus Christ always man?
No, only from the time of His Incarnation.

7.What do you mean by the Incarnation?
It means that God the Son took to himself the nature of man: 'the Word was made Flesh'.

8.How many natures are there in Jesus Christ?
There are two natures: the nature of God and the nature of man.

9.How many persons are in Christ the Son?
Only one: the Person of God the Son.

10. Why was God the Son made man?
In order to redeem us from sin and hell, and to teach us the way to heaven.

11. What does the holy name Jesus Christ mean?
JESUS means Saviour (Matt. 1:21) and CHRIST means Anointed.

12. Where is Jesus Christ?
As God, Jesus Christ is everywhere. As God made man, He is in heaven, and in the Blessed Sacrament on earth.

DAY FOUR

1.What is the third article of the Creed?
'Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary'.

2.What does thismean?
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God the Son took a Body and Soul like ours, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

3.Did Jesus Christ any father on earth?
No:St. Joseph was His guardian or foster-father.

4.Where and when was Jesus born?
In a stable at Bethlehem on Christmas Day 4BC.

5.What is the fourth article of the Creed?
'Suffered underPontius Pilate, was crucified, died and buried'.

6.What were the three chief sufferings of Christ?
His Agony (sweat of blood in the Garden)
His Scourging at the pillar and crowning with thorns
His carrying of the cross and crucifixion

7.What are the chief sufferings of our Lord called?
The Passion.

8. Why did our Savior have to suffer?
To atone (reconcile or 'make one') for our sins, and to gain eternal life for us.

9. Why is Jesus Christ called our Redeemer?
Because by 'bought back' our salvation through the shedding of His Precious Blood.

10. When and where did our Saviour die?
Our Savior died on Good Friday (AD 33) on Mount Calvary.

11.Why do we make the sign of the cross?
To remind us of theBlessed Trinity ('In the name of theFather, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit') and that Christ died on the cross (the form we trace).

DAY FIVE

1.What is the fifth article of the Creed?
'He descended intohell; the third day He rose again from the dead'.

2.What do you mean by 'He descended into hell'?
As soon Christ was dead, His Soul went down into Limbo where the souls of the just were waiting for Him to open the door of heaven for them by His blood.

3.What is meant by 'the third day he rose again from the dead'?
He raised his body to life again on the third day, Easter Sunday.

4.What is the sixth article of the Creed?
'He ascended intoheaven; is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty'.

5. What is meant by 'He ascended into heaven'?
Our Saviour went up Body and Soul into heaven on Ascension Day, forty days after his resurrection.

6.What is meant by 'is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty'?
Jesus, fully God and fully man, is at the highest position of honor in heaven.

7.What is the seventh article of the Creed?
'From thence heshall come to judge the living and the dead'.

8.When will Christ come again?
On the last day, the Last Judgement of all mankind.

9.What are the things Christ will judge?
What we have done (thoughts, words, works) and what we have not done (omissions).

10. What will Christ say to the wicked?
'Depart from me, yecursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels. Matt. 25:41

11. What will Christ say to the just?
'Come, ye blessed of myfather, possess ye the kingdom prepared for you'. Matt.25:34

12. Will every one be judged at death, as well as at thelast day?
Yes:'It is appointed unto men once to die; and after this, the judgment'. Heb..9:27

DAY SIX

1.What is the eighth article of the Creed?
'I believe in the Holy Spirit'.

2.Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity who proceeds from the Father and the Son and is equal to them.

3.From whom does the Holy Spirit proceed?
From the Father and the Son.

4.When did the Holy Spirit come down on the Apostles?
Fifty days after the resurrection on Pentecost, in the form of 'parted tongues, as it were of fire.' Acts 2:3

5.Why did the Holy Spirit come down on the Apostles?
To confirmtheir faith, to sanctify them, and to enable them to found the Church.

6.What is the ninth article of the Creed?
'The Holy CatholicChurch; the Communion of Saints'.

7.What is the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church is the union of all the faithful under one Head, Jesus Christ, born on Pentecost Sunday.

8.What is the Church empowered to do?
To teach, sanctify and rule.

9.Does the Church have a visible Head on earth?
Yes, the Bishop ofRome, who is the Vicar of Christ (Pope or 'father').

10. Why is the Pope theHead of the Church?
He is the successor of St. Peter, whom Christ appointed as the first Pope.

11. How do you know that Christ appointed St. 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'. Matt. 16:18,19

12. Is the Pope the Spiritual Father, teacher and Shepherd of all Christians?
Yes, carrying out the command of Peter to 'Feed my lambs, feed my sheep'

13. What does it mean to say that the Pope is infallible?
The Pope cannot err when, as Shepherd and Teacher of all Christians, he defines a doctrine concerning faith or morals, to be held by the whole Church.

