Q. What should be the effect and fruit of true faith in the Christian?

A. Charity, or love, and good works. In Jesus Christ, says the Apostle Paul, neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love. Gal. 5:6

Q. Is not faith alone enough for a Christian, without love and good works?

A. No; for faith without love and good works is inactive and dead, and so cannot lead to eternal life. He that loves not his brother, abides in death. I John 3:14

What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:14,26

Q. May not a man on the other hand be saved by love and good works, without faith?

A. It is impossible that a man who has not faith in God should really love Him: besides, man, being ruined by sin, cannot do truly good works, unless he receives through faith in Jesus Christ spiritual strength, or grace from God. Heb. 11:6; Gal. 3:10; Ib. 5:5; Ephes. 2:8,9

Q. What is to be thought of love that is not accompanied by good works?

A. Such love is not real: for true love naturally shows itself by good works. Jesus Christ says: He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that love me; if a man love Me, he will keep My word. John 14:21,23

The Apostle John writes: For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. I John 5:3

Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. ib. 3:18

Q. What means do we have to know good works form bad?

A. The inward law of God, or the witness of our conscience, and the outward law of God, or God's commandments.

Q. Does Holy Scripture speak of the inward law of God?

A. The Apostle Paul says of the heathen: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another. Rom. 2:15

Q. If there is in man's heart an inward law, why was the outward given?

A. It was given because men did not obey the inward law, but led carnal and sinful lives, and silenced within themselves the voice of the spiritual law, so that it was necessary to express this outwardly through the commandments. Wherefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions. Gal. 3:19

Q. When, and how, was God's outward law given to men?

A. When the Hebrew people, descended from Abraham, had been miraculously delivered from bondage in Egypt, on their way to the promised land, in the desert, on Mount Sinai, God manifested His presence in fire and clouds, and gave them the law, by the hand of Moses, their leader.

Q. Did Jesus Christ teach men to walk by the ten commandments?

A. He taught us that if we wished to attain everlasting life, to keep the commandments, and taught us to understand and fulfill them more perfectly, than had been done before He came. Mat. 19:17, and 5

Q. What are the two divisions of the ten commandments?

A. Love of God, and love for our neighbor.

Q. Has not Jesus Christ taught the twofold commandments?

A. Jesus said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Mat. 22:36-40

Q. Are all men our neighbors?

A. Yes, all; because all are the creation of one God, and have come from one man: but our neighbors in faith are doubly neighbors to us, as being children of one heavenly Father by faith in Jesus Christ

Q. But why is there no commandment of love to ourselves?

A. Because normally we love ourselves naturally, and without any commandment. No man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes it and cherishes it. Ephes. 5:29

Q. What order should there be in our love of God, our neighbor, and ourselves?

A. We should love ourselves not for our own but for God's sake, and partly also for the sake of our neighbors: we should love our neighbor for the sake of God: but we should love God for Himself, and above all. Love of self should be sacrificed to the love of our neighbor; but both should be sacrificed to the love of God. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

He that loves father or mother more than Me, said Jesus Christ, is not worthy of Me: and he that loves son or daughter more than Me, is not worthy of Me. Mat. 10:37

Q. If the whole law is contained in two commandments, why are they divided into ten?

A. In order to more clearly set forth our duties towards God, and towards our neighbor.

Q. What are the Ten Commandments?

A. 1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.
  2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
  3. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath Day.
  4. Honor thy father and thy mother.
  5. Thou shalt not kill.
  6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
  7. Thou shalt not steal
  8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
  9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
  10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's good.

Q. Where do we find the Ten Commandments?

A. We find the Ten Commandments in the Book of Exodus, Chapter 20, verses 1-17.

Q. To whom did God give the Ten Commandments?

A. God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, who in turn gave them to the Jewish people. Ex. 31:18; Deut. 4:12-13; 5:22

Q. Are we obliged to keep all the commandments?

A. Yes, we are obliged to keep the Ten Commandments, aided by the grace of God. John 14:15, 24; James 2:10; Deut. 5:32-33

Q. What is the first commandment?

A. The first commandment is: I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before me. Ex. 20:1-3; Deut. 5:6-7

Q. What does the first commandment require of us?

A. By the first commandment we are required to worship God as Creator of heaven and earth, and Him alone. Luke 10:25-28; Deut. 6:4-5

Q. What is forbidden by this commandment?

A. 1. To worship false gods;
  2. To give to anything or anyone the worship due God alone.
  3. To worship Him with false worship.

