40% off the Complete Summary of the Dark Night of the Soul

In honor of today's Feast of St. John of the Cross, we are offering our book summary of his classic "Dark Night of the Soul" for 40% off.  Just enter code DARKNIGHT to save on it.

Our summary of the "Dark Night of the Soul" is meant to make this text understandable for you.  Our summary is approximately 20 pages long.  It is a meaningful and complete summary.  Our summaries allow you to understand such great classics as this book without having to devote many hours to reading the full book.

Link to the summary: http://www.catechismclass.com/shop/lessons_detail.php?id=142

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CatechismClass.com Reviews

CatechismClass.com

You are really providing a valuable service. The scriptural emphasis is wonderful. I sure hope this gets to be more widely known -- and used!

Dr. Scott Hahn

It is a monumental work for which I have nothing but praise. Clearly, this "Mary" part is spectacular. The organization of each section or chapter is clear and understandable. It is followed through in each section. The different parts fit together and flow into each other: Introduction, Prayer and an explanation, Background from Sacred Scripture, Church teachings as found in Catechisms and Church Documents, Discussion or integration, Activity, Quiz and Closing Prayer. I find that the work has a clear dialectical method that leads the reader to learn experientially and intuitively. It immerses the student into the life of the Church on the topic. There is a feeling of becoming a part of what one is learning. Congratulations to a wonderful work. Again, I must say that this is a monumental work that is very good. I strongly recommend it to everyone. It compiles in a simple yet organized way not only what we believe about the Blessed Virgin Mary but also the cult of the Catholic Church that has grown around this wonderful belief.

Rev. Carl L. Pieber, C.M., Executive Director

Central Association of the Miraculous Medal

During the past four decades, many parents have learned from experience that they must actively take responsibility as their children's primary teachers if they want them to learn anything substantial about their faith. But such parents may have searched in growing bewilderment for reliable, comprehensive, attractive, current catechetical materials. Here is the answer: the Magisterial dogmas and doctrines of our Catholic faith, brought into your home on the Internet. Developed and administered by believers at the resurgent heart of the Church-- experienced religious and lay teachers and parents-- this program has swept through North American dioceses and attracted subscribers on every continent. Its materials are tailored for every age, from docile first graders to senior citizens seeking remedial instruction. And each pupil can work at his own pace as he falls in love with the ageless truth. Praise the Lord, CatechismClass.com is the real thing!

Mrs. Donna Steichen

Various websites are drawn on to supplement and illustrate their material...Those who register and use the program will find an excellent amount of Catholic resources available. Fidelity rating: Excellent. 

Catholic Culture Website Reviews

Proudly featured on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) with Father Pacwa in 2006

EWTN

Featured in Volume 10.1 of Envoy Magazine, a quarterly journal of Catholic thought published by the Envoy Institute of Belmont Abbey College, under the guidance of their Editor and Director, Patrick Madrid, renown Catholic apologist

Envoy Magazine

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The Errors of Reincarnation: Reincarnation versus a Glorious Bodily Resurrection

Note:The following is excerpted with permission from the CatechismClass.com 5th Sunday after Easter lesson.

As we celebrate our Lord’s Resurrection from the dead, we choose today to turn our attention to understanding the important difference between the Catholic belief in a resurrected body and the false principle of re-incarnation.

According to re-incarnation, all peoples receive a new body after death; thus, the body that a person has now is not the body that he will have in the future. Believers in reincarnation directly contradict the Creed which professes a resurrection of the same body that a person currently possesses. Our Lord’s example shows forth to us a model since we are to follow Him in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection (of the same body!) since He Himself has foretold it (cf. John 13:36).

Christ did not inherit a new body. Christ’s body in Heaven still bears the same wounds from the Cross. It is for that reason that St. Thomas was told by Christ to put his hand into the Sacred Side of our Lord so that Thomas would believe in the Resurrection (cf. John 20:24-29). Christ rose from the dead in the same Body!

Even the modern Catechism of the Church is clear when it plainly teaches “There is no "reincarnation" after death” (CCC 1013). This teaching was similarly expressed with great clarify in the Catechism of the Council of Trent: “Man is, therefore, to rise again in the same body with which he served God, or was a slave to the devil; that in the same body he may experience rewards and a crown of victory, or endure the severest punishments and torments.”

But for reasons aside from our Creed, reincarnation is unacceptable for purely philosophic reasons.
As stated in the Catholic Encyclopedia: “Substance, the first of Aristotle's categories, signifies being as existing in and by itself, and serving as a subject or basis for accidents and accidental changes.”
Succinctly put, the substance of something is what that thing properly is.

Let’s take a chair for instance. There are leather chairs, wooden chairs, three-legged chairs, four-legged chairs, recliners, et cetera. What makes all of these a chair? A chair is a substance and all of these manifestations share in the quality of “chair-ness”. In this sense, we see that something is not defined by its accidents (i.e. “any contingent, or nonessential attribute” – Catholic Encyclopedia). Even if I took a dining chair and broke its legs, painted it, and threw it outside in the dumpster, it would still be a chair (albeit a poor quality one!).

A human being is a union of body and soul. The substance of a person is not merely his soul which can travel from body to body and occupy them at whim. A human person’s substance is a union of body and soul. You may never talk about a particular person without referring to the wholeness of that person. St. Thomas Aquinas addresses this same point in Question 75, Article 4 of his Summa:

I answer that, The assertion "the soul is man," can be taken in two senses. 

First, that man is a soul; though this particular man, Socrates, for instance, is not a soul, but composed of soul and body. I say this, forasmuch as some held that the form alone belongs to the species; while matter is part of the individual, and not the species. This cannot be true; for to the nature of the species belongs what the definition signifies; and in natural things the definition does not signify the form only, but the form and the matter. Hence in natural things the matter is part of the species; not, indeed, signate matter, which is the principle of individuality; but the common matter. For as it belongs to the notion of this particular man to be composed of this soul, of this flesh, and of these bones; so it belongs to the notion of man to be composed of soul, flesh, and bones; for whatever belongs in common to the substance of all the individuals contained under a given species, must belong to the substance of the species.   

It may also be understood in this sense, that this soul is this man; and this could be held if it were supposed that the operation of the sensitive soul were proper to it, apart from the body; because in that case all the operations which are attributed to man would belong to the soul only; and whatever performs the operations proper to a thing, is that thing; wherefore that which performs the operations of a man is man. But it has been shown above (Article 3) that sensation is not the operation of the soul only. Since, then, sensation is an operation of man, but not proper to him, it is clear that man is not a soul only, but something composed of soul and body. Plato, through supposing that sensation was proper to the soul, could maintain man to be a soul making use of the body.

