#baltimore catechism

[catenaaurea]

The Baltimore Catechism

Part Three: The Sacraments and Prayer

Lesson Thirty-One: Confession

408. What is confession?

Confession is the telling of our sins to an authorized priest for the purpose of obtaining forgiveness. (Proverbs 28:13)

409. Why must we confess our sins?

We must confess our sins because Jesus Christ obliges us to do so in these words, spoken to the apostles and to their successors in the priesthood: "Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained." (John 20:22-23)

410. How do these words of Christ oblige us to confess our sins?

These words of Christ oblige us to confess our sins because the priest cannot know whether he should forgive or retain our sins unless we tell them to him.

411. Is it necessary to confess every sin?

It is necessary to confess every mortal sin which has not yet been confessed and forgiven; it is not necessary to confess our venial sins, but it is better to do so. (Proverbs 28:13)

412. What are the chief qualities of a good confession?

The chief qualities of a good confession are three: it must be humble, sincere, and entire.

413. When is our confession humble?

Our confession is humble when we accuse ourselves of our sins with a conviction of guilt for having offended God. (Luke 18:13)

414. When is our confession sincere?

Our confession is sincere when we tell our sins honestly and frankly.

415. When is our confession entire?

Our confession is entire when we confess at least all our mortal sins, telling their kind, the number of times we have committed each sin, and any circumstances changing their nature. (Numbers 5:6-7)

416. What are we to do if without our fault we forget to confess a mortal sin?

If without our fault we forget to confess a mortal sin, we may receive Holy Communion, because we have made a good confession and the sin is forgiven; but we must tell the sin in confession if it again comes to our mind.

417. What happens if we knowingly conceal a mortal sin in confession?

If we knowingly conceal a mortal sin in confession, the sins we confess are not forgiven; moreover, we commit a mortal sin of sacrilege.

418. What must a person do who has knowingly concealed a mortal sin in confession?

A person who has knowingly concealed a mortal sin in confession must confess that he has made a bad confession, tell the sin he has concealed, mention the sacraments he has received since that time, and confess all the mortal sins he has committed since his last good confession.

419. Why should a sense of shame and fear of telling our sins to the priest never lead us to conceal a mortal sin in confession?

A sense of shame and fear of telling our sins to the priest should never lead us to conceal a mortal sin in confession because this is a grave sacrilege, and also because the priest, who represents Christ Himself, is bound by the seal of the sacrament of Penance never to reveal anything that has been confessed to him. (Ecclesiasticus 4:31)

420. Why does the priest give us a penance after confession?

The priest gives us a penance after confession that we may make some atonement to God for our sins, receive help to avoid them in the future, and make some satisfaction for the temporal punishment due to them.

421. What kinds of punishment are due to sin?

Two kinds of punishment are due to sin: the eternal punishment of hell, due to unforgiven mortal sins, and temporal punishment, lasting only for a time, due to venial sins and also to mortal sins after they have been forgiven. (John 15:6)

422. Does the sacrament of Penance, worthily received, always take away all punishment?

The sacrament of Penance, worthily received, always takes away all eternal punishment; but it does not always take away all temporal punishment. (John 20:22-23)

423. Why does God require temporal punishment for sin?

God requires temporal punishment for sin to satisfy His justice, to teach us the great evil of sin, and to warn us not to sin again.

424. Where do we pay the debt of our temporal punishment?

We pay the debt of our temporal punishment either in this life or in purgatory. (I Corinthians 3:13-15)

425. What are the chief means of satisfying the debt of our temporal punishment, besides the penance imposed after confession?

Besides the penance imposed after confession, the chief means of satisfying the debt of our temporal punishment are: prayer, attending Mass, fasting, almsgiving, the works of mercy, the patient endurance of sufferings, and indulgences. (Tobias 12:8)

[daretoliveinhim]

Lesson 22 - The Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments (Precepts) of the Church - The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2

[shamballalin]

Veterans Are Valiant Heroes ~ God Bless Our Vets ~ Repost

Veterans have served the United States of America with valor and honor. Veterans do not ask what political side you are on. Veterans are not suckers or losers. Project 2025 plans on cutting Veteran’s Disability Benefits. This is no way to honor any veteran who has honorably served this country. It’s time to honor all veterans who have honored this country, the United States of America, with…

[angeltreasure]

We are created for God, to love God, to serve God in this life, and to be with Him forever in the afterlife.

