What is the Bible?
The Bible is the collection of books that relate God’s revelation to the human race. It is the inspired word of God written by men and comprises the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Where did we get the Bible?
We have the Bible by the authority of the early councils of the catholic (universal) Apostolic Church which decided which writings were truly inspired by God.
When there is dispute over what the Bible means to teach us about some matter of faith or morals, how do we know the right meaning?
Only the teaching authority of the catholic (universal) Apostolic Church can know what is true in faith and morals because Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would reveal all truth to the Church.
What is Sacred Tradition?
Sacred Tradition is the oral, unwritten message that Jesus gave the Apostles. Some of it was written down and is found in Apostolic documents that are not part of the Bible.
In what degree must we accept the Bible? In what degree Tradition?
One must accept the Bible and Tradition completely and equally because both are revealed by God.
GOD
What is the Blessed Trinity?
The Blessed Trinity means that in the one God there are three
distinct and equal Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
What do we mean by the equality and distinction of the divine Persons?
The three divine Persons are perfectly equal to one another because all are the one and infinitely perfect God. The three divine Persons are really distinct from one another. They are not three names for the same Person, nor are the three Persons blended into one another. This means: The Father is not the Son. The Son is not the Holy Spirit. The Father isnot the Holy Spirit. CREATION What are Angels?
Angels are pure divine spirits, without bodies, having intelligence and free will. But are not the Holy Spirit.
What are good angels; what are bad angels?
The good angels are those who remained faithful to God, and entered into the eternal happiness of heaven.
The bad angels are those who turned against God and were cast into Hell. These are the fallen angels or devils.
What is a Guardian angel? A guardian angel is a good angel who has been assigned to each one of us by God to watch over, lead, guide, and protect each of us in all we do.
What is man? How is he like God?
Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made to the image and likeness of God. Man is like God chiefly in the soul.
What was the condition of Adam and Eve before the Fall and after the Fall?
The original condition of Adam and Eve was that they were in perfect harmony with God, and were given sanctifying grace, which made them children of God and gave them the right to heaven.
They were also free from sickness and death. After the Fall they were deprived of God’s friendship and grace, they were subject to sickness and death, and their wills were inclined to sin.
What is the sin of Adam and Eve Called? How do we get it? How do we remove it?
The sin of Adam and Eve is called, Original Sin.
We all, children of Adam, come into the world with Original Sin. It is removed when we are baptized.
When we have Original Sin removed, what effects of it remain in us?
The inclination to sin still remains in us because our nature was weakened by the Fall from the presence of God.
SIN
What is the difference between temptation and sin?
Temptation is a strong inclination or suggestion to sin which may come from the devil, from something outside us, or from our tendency toward evil as a result of Adam’s fall.
Sin is knowingly and willingly breaking the law of God, not merely the inclination to commit evil.
Can temptation always be resisted?
Temptation can always be resisted because God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our strength.
What is mortal sin; what three elements are necessary to it?
Mortal sin is a grievous offense against the law of God that deprives us of grace and leads to eternal death in hell. The three elements necessary to make a mortal sin are: First, the thought, desire, word, action or omission must be seriously wrong or considered seriously wrong; Second, the sinner must be mindful of the serious wrong; Third, the sinner must fully consent to it.
What is venial sin; What makes up venial sin?
Venial sin is a less serious offense against the law of God, which does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace, and which can be pardoned even without sacramental confession.
There are two conditions that make up a venial sin: First, when the evil done is not seriously wrong; second, when the evil done is indeed seriously wrong, but the sinner sincerely (but falsely) believes it is only slightly wrong, or when he does not give full consent to it.
What are the occasions of sin? What are the near occasions of sin?
The occasion of sin is any person, place or thing which may lead us into sin. The near occasions of sin are all persons, places, or things that may likely lead us into sin.
What are the main sources of the sins people commit?
The main sources of the sins people commit are the seven capital sins: pride, avarice, envy, anger, lust, gluttony, and sloth.
JESUS, THE CHRIST
Who is Jesus Christ? Is he a human person? How many natures has He?
Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, the Son of God who became man.
No, Jesus Christ is not a human person but a divine Person; Jesus is God. Jesus Christ has two natures: The nature of God and the nature of man.
What is the Incarnation? The Incarnation means that the Son of God became man.
Who is Jesus’ mother? Who is Jesus’ father?
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus. Only God the Father is the Father of Jesus. Saint Joseph was the guardian, or foster father, of Jesus.