DAY SEVEN

1. What are the four marks (identifying traits) of the true Church
One - Holy - Catholic - Apostolic.

2. How is the Church One?
All members have the same Faith, Sacrifice, Sacraments, and Head (Jesus Christ).

3. How is the Church Holy?
Jesus Christ, Her holy Founder, teaches holy doctrine and the means of holiness.

4. How is the Church Catholic (universal)?
Because it is a timeless source of teaching and Truth for all nations.

5. How is the Church Apostolic?
It was founded by Christ on the apostles and, according to His Divine Will, has always been governed by their lawful successors.

6. Can the Church err in what she teaches?
No, she is infallible in what she teaches as to faith or morals.

7. How do we know that the Church cannot err in what she teaches?
Because Christ promised...
1. the gates of hell shall never prevail against his Church
2. the Holy Spirit shall teach her all things
3. He Himself will be with her all days, even to the end of the world
Matt. 16:18, John 14:16-26, Matt. 28:20

8. What are the three attributes of the Church?
Authority: the Pope and bishops in union with him may teach, sanctify and govern
Infallibility: the Holy Spirit keeps the Magisterium from erring when teaching matters of faith and morals
Indefectibility: the Church will exist continuously until the end of time.

9. How is the Mystical Body of Christ organized?
Head: Christ
Body: baptized believers in heaven, purgatory and on earth
Soul: Holy Spirit
Life: grace
Mother: Blessed Virgin Mary
Patron or Guardian: St. Joseph
Protector or Defender: St. Michael the Archangel

10. How does one separate from the true Church?
Heresy: openly rejecting or doubting a clearly defined truth of the Church
Apostasy: openly rejecting the entire Christian faith
Schism: opening rejecting the lawful authority of the Church, especially the Pope.

11. What are the chief mysteries of Faith which every Christian is bound to know?
Unity and Trinity of God who will render to every man according to his works
Incarnation
Passion or Death
Resurrection of our Saviour.

DAY EIGHT

1. What is meant by the Communion of Saints?
All the members of the Church, in heaven, on earth, and in purgatory, are in the one body in Jesus Christ.

2. How are the faithful on earth in communion with each other?
1. By professing the same faith
2. By obeying the same authority
3. By assisting each other with their prayers and good works

3. How are we on earth in communion with the Saints in heaven?
1. By honoring them as the glorified members of the Church
2. By praying to them
3. By their praying for us.

4. How are we on earth in communion with the souls in purgatory?
By helping them through prayer, fasting, indulgences, good works and having Mass said on their behalf.

5. What is purgatory?
A place where souls suffer for a time after death on account of their...
1. Venial sin
2. Debt of temporal punishment due to those sins of which the guilt has been forgiven.

6. What is temporal punishment?
Punishment which will have an end, either in this world, or in the world to come.

7. How do you prove that there is a purgatory?
From the constant teaching of the Church
From the doctrine of Holy Scripture, which declares...
1. That God will render to every man according to his works
2. That nothing defiled shall enter heaven
3. That some will be saved, "as one who has gone through fires"
Matt. 16:27, Apoc. 21:27.1, Cor. 3:15

8. Which are the Cardinal Moral Virtues?
Cardinal Virtues (on which other virtues 'hinge' or turn) are:
Prudence: right timing, when and when not to do things
Justice: wanting all to get what they deserve
Fortitude: perseverance or endurance of trials
Temperance: right or moderate use of things. Wisdom 8:7

9. What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit? (easy to remember: P-U-C-K W(u)-F-F)
Piety: strong devotion to God and honoring those who honor God
Understanding: insights in the mysteries of the faith
Counsel: insights in practical matters
Knowledge: to know God and see him reflected in all creation
Wisdom: right judgement particularly in the things of God
Fortitude: perseverance or endurance of trials
Fear of God: great awe and reverence for God so that we don't want to offend Him by sin. Is. 11:2,3

DAY NINE

1. What is the tenth article of the Creed?
'The forgiveness of sins'.

2. What do you mean by 'the forgiveness of sins'?
Christ has left the power of forgiving sins to the Pastors of his Church through
Baptism and Penance. Jn.20:23

3. What is sin?
An offense against God by any thought, word, deed or omission against His law.

4. How many kinds of sin are there?
Original and actual sin.

5. What is original sin?
The guilt and stain of sin which we inherit from Adam, the origin of all mankind.

6. What was the sin committed by Adam?
The sin of disobedience...eating the forbidden fruit.

7. Has all of mankind contracted the guilt and stain of original sin?
All except the Blessed Virgin who was conceived without the least guilt or stain of original sin (the Immaculate Conception).

8. What is actual sin?
Actual sin is every sin which we ourselves commit:
Mortal: a serious offence against God that kills the soul and deserves hell
Venial: weakens the soul and displeases God (often leading to mortal sin)

9. How does mortal sin kill the soul?
By depriving it of sanctifying grace, the supernatural life of the soul.

10. Is it a great evil to fall into mortal sin?
Yes. because those who die in mortal sin will go to hell for all eternity.