Thus, on both purely religions and purely philosophical grounds, valid arguments are raised against reincarnation. 

For those of us faithful to the Traditions of the Church, it behooves us to learn the future of our own bodies.   We know that we shall rise again in a glorified body but what is a glorified body?  What does it look like?  How does it function?  We now turn to understanding this point.

The qualities of a glorified body are the subject of the following selection from the Catechism of the Council of Trent.  When reading this, please specifically recall how our Lord’s Body possesses all of these criteria:

The Qualities Of A Glorified Body 

In addition to this, the bodies of the risen Saints will be distinguished by certain transcendent endowments, which will ennoble them far beyond their former condition. Among these endowments four are specially mentioned by the Fathers, which they infer from the doctrine of St. Paul, and which are called gifts. 

Impassibility 

The first endowment or gift is impassibility, which shall place them beyond the reach of suffering anything disagreeable or of being affected by pain or inconvenience of any sort. Neither the piercing severity of cold, nor the glowing intensity of heat, nor the impetuosity of waters can hurt them. It is sown says the Apostle, in corruption, it shall rise in incorruption This quality the Schoolmen call impassibility, not incorruption, in order to distinguish it as a property peculiar to a glorified body. The bodies of the damned, though incorruptible, will not be impassible; they will be capable of experiencing heat and cold and of suffering various afflictions. 

Brightness 

The next quality is brightness, by which the bodies of the Saints shall shine like the sun, according to the words of our Lord recorded in the Gospel of St. Matthew: The just shall shine as the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. To remove the possibility of doubt on the subject, He exemplifies this in His Transfiguration. This quality the Apostle sometimes calls glory, sometimes brightness: He will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory; " and again, It is sown in dishonour, it shall rise in glory. Of this glory the Israelites beheld some image in the desert, when the face of Moses, after he had enjoyed the presence and conversation of God, shone with such lustre that they could not look on it. 

This brightness is a sort of radiance reflected on the body from the supreme happiness of the soul. It is a participation in that bliss which the soul enjoys just as the soul itself is rendered happy by a participation in the happiness of God. 

Unlike the gift of impassibility, this quality is not common to all in the same degree. All the bodies of the Saints will be equally impassible; but the brightness of all will not be the same, for, according to the Apostle, One is the glory of the sun, another the glory of the moon, and another the glory of the stars, for star differeth from star in glory: so also is the resurrection of the dead. 

Agility 

To the preceding quality is united that which is called agility, by which the body will be freed from the heaviness that now presses it down, and will take on a capability of moving with the utmost ease and swiftness, wherever the soul pleases, as St. Augustine teaches in his book On the City of God, and St. Jerome On Isaias. Hence these words of the Apostle: It is sown in weakness, it shall rise in power. 

Subtility 

Another quality is that of subtility, which subjects the body to the dominion of the soul, so that the body shall be subject to the soul and ever ready to follow her desires. This quality we learn from these words of the Apostle: It is sown a natural body, it shall rise a spiritual body. 

These are the principal points which should be dwelt on in the exposition of this Article. 

Advantages of Deep Meditation on this Article 

But in order that the faithful may appreciate the fruit they derive from a knowledge of so many and such exalted mysteries, it is necessary, first of all, to point out that to God, who has hidden these things from the wise and made them known to little ones, we owe a debt of boundless gratitude. How many men, eminent for wisdom or endowed with singular learning, who ever remained blind to this most certain truth ! The fact, then, that He has made known to us these truths, although we could never have aspired to such knowledge, obliges us to pour forth our gratitude in unceasing praises of His supreme goodness and clemency. 

Another important advantage to be derived from reflection on this Article is that in it we shall find consolation both for ourselves and others when we mourn the death of those who were endeared to us by relationship or friendship. Such was the consolation which the Apostle himself gave the Thessalonians when writing to them concerning those who are asleep. 

Again, in all our afflictions and calamities the thought of a future resurrection must bring the greatest relief to the troubled heart, as we learn from the example of holy Job, who supported his afflicted and sorrowing soul by this one hope that the day would come when, in the resurrection, he would behold the Lord his God. 

The same thought must also prove a powerful incentive to the faithful to use every exertion to lead lives of rectitude and integrity, unsullied by the defilement of sin. For if they reflect that those boundless riches which will follow after the resurrection are now offered to them as rewards, they will be easily attracted to the pursuit of virtue and piety.
On the other hand, nothing will have greater effect in subduing the passions and withdrawing souls from sin, than frequently to remind the sinner of the miseries and torments with which the reprobate will be visited, who on the last day will come forth unto the resurrection of judgment.

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Catholic Liturgical Year Program through CatechismClass.com

Christus Resurrexit!

Please consider, as part of you and your children's religious education, adding the Catholic Liturgical Year Program to your schedule.  This online program is meant to provide you with dozens of lessons for Catholic Feasts and Fasts throughout the year.  Best of all, if you purchase it now for $59.99, you will lock in at that price and any future lessons added to this program will be uploaded automatically and freely into your account.

Not sure if it is right for you?  Please check out our lesson on the 4th Sunday after Easter for only a few dollars.  If you like what you read, please sign up for the Catholic Liturgical Year Course.  If it's not for you, then feel no pressure to sign up!

I would highly recommend these lessons. Even the most informed, traditional Catholic will walk away learning new and forgotten pieces of our Catholic heritage.

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New Audio Conference by Bishop of Santa Rosa

To learn more and to purchase The Soul of the Apostolate Audio Guide by Bishop Robert Vasa please click here.

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7 Steps to a Deeper Catholic Faith

Guest Post by Judith Costello

When I first started writing for CatechismClass.com, I was told to follow the formula on which this form of catechesis is based.  It is a 7 part formula, and the truth is, I thought it was too cumbersome. But I set out to try it, to work within this format. And now I truly believe this is a Divinely inspired way to teach! 

Any attempt at instruction should include facts, background information, inspiration and a way to integrate the material--but that rarely happens.  In the CatechismClass.com format, the head and the heart, the body and the soul are reached because of a clearly defined process. 

What is this format?  It includes stunning visuals from the rich history of our faith. And then there are 7 stages to the instruction:

The Introduction includes the historical background on the topic as well as a clear, concise description of the material to be covered. 

This is followed by Prayer. All we do should begin and end in prayer. In the case of these lessons, the prayers are often related directly to the material being studied. 

The next step is to consult Scripture. Our faith is deeply rooted in the Word of God.