What is the Redemption?
The Redemption means that Jesus Christ offered his sufferings and death as a sacrifice to make up for the sins of all humanity. By the redemption, Christ gained for man the right to be children of God and heirs of heaven.
What do the words “he descended into hell” mean?
The descent into hell means that the soul of Jesus, after his death on the cross, descended to the place of rest where the souls of the just had been waiting for him. He did not go to the place of the damned.
GRACE, VIRTUE – GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
What is sanctifying grace? What terms do the Scriptures use for it?
Sanctifying grace confers on our souls a new life, that is, a sharing in the life of God Himself.
The bible sometimes calls it ‘life’, ‘living water’ or ‘light’.
What is actual grace?
Actual grace is a supernatural help of God which enlightens our mind and strengthens our will to do good and to avoid evil.
How do we get sanctifying grace? How do we increase it?
We receive and increase sanctifying grace through the worthy reception of the sacraments and through prayer and other good works.
What are the three theological virtues? Explain each.
The three theological virtues are, Faith, Hope and Charity.
Faith is the virtue by which we firmly believe all the truths God has revealed, on the word of God revealing them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
Hope is the virtue by which we firmly trust that God, who is all-
powerful and faithful to His promises, will in His mercy give us eternal happiness and the means to obtain it.
Charity is the virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
There are seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, they are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
What is moral virtue? What are the four cardinal (or main) virtues? Give examples of other moral virtues.
• Moral virtues are habits that help us to lead good lives by treating persons and things in the right way, that is, according to the will of God.
• The four cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.
• Other examples of the moral virtues are honesty, courage, self-control, and purity.
THE CHURCH
What is the Church? Who founded it? How many true churches are there? What is the relationship between other churches and the true Church?
The Church is the congregation of all baptized persons united in the same true faith, the same sacrifice, and the same sacraments, under the authority of the Pope and the bishops in union with him. The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. Jesus Christ founded the Church.
There is only one true Church, the Catholic Church. Other churches have a greater or lesser participation in the fullness of truth and grace that is found only in the Catholic Church.
Who is St. Peter?
St. Peter is the Apostle chosen by Jesus to be the head of His Church that He founded.
Who are St. Peter’s successors?
Those on whom St Peter and the other Apostles whom Jesus anointed on Easter Evening when He appeared to them (St. John 20:22). They are Jesus’ representatives on earth as the lawful successors of St. Peter and visible heads of the Church.
Who are the Apostles?
The Apostles were men selected by Jesus Christ and were sent to preach the Gospel to the world, to forgive sins, and to celebrate the sacraments.
Who are their successors?
Their successors are the bishops as they are anointed through Apostolic Succession.
What are the four identifying marks by which you can be sure of the true Church?
The four identifying marks are One, Holy, Catholic (or universal), and Apostolic.
The Church teaches that there is no salvation outside the catholic (universal) Church. What does this mean?
When we say, “Outside the Church there is no salvation,” we mean that Christ created the Universal Church a necessary means of salvation and commanded all to enter it, so that a person must be connected with the Church in some way to be saved.
What is excommunication?
Excommunication is a penalty by which the Church cuts one off from the sacraments and from union with the Church; an excommunicated person loses his rights but not his obligations.
What is apostasy?
Apostasy is the rejection of Christianity.
What is heresy?
Heresy is the denial of one or more truths of the Holy Catholic Faith. These are mortal sins.
What would it mean to deny just even one article of the Catholic faith knowingly?
To deny even one article of the catholic faith knowingly would be a heresy and a grave sin against the virtue of Faith.
What is a priest?
A Priest is a mediator between God and man. Having received Holy Orders a priest takes the place of Christ, the High Priest and can offer Mass, forgive sins, and perform the other sacraments of the Church.
What is a Sister?
A Sister is woman religious, living by an approved rule of life.
What is the consecrated laity?
Consecrated lay men and women are bound by vows to Christ and remain unmarried for His sake while living among others in the world.
What is the communion of saints and what is the relationship between them?
The communion of saints is the sharing of grace among all members of Christ’s Church, whether they are on earth or in heaven.
The relationship between them is that members of the Church are able to help each other through prayer in the communicating of spiritual benefits.
What is the resurrection of the body?
The resurrection of the body is the rising of the human body united with the soul on the last day of time. It will bring the body to a
state of perfection and glory.
How many judgments will God give us?