11. What is venial sin?
Less serious sin that may be pardoned by prayer and good works.

12. What makes a sin 'mortal'
Serious matter (i.e. lying an other sins defined in the Bible)
Sufficient reflection (must be understood as seriously wrong)
Full consent (engaged in without reservations)

DAY TEN

1. What is the eleventh article of the Creed?
'The resurrection of the body'.

2. What is meant by 'the resurrection of the body'?
All shall rise again with their human bodies at the day of judgment.

3. What is the twelfth article of the Creed?
'Life everlasting'.

4. What does 'life everlasting' mean?
That the...
Good shall live forever in the glory and happiness of heaven (being with God). The wicked shall live and be punished in the fire of hell forever.

5. What does the Scripture say of the happiness of heaven?
'That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love him'. 1 Cor. 2:9

6. What judgements do we face after death?
Particular: individual judgement immediately after death determining our eternity
General judgement: post-resurrection confirmation of the status of all souls.

6. Will Faith alone save us?
Not without good works, and we must also have Hope and Charity.

7. What is Hope?
Hope is a supernatural gift of God, by which we firmly trust that God will give us eternal life and all means necessary to obtain it (as long as we obey Him).

8. Why must we hope in God?
Because He is infinitely good, powerful, and faithful to his promises.

9. What are the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit?
Charity: love of God and neighbor (for God's sake)
Joy: cheerfully serving God
Peace: untroubled mind in the face of trials
Patience: accepting trials/suffering as God's will without emotionally reacting
Kindness: treating others the right way (showing goodness to others)
Goodness: having all of the morals and virtues Gods wants for man
Gentleness: lack of harshness or severity
Faith: believing what God has revealed without doubting
Long-suffering: patient endurance of trails/suffering over a long period of time
Chasitity: purity in thought, word and deed
Continency: exhibiting purity in thoughts and motives
Modesty: exhibiting purity in words and actions. Gal. 5:22

DAY ELEVEN

1. Can we do any good work by ourselves towards our salvation?
No, we need the help of God's grace to do those works.

2. What is Grace?
A supernatural gift of God that gives life to the soul, freely given us for our sanctification and salvation.

3. What is sanctifying grace?
Grace which gives the soul new spiritual life by...
1. Making us holy and pleasing to God
2. Makes us adopted children of God
3. Makes us temples of the Holy Spirit
4. Gives us the right to enter heaven

4. What is actual grace?
Grace which enlightens out mind and will to do good and avoid evil.

5. How must we obtain God's grace?
Chiefly by prayer and the holy Sacraments.

6. What is prayer?
The raising up of the mind and heart to God by thinking of, adoring, praising, thanking and asking blessing of Him. (APTA)

7. What if we don't think of God nor of what is said in prayer?
We do not pray well and offend God if the distractions are wilful.

8. Which is the best of all prayers?
The 'Our Father'(Lord's Prayer), given directly to us by Jesus in the Gospels.

9. Recite 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 those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.

10. Why is God called 'our Father'?
Because he is the Father of all Christians (made so by Baptism) and the Father of all mankind who he made, loves and preserves.

11. Why do we say, 'our' Father, and not 'my' Father?
We are to pray not for ourselves only, but with our brethren for others.

12. What does 'hallowed be thy name' imply?
That God may be known, loved, and served by all of His creatures.

DAY TWELVE

1. What is meant by 'Thy kingdom come'?
That God may come and reign in the hearts of all by His grace in this world, and bring us all to his heavenly kingdom.

2. What is meant by 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven'?
That God may enable us to do his will in all things as the Blessed do in heaven.

3. What does 'give us this day our daily bread' imply?
That God may give us daily all that is necessary for soul and body.

4. What does 'forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us' mean?
That God will forgive our sins in the same way as we forgive others' sins against
us.

5. What does 'lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil' mean?
That God may give us grace not to yield to temptation and may free us from all evil (both of soul and body).

6. Should we ask the Angels and Saints to pray for us?
Yes, because they are our brethren whose prayers have great power with God.

7. How can we 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 15:10

8. What is the chief prayer to the Blessed Virgin which the Church uses?
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 at the hour of our death. Amen.

9. From where does first part of the Hail Mary come?
The Angel Gabriel and St. Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

10. From where does the second part of the Hail Mary come?
From the Church, inspired by the Holy Spirit, honoring the Immaculate Mother.

11. Why should we frequently say the Hail Mary?
To remind us of the Incarnation of the Son of God, to honor the Mother of God, and to ask our Blessed Lady to pray for us sinners at all times, especially at death.

12. How is the Blessed Virgin Mother of God?
Because Jesus Christ, her son, who was born of her as man and also truly God.

13. Is the Blessed Virgin our Mother also?
Yes, because we are the brethren of Jesus, and thus children of Mary.

14. What is meant by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin?
Mary, at the completion of her life, was taken body and soul into everlasting glory to reign as Queen of heaven and earth.