The following step is to look at the Church documents which address the topic. The Catechisms of the Church-- not only the current Catechism but our historical documents-- as well as the writings of the Popes and the saints, give clear instruction and inform us on the Sacred Tradition of our faith. When we instruct our youth, new members of the faith and adults who want to deepen their faith, we are not giving them a new theory. We are sharing from the deep well of faith. Truth must be understood and then we must proclaim it to the world!

To deepen the understanding of the previous materials, there is a section of Integration. Again, this is not theory. It is a reflection based in Scripture and Tradition that deepens the understanding of faith topics.

Following this section, an Activity and Comprehension Quiz are offered. These materials allow the student to interact with the lesson. The activities may vary greatly, but the purpose is to put the lesson into practice in some way.  I like to offer creative activities: make a rosary, draw a picture, journal, create a frame for artwork…these are some ideas I have shared with readers. Then the quiz offers a way to test understanding, which is absolutely essential. We want to make sure the material is truly understood.

The end is of course, Prayer. We begin and end in prayer and make the entire teaching a form of prayer! As Christ Himself taught us, “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. 

I highly recommend the lessons presented by CatechismClass.com. This is a format that has power! 

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Summary of "Story of a Soul" by St. Thérèse of Lisieux

On October 3rd in the Traditional Catholic Calendar, we celebrate the Feast of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.  Also known as the Saint of the Little Flower as well as the greatest saint of modern times, St. Thérèse of Lisieux died at a young age in a monastery but lived her short life with great love. She was born on January 2, 1873, to a watchmaker and a lacemaker. Her mother, the lacemaker, died when Thérèse was only 4 years old. Both of her parents have been declared Venerable by the Church.

St. Thérèse became a Carmelite nun at age 15. She described her simple path to sanctification and spirituality as "The Little Way". At 7pm on Thursday, September 30, 1897, St. Thérèse died of tuberculosis.

In honor of her feastday, CatechismClass.com is offering their book summary of St. Therese's classic "A Story of a Soul" at 20% off the everyday price of $4.95.  Simply enter discount code THERESE2012 to take 20% off the complete summary of this text.

Considered to be one of the most widely read writings of a saint, "A Story of a Soul" is an essential Catholic book that should be understood by all Catholics!

She is the patron saint of France, missionaries, florists, and the concerns of children to name a few. She has been called the greatest saint of modern times. There are nearly a countless number of people claiming her intercession in their lives including Mother Angelica, founder of EWTN. Countless numbers of miracles have been attributed to her. After all, Thérèse said that she wished to spend her entire time in Heaven by doing good on earth.

Simply enter discount code THERESE2012 to take 20% off the complete summary of this text. Click here!

Image of the Incorruptible Body of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Prayer for Her Intercession:

Dear Little Flower of Lisieux, how wonderful was the short life you led. Though cloistered, you went far and wide through fervent prayers and great sufferings. You obtained from God untold helps and graces for his evangelists. Help all missionaries in their work and teach all of us to spread Christianity in our own neighborhoods and family circles. Amen.

O Little Flower of Jesus, ever consoling troubled souls with heavenly graces, in your unfailing intercession I place my trust. From the Heart of Our Blessed Savior petition these blessing of which I stand in greatest need (mention here). Shower upon me your promised roses of virtue and grace, dear Saint Therese, so that swiftly advancing in sanctity and in perfect love of neighbor, I may someday receive the crown of eternal life. Amen.

O Lord, Who has said: Unless you become as little children you shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven: grant unto us, we beseech Thee, so to follow in humility and simplicity of heart the footsteps of Saint Teresa, the Virgin, that we may obtain everlasting rewards: Who livest and reignest.

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Indulgences for Teaching and Learning Christian Doctrine

A "Solemn Obligation" Given by the Church

As stated by Holy Mother Church, "The faithful who devote twenty minutes to a half hour to teaching or studying Christian Doctrine may gain: an indulgence of 3 years.  The indulgence is plenary on the usual conditions twice a month, if the above practice is carried out at least twice a month."

The Church not only bestows upon parents the responsibility to educate their children, but She offers all the Faithful involved in learning and teaching religious Doctrine the temporal remission of sins. How truly generous Holy Mother Church is.  Many times when we are given an obligation and we perform, we do not receive a great reward for doing our duty.  But in this instance, we are given, for the performance of this duty, the partial remission of the punishment due to our sins. 

Teaching Christian Doctrine is also forgotten as a spiritual work of mercy.  Not everyone is considered capable or obligated to perform the first three spiritual works of mercy if they do not have proper tact, knowledge or training to do so. The last four are considered to be the obligation of all people without condition:

1. To instruct the ignorant;
2. To counsel the doubtful;
3. To admonish sinners;
4. To bear wrongs patiently;
5. To forgive offenses willingly;
6. To comfort the afflicted;
7. To pray for the living and the dead.

And we must not forget the obligation placed specifically on parents for raising their children in the Faith.  As stated in the following document by John Paul II, it is a "solemn obligation."

Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it.

But this idea of a responsibility to teach and promulgate the Sacred Deposit of the Faith dates to the very beginning of the Church, far before the time of Pope John Paul II. His Holiness Pope Leo XIII's Sapientiae Christianae (1890) explained the necessity of spreading the Faithful quite clearly:

15. ... Now, faith, as a virtue, is a great boon of divine grace and goodness; nevertheless, the objects themselves to which faith is to be applied are scarcely known in any other way than through the hearing. "How shall they believe Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Faith then cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Since, then, faith is necessary for salvation, it follows that the word of Christ must be preached. The office, indeed, of preaching, that is, of teaching, lies by divine right in the province of the pastors, namely, of the bishops whom "the Holy Spirit has placed to rule the Church of God." It belongs, above all, to the Roman Pontiff, vicar of Jesus Christ, established as head of the universal Church, teacher of all that pertains to morals and faith.

16. No one, however, must entertain the notion that private individuals are prevented from taking some active part in this duty of teaching, especially those on whom God has bestowed gifts of mind with the strong wish of rendering themselves useful. These, so often as circumstances demand, may take upon themselves, not, indeed, the office of the pastor, but the task of communicating to others what they have themselves received, becoming, as it were, living echoes of their masters in the faith. Such co-operation on the part of the laity has seemed to the Fathers of the [First] Vatican Council so opportune and fruitful of good that they thought well to invite it. "All faithful Christians, but those chiefly who are in a prominent position, or engaged in teaching, we entreat, by the compassion of Jesus Christ, and enjoin by the authority of the same God and Saviour, that they bring aid to ward off and eliminate these errors from holy Church, and contribute their zealous help in spreading abroad the light of undefiled faith." Let each one, therefore, bear in mind that he both can and should, so far as may be, preach the Catholic faith by the authority of his example, and by open and constant profession of the obligations it imposes. In respect, consequently, to the duties that bind us to God and the Church, it should be borne earnestly in mind that in propagating Christian truth and warding off errors the zeal of the laity should, as far as possible, be brought actively into play.