[apenitentialprayer]

i've read that mormons and JWs are considered heretics because they don't affirm the trinity, so i was wondering what the sort-of 'cut off' point is. like would the ACOE be considered heretics because they say mary isn't the mother of God, only the mother of christ, for example

Alrighty, this is a big one. So, as far as the Jehovah's Witnesses and the (mainstream) Latter Day Saints movement go, things are.... a little more complicated in terms of whether their doctrine is "heresy" or if they are just plain non-Christian (and thus wouldn't count as heretical).

The crux of the argument that they are not Christian is that they do not affirm the Nicene Creed, which was articulated during the Councils of Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD). While Mormons and JWs can affirm the most primitive of Christian creeds ("Christ is Lord"), the Nicene Creed very quickly took on the status of the σύμβολον, or symbolum in Latin; the "symbol of faith," the creed whose affirmation is itself a verification of one's Christian identity. That's why during the Council of Trent, for example, the Tridentine Fathers invited Protestants to participate in the Council on the condition that they could still affirm the Creed.

Of course, Mormons and JWs do not see it that way. They self-identify as Christians; and each group doesn't see themselves just as Christians, but as restorers of a purer, more original Christianity that had existed before the creation of that Creed.

But, anyway, if the conclusion of this argument is accepted, and members of the (mainstream) Latter Day Saints movement and Jehovah's Witnesses are not considered Christian, they by definition cannot be considered heretics; per the Baltimore Catechism, heretics are "baptized Christians, but do not believe all the articles of faith" (Q 1170).

The Assyrian Church of the East affirms the Nicene Creed, have Apostolic Succession, and have limited intercommunion with the Catholic Church. And, Christologically, they have an interesting situation going on. The Assyrian Church has not formally accepted the dogmatic Christological definitions of the Council of Ephesus (431). And, on that alone, the ACoE would seem to fit into the Baltimore Catechism's definition of heretic.

But over 1550 years after that split, the leaders of both the Assyrian Church of the East and the Catholic Church signed a document that affirmed that both Churches saw the other's Christological doctrines as valid, and that both theologies were expressions of the same Apostolic faith. You can read the full document, which is not very long, here.

But to abstract the discussion of heresy for a moment (bold of me to do, admittedly, after saying the last ask was a little vague); we need to make a distinction between formal heresy and material heresy. As Pope Benedict noted in 1993, which itself was an echo of the 1912 Catholic Encyclopedia's description of heresy, the defining characteristic of formal heresy is pertinacia, which can be translated as "stubbornness." What makes a person a "heretic" in a condemnable sense is this pertinacia, this holding fast to falsehoods in defiance of correction by proper authority.

So while the first generations of Protestants may be considered formal heretics, Pope Benedict noted that this does not reflect the actual social and religious conditions of Protestants living today, who are simply living out their Christian faith in the traditions that have arisen since the Reformation. They may be material heretics, and the doctrines of Protestantism may be considered heretical from the Catholic viewpoint, but being a Protestant does not automatically incur the guilt of heresy.

And, in all honesty, most Christians alive today (and most Christians in all ages) have in all probability been material heretics - i.e., they hold some wrong or incorrect opinions concerning the faith, but simply out of ignorance and not in defiance of proper authority. And that is not a sin.

[why-bless-your-heart]

Do you have suggestions for an outsider on where to start researching the Catholic faith?

If you like YouTube videos, Bishop Robert Barron has some really good ones and his Catholicism series is excellent (although it might only be available for purchase as DVDs?) If you’re more of a reader, the Baltimore Catechism is a classic for a reason, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church goes a lot more into depth as well as providing sources from the scripture and the Church Fathers you can delve into. You’re also more than welcome to find a local Catholic parish and attend Mass! You won’t be able to receive the Eucharist, although if you like you can still go up with the others with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing.

[physical-media-enthusiast]

My niche ex catholic trauma is like:

Never throwing out my old purity ring

Restringing my rosary when I feel guilty

Still thinking about what my life would have been like if I had entered the carmelite order

Tearing pages out of the st. joseph's baltimore catechism and using them in art projects

The copy of st. faustina's diary still sitting on my bookshelf

Planning a ritual of unbaptism

Praying to my gods with my hands folded together

Incense being a comforting smell

Still wearing my old purity ring despite long abandoning the promises associated with it

Celebrating pope benedict's death

Waiting for francis' turn

Visiting my catholic school's church, "my old stomping grounds"

Missing catholicism

Hating catholicism

Being relieved that I no longer remember the apostle's creed

Uneasy sundays staying at home while my father goes to church, neither of us acknowledging the tension in the air

My first bottle of antidepressants

That time I spent two full hours in confession

Sobbing while praying the act of contrition

Taking an hour to pray the rosary because I didn't "do the hail marys right"

[a-strange-inkling]

I read through all the tags on the catholic Eddie post and I just absolutely love to hear everybody’s hot takes.