15. Is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin an article of faith?
Yes because it has been solemnly defined by the Church's infallible authority.

DAY THIRTEEN

1. Which are the two great precepts of Charity?
'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' and 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself'. Mark 12:30,31

2. What is Charity?
A supernatural gift of God by which we love God above all things, and our neighbor as ourselves for God's sake.

3. Why and how must we love God?
Because He is infinitely good in himself and good to us, we show that we love Him by keeping his commandments ('If you love me, keep my commandments.') John 14:15, Mt. 19:16, Rom. 13:8-10

4. Say the Ten Commandments.
1. 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, nor 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 that 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.

5. Who gave the ten Commandments?
God gave the ten Commandments to Moses in the Old Law, and Christ confirmed them.

6. What is the Faith?
O, my God, I believe that Thou art one God in Three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I believe that Thy Divine Son bdcame man and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all of the truths which Thy Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them who can neither deceive nor be deceived.

DAY FOURTEEN

1. What is the First Commandment?
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 anything that is in heaven above, nor 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. What are we commanded to do by the first Commandment?
To worship the one, true, and living God, by Faith, Hope, Charity, and Religion.

3. What does faith oblige us to do?
Learn about what God has revealed (i.e. catechism) Believe firmly in God's revelation Profess our faith openly when necessary

4. What are the sins against Faith?
All false religions
Willful doubt, disbelief, or denial of any article of Faith
Deliberate ignorance of the doctrines of the Church.

5. How do we expose ourselves to the danger of losing our Faith?
By neglecting our spiritual duties, reading bad books, and attending non-Catholic events.

6. What are the sins against Hope?
Despair: deliberately refusing to trust in God
Presumption: that we can be saved without God, or God can save without our effort.

7. What are the chief sins against Religion?
The worship of false gods or idols, and the giving to any creature the honor which belongs to God alone (superstition).

8. Does the first Commandment forbid the making of images?
No, just making of idols (things fo be adored or honored as gods).

9. What else does the First Commandment forbid?
Spiritualism: dealing with Satan (i.e. fortune-tellers)
Sacrilege: irreverence or mistreatment of sacred persons, places or things
Simony: buying or selling sacred things (i.e. indulgences, church offices).

10. What kind of honor or worship should we give to the Angels and Saints?
Honor and devotion as the servants and special friends of God, but not divine worship which is due to God alone.

11. What honor should we give to relics, crucifixes, and holy pictures?
A relative honor, since they relate to and are memorials of Christ and His Saints.

12. Do we pray to relics and images?
No, we pray to the person to whom they are related or represent because of their relationship with God.

13. How do we honor saints of the Church?
Pray to them, imitate their lives and honor their images and relics.

DAY FIFTEEN

1. What is the second Commandment?
'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain'.

2. What are we commanded by the second Commandment?
To speak with reverence of God and all holy persons and things, and to keep our lawful oaths and vows.

3. What does the second Commandment forbid?
1. False, rash, unjust, and unnecessary oaths
2. Blasphemy (insulting God, the Church or any holy thing)
3. Cursing (wishing evil on a person or object)
4. Profanity: 'bad' words and expressions like 'my God'

4. When is it lawful to swear or to take an oath?
When God's, our own or our neighbor's honor requires it.

5. What is the third Commandment?
'Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.

6. Why is Sunday the Christian Sabbath instead of the Old Testament day of Saturday?
Because Sunday is the day Christ rose from the dead and the Holy Spirit descended.

7. How are we to keep the Christian Sabbath, Sunday, holy?
By praying and participating in Mass and resting from servile works.

8. Why are we commanded to rest from servile works?
So that we may have time and opportunity for prayer, Sacraments, teaching and reading good books.

9. What is the Act of Hope?
O my God, relying on thy Almighty power and infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of all my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

10. What is the Act of Charity?
O my God, I love You above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because You are all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of You. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

DAY SIXTEEN

1. What is the fourth Commandment?
'Honor thy father and thy mother'.

2. What are we commanded by the fourth Commandment?
To love, reverence, obey (in all that is not sin) and assist them in their needs.

3. Who else should be obey?
Bishops and pastors in union with the Pope, civil officials and lawful superiors.

4. Are we bound in justice to contribute to the support of our pastors?
Yes: St. Paul says ' The Lord ordained that they who preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel'. Cor.9:14

5. What is the duty of parents towards their children?
To provide for them, to instruct and correct them, and to give them a good Catholic education.

6. What is the duty of masters, employers and other superiors?
To take proper care of those under their charge, and to enable them to practice their religious duties.

7. What does the fourth Commandment forbid?
Contempt, stubbornness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors.

8. Is it sinful to belong to a Secret Society?
Yes if they plot against the Church or State, or if they are condemned by the Church.

