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Text Box: A. The Church, by defining, that is, by proclaiming certain truths, articles of faith, does not make new doctrines, but simply teaches more clearly and with greater effort truths that have always been believed and held by the Church. Q. 569. What, then, is the use of defining or declaring a truth an article of faith if it has always been believed? A. The use of defining or declaring a truth an article of faith, even when it has always been believed, is: 1.(1) To clearly contradict those who deny it and show their teaching false; 2.(2) To remove all doubt about the exact teaching of the Church, and to put an end to all discussion about the truth defined. Q. 570. In which Church are these attributes and marks found? A. These attributes and marks are found in the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church alone. As stated above, the Church has been severed into Orthodox and Romanl but this would must be healed by the Bishops otherwise Jesus Christ will heal it Himself and He will then “rake it over the heads of those who stand in HIs way.” Q. 571. How do you show that Protestant Churches have not the marks of the true Church? A. Protestant Churches have not the marks of the true Church, because: 1. They are not one either in government or faith; for they have no chief head or governing coulcil which propounds unchanging doctrine, and they profess different beliefs. They often change their dogma so-as-to approve the sinful desires of the people, such as approving abortions or approving people of the same sex living together as though they were husband and wife; 2. They are not holy, because their doctrines are founded on error and lead to evil consequences; 3. They are not catholic or universal in time, place or doctrine. They have

Text Box: not existed in all ages nor in all places, and their doctrines do not suit all classes; 4. They are not apostolic, for they were not established until hundreds of years or even more than a thousand years after the Apostles, and they do not teach the doctrines of the Apostles. Q. 572. From whom does the Church derive its undying life and infallible authority? A. The Church derives its undying life and infallible authority from the Holy Ghost, the spirit of truth, who abides with it forever. Q. 573. By whom is the Church made and kept One, Holy, and Catholic? A. The Church is made and kept One, Holy, and Catholic by the Holy Ghost, the spirit of love and holiness, who unites and sanctifies its members throughout the world. LESSON THIRTEENTH: On the Sacraments in General Q. 574. What is a Sacrament? A. A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. Q. 575. Are these three things, namely: An outward or visible sign, the institution of that sign by Christ, and the giving of grace through the use of that sign, always necessary for the existence of a Sacrament? A. These three things, namely: 1.An outward or visible sign, the institution of that sign by Christ, and the giving of grace through the use of that sign, are always necessary for the existence of a Sacrament, and if any of the three be wanting there can be no Sacrament. Q. 576. Why does the Church use numerous ceremonies or actions in applying the outward signs of the Sacraments? A. The Church uses numerous ceremonies or actions in applying the outward signs of the Sacraments to increase our reverence and devotion for

Text Box: the Sacraments, and to explain their meaning and effects. Q. 577. How many Sacraments are there? A. There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction (Holy Anointing), Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Q. 578. Were all the Sacraments instituted by Our Lord? A. All the Sacraments were instituted by Our Lord, for God alone has power to attach the gift of grace to the use of an outward or visible sign. The Church, however, can institute the ceremonies to be used in administering or giving the Sacraments. Q. 579. How do we know there are seven Sacraments and no more or less? A. We know there are seven Sacraments and no more or less because the Church always taught that truth. The number of the Sacraments is a matter of faith, and the Church cannot be mistaken in matters of faith. Q. 580. Why have the Sacraments been instituted? A. The Sacraments have been instituted as a special means through which we are to receive the grace merited for us by Christ. As Christ is the giver of the grace, He has the right to determine the manner in which it shall be given, and one who refuses to make use of the Sacraments will not receive God's grace. +

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