It also reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend the other day where it’s like the more religious trauma you have it seems the kinkier you end up 🤣 what are your thoughts? 🤍

Honestly, I love it, I love seeing everyone’s thoughts!

I had a hunch that he had some Catholic roots, but I wasn’t sure canon wise, so it’s nice to see what you speculated be kind of confirmed lol

Oh man, all the Baltimore Catechism knowledge I have that can now be implemented!

Eddie just sprouting these inane random Catholic facts from his childhood and bonding with Mary Claire the repressed Chicago Catholic lmao 🤣

I think Wayne being Catholic fits him so well too, but I wouldn’t say he’s practicing, I think they all used to, when Eddie was little, but after losing Alice and May, Wayne didn’t bother going to mass. And I imagine Eddie’s father was never particularly devote.

Yes, so much to unpack!

[lboogie1906]

Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, OSP (born Elizabeth Clarisse Lange; c. 1789 – February 3, 1882) was a Black Catholic religious sister who founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first African-American religious congregation. She was the first-ever African-American superior general.

She was born in San Domingo. Her mother, Annette Lange, was the daughter of a Jewish plantation owner, and her father Clovis was a mulatto enslaved on the same plantation.

During the Haitian Revolution, her family fled to Santiago de Cuba. She left Cuba in the early 1800s and immigrated to the US. The Oblates’ oral tradition says she arrived first in Charleston, South Carolina, traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, and settled in Baltimore by 1813. Baltimore’s free African-American population had already outnumbered the city’s enslaved population. A fair-sized French-speaking Afro-Caribbean population had earlier fled the revolution in Haiti.

She recognized the need for education for African American children and opened a school for them in her home. There were no free public schools for African American children in Baltimore until 1866.

She met a Sulpician priest James Nicholas Joubert, who was a native of France and a former soldier. He was in charge of teaching catechism to the African American children who attended the Lower Chapel at Saint Mary’s Seminary. He began looking for two women of color to serve as teachers. A friend suggested Elizabeth Lange and Marie Balas since they were already operating a school in their home.

She and three other women took their first vows. She took the name of “Sister Mary” and became the first superior general of the new community. They started in a rented house with four sisters and twenty students. The school became known as St. Frances Academy and is still in operation today. The Oblate Sisters sought to evangelize the African American community through Catholic education. The sisters later conducted night classes for women, vocational and career training, and established homes for widows and orphans. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[marianprayers]

how do you pray? what if your prayers are not answered or you feel like they aren't being listened to? i have tried praying and I'm still unsure how i feel about religion and I don't resonate with a specific one but idk i just don't feel heard or like I'm doing it properly you know? what is your advice? and how do you learn about religion without going to church. obviously there's Google and stuff but it's not rlly helpful lol. are there any books that you recommend?

hi thanks for the question! i’m happy to answer

i think i struggled with this- feeling like my prayers weren’t being listened to- as well and i think it was mostly due to the fact my heart just wasn’t in it. i wasn’t committed to my prayer or to my intention or to my faith. i found myself in a weird middle phase similarly to you where i needed something more in my life but couldn’t find what. for a long time i studied astrology to help but then found so much comfort in the Lord & particularly Mary.

so i would suggest explore your options. find something you really resonate with, and when you talk with whatever/whoever that is, commit your heart and show your devotion. for me, no matter what happens after my prayer, i feel comforted knowing i have spoken to God, and that He or Mary will be watching and hearing.

maybe you could try saying a prayer like The Memorare, which i have posted on my page, to solidify your prayer and seek action from Mary.

and for how i personally pray, it is very situational. sometimes i simply clasp my hands together. sometimes i do nothing external at all and just repeat a prayer in my head; i do this often in public. if i want Them to know i’m really committed to my prayer i will hold my rosary in between my palms as i pray, as people say that Mary holds one end of the rosary and you hold the other. but prayer is very personal and intimate. i suggest doing what works for you!

and on learning about religion i am little help, as i am still very early on in my journey, and trying to learn myself. i’ve been recommended “The Secret of the Rosary” and “The True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin” as books to read. of course reading Bible verses. i like the app “Women’s Bible”, as i don’t yet feel ready to purchase a physical bible. you can add notes and annotate on this app, and the interface is pink! i was also recommended the “Baltimore Catechism”, which is a Q&A style book that teaches all about God/Catholicism.

but my best advice is follow profiles online! there’s lots of lovely girls on twitter who have helped me and there’s lots of blogs out there.

i hope this can help <3

[catenaaurea]