9. What is the fifth Commandment?
'Thou shalt not kill'.

10. What actions does the fifth Commandment forbid?
Willful murder, fighting, quarreling, and injurious words; scandal and bad example (which lead to harm to our neighbor's soul).

11. Does the fifth Commandment forbid anger?
Yes, anger, hatred and revenge are forbidden.

12. What is the Act of Contrition?
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend thee, my God, who are all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

DAY SEVENTEEN

1. What is the sixth Commandment?
'Thou shalt not commit adultery'.

2. What does the sixth Commandment forbid?
Impurity and immodesty in words, looks and actions, alone or with others.

3. What are the chief means of preserving chastity?
Avoid questionable situations and places
Prayer and devotion (especially to the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Frequent assistance at Mass, communion and confession

4. What is the seventh Commandment?
'Thou shalt not steal'.

5. What does the seventh Commandment forbid?
The unjust taking away or keeping what belongs to others.

6. What else is forbidden?
Cheating, bribe-taking or swindling
Keeping ill-gotten goods
Not paying our debts
Wasting an employer's or our neighbor's time and property
Keeping or damaging property of others.

7. What is the eighth Commandment?
'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor'.

8. What does the eighth Commandment forbid?
False testimony and lies
Rash judgment
Calumny (slander or false statements that hurt another)
Detraction (revealing another's faults unnecessarily)
Gossip and harmful speech in general

9. If you have injured someone by speaking ill of them, what are you bound to do?
To make satisfaction by restoring his good name as far as I can.

10. What is the Memorare?
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come; before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

DAY EIGHTEEN

1. What is the ninth Commandment?
'Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife'.

2. What does the ninth Commandment forbid?
Willful consent to impure thoughts and desires, and pleasure of the flesh.

3. What sins commonly lead to the breaking of the sixth and ninth Commandments?
Gluttony, intemperance, idleness, bad company and the neglect of prayer.

4. Does the ninth commandment forbid all unchaste or impure thoughts?
Yes, they are sinful if they are 'willful' (taking pleasure in and not resisting).

5. What is the tenth Commandment?
'Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's goods'.

6. What does the tenth Commandment forbid?
All envious and covetous thoughts and desires for what belongs to our neighbor.

7. Are we bound to obey the Church?
Yes because Christ told the leaders of the Church: 'He that heareth you, heareth me: and he that despiseth you, despiseth me.' Luke 10:16

8. What are the six precepts or commandments of the Church?
To keep the Sundays and Holydays of Obligation
To keep the days of fasting and abstinence appointed by the Church
To go to confession at least once a year
To receive the Blessed Sacrament at least once a year, at Easter
To contribute to the support the Church
To obey the Church's marriage laws.

9. How do we observe Sundays and Holydays?
By attending Mass and resting from servile works and seeing that all in your charge (i.e. children) do so also, excepted only by illness or vital employment.

DAY NINETEEN

1. What is the second Precept of the Church?
'To keep the days of fasting and abstinence appointed by the Church'.

2. What are fasting days?
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, when only one full meal and two smaller meals are eaten for those 18 to years old.

3. What are days of abstinence?
Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent when no flesh (red or
bloody) meat and anything made from meat is eaten, for those above age 14.

4. Why does the Church command us to fast and abstain?
So that we may mortify (discipline) the flesh and satisfy God for our sins.

5. How often should we go to Confession?
When we are guilty of serious sin, but never less than once a year.

6. How soon are children bound to go to Confession and Communion?
When they are at the age reason, are capable of serious sin and can distinguish between ordinary bread and the Blessed Sacrament (around age 7).

7. What is the fourth Commandment of the Church?
'To receive the Blessed Sacrament at least once a year at Easter.

8. What is the fifth Commandment of the Church?
'To contribute to the support of our pastors' so that God may be honored and worshiped and the kingdom of his Church extended.

9. What is the sixth Commandment of the Church?
To obey the Church's marriage laws, and avoiding Advent and Lenten festivities.

10. What is the Salve Regina or Hail Holy Queen?
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, 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 the valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

DAY TWENTY

1. What is a Sacrament?
Sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Jesus Christ, by which grace is given to souls who worthily receive them.

2. Why do the Sacraments have the power of giving grace?
From the merits of Christ's Precious Blood which they apply to our souls.

3. Why should we to have a great desire to receive the Sacraments?
Because they are the chief means of our salvation.

4. What is a character?
A mark or seal on the soul given once by the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and holy Orders which cannot be removed.

5. What are the seven Sacraments?
Baptism - Spiritual birth
Confession - spiritual medicine
Communion - spiritual food
Confirmation - spiritual adulthood
Holy Orders - between a priest and God
Matrimony - between a man and woman
Extreme Unction - anointing at the point of death

6. What is Baptism?
Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin (and actual sin), enables us to receive the sacraments, and makes us members of the Church subject to its laws.