Lev. 26:1; Is. 42:8; John 4:22

Q. In what ways would this commandment be broken?

A. This commandment can be broken in the following ways:

  1. Idolatry, the worship of images and false gods.
  2. By attributing to persons or things power that belongs to God alone, i.e. fortune tellers, spiritualists, Ouija boards, and the like;
  3. By the participation in heretical worship.

Q. How do we show our adoration to God?

A. We show our adoration to God by keeping His commandments, by praying to Him, and especially by our participation in the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. John 4:24; Rom. 12:1-2; I Cor. 2:17-27

Q. Do Old Catholics break the first commandment by having crucifixes, statues, icons, pictures, or relics in their churches?

A. No, for crucifixes, statues, icons, pictures, and relics simply represent the persons symbolized as an aid to prayer. Num. 21:8; Ex. 20:5

Q. What is the second commandment?

A. The second commandment is: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Ex. 20:7; Ez: 36:20-21; Rom. 2:24

Q. When is God's name taken in vain?

A. God's Name is taken in vain whenever it is used improperly, especially when used in a lie or disrespectfully. Lev. 5:4-5; II Chron. 32:16-17: Eccus. 23:9-12

Q. What sins are forbidden by the second commandment?

A. The following sins are forbidden by the second commandment?
  1. Blasphemy--daring words against God. Ps 74:18
  2. Murmuring--complaining against God's Providence. I Cor. 10:9-10
  3. Profanity--speaking lightly or irreverently about holy things. Mal. 1:10-12
  4. Inattentiveness in prayer. I Cor. 14:14-15
  5. Perjury--swearing a false oath. Mat. 26:72
  6. Oath-breaking--breaking of promises. Lev. 5:1,4

Q. What is the third commandment?

A. The third commandment is; Remember, thou keep holy the Sabbath Day. Ex. 20:8

Q. Why did God command the Sabbath to be kept holy

A. God commanded the Sabbath to be kept holy because on this day God rested from His work of Creation. Ex. 20:2 Also, by Church law, we are to give equal reverence to the Holy Days of Obligation.

Q. Why do we keep holy the first day of the week instead of the Sabbath or seventh day?

A. We keep holy the first day of the week faithful to the example of the Apostles in the early Church, who held the Eucharist on the first day of the week in remembrance of the facts that Christ rose from the dead and the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles on a Sunday. John 20:1; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 20:7

Q. How are Old Catholics obliged to keep Sunday holy?

A. Old Catholics are obliged to keep Sunday holy by:
  1. Assisting at Mass on all Sundays;
  2. Refraining from all unnecessary servile work. Acts 20:7; Deut. 5:13,14

Q. What would excuse one from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass?

A. The following reasons would excuse one from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass:
  1. Illness;
  2. Great distance from a church;
  3. Necessary occupation;
  4. A necessary act of Charity.

Q. What kinds of labor are permitted on Sunday?

A. Any absolutely necessary work is permitted on Sunday. Mat. 12:1-13; Mark 3:4, 5; Deut. 20:1

Q. Besides attending Mass and abstaining from work, how are we recommended to spend Sundays?

A. We are encouraged to spend Sundays in a way befitting the Lord's Day. For example, attending services, spending time in prayer and spiritual reading, and wholesome relaxation with family and friends would be profitable ways of spending the Lord's Day.