Resources for Teaching and Learning the Faith:

For those of you interested in teaching and learning the Sacred Doctrines of the Faith, I would ask for you to consider the curriculum of CatechismClass.com.  The company is supported by several faithful Catholic bishops and has even appeared on EWTN.

The lessons follow a 7-step format with a final test at the end of each lesson.  Each lesson will guide you through the following:

1. Introduction, Saint for the Day based on Liturgical Calendar, Description of the Lesson Topic
2. Opening Prayer (For adults a decade of the Rosary; For children, it is another prayer).  Typically it is learned in both Latin and English
3. Lectionary (Link to Daily Readings and mention of Scripture that concern the lesson topic)
4. Catechism References (as they relate to the lesson's topic) from the CCC 2nd Edition and the Baltimore Catechism (in addition to the Catechism of the Council of Trent and Pius X Catechism)
5. Lesson (A personally written section that explains and expands upon the Lectionary and Catechism in light of the Church teaching, beliefs, writings of the saints, etc)
6. Activity
7. Closing Prayer (For adults the Divine Office; For children, it is a decade of the Rosary)

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Happy 85th Birthday to our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI

Happy 85th Birthday to our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI! If you have not read his "Introduction to Christianity" considering purchasing at least a special summary of the text. 

Check out the summary on "Introduction to Christianity" now in honor of our Holy Father's Birthday and upcoming anniversary of election as the Head of the Universal Church (which is April 19th).

And let's be sure to keep him in prayer on this important milestone.

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Sale in Honor of Fulton J Sheen's Cause of Canonization Anniversary

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's Cause of Canonization.  CatechismClass.com proudly include excerpts from Sheen's many literary masterpieces, including his Life of Christ, throughout its lessons.

We are all very pleased to celebrate this year the 10th Anniversary of the Opening of his cause.  Please join with us in praying for his canonization.

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication.  You have blessed your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.  He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.
If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint.  We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen

Imprimatur:
+Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
Bishop of Peoria

In honor of the life of the Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen, CatechismClass.com is offering 30% off on its summary of Sheen's Life is Worth Living and their series on The Life of Christ.   

Simply enter discount code SheenCause10 and receive 30% off either of these items.

This discount is available only in March!  Please act now. 

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CatechismClass.com Now Offering Bishop Vasa’s Meditation on "The Soul of the Apostolate"

CatechismClass.com is pleased to announce that effective immediately it will begin offering a series of 16 talks given by His Excellency Bishop Robert Vasa on Dom Chautard's (Jean-Baptiste Chautard) work: “The Soul of the Apostolate.” The entire series of 16 talks is available for purchase for only $9.99. This series of talks was given when His Excellency was still the Bishop of the Diocese of Baker, Oregon.

Bishop Robert Vasa serves as the Episcopal Advisor to CatechismClass.com. CatechismClass.com operates with the singular goal of being nothing short of the best online Catholic catechesis program in the world. The company provides online, interactive catechetical lessons for parishes and families. They offer a comprehensive K-8 program as well as the original online high school program modeled after the USCCB’s “Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age.”

Additionally, the site provides a well-received and thoroughly developed program for use for Adult Catechesis, which has been used around the country as part of RCIA programs.

Now, CatechismClass.com is expanding into audio lessons and will start by offering Bishop Vasa’s series of sixteen talks. Additionally, the company has offered to donate 85% of all sales to the Diocese of Baker, Oregon as a gift to the ministry of the Diocese.

Click here to learn more and receive ordering information.

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Summary of "Dark Night of the Soul" by St. John of the Cross

As I have written about before, CatechismClass.com owns and sells a wide variety of Catholic book summaries to both modern written works as well as spiritual classics, like St. John of the Cross' "Dark Night of the Soul."  I wanted to share some of our summary of the "Dark Night of the Soul."

 Chapter 1 : Quotes the verse and begins to discuss the imperfections of beginners

God draws souls through three states to divine union. Beginners are those who practice spiritual meditation. Proficients are those who are already contemplatives. The Perfect are those who are in divine union of the soul with God. Beginners should understand their feebleness of state and take courage that God has placed them in the dark night to strengthen the virtue of their soul to receive the delights of love of God.

God nurtures and caresses the soul who is newly converted to his service as a mother nurtures her child at the breast. As the child grows the mother withholds her caresses and puts the child down so the child may put away childish habits and grow to greater things. At this stage the soul, through no effort of its own, receives great satisfaction in performing spiritual exercises. The soul finds great joy and consolation in the prayers, penances, fasts and sacraments. However, the motivation of the soul is the consolation and satisfaction received from these acts. They have not long practiced virtue so they still possess many faults and imperfections. Their habits are feeble like a weak child.

We will describe, using the seven capital vices, some of the many imperfections beginners commit. The dark night purifies the soul of these childish imperfections.


Chapter 2: Some of the imperfections of pride possessed by beginners.

Beginners feel a secret pride due to their fervor and diligence in their spiritual exercises, so that they become complacent with themselves. They become vain and speak of spiritual things in the presence of others, sometimes instructing, condemning, or criticizing the practice of others, like the Pharisee in Lk. 18-11-12.

The devil uses this growing pride by increasing their fervor and readiness to perform spiritual works. But he does this to negate the worth of these virtues turning them into vices. These beginners will condemn and detract others, seeing the splinter in their brother’s eye, rather than the plank in their own. (Mt. 7:3)

When confessors or spiritual directors disapprove of their spirit and methods, the beginner will say the director does not understand, or will seek a new confessor who will praise them. They will make many resolutions with little result, and will also make public displays of raptures so others will take notice.

Beginners want their confessor to think highly of them, so rather than accuse themselves of their true sins, they will excuse their behavior. Or they might seek out different confessors to confess so that their regular confessor thinks they commit no sins at all. They confess their good behavior. It would be better for them to make light of the good they do and wish no one consider it of any importance at all.

Beginners minimize their faults or become discouraged by them, since they felt they were already saints. They become impatient and angry with themselves, which is another fault. They wish that God would remove all their faults, but it is for personal peace rather than love of God. They don't realize that removal of their faults might make them more proud and presumptuous. They love praise from others, but dislike praising others, like the foolish virgins who had to borrow oil, (Mt. 25:8)

Beginners may have few or many imperfections or tendencies towards them, but all beginners will fall victim to some of these faults.