7. Does Baptism also forgive actual sins?
Yes, and all punishment due to them, when it is received in proper disposition.

8. How is Baptism given?
Baptism is given (by a bishop, priest or deacon in normal circumstances) by pouring water on the head , saying at the same time these words: 'I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit'.

9. What do we promise in Baptism?
To renounce the devil and all his works and pomps.

10. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
Yes, Christ said: 'Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God'. John 3:5

11. What are the three types of baptism?
Water: administered by the Church
Blood: when the unbaptized suffer martydom for Christ
Desire: when one loves God above all things, though they are ignorant of Christ

DAY TWENTY ONE

1. What is the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?
The Real Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of Jesus Christ, under the appearances of bread and wine.

2. How are the bread and wine changed into the Body and Blood of Christ?
When through the power of God, the words of consecration given by Christ said by the priest in Holy Mass.

3. Why has Christ 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 6:58,59

4. Is Christ completely received in either the bread or wine alone?
Yes, through transubstantiation, complete change of substance but not appearance.

5. In order to receive the Blessed Sacrament worthily what is required?
To be in a state of grace (free from mortal sin) and keep the prescribed fast: 'for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself'. Cor. 11:29

6. Is the Blessed Eucharist a Sacrament only?
It is also the sacrifice of the New Law: offering of a victim by a priest to God alone in testimony of His being the Sovereign Lord of all things.

7. What is the Holy Mass?
The Sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, really present on the altar under the appearances of bread and wine, offered to God for the living and dead.

8. Is the Holy Mass one and the same Sacrifice with that of the Cross?
Yes, because Christ offered himself as 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.

9. For what purposes is the Sacrifice of the Mass offered?
To give supreme honor and glory to God
To thank him for all his benefits
To satisfy God for our sins and to obtain the grace of repentance
To obtain all other graces and blessings through Jesus Christ.

10. What are three reasons for Christ giving His body and blood in the Eucharist?
Commemoration: (remembrance) of His sacrifice on the cross
Communion: reception by the faithful to obtain sanctifying grace
Adoration: His physical presence among His people on the altar or the Tabernacle

11. How do we assist at Mass?
Attention, reverence, devotion and participation in the liturgy as allowed.

12. What are the chief effects of Holy Communion?
Closer union and greater love of God and our neighbor
Increase in sanctifying grace
Remission of venial sin and preservation from mortal sin
Lessening of inclination to sin and greater desire to do good works

DAY TWENTY TWO

1. What is the Sacrament of Confession (Penance)?
The Sacrament whereby the mortal or venial sins committed after Baptism are forgiven and grace is increased in the soul.

2. When did our Lord institute 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

3. How does the priest forgive sins?
When through the power of God he says the words of absolution: 'I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit'.

4. What are the required conditions for a good confession?
Contrition: great sorrow for our sins with firm purpose of amendment
Confession: reveal our sins to a priest of the Church
Satisfaction: doing the penance prescribed by the priest

5. What is a firm purpose of amendment?
The determination to avoid sin and occasions that lead to sin.

6. How do we obtain great (hearty) sorrow for our sins?
By asking for it in prayer and considering how we have offended and hurt God (those who sin 'crucify again to themselves the Son of God, making him a mockery'. Heb. 6:6)

7. What are the types of contrition?
Imperfect: sorrow because we fear hell and punishment
Perfect: arising purely from love of God and not wanting to offend Him.

8. What special value has perfect contrition?
Our sins are forgiven immediately, but we must still must confess mortal sins.

9. What are the qualities of true contrition?
Interior: sorrow is from the heart not just our lips
Supernatural: we are sorry because of the effect it has on our relation to God
Supreme: we hate sin above all evils and prefer suffering to offending God
Universal: we are sorry for all the sins we have committed.

10. What must we do to make a good confession?
Remember all sins: through prayer and meditation
Sorrow for sins: true sorrow for having offended God
Repentance for sins: resolve to turn from and not repeat sin
Confess all sins: tell all sins, with no exceptions, to the priest
Do the penance: completely carry out the penance given by the priest

11. Does the penance given by the priest always make full satisfaction for our sins?
No, so we should engage in prayer and other goods works and gain Indulgences.

12. What are the effects of Penance?
Restoration and increase of sanctifying grace
Forgiveness of sins
Remission of eternal punishment, and part of temporal punishment, for sins
Help to avoid sin in the future
Restoration of the merits of good works lost by mortal sin

13. What if we conceal a sin during confession?
It is the sin of sacrilege and none of our confessed sins are forgiven.

DAY TWENTY THREE

1. What is Confirmation?
The Sacrament by which we receive the Holy Spirit, in order to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.

2. How does the Bishop administer the Sacrament of Confirmation?
By praying that the Holy Spirit may come down upon those who are to be confirmed
By laying his hand on them
By making the sign of the cross with chrism on their foreheads and By saying 'N., be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit'.