Q. Are we permitted amusements on Sunday?

A. Yes, amusements and relaxation are permitted provided that they do not interfere with our religious obligations.

Q. What is the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment is: Honor thy father and thy mother. Deut. 5:16; Eph. 6:1,2; Mark 7:10

Q. What does this commandment require of us?

A. This commandment requires that we:
  1. Love and respect our parents, and obey them in all that is not sinful;
  2. Respect and obey every lawful authority, both religious and civil; Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:1,2; Mark 7:10

Q. What is the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment is: Thou shalt not kill. Ex. 5:15; Rom. 13:9; Mat. 5:21

Q. What is forbidden by this commandment?

A. The following are forbidden by this commandment:
  1. The unjust taking of a human life, including that of the unborn, or one's own life.
  2. Hatred, physical abuse, quarreling, or jealousy, because these may lead to killing or to the injury of ourselves or others. I John 3:15; Mat. 5:21,22; Col. 3:8

Q. What is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is: Thou shalt not commit adultery. Ex. 20: 4; I Cor. 6:18; Mat. 5:27

Q. What is the sin of adultery?

A. Adultery is the act whereby married persons unlawfully give that love which they owe each other to someone else. Covered under this commandment is the obligation of the unmarried to remain chaste.

Q. What does the sixth commandment forbid?

A. The sixth commandment forbids, in addition to adultery, all impurity and immodesty in words, looks, and actions, whether alone or with others. Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3,4; Mat. 5:28

Q. What is the seventh commandment?

A. The seventh commandment is: Thou shalt not steal. Deut. 5:19; Rom. 13:9; Jer. 22:13

Q. What is forbidden by this commandment?

A. 1. It is forbidden to take anything that rightly belongs to someone else;
  2. It is forbidden to destroy or injure the property or possessions of another person.

Lev. 19:15; Job 24:9; Ex. 23:8

Q. What does stealing include?

A. Stealing includes the following: robbery and burglary; graft and bribes; cheating and fraud; not paying bills, taxes, and debts; non-support of dependents; wasting time or materials on a job; and not paying a just wage to employees. Lev. 19:11; Mat. 22:21; Luke 3:12-14

Q. What in general are all people obliged to do by this commandment?

A. Everyone is obliged to respect and uphold the just rights of others. Deut. 24:13-15; Tob. 4:15

Q. If we have broken this commandment, what are we obliged to do?

A. We are obliged to give back anything that we have taken, and to repair any damage that we have caused, insofar, as it is possible to do so.

Q. If we have found some article of value, what are we obliged to do?

A. We are obliged to try to find the owner and return the article to him. Lev. 5:4; Prov. 29:24; Eccus. 5:10

Q. What is the eighth commandment?

A. The eighth commandment is: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Ex. 20:16; Deut. 5:20; Lev. 19:11

Q. What is the meaning of this commandment?

A. By the eighth commandment we are commanded to speak the truth in all things, especially in what concerns the good name and honor of others. Lev. 19:15; I Pet. 2:1; James 4:11

Q. What is forbidden by this commandment?

A. The eighth commandment forbids lying, hurting someone's reputation, unjust criticism, gossip, insults, violating entrusted confidences, judging another's actions without evidence, publicizing the sins of another, and perjury. Eph. 4:25; I Pet 3:10; James 1:26

Q. Is it ever permissible to reveal the fruits of another?

A. We are permitted to reveal the faults of another only to a person in authority, and only for the sake of fraternal correction and the avoidance of continued evil. Gal. 6:1

Q. What are we bound to do if we have injured the character of another unjustly?

A. We must do everything in our power to restore his good name by correcting the evil report we have spread against him. Mat. 5:23-25

Q. What is the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. Ex. 20:17; Mat. 5:28; Deut. 5:21

Q. What is forbidden by this commandment?

A. This commandment forbids all lustful thoughts or wishes, or inward adultery. Mat. 5:28; Mark 7:21; James 1:14-15

Q. Are involuntary, impure thoughts sinful?

A. No, but they become sinful when we knowingly and willingly entertain such thoughts.

Q. What is the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment is Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors goods. Ex. 27:28; Psalm 36:7; Eccus. 9:16

Q. What is forbidden by the tenth commandment?

A. It is forbidden to envy the fortune of another, and to seriously lust after what belongs to another. Luke 12:15

The Sign of the Cross

  + In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Morning Offering

  O Jesus, through the prayers of the Mother of God, I offer Thee my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Thy Holy Will, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the World, in reparation for my sins, and for the intentions of all our associates.

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.

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.

The Doxology

  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

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 arose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Confieteor

  I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever a Virgin, to blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beg blessed Mary ever a Virgin, blessed Michael the archangel blessed John the Baptist, the Holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

May Almighty God have mercy on me, and having forgiven my sins, bring me to eternal life. Amen.