Continue Reading by ordering the PDF of the summary...

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New Translation of the English Roman Missal: A Comprehensive Guide and Explanation

CatechismClass.com has recently unveiled a new lesson on their website to help explain the New Translation of the Roman Missal. The lesson is available as a 60-page document outlining the changes in the Liturgy from the perspective of the priest and the congregation. The text goes through the changes in the Liturgy over the past 2,000 years to best explain the reasons for the changes in this New Translation.

• Chapter 1: The Source and Summit of the Christian Life
• Chapter 2: A Brief History of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
• Chapter 3: The Need for a New Translation of the Roman Missal
• Chapter 4: What We Will Say (Changes for the Participants)
• Chapter 5: What We Will Hear (Changes for the Celebrant)

This work is intended for the average Catholic to read and is a great tool for pastors to purchase and share with their congregations, CCD classes, RCIA students, etc, etc.

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Beautiful Catholic Paintings

Over the course of the past five weeks I have been in the process of uploading religious artwork to the lessons of CatechismClass.com.  I have worked countless hours on that project over the course of the past three months which is the reason for the lack of posts on this blog. 

In this work I've been very happy to find Wikigallery.  I have used this site extensively for the religious images in the CatechismClass.com programs.  As an example, look at the beautiful painting above at the top of this post.  I was in awe by the beauty of this painting, and through my work, I found already found at hundreds beautiful images of artwork that I have never seen beforehand.

When you have a moment, search the site using Catholic keywords (e.g. Mass, Eucharist, Sacrament, Christ, our Lord, etc) and you will find a plethora of holy artwork that should be more widely spread throughout the Catholic Blogosphere.

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Catholic Exam Answers

Last year in January 2006 I wrote a post entitled Catholic Exam. After keeping notes from the RCIA class that I attended years ago, I decided to write up a review of the class with a 130 question quiz.

Catholic Exam Answers:

1. Who are the three persons of the Most Holy Trinity?

A.) The Father

B.) The Son

C.) The Holy Spirit

2. What Language was the Old Testament written in?

The entire Old Testament was written in classical Hebrew except for some brief portions, which were written in ancient Aramaic.

3. What Language was the New Testament written in?

The New Testament was probably written in Greek, though some may have first been written in ancient Aramaic.

4. Name the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit.

A.) Charity G.) Patience

B.) Joy H.) Faithfulness

C.) Generosity I.) Chastity

D.) Peace J.) Kindness

E.) Gentleness K.) Goodness

F.) Self-Control L.) Modesty

5. Name the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit

A.) Wisdom E.) Knowledge

B.) Understanding F.) Piety

C.) Counsel G.) Fear of the Lord

D.) Fortitude

6. What is the difference between Mortal and Venial sin?

Mortal sin-must be of grave matter, full knowledge and full consent. Venial sin are slight sins taht do not break our friendship with God; although they injure it, they involve disobedience of the law of God in slight.

7. Recite the Our Father.

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.

8. Recite 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. What are Christ's two natures?

A.) Human

B.) Divine

10. What is the Original sin?

It is a sin, which is contracted and not committed, a state and not an act. The sin that Adam committed, a consequence of this first sin, the hereditary stain with which we are born on account of our origin or descent from Adam.

11. How can it be washed away?

Baptism

12. In the Old Testament name one event, which symbolized baptism-freeing people.

Moses' crossing the dead Sea, freeing the children of Abraham from the slavery of Pharaoh through the waters of the red sea to be an image of the people set free in baptism. Also, Noah being brought through the Great Flood symbolized baptism.

13. Name the Precepts of the church.

A.) You shall obtain mass on Sunday and Holy days of Obligation.

B.) You shall confess your sins at least once a year.

C.) You shall humbly receive your creator in Holy Communion at least during Easter season.

D.) You shall keep holy the Holy days of Obligation.

E.) You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.

F.) You shall help to provide the needs of the church each to his own ability.

Obligation to observe the church regulations on marriage, a priest must officiate at their marriage, a Catholic who marries without observing the proper form is not eligible to receive Holy Communion.

14. What is the name given to the first 5 books of the Old Testament?

The Pentateuch

15. How did St. Paul convert to the faith?

On the road to Damascus at midday light shown down suddenly from heaven encompassing Saul; he heard Jesus Christ's voice: "Saul, Saul why perseatest thou me?" St. Paul was a man who hated Christ and all Christians until this encounter. Capitulated in front of the living God, Jesus told him to go into Damascus and there he would be told what to do. Paul became blind and did not eat or drink for 3 days. In Damascus the Lord sent a disciple called Anansas to him who restored his vision, filled him with the Holy Spirit, and baptized him after his conversion. (He then began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues, in Damascus, the Jews wanted to kill him but he escaped with the help of some Christians who lowered him in a basket from the top of the city wall.

16. Who were Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?

They were known as the patriarchs, they are both the physical and spiritual ancestors of Judaism.

17. Who was Joseph from the book of Genesis?

Joseph was the son of Jacob (who was sold into slavery to the Egyptians by his brothers who were jealous of him.)

18. What is the difference between the Ascension and the Assumption?

Ascension - The elevation of Christ into heaven by his own power in the Presence of his disciples the 40th day after the resurrection.

Assumption - A religious act of the taking up of Mary into heaven.

19. How many days after his death did Christ rise?

3 Days (In the Jewish Tradition of counting days even part of a day counted as a day. Therefore, when Christ died on Good Friday that counted as a day even though He died in the afternoon. Saturday counted as the 2nd day. Sunday, even though Christ rose during the morning, still counts as a day because Christ was still in the tomb for part of the day).

20. How many days after the resurrection did He ascend?

40 Days

21. How many days after the Ascension did the Holy Spirit descend?

10 days

22. What is this day called?

Pentecost

23. In Genesis there were 2 trees name and describe both.

The tree of life - Ideas pleasing to God

The tree of Knowledge of good and evil - Ideas pleasing to oneself.

24. How many books are in the Protestant bible of the Old Testament? How Many additional in the Catholic bible?

The Protestant Bible - 66 Books

The Catholic Bible - 73 Books

25. What city was Christ born in?

Bethlehem

26. In what city did He die?

Jerusalem

27. What does the name Peter mean?

The Rock (in Greek)

28. To what country did Joseph and Mary take the infant Jesus to so that Herod could not kill him.

Egypt

29. In what city in Galilee did Jesus live most of His human life?

Nazareth

30. In what city did Christ die?

Jerusalem

31. What is Palm Sunday?

It is the beginning of Holy Week, Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey.