3. What is chrism?
Oil and balm blessed by the Bishop on Holy Thursday symbolizing strength of soul.

4. What are the four weapons of the confirmed?
Suffering/sacrifice, prayer, good example and encouragement of others.

5. What is the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?
Prayer and anointing of the sick with holy oil when in danger of death by illness.

6. What are the effects of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
Comfort and strengthening of the soul
Remission of sin
Restoration of health if God wills.

7. Where does Scripture reveal this Sacrament?
James 5:14-15 - 'Is any one sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man; and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he be in sins they shall be forgiven him'.

8. What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?
The Sacrament though which bishops, priests, and deacons of the Church are
ordained, receiving power and grace to perform their sacred duties.

9. What supernatural functions does the priest obtain through Holy Orders?
The ability to consecrate the Host and forgive sins in confession.

10. What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?
Sanctifying the contract of a Christian marriage, and giving special grace to those who receive it worthily (no mortal sin, obeying the laws of the Church).

11. What special graces does the Sacrament of Matrimony give?
To bear the difficulties of married life
To love and to be faithful to one another
To bring up children in the fear of God.

12. What is a 'mixed marriage'?
A marriage in which only one partner is a Catholic, but is allowed if there is a promise to have the children baptized and raised as Catholics.

13. Can any human power dissolve the bond of marriage?
No, because Christ has said: 'What God has joined together, let not man put asunder'. Matt. 19:6

DAY TWENTY FOUR

1.  What are the eight Beatitudes?
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 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. Matt. 5:3-10

2. What are the three eminent Good Works?
Prayer, fasting, almsdeeds (good works).

3. What are the Evangelical Councils?
Voluntary poverty, perpetual chastity and entire obedience.

4. What are the four last things to be ever remembered?
Death, Judgment, Hell, and Heaven. Ecclus 7:40

5. What is the Anima Christi (Soul of Christ)?
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bidst me come to Thee
That with Thy saints I may praise Thee
Forever and ever. Amen.

DAY TWENTY FIVE

1. What are the seven Corporal Works of Mercy? VGC-VSB-F
Visit the sick
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothed the naked
Visit the prisoner
Shelter the homeless
Bury the dead
Feed the hungry. Matt. 25; Tobias 12

4. What are the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy? CAB-PIC-F
Counsel the doubtful
Admonish the sinner
Bear wrongs patiently
Pray for the living and the dead
Instruct the ignorant
Comfort the sorrowful
Forgive all injuries

5. What is an Indulgence?
A remission, granted by the Church, of the temporal punishment due to sin after the guilt of the sin itself has been forgiven.

6. What is source of indulgences?
The superabundant (more than necessary) satisfaction gained but unused by the Blessed Virgin Mary and other saints in their lifetimes which the Church can 'loose'.

7. What types of indulgences are there?
Plenary: remits all temporal punishment due for our sins
Partial: remits part of the temporal punishment due for our sins.

8. How do we gain the indulgence?
Be in a state of grace, free from the attachment to sin
Desire to gain the indulgence itself
Perform the works required by the Church
(Plenary also requires Confession, Communion and prayer for the Pope)

DAY TWENTY SIX

1. To what saint was the Rosary first revealed?
St. Dominic in the 13th Century by the Virgin Mary.

2. Has the Rosary remained unchanged to the present day?
No, different parts have been added with time.

3. What does 'rosary' mean?
Latin Rosarium or rose garden, wreath or garland.

4. What does the Feast of the Holy Rosary, October 7, celebrate?
The victory of Christians over Moslem forces in the sea Battle of Lepanto, 1571, through Mary's intercession.

5. What are the Five Joyful Mysteries?
The Annunciation (Gabriel's visit to Mary and the Incarnation)
The Visitation (Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth)
The Nativity: the birth of Jesus
The Presentation in the Temple (forty days after Jesus' birth)
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple: at age twelve

6. What are the Five Sorrowful Mysteries?
The Agony in the Garden (Jesus prays in Gethsemane)
The Scourging at the Pillar (Roman soldiers beat Jesus)
The Crowning with Thorns (mock crowning of Jesus by the soldiers)
The Carrying of the Cross (the Via Dolorosa or Way of the Cross)
The Crucifixion (Jesus dies on Cross of Calvary)

7. What are the Five Glorious Mysteries?
The Resurrection (Jesus rises on Easter morning)
The Ascension (Jesus returns to heaven forty days after Easter)
The Descent of the Holy Spirit (on Pentecost Sunday-fifty days after Easter)
The Assumption (Mary is taken body and spirit to heaven at her life's end)
The Crowning of Mary (as Queen of Heaven and Earth)

8. What special graces are given to those with devotion to the Rosary?
Many indulgences and 15 Promises given to Alan de la Roche.

DAY TWENTY SEVEN

1. What are the seven capital sins and their contrary virtues? (G-G LEAPS)
Gluttony (over eating or drinking) ... Temperance
Greed (love of wealth or material goods)... Generosity
Lust (unlawful physical pleasure) ... Chastity
Envy (resenting others' good fortune) ... Brotherly love
Anger (emotional reaction against adversity) ... Meekness
Pride (esteeming ourselves more than we ought)... Humility
Sloth (laziness, neglect of duties) ... Diligence

2. Why are they called capital sins?
Because they are the sources from which all other sins arise.

3. What are the six sins against the Holy Spirit? PED - ROF
Presumption: believing we can be saved without God, or He will save without our
Envy: resenting other's good fortune)
Despair: refusing to trust in God
Resisting what you know to be true
Obstinacy: stubborness
Final refusal to repent

4. Which are the four sins crying to heaven for vengeance?
Willful murder
Oppression of the poor
Sin of Sodom (homosexuality)
Defrauding the worker of his/her wage. Gen. 4, Gen. 18, Exod. 2, James 5

5. When are we answerable for the sins of others?
When we purposely cause or share in them.

6. In what nine ways may we either cause or share the guilt of another's sin?
Counsel Concealment
Command Consent
Partner Provocation
Praise Silence
Defense

7. What is the Angelus (Angel)?
During the year (outside Eastertime):
V. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done to me according to your word.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. And the Word was made Flesh,
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ

Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, Your Grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, your 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.

DAY TWENTY EIGHT

1. How do we know that there is a God?
Natural Reason: observing the complexity of the world around us
Worship: mankind has always had an interior impulse to worship God in some way.

2. How do we know that Christianity is the true religion?
Prophecy: Christ's coming and details of his ministry were revealed throughout the two thousand year span of the Old Testament
Miracles: Christ worked miracles in His time, and afterwards, to prove His teaching was true '...these very works that I do, bear witness to Me. John 5:36

3. How do we know that the Catholic Church is the true Church?
Marks: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic in origin
History: miraculous events, consistent theology, and existence for over 2000 years

4. What are the sources of evidence about the Church?
Bible: inspired (written by God through willing men)
Tradition: oral apostolic teachings eventually written by the Church Fathers.

5. What are the fourteen Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross)?
Jesus accepts the unjust sentence from Pilate
Jesus accepts the cross
Jesus falls the first time
Jesus greets His Holy Mother, Mary
Simon of Cyrene is forced to help carry the cross
Veronica wipes the faces of Jesus
Jesus falls a second time
Jesus greets the holy women of Jerusalem
Jesus falls a third time
Jesus is stripped of His garments
Jesus is nailed to the Cross
Jesus dies on the Cross
Mary receives the Body of Jesus
Jesus is laid in the tomb

6. From where did the Station of the Cross devotion come?
From 15th century Franciscans who make smaller replicas of the stations which pilgrims visited in the Holy City of Jerusalem.

DAY TWENTY NINE

1. What were the first group of living things that God created?
Angels, who are spiritual beings with free will and understanding.

2. Why was there a war in heaven?
Satan and one third of the angels rebelled and were cast out by St. Michael and the good angels.

3. What do angels do for us?
Pray, inspire and guard us (i.e. guardian angel).

4. What do the fallen angels do?
Satan and the fallen angels (demons) tempt us to sin.

5. What are sacramentals?
Holy objects or actions (including blessings) that gain spiritual and temporal favors through the Church's intercession.

6. What are the chief benefits of sacramentals?
Actual graces
Forgiveness of venial sins
Remission of temporal punishment
Health and other material blessings
Protection from evil spirits

7. What is prayer?
Lifting of our minds and hearts to God in order to:
Adore and love Him
Thank him
Ask forgiveness
Request graces and blessings

8. What is the Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven)?
During Eastertime:
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia,
For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia
Has risen as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia
R. For the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.

O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, grant that we may obtain through His Virgin Mother, Mary, the joys of everlasting life, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

DAY THIRTY

All are Latin unless noted...

1. Mass: English form of Missa or 'dismissal' of the catechumens prior to start of the Liturgy of the Eucharist
2. Eucharist: Greek for thanksgiving
3. Pater Noster: Our Father
4. Ave Maria: Hail Mary
5. Credo: I believe
6. Salve Regina: Hail Holy Queen
7. Te Deum: Thee God
8. Memorare: to Remember
9. De Profoundis: out of the depths
10. Sub Tuum: we fly to your protection
11. Regina Coeli: Queen of Heaven
12. Novena: nine
13. Viaticum: provision for a journey
14. Confiteor: I confess
15. Kyrie eleison: (Greek) Lord have mercy
16. Gloria in Excelsis: Glory be to God on High
17. Epistle: (Greek) letter
18. Gospel: (old English) Good tidings
19. Agnus Dei: Lamb of God
20. Sanctus: holy
21. Ave Maris Stella: Hail Star of the Sea

INFORMATION COURTESY: Thirty Day Catechism from Memorare.com