May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution, and remission of my sins. Amen.

A Short Act of Contrition

  O my God! I am truly sorry for all my sins, because they have offended Thee, Who art all good and worthy of all my love. I firmly resolve by Thy holy grace never again to commit sin.

An Act of Faith

  O my God! I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; I believe that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.

An Act of Hope

  O my God! relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

An Act of Love

    O my God! I Love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

A Short Act of Contrtion

  O my God! I give Thee thanks from the bottom of my heart, for the mercies and blessings which Thou hast bestowed upon me; above all because Thou hast loved me from all eternity, and hast sent Thy Divine Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to redeem me with His Precious Blood.

Blessings Before Meals

Bless, us O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Christ our God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art Holy now and forever. Amen.

Blessings After Meals

We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, O Almighty God, who livest and reignest forever.

May the divine assistance remain always with us. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

A Prayer to my Guardian Angel

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

The Jesus Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me a sinner.

The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy

1. To Feed the hungry.
2. To give drink to the thirsty.
3. To clothe the naked.
4. To visit the sick.
5. To harbor the harborless.
6. To visit and ransom the captives.
7. To bury the dead.

The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

1. To admonish the sinners.
2. To give instruction to the ignorant.
3. To give counsel to the doubtful.
4. To comfort those who sorrow.
5. To bear wrongs patiently.
6. To forgive all injuries.
7. To offer prayers for the living and the dead.

The Precepts of the Church

1. To keep holy Sundays and Holy Days.
2. To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.
3. To observe the rules of fast and abstinence.
4. To confess our sins and receive Holy Communion at least once a year, during the Easter Time.
5. Not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times.
6. To pray daily--especially at the beginning and the end of the day.
7. To contribute to the support of the Church.

The Holy Days of Obligation

1. January 1 -Circumcision
2. January 6-Epiphany
3. March 25-Annunciation
4. 40 Days after Easter-Ascension
5. August 6-Transfiguration
6. August 15-Assumption
7. November 1-All Saints
8. December 25 -Christmas

The Three Theological Virtues

Faith, Hope, Charity.

The Four Cardinal Virtues

Prudence, Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude.

The Eucharistic Fast

All are encouraged to fast from midnight; however, a fast of three hours from solids (alcohol included) and one hour from liquids is sufficient. The sick and infirm need not fast at all.

Some Rules for Christian Living

Be diligent in your work and shun idleness.

Speak the truth at all times.

Know when to speak and when to remain silent.

Do not positively affirm or deny things you know nothing about.

Respect your elders--listen when they speak.

Be not proud or covetous.

Do not delay making amends to those you offend.

Be kind to others and they will be kind to you.

Observe neatness and cleanliness in your habits and dress.

An Examination of Conscience Before Confession

Before going to Confession the penitent should make a self-appraisal of personal shortcomings. For guidance, the following questions are suitable for self-examination of conscience:

Have you experienced doubts in your faith? Have you despaired of God's mercies and spoken against the Lord in time of adversity?

Have you attended church regularly? Have you prayed regularly, remembering other in your prayers? Have you kept the Sabbath holy and refrained from doing any unnecessary work on Sundays or Holy Days?

Have you observed Lent and kept the fasts of the Church? Have you attended dances or indulged in entertainments during Lent?

Have you put your belief into fortune tellers or consulted those who presume to predict the future?

Have you spoken lightly of religious matters or of sacred objects? Have you taken the name of God in vain? Have you cursed yourself or others?

Have you become angry at others or caused others to anger?

Have you honored your parents, superiors, teachers and spiritual advisors?

Have you shown respect to the infirm and the aged?

Have you oppressed anyone, held hatred for others, envied others or desired revenge on anyone? Have you injured anyone by word or deed? Have you caused strife between others? Have you desired or hastened the death of anyone?

Have you chosen your companions wisely? Have you willfully entertained impure thoughts or desires? Have you read obscene literature or been guilty of unchaste words or actions?

Have you taken any property belonging to others? Have you deceived anyone in business transactions? Have you coveted the possessions of others?

Have you witnessed falsely against anyone or passed unconfirmed judgement on anyone?

Have you partaken of confession and Holy Communion at least once a year?

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