There are two judgments.
The first is called the particular judgment which takes place after one’s death.
The second is called the general judgment and will take place at the end of the world with men and women from all time.
Will people in hell ever get out?
NO, the punishment of hell is eternal.
What is necessary for one to get to heaven?
One must die in the state of grace, and be completely free of all punishment due to sin.
COMMANDMENTS
What are the two commandments of Jesus?
The two commandments of God are: You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and with your whole mind, and with your whole strength; and, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
What are the Ten Commandments? (by number and in order)
The Commandments of God are:
i. I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods
before Me.
ii. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
iii. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day.
iv. Honour your father and your mother.
v. You shalt not kill.
vi. You shalt not commit adultery.
vii. You shalt not steal.
viii. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
ix. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife.
x. You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods.
What is sacrilege? What kind of sin is it? Give examples of it.
A sacrilege is the irreverent treatment, or mistreatment, of sacred persons, places, or things; it is also the reception of any of the sacraments unworthily. It is a mortal sin.
Examples of sacrilege are knowingly receiving Holy Communion in mortal sin; or knowingly not confessing all of one’s mortal sins in confession.
What kind of sin is it to miss Holy Communion or Holy Mass on Sunday through one’s own fault?
It is a mortal sin against the third commandment to miss Worship on the days when attendance is obligatory.
What are some spiritual duties of parents towards their children?
Spiritual duties of parents towards their children are to teach the One, Holy, Catholic (or universal), and Apostolic Church along with faith and good morals, and to protect them from spiritual harm. Also:
Discuss abortion (and its penalties); illegal drugs; alcoholic
drink.
Abortion is a very grave sin and excommunicates one from
the Church. The use of illegal drugs is always sinful.
Alcoholic drink is sinful only when consumed to excess or
when one is forbidden to take it.
Discuss purity and sins opposed to it (e.g. adultery,
fornication; impurity with one’s own body; pornography; immoral music or movies, contraception, immodesty).
Sins against purity that are fully willed (must understand this)
are always mortal sins.
Discuss sins of stealing, including immoral business
practices, cheating in buying and selling and shopping and income tax.
These sins are mortal if the amount stolen or its value equals
or exceeds what is about the worth of a daily wage.
What is restitution? Is it necessary for forgiveness of sins?
Restitution is the obligation to pay back whatever is stolen or damaged. It is necessary to have at least the intention of restitution for one to be forgiven.
Discuss perjury; slander; detraction.
Perjury means lying while under an oath to tell the truth. It is
always a mortal sin.
Slander means telling a lie about one’s character.
Detraction means telling a truth about another’s moral
failings or weaknesses.
Slander and detraction may be mortal sins depending on the
amount of damage done to one’s reputation.
What are the precepts (laws) of the Church?
To assist at Worship Services on all Sundays and Holy days of
obligation.
To fast and to abstain on the days appointed.
To receive Holy Communion regularly, at least during Advent
and Christmas, Lent and at Easter Tide.
To contribute to the support of the Church.
What is fasting? What is abstinence? When are these obligatory?
Fasting is to take no food or liquid for a certain time. On fast days only one full meal is allowed, but one or two smaller meals may be taken, if needed for strength. Fasting is binding on those from ages 18 to 60.
Abstinence is refraining from doing something, especially from
eating certain foods. A day of abstinence is one on which we are not allowed to eat meat – like meat on Fridays. All Fridays and Ash Wednesday are days of abstinence.
Abstinence from meat is obligatory for Christians who have passed their fourteenth year.
SACRAMENTS
What are the names of the seven sacraments?
The names of the SEVEN sacraments are: Baptism and Holy Eucharist as appointed by our Lord and Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders as appointed by the church.
How is Baptism given?
Baptism is given in this way: the Celebrant pours water over the forehead – 3 times of the one to be baptized, saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
What does Baptism do for you?
Baptism gives us the new life of sanctifying grace by which we become children of God and heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven.
What is Confirmation? Who usually gives it?
Confirmation is the sacrament through which the Holy Spirit enables us to profess our faith as strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
A bishop is the usual minister of Confirmation.
What is Chrism?
Holy Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balm, blessed by the Diocesan Bishop on Holy Thursday.
What is the Eucharist? When was it first given?
Holy Eucharist/Holy Communion/Holy Mass is a sacrament and a
sacrifice.
In the Holy Eucharist, under the appearance of bread and wine, Jesus Christ is contained, offered, and received – St. John 6:53-58
The institution of this most Blessed Sacrament of Holy Eucharist was on Holy Thursday at the Last Supper, the night before He died. St. Matthew 26:26-29, St. Mark 14:22-25, St. Luke 22:19-20 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Who consecrates the Eucharist?
The priest consecrates the Eucharist.
How is it consecrated?
It is consecrated by the words spoken at the time of the consecration during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: “This is my body…” and This is my blood…”.
What materials are necessary for it?
The materials that are necessary are pure wheat bread and wine made from grapes.
WHAT DOES THE RELEVANT PORTION OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF RELIGION SAY ABOUT THE SACRAMENTS?
XXV. Of The Sacraments
Sacraments ordained of Christ be not only badges or tokens of Christian men’s profession, but rather they be certain sure witnesses, and effectual signs of grace, and God’s good will towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our Faith in him.
There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.
Those five commonly called Sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and extreme Unction, are NOT to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel, but of the Apostolic Church yet have not like nature of Sacraments with Baptism,
and the Lord’s Supper, for that they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God.
The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about, but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same they have a wholesome effect or operation: but they that receive them unworthily purchase to themselves damnation, as Saint Paul saith.
XXVI. Of The Unworthiness Of The Ministers, Which Hinders Not The Effect Of The Sacrament
Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ’s, and do minister by his commission and authority, we may use their ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in receiving of the Sacraments.
Neither is the effect of Christ’s ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God’s gifts diminished from such as by faith and rightly do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which be effectual, because of Christ’s institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil then.
Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the discipline of the Church, that inquire be made of evil Ministers, and that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences; and finally being found guilty, by just judgement be deposed.
XXVII. Of Baptism
Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from others that be not christened, but it is also a sign of Regeneration or new Birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church; the promises of forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; Faith is confirmed, and Grace increased by virtue of prayer unto God.
The Baptism of Infants – Young Children Is In Any Wise To Be Retained In The Church, As Most Agreeable With The Institution Of Christ.
XXVIII. Of the Lord’s Supper
The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the self-love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another; but rather is a Sacrament of our Redemption by Christ’s death: insomuch that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith, receive the same, the Bread which we break is a partaking of the Body of Christ; and likewise the Cup of Blessing is a partaking of the Blood of Christ.
Transubstantiation (or the change of the substance of Bread and Wine) in the Supper of the Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ; but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a Sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions.
The Body of Christ is given, taken and eaten in the Supper, only after an heavenly and spiritual manner. And the mean whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper is Faith.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was not by Christ’s ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up or worshipped.
XXIX. Of The Wicked Which Eat Not The Body Of Christ In The Use Of The Lord’s Supper
The Wicked. and such as be void of a lively faith, although they do carnally and visibly press with their teeth (as Saint Augustine saith) the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, yet in no wise are they partakers of Christ: but rather, to their condemnation, do cat and drink the sign or Sacrament of so great a thing. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
XXX. Of Both Kinds
The Cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the Lay-people: for both the parts of the Lord’s Sacrament, by Christ’s ordinance and
commandment, ought to be ministered to all Christian men alike.
Why do we genuflect and why do we kneel in the church?
We genuflect to pay our reverence and respect to God who is present in the Most Blessed Sacrament of Holy Eucharist reserved in the tabernacle.
What is the Holy Mass?
The Holy Mass is the sacrifice of the New Law in which Christ, through the ministry of the priest, offers Himself to God in an unbloody manner under the appearances of bread and wine.
What is meant by sacrifice?
A sacrifice is the offering of a victim by a priest to God alone, and the destruction of it in some way to acknowledge that He is the Creator of all things.
What are the conditions for receiving Communion?
The conditions for receiving communion are:
One must be free from mortal sin,
To have a right intention, and
To obey the Church’s laws on the fast required before Holy
Communion (TWO hour from all food and drink, except water).
What is Absolution?
Absolution is the freeing from sin by God through the proclamation of priest.
Is it sufficient to tell our sins privately to God for obtaining forgiveness?
By prayer one may be forgiven venial sins. Mortal sin may also be forgiven by an act of perfect contrition but must always include the intention to go to confession.
What is an examination of conscience?
Examination of conscience is a sincere effort to call to mind all the sins we have committed since our last worthy confession.
What is contrition? Explain the two kinds of contrition.
Contrition is sincere sorrow for having offended God, and hatred for the sins we have committed, with a firm purpose of sinning no more.