32. What is Good Friday?

The arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. The saddest

day of the year for the Church. It is a day of abstience, fasting, and penance.

33. What is the name of the hill where Christ died?

The hill of Calvary in Jerusalem.

34. In what city did Jesus Christ perform His first public miracle?

Cana

35. From what building did Christ drive out the moneychangers?

The Temple

36. From what mount did Christ ascend into heaven and from what mount will He stand on the day of his return?

Mount of Olives

37. What was the name of the river the Jesus Christ was baptized in?

The Jordan River

38. Who baptized Jesus Christ?

St. John the Baptist

39. What is the purpose of a guardian angel?

To keep us from harm.

40. Can someone after they die become an angel? If not can they become a Saint?

A.) No

B.) Yes

41. What are angels?

An angel is a pure spirit created by God, employed by God as the ministers of his will (messengers).

42. What are devils?

Evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

43. If someone's body is still preserved years after death what are they known as?

Incorrupt - preserved from decomposition.

44. Was Jesus Christ forced to die?

No, He gave up his life freely for our salvation, and the forgiveness of our sins.

45. Did Christ have to die for our salvation?

Yes

46. Who turned Christ into the Romans?

The high priests of the Sanhedrin

47. The Jews told Christ "We have no king but ___________________"

Caesar, who was the Emperor of Rome.

48. What 3 gifts did the 3 wise men bring?

A.) Gold

B.) Frankincense

C.) Myrrh

49. What is the feast celebrated on January 6th (the day the 3 wise men came to Christ)?

The Epiphany

50. Who is the most popular saint of all time?

Mary the Mother of God

51. Who is the most popular saint of modern time?

Saint Therese (the little flower)

52. What is the type of prayer called when you pray it nine days in a row?

Novena

53. Christ died on what day?

Good Friday

54. He rose on what day?

Easter Sunday

55. Name the 7 capital sins.

A.) Gluttony E.) Anger

B.) Greed F.) Pride

C.) Lust G.) Sloth

D.) Envy

56. Name the 10 Commandments?

1.) I am the Lord thy God thou shalt not have any strange gods before me

2.) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

3.) Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.

4.) Honor thy father and thy mother.

5.) Thou shalt not murder

6.) Thou shalt not commit adultery.

7.) Thou shalt not steal.

8.) Thou shalt not bare false witness against thy neighbor.

9.) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.

10.) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.

57. Who were the 10 Commandments presented to?

Moses

58. Moses parted what sea?

The Red Sea

59. True or False: Peter walked on Water?

True

60. How could he?

Jesus ordered him to walk on water.

61. True or False: Paul was one of the original disciples?

False

62. Name the 12 original disciples.

1.) Simon (Peter)

2.) Andrew his brother

3.) James son of Zebedee

4.) John his brother

5.) Philip

6.) Bartholomew

7.) Thomas

8.) Matthew

9.) James son of Alphaeus

10.)Thaddeus

11.)Simon the Zealot

12.)Judas of Iscariot

63. What disciple turned Christ into the Romans?

Judas of Iscariot

64. Under what Roman governor was Christ crucified?

Pontius Pilot

65. What was the place that Christ was arrested at?

The garden of Gethsemane

66. Money can be a false god: true or false?

True

67. What are the 4 gospels?

1.) Matthew

2.) Mark

3.) Luke

4.) John

68. When did Christ first institute the Eucharist?

At the Last Supper

69. The arrival of the wise men symbolized what?

The revealing of Jesus Christ to the whole world (Epiphany) marks the arrival of the three wise men at Jesus' birthplace. It symbolized the later acceptance of the Gentiles.

70. Recite a Glory be.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the

beginning and now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

71. Who was Francis of Assisi?

He was the patron Saint of animals and ecology. A Roman Catholic Saint who took the gospel literally by following all Jesus said and did. He bore the stigmata two years before his death at the age of 44.

72. What two additional commandments did Christ mention in the New Testament?

1.) You shall love you God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind.

2.) You shall love your neighbor as yourself ( that we love one another as Christ loves us.)

73. What does testament mean?

Covenant

74. Why are there four different gospels instead of one?

To give a more complete picture of Jesus Christ, in having 4 different and yet accurate accounts of Christ you have different aspects of his person and his mission.

75. The Old Testament mirrored the New Testament who symbolized Christ in the Old Testament? (Hint: King_________)

David

76. Name at least two prophets.

A.) Isaiah

B.) Elisha

C.) Jeremiah

77. What is a Martyr, and why are they symbolized in art?

A person who is put to death or endures suffering because of a belief, Principle or cause. Catholic artistic tradition assigns the saints particular symbols that reveal the saint's martyrdom, miracles or circumstances of their lives. Symbols serve in identifying the saints; for example, martyrs are frequently depicted with palms because of their purity. A saint's life and actions are symbols of spiritual ideas.

78. What does it take to be a Saint?

Proof of 1 miracle for beatification (level below a Saint), 2 more for Canonization. Good works, miracles not until 5 years after your death. A declaration by the Pope that a person a martyr practiced Christian Virtue to a heroic degree is in heaven and is worthy of honor. To be a saint simply means that the person is in Heaven. There are certainly millions of saints who have never been officially canonized.

79. Canonization is the term for what?

Delcaring that someone is a saint in Heaven

80. Most of the books of the bible were written by the end of what century?

1st, 4th and 5th century

81. Jesus tells us His church will be guided by what?

The Holy Spirit

82. True or False: tattoos are allowed ( Hint: Leviticus )

False - "Ye shall not make any cuttings in you flesh for the dead nor imprint any markings upon you. I am the Lord."

83. Is contraception, in vitro fertilization, and artificial insemination a sin?

Yes

84. The Great Flood lasted how many days?

150 Days

85. Did Noah first send out a raven or a dove?

Raven

86. What did God tell Noah the rainbow meant?

God told Noah the rainbow was a promise that never again would there be a flood to destroy the earth. The rainbow is a sign of that promise.

87. What is the name of the mount where the ark came to rest?

Mount Ararat

88. How many people were on Noah's ark during the flood?

Eight

89. What did God tell Noah the rainbow meant?

God told Noah the rainbow was a promise that never again would there be a flood to destroy the earth. The rainbow is a sign of that promise.