The Baltimore Catechism

Part Three: The Sacraments and Prayer

Lesson Twenty-Eight: Holy Communion

366. What is Holy Communion?

Holy Communion is the receiving of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. (John 6:57)

367. What is necessary to receive Holy Communion worthily?

To receive Holy Communion worthily it is necessary to be free from mortal sin, to have a right intention, and to obey the Church's laws on the fast required before Holy Communion out of reverence for the body and blood of Our Divine Lord. However, there are some cases in which Holy Communion may be received without fasting. (I Corinthians 11:27)

368. Does he who knowingly receives Holy Communion in mortal sin receive the body and blood of Christ and His graces?

He who knowingly receives Holy Communion in mortal sin receives the body and blood of Christ; but he does not receive His graces and he commits a grave sin of sacrilege. (I Corinthians 11:27)

369. What should we do to receive more abundantly the graces of Holy Communion?

To receive more abundantly the graces of Holy Communion we should strive to be most fervent and to free ourselves from deliberate venial sin.

370. Does the Church now command us to fast from midnight before Holy Communion?

The Church does not now command us to fast from midnight before Holy Communion, as it did formerly. The laws enacted by Pope Pius XII now regulate this matter by the number of hours we must fast.

371. When may Holy Communion be received without fasting?

Holy Communion may be received without fasting when one is in danger of death, or when it is necessary to save the Blessed Sacrament from insult or injury.

372. What are the laws enacted by Pope Pius XII regarding the fast required before Holy Communion?

The laws enacted by Pope Pius XII regarding the fast required before Holy Communion are the following:

Water may be taken at any time before Holy Communion without breaking the fast.

Sick persons, though not confined to bed, may receive Holy Communion after taking medicine or nonalcoholic drinks. A priest's permission is not necessary.

All Catholics may receive Holy Communion after fasting one hour from food and drink including even alcoholic beverages in moderation. This rule applies to Holy Communion at midnight Mass as well as at Masses celebrated in the morning, afternoon or evening. A priest's permission is not needed.

One may not receive Holy Communion a second time on the same day, unless the danger of death arises, when he can receive the Blessed Sacrament as Viaticum. But one who has received the Holy Eucharist at the midnight Mass of Christmas or at the Mass of the Easter Vigil may receive again in the course of the day. These rules show the Church's desire that all Catholics partake of the Holy Eucharist frequently.

373. How should we prepare ourselves for Holy Communion?

We should prepare ourselves for Holy Communion by thinking of Our Divine Redeemer whom we are about to receive, and by making fervent acts of faith, hope, love, and contrition. (Matthew 8:8)

374. What should we do after Holy Communion?

After Holy Communion we should spend some time adoring Our Lord, thanking Him, renewing our promises of love and of obedience to Him, and asking Him for blessings for ourselves and others. (Matthew 7:7)

375. What are the chief effects of a worthy Holy Communion?

The chief effects of a worthy Holy Communion are: first, a closer union with Our Lord and a more fervent love of God and of our neighbor; second, an increase of sanctifying grace; third, preservation from mortal sin and the remission of venial sin; fourth, the lessening of our inclinations to sin and the help to practice good works. (John 6:57)

376. When are we obliged to receive Holy Communion?

We are obliged to receive Holy Communion during Easter time each year and when in danger of death.

377. Why is it well to receive Holy Communion often, even daily?

It is well to receive Holy Communion often, even daily, because this intimate union with Jesus Christ, the Source of all holiness and the Giver of all graces, is the greatest aid to a holy life. (Acts 2:42)

378. How should we show our gratitude to Our Lord for remaining always on our altars in the Holy Eucharist?

We should show our gratitude to Our Lord for remaining always on our altars in the Holy Eucharist by visiting Him often, by reverence in church, by assisting every day at Mass when this is possible, by attending parish devotions, and by being present at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

[daretoliveinhim]

Lesson 21 - The Commandments (Precepts) of the Church; The First and Second Commandments (Precepts) - The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2

[thefiresontheheight]

List of References

-Terra Ignota -Binti by Nnedi Okorafor -Stargate -The Culture -Beowulf -The Fire Sermon -The Expanse -Embassytown -Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds -Babel-17 -MCR -A Long Way to a Small and Angry Planet -The Baltimore Catechism -Saga -Dark Souls -Kill 6 Billion Demons -Digger -Space sweepers -Julian of Norwich -This is How You Lose the Time War -Maniac -The Stars are Legion by Kameron Hurley -The SCP Foundation

[notesofapastor]

The Contradictions of the Bible

I used to say it myself. “The Bible is full of contradictions!”

The only problem with that statement is I never read it. I took someone’s word for it that the Bible was full of fables and full of “you-know-what.” It sounded like a beautiