Commandments of God
The Ten Commandments of God
- 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. Honor your father and your mother.
- V. You shall not kill.
- VI. You shall not commit adultery.
- VII. You shall not steal.
- VIII. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- IX. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
- X. You shall not covet you neighbor's goods.
The Two Great Commandments
- I. 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; you
shall love your neighbor as yourself.
- II. To love God, our neighbor, and ourselves, we must keep the commandments of God and of the
Church, and perform the spiritual and corporal
works of mercy
- Note: These two commandments contain the whole law of God
The Seven Sacraments
The traditional definition of a sacrament is this: "A sacrament is a visible sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace." Within this definition there are three important statements:
- A visible sign:
An action is performed by a minister (usually a priest). For example, when a baby is baptized in
the church the priest pours water over its head and at the same time says the
words "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." That is a
visible sign.
- Instituted by Christ:
The Lord Jesus Christ instructed His church to offer the seven sacraments to His followers. For
example, His directive to His disciples in Matthew's Gospel (28/19), "Go then,
to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples; baptize them in the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey everything I have
commanded you."
- To give grace:
Grace is God's free gift of Himself as the controlling influence in our life and the decisions
we make once we have committed ourselves to Him in faith.
Sacraments of Initiation
(These sacraments lay the foundation of every Christian life)
- Baptism
In Baptism we receive new life in Christ. Baptism takes away original sin and gives us a new
birth in the Holy Spirit. Its sign is the pouring of water.
- Confirmation
Confirmation seals our life of faith in Jesus. Its signs are the laying on of hands on a
person’s head, most often by a bishop, and the anointing with oil. Like Baptism,
Confirmation is received only once.
- Eucharist
The Eucharist nourishes our life of faith. Its signs are the bread and wine we receive—the Body
and Blood of Christ.
Sacraments of Healing
(These sacraments celebrate the healing power of Jesus)
- Penance
Through Penance we receive God's forgiveness. Forgiveness requires being sorry for our sins. In
Penance we receive Jesus' healing grace through absolution by the priest.
The signs of this sacrament are our confession of sins and the words of absolution.
- Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament unites a sick person’s suffering with that of Jesus and brings forgiveness of
sins. Oil, a symbol of strength, is the sign of this sacrament. A person is anointed
with oil and receives the laying on of hands from a priest.
Sacraments at the Service of Communion
(These sacraments help members serve the community)
- Matrimony
In Matrimony a baptized man and woman are united with each other as a sign of the unity between
Jesus and his Church. Matrimony requires the consent of the couple, as
expressed in the marriage promises. The couple and their wedding rings are the signs of this
sacrament.
- Holy Orders
In Holy Orders men are ordained as priests, deacons, or bishops. Priests serve as spiritual
leaders of their communities, and deacons serve to remind us of our baptismal call
to help others. Bishops carry on the teachings of the apostles. The signs of this sacrament are
the laying on of hands and anointing with oil by the bishop.
Note: The sacraments that can be received only once are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit
“Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:17-20)
This passage in Matthew's Gospel helps us to understand the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are the observable behaviors of people who have allowed the grace of the Holy Spirit to be effective in them.
The tradition of the Church lists 12 fruits:
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
In the Book of Isaiah 11:2-3, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are described. In the passage the gifts are considered ones that the Messiah would have possessed. Through Jesus, we also receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Wisdom helps us recognize the importance of others and the importance of keeping God
central in our lives.
- Understanding is the ability to comprehend the meaning of God's message.
- Knowledge is the ability to think about and explore God's revelation, and also to
recognize there are mysteries of faith beyond us.
- Counsel is the ability to see the best way to follow God's plan when we have choices that
relate to him.
- Fortitude is the courage to do what one knows is right.
- Piety helps us pray to God in true devotion.
- Fear of the Lord is the feeling of amazement before God, who is all-present, and whose
friendship we do not want to lose.
7 Deadly Sins, 7 Heavenly Virtues
The Roman Catholic church recognized the seven capital virtues as opposites to the Seven Capital Sins or the Seven Deadly Sins.
The Seven Deadly Sins
- Lust An insatiable need for sex or things of a sexual nature. This includes
thoughts, desires, and actions. If this need is unfed, it can lead to
masterbation, rape, and even beastiality. Lust is fed by any of the aformentioned means or
viewing pornography.
- GluttonyOver endulgences of anything to the extreme, usually food or drink.
Alcoholism is considered part of Gluttony.
- Greed Greed is the need for material posessions or material wealth. If this need is
unfed, a Greedy person may even resort to hoarding their
goods, theft, robbery, or obtaining any material posessions by means of trickery, violence,
deception, or manipulation. Greedy people usually are easy to bribe, or will take
any bet or do anything for a dollar.
- Sloth Sadness, depression, or the inability to feel joy. Sloth is often confused
with Gluttony, though I don't know why. Those who suffer from
depression to an extreme usually have thoughts of or plans for suicide. Many times, Sloth can
lead to another sin: Wrath. Those who have lost or lack love, usually fall into a
deep state of Sloth
- WrathExtreme anger, rage, hatred, or a need for vengance or revenge. People who
suffer with Wrath issues will often resort to taking the law in
their own hands if they feel the justice system has failed them. To feed the need of Wrath, they
may even turn to physical abuse of themself or others, murder, or even
genocide. Wrath usually is a need to do harm to others. Dante described Wrath as "love of
justice perverted to revenge and spite" according to the Wikipedia.
- EnvyThe need to have better or be better than others. The need to have the goods of
others. Wanting what others have for yourself. Many times,
someone with extreme Envous needs may turn to voyerism to feed the need to see what others have
that the envious want
- Pride Once considered a need to be the most beautiful, Pride can also mean a need
for public acceptance in all acts. Pride can also be a need to
be more important than others. Those who suffer with Pride issues, usually fail to give due
complements to others, but instead fish for complements for them selves. They
find ways to be better than those around them and usually have a "One Up" story. Pride is said
to be the original and most deadly of the seven sins, leading straight to
damnation.
The Seven Heavenly Virtues
- ChastityCourage and boldness. Embracing of moral wholesomeness and achieving purity
of thought through education and betterment.
- AbstinenceConstant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practicing
self-control, abstention, and moderation.
- LiberalityGenerosity. Willingness to give. A nobility of thought or actions
- DiligenceA zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work. Decisive work
ethic. Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to
guard against laziness.
- PatienceForbearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts
peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence. The ability to
forgive; to show mercy to sinners.
- KindnessCharity, compassion, friendship, and sympathy without prejudice and for its
own sake.
- HumilityModest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. Giving credit
where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self.Modest
behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. Giving credit where credit is due; not
unfairly glorifying one's own self.
Holy Days of Obligation
The Holy Days of Obligation are the days other than Sundays on which we celebrate the great things God has done for us through Jesus and the saints. On Holy Days of Obligation, Catholics attend Mass.
Catholic Prayers
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 and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, It is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph
Holy guardian of the redeemer Spouse of the blessed virgin Mary To you got entrusted his only son In you Mary placed her trust with you Christ was secure and safe. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father, Guide us on the path of life, Obtain for us grace mercy and courage, and defend us from, every evil.
Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valle of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.
The Apostle's 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, sitteth 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 everlasting. Amen.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartfully sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishment, but most of all because I have offended Thee my God, Who is all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, We fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer them. Amen
Fatima Prayer
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.”
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Power of God, thrust into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen
Eucharistic Exposition & Benediction
O saving Victim 1. O saving Victim, open wide The gate of heav’n to us below. Our foes press on from every side; Your aid supply, your strength bestow. 2. To your great name be endless praise, Immortal Godhead, One in Three; Grant us, for endless length of days, In our true native land to be.
O Sautaris Ostium O salutaris Hostia Quae coeli pandis ostium Bella premunt hostilia Da roburm, fer auxilium Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria Amen
Sanctus
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.
Prayer for the Conversion of Sinners
Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful Saviour of the world, we humbly beseech You, by Your most Sacred Heart, that all the sheep who stray out of Your fold may in one days be converted to You, the Shepherd and Bishop of their sounds ls, who lives and reigns with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen. Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin
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