The two kinds of contrition are perfect contrition, and imperfect contrition.
Perfect contrition (repentance) is when we are sorry for our sins because sin offends God whom we love above all things for His own sake. Imperfect contrition is when we are sorry for our sins because they are hateful in themselves or because we fear God’s punishment.
Does communal penance substitute for confession? Explain?
No, communal penance may only be received in unusual circumstances. To receive forgiveness in this way, one must intend to confess later any mortal sins that were forgiven.
What happens if we forget a sin in confession?
If without our fault we forget to confess a mortal sin, we are forgiven and may receive Holy Communion. The mortal sin must yet be confessed at the next confession when it is recalled.
What happens if we deliberately withhold a sin in confession?
If we deliberately withhold a sin in confession no sins we have confessed are forgiven; moreover, we commit another mortal sin of sacrilege.
What is meant by the seal of confession?
By the seal of confession is meant that the priest is bound never to reveal any sin that has been confessed to him.
How do we make up for the punishment due to our sins once they have been forgiven?
We can make up for the punishment due to our sins by performing the penance imposed after confession and by prayer, attending Mass, fasting, almsgiving, the works of mercy, the patient endurance of sufferings, and indulgences.
What is an indulgence?
An indulgence is the remission of all or some of the temporal punishment due to our sins.
What is the purpose of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
The purpose of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is to give health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age.
What are the three degrees of the sacrament of holy Orders?
The three degrees of Holy Orders are those of deacon, priest, and bishop. What is the reason that God gave us marriage?
God gave us the sacrament of marriage to create new human life and for a man to love his wife as Christ loves the Church and for a woman to love her husband as the Church submits to Christ. Man and woman freely bind themselves for life in a marriage and receive the grace from God to discharge their duties.
What is a sacramental? Give examples of sacramentals.
Sacramentals are holy things or actions which the Church uses to obtain spiritual and temporal favours from God. Sacramentals include blessings given by priests and bishops; holy water, blessed objects.
Say these prayers with understanding and then commit them to memory: THE LORD’S PRAYER
As Recorded In The Holy Gospel Of St. Matthew 6:9-13 AKJV- AD
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
As Recorded In The Holy Gospel Of St. Luke 11:2-4 AKJV- AD 1611
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen
THE APOSTLES CREED – BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER- AD 1662
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Catholick Church; The Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting.
Amen.
THE NICAEAN CREED – BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER- AD 1662
I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And of all things visible and invisible:
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man, And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one Catholick and Apostolick Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come.
Amen.
THE PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS – BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER- AD 1662
We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood,
that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. † Amen.
1ST. PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Almighty and most merciful Father, We have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, We have offended against thy holy laws, We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, And we have done those things which we ought not to have done, And there is no health in us: But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us miserable offenders; Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults, Restore thou them that are penitent, According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord: And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. † Amen.
2ND PRAYER OF CONFESSION
ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy Divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE AARONIC BLESSING
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen.
What are the Holy days of obligation (that is, days when one is obliged to go to Mass)?
BESIDES SUNDAYS, THE HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION ARE:
Christmas Day (December 25th);
Circumcision of Our Lord (January 1st);
Maundy Thursday,
Good Friday,
Easter Sunday,
Ascension Day
All Saints’ Day (November 1st).
Prepared For Use In Memorial Church Anglican, Whitefield In Accordance With The Rites of The Anglican Catholic Church
By
Cecil K. Dewars
January 2012
THE APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION
NO SACREMENT IS VALID UNTILL IT IS PERFORMED BY A PRIEST ORDAINED IN APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION
HOLY BIBLE REFERENCE ST. JOHN 20:22-23
The Primary Reason I have remained an Anglican Catholic to this day is because she PROFESSES and has the PROOF to having APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION and their adherence to the 39 Articles of Religion. With Priest coming from various denominations, the Bishops have a difficult task cut out for themselves and the laity need to be watchful. The following verse emphasizes the word “BEWARE”!
“Beware of FALSE PROPHETS, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” St. Matthew 7:15
“Beloved, DO NOT BELIEVE EVERY SPIRIT, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS, WHETHER THEY ARE OF GOD; because many FALSE PROPHETS have gone out into the world.” 1 St. John 4:1 Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, THEY SENT UNTO THEM PETER AND JOHN: 15 who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they THEIR HANDS on them, and THEY RECEIVED the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:5-19
Jesus, like his Father was a very meticulous planner and never ventured into any action without carefully figuring out to the minutest of details. He further analysed its far-reaching consequences in the future. He never did anything of His own accord but only with the consent of His Father did he act.
Let us take a look at the verses mentioned below:
St. Luke 6:12-16 – Appointing The Twelve Apostles
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named Apostles; 14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16 and Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
Please note He even recruited the man who would betray Him! That was His foresight, that was the level of His focus on the objective His Father had set for Him.
If you study Jesus life, you would notice that He, at no time deviated from His Fathers will.
With the above as the back ground let us get started on APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION; and why it is absolutely important for Anglican Catholics such as I.
To begin with let me quote St. John 20:19-23: Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, CAME JESUS AND STOOD IN THE MIDST, AND SAITH UNTO THEM, PEACE BE UNTO YOU. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
Then said Jesus to them again, PEACE BE UNTO YOU: AS MY
FATHER HATH SENT ME, EVEN SO SEND I YOU.
And when he had said this, HE BREATHED ON THEM, AND
SAITH UNTO THEM, RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST:
WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED UNTO
THEM; AND WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE RETAIN, THEY ARE RETAINED.
Here are more Scriptures that you may like to refer – Under His APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY ALONE Do The Clergy REGULATE HIS Works In This Our World Today:
St. Matthew 10:1,40 – “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Jesus declares to His Apostles, “he who receives you, receives Me, and he who rejects you, rejects Me and the One who sent Me.” Jesus freely gave His authority to the Apostles in order for them to effectively convert the world.
St. Matthew 16:19; 18:18 – the Apostles are given Jesus’ authority to make visible decisions on earth that will be ratified in heaven. God raises up humanity in Jesus by exalting his chosen leaders and endowing them with the authority and grace they need to bring about the conversion of all. Without a central authority in the Church, there would be chaos.
St. Luke 9:1; 10:19 – Jesus gives the Apostles authority over the natural and the supernatural (diseases, demons, etc.).
St. Luke 10:16 – Jesus tells His Apostles, “HE WHO HEARS YOU, HEARS ME.” When we hear our Bishops’ teaching on our BEFLIF, we hear Jesus Christ Himself.
St. Luke 22:29 – “And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;” the Father gives the Kingdom to the Son, and the Son gave the Kingdom to his Apostles. This gift is transferred from the Father to the Son, and from the Son to the Apostles.
St. John 5:30 – “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
St. John 8:28 – Jesus says He does nothing on His own authority. Similarly, the Apostles will do nothing on their own authority. Their authority comes from God.
St. John 12:49 – The Father’s authority is transferred to the Son. The Son does not speak on His own. This is the transfer of divine authority.
St. John 13:20 – Jesus says, “he who receives anyone who I send, receives Me.” He who receives the Apostles, receives Jesus Christ Himself. He who rejects the Apostles and their successors, rejects Jesus Christ!
St. John 14:10 – Jesus says the WORD He speaks is not His own authority, but from The Father. The gift is from The Father to Jesus and from Jesus to the Apostles.
St. John 16:14-15 – What the Father has, the Son has, and the Son gives it to the Apostles. This authority is not lessened nor mitigated.
St. John 17:18; 20:21 – As the Father sends the Son, the Son sends the Apostles. The Apostles alone have the divinely appointed authority.
Acts 20:28 – The Apostles are shepherds and guardians appointed by the Holy Ghost.
1 St. Peter 2:25 – Jesus is the Shepherd and Guardian. The Apostles, by the power of the Spirit, share Jesus Christ’s ministry and authority.
Revelation: 21:9,14 – the words “household,” “Bride of the Lamb,” the “new Jerusalem” are all metaphors for the Church whose foundation is the Apostles.
Thus, the Apostolic Succession is the very FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINE OF AUTHORITY in the Anglican Catholic Church; I was Baptised and Confirmed in The Church of India – CIPBS. I have also been fortunate to experience the seamless form of worship in her churches in Burma, Ceylon, Pakistan and still do in India to this day.
Our Bishops have an unbroken line stemming from the Original Apostles, who were personally selected by our Lord, The Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Thus, no matter what the Protestants may say, I believe that this Apostolic Succession is MANDATORY FOR THE VALIDITY of all the Sacraments professed and practised by Anglican Catholic Church.
God Bless…
Cecil K. Dewars June 2021