90. Who replaced Judas Iscariot?

Saint Matthias

91. At what place was Jesus Christ arrested?

The garden of Gethsemane

92. Who wrote most of the Epistles of the New Testament?

Paul

93. True or False: there was a gospel of Mary and James, if yes were they ever part of the Bible?

Yes, No

94. What are the 7 corporal works of mercy?

1.) Feed the hungry

2.) Give drink to the thirsty

3.) Clothe the naked

4.) Shelter the homeless

5.) Comfort the imprisoned

6.) Visit the sick

7.) Bury the dead

95. Who were the 4 major prophets?

1.) Isaiah

2.) Ezekiel

3.) Jeremiah

4.) Daniel

96. Lent has three parts to prepare ourselves for Christ's Resurrection at Easter, what are they as stated in Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18.

1.) Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them for then you will have no reward from your father who is in heaven.

2.) Thur, when you give alms sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites

Do in the synagogues and in the streets that they may be praised by man I say to you they have received their reward.

3.) But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

4.) So that your alms may be in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

5.) And when you pray you must not be like the hypocrites for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners that they may be seen by man truly I say to you they have received their reward.

6.) But when you pray go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you fast do not look dismal like the hypocrites for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by man. Truly I say to you they have received their reward. But when you fast anoint your head and wash your face. That your fasting may not be seen by man but by your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you

97. What was the split between the Eastern Church and western church in 1054 called?

The Great Schism: it was the joint excommunication of Cerularius, and Humbert

98. What is Mary's promise to anyone who wears a brown Scapular?

Whoever dies wearing the scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.

99. What are the two parts of the Mass?

1.) The Liturgy of the word.

2.) The Liturgy of the Eucharist.

100. Recite the Nicene Creed.

We believe in on God, the Father almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, of all that is seen and unseen, we believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made one being with the Father, through him all things were made, for us and for our salvation he came down from Heaven by the power of the Holy Spirit, He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary and was made man, for our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilot, He suffered death and was buried, on the third day he rose Again in accordance with the scriptures, He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father, He will come again in Glory to judge The living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, with the Father and the Son, He is worshipped and glorified, He has spoken through the prophets, we believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic church, we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come, Amen.

101. Why do we genuflect?

To humble ourselves and show respect. We are to genuflect to the Tabernacle on the right knee. We are to genuflect to the pope, if we are in his presence, on the left knee.

102. Why do we make the sign of the cross upon entering the church (2 reasons)?

1.) As a reminder of Baptism

2.) Confession of faith, mark of discipleship

103. What is the greatest Commandment?

Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your mind.

104. The movement towards unity of all Christians is called?

Ecumenism: There can be some problems with this movement at times because the Faith can easily be watered down. True ecumenism must involve attempting to convert ALL non Catholics to the Catholic Faith

105. Who was the first person to see Christ after the resurrection?

St. Mary Magdalene

106. What is the beginning of wisdom?

The fear of the Lord.

107. What is the difference of tradition and Tradition?

Lowercase "tradition" are customs of man but uppercase "Tradition" is the revelation of God.

108. What personal friend of our Lord was raised up from the dead by Jesus?

Lazarus

109. What is the Mass? How is it a sacred meal, a sacrifice?

The mass is the perpetuation of the sacrifice of the cross in the sense that it offers Jesus to God and thus commemorates the sacrifice of the cross, reenacts symbolically and mystically, and applies the fruits of Christ's death upon the cross to individual human souls. All the efficacy of the mass is derived therefore from the sacrifice of Calvary. At the Mass, we are essentially at the Cross of Calvary.

Separate consecration of the bread and of the wine symbolizes the separation of the body and the blood of Christ and these symbolize his death upon the cross.

110. When do we genuflect on both knees in the church?

At the altar repose, and to adore the Blessed Sacrament when it is exposed like during Eucharistic Adoration or Benediction in a monstrance.

111. Name two times we perform a profound bow in church?

1.) During the Liturgy of the Hours when we pray "Glory be to the Father... Holy Spirit"

2.) In the Nicene Creed at the words "by the power of the Holy Spirit".

112. What is the purpose of Ash Wednesday?

To address sin and death, to show humility and penance.

113. What is the seal of the sacrament of reconciliation?

A sacred bond, the priest cannot divulge anything about the confession or that it took place, the punishment for a priest who breaks the seal is Excommunication.

114. Who was the first Martyr? Why was he murdered?

Saint Stephen, for citing the passages that were ample evidence out of the mouths of the ancient prophets of God that a Savior would be murdered and the Savior was among them even now in the person of Jesus Christ, the son of God, who is also God Himself. St. Stephen was then stoned to death.

115. Whose tomb was Christ buried in?

Joseph of Aramathia

116. What is Genesis 3:19? On what day do we hear these words?

"For dust you are and from the dust you shall return"; on Ash Wednesday

117. Describe each day and it's meaning in Holy Week.

A.) Palm Sunday - The day Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on a donkeywhile the people of the city laid palm leaves before him as he entered.

B.) Holy Thursday - The day of the Last Supper and the day when Jesus was betrayed by Judas and handed over to the Sanhedrin.

C.) Good Friday - The day when Jesus was Crucified, died and was buried.

118. What is the Translation of the Gospel?

A written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication as the first language.

119. What do the initials INRI above Christ's head stand for?

Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews, Iesrs Nazarenes Rex Irdaeicum (Latin)

120. Name the 7 Capital sins?

1.) Gluttony 5.) Anger

2.) Greed 6.) Pride

3.) Lust 7.) Sloth

4.) Envy

121. Who turned Christ into the Romans?

The High Priests

122. What is the difference between the Visitation and the Annunciation?

A.) The visitation was when Mary went to go visit her cousin Elizabeth.

B.) The Annunciation is the revelation by the Angel Gabriel that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit to be born the son of God.

123. What is the Transfiguration, where was it, and what does it mean?

Jesus was transfigured to show his power and glory to his disciples, at Mount Tabor. It means that the inner circle of his disciples could gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was. Christ underwent a dramatic change in appearance in order that the disciples could behold him in his glory.

124. Early Christians used the word mysteries to describe what?

Religious teachings that were carefully guarded from the knowledge of the profane.

125. What is the magisterium?

The teaching authority of the church.

126. What is the last communion a person receives called?

Viaticum

127. What does a priest take communion in to the sick?

PYX

128. What is the garment over a funeral coffin called?

Pall

129. Which Pope declared the Dogma of the Assumption in 1950?

Pope Pius XII dogmatically declared the Dogma of the Assumption on November 1, 1950.

130. What Roman Emperor legalized Christianity in 313 A.D.?

Constantine

Want to learn more and better perfect your knowledge of the Catholic Faith? Look to CatechismClass.com for easy-to-use, affordable, yet proudly complete online self-study courses. The Adult Faith Formation Class will cover all of this and MUCH MORE.

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Catholic Exam: Test Your Knowledge in 130 Questions

Catholic Exam

When I went through RCIA classes a few years ago, I put together a study guide with just a small portion of the things I learned in the class. I thought that I would post it so that readers would be able to take it or pass it on to others to learn more about the faith.

Let me know what you think. View the Answers

1. Who are the three persons of the Most Holy Trinity?
2. What language was the Old Testament written in?
3. The New Testament?
4. Name the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit
5. Name the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit
6. What is the difference between Mortal & Venial Sin?
7. Recite the Our Father
8. Recite the Hail Mary
9. What are Christ's two natures?
10. What is original sin?
11. How can it be washed away?
12. In the Old Testament name 1 event which symbolized baptism freeing peoples
13. Name the precepts of the Church
14. What is the name given to the first 5 books of the Old Testament?
15. How did St. Paul convert to the faith?
16. Who was Abraham, Issac, and Jacob?
17. Who was Joseph from the Book of Genesis?
18. What is the difference between the Ascension & Assumption
19. How many days after Christ died did he rise?
20. How many days after the Resurrection did he ascend?
21. How many days after the Ascension did the Holy Spirit descend?
22. What is that day called?
23. In Genesis there were 2 trees -- name and describe both.
24. How many books are in the Protestant Bible of the Old Testament -- how many additional in ours?
25. What city was Christ born?
26. In what city did He die?
27. What does 'Peter' mean?
28. To what country did Joseph & Mary take the infant Jesus so that Herod couldn't kill him?
29. In what city in Galilee did Jesus live most of his human lifetime?
30. In what city did Christ die?
31. What is Palm Sunday?
32. What is Good Friday?
33. What is the hill where Christ died?
34. In what city did Christ perform his first public miracle, changing water into wine? Who asked Him to do this?
35. From what building did Christ drive out the money changers?
36. From what mount did Christ ascend into heaven, and on what mount will He stand on the day of His return?
37. What was the river that Christ was baptized in?
38. Who baptized Christ?
39. What is the purpose of a guardian angel?
40. Can someone, after they die, become an angel? If not, then a saint?
41. What are angels?
42. What are devils?
43. If someone's body is still preserved years after death what are they known as?
44. Was Christ forced to die or did he give His life up for us?
45. Did Christ have to die for our salvation?
46. Who turned Christ in to the Romans?
47. The Jews told Christ "We have no King but ________."
48. What 3 gifts did the 3 wise men bring?
49. What is the feast celebrated on Jan. 6? The day the 3 wise men came to Christ.
50. Who is the most popular Saint of all times?
51. Of modern-times?
52. What is the type of prayer called when you pray it 9 days in a row?
53. Christ died on what day?
54. He rose on what day?
55. Name the 7 capital sins.
56. Name the 10 Commandments?
57. Who were the 10 commandments presented to?
58. Moses parted what sea?
59. T/F Peter walked on water
60. How could he?
61. T/F Paul was one of the original disciples
62. Name the 12 original disciples
63. What disciple turned Christ in to the Romans?
64. Under what Roman Governor was Christ crucified?
65. What was the place that Christ was arrested at?
66. T/F Money can be a false god
67. What are the 4 Gospels
68. When did Christ 1st institute the Eucharist?
69. The arrival of the 3 wise men symbolized what?
70. Say a Glory Be
71. Who was Saint Francis of Assisi?
72. What two additional Commandments did Christ mention in the New Testament?
73. What does "Testament" mean?
74. Why are there 4 different Gospels instead of one?
75. The Old Testament mirrored the New Testament. Who symbolized Christ in the Old Testament? (Hint King _____)
76. Name at least two prophets
77. What is a martyr? Why are they symbolized in art with palm branches?
78. What does it take to be a Saint?
79. Canonization is the term for what?
80. Most of the books of the Bible were written by the end of what century?
81. Jesus tells us His Church will be guided by the ...
82. T/F Tattoos are allowed. (Hint: Leviticus 19:28)
83. Is Contraception, In vitro fertilization, and/or artificial insemination a sin?
84. The Great Flood lasted how long?
85. Did Noah first send out a raven or a dove?
86. What did God tell Noah the rainbow meant?
87. What is the name of the mount where the ark came to rest?
88. How many people were on Noah's ark during the Flood?
89. What did God tell Noah the rainbow meant?
90. Who replaced Judas Iscariot as an Apostle?
91. At what place was Christ Jesus arrested?
92. Who wrote most of the epistles of the New Testament?
93. T/F There was a Gospel of Mary & James. If yes, were they ever part of the Bible?
94. What are the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy?
95. Who were the 4 Major Prophets?
96. Lent has 3 parts to prepare ourselves for Christ’s Resurrection at Easter. What are they, as stated in Mt (6:1-6, 16-18)
97. What was the split between the Eastern Church & western Church in 1054 called?
98. What is Mary’s promise to whoever wears a brown scapular?
99. What are the 2 parts to the Mass?
100. At last ... recite the Nicene Creed.
101. Why do we genuflect?
102. Why do we make the sign of the Cross upon entering the Church? (2 reasons)
103. What is the greatest commandment?
104. The movement towards unity of all Christians is called?
105. Who was the first person to see Christ after his Resurrection?
106. What is the beginning of wisdom?
107. What is the difference of tradition & Tradition?
108. What personal friend of our Lord was raised from the dead by Jesus?
109. What is the Mass? How is it a Sacred Meal and a Sacrifice?
110. When do we genuflect on both knees in the Church?
111. Name 2 times we perform a profound bow in Church?
112. What is the purpose of Ash Wednesday?
113. What is the “seal” of the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
114. Who was the first martyr? Why was he murdered?
115. Whose tomb was Christ buried in?
116. What is Genesis 3:19? On what day do we hear these words?
117. Describe each day and its meaning in Holy Week
118. What is the translation of ‘Gospel'?
119. What do the initials INRI above Christ’s head stand for?
120. Name the 7 capital sins?
121. Who turned Christ into the Romans?
122. What is the difference between the Visitation & Annunciation?
123. What is the transfiguration; where was it? What does it mean?
124. Early Christians used the word “mysteries” to describe what?
125. What is the Magisterium?
126. What is the last communion a person receives called?
127. What does a priest take communion to the sick?
128. What is the garment over a funeral coffin called?
129. Which Pope declared the Dogma of the Assumption in 1950?
130. What Roman emperor legalized Christianity in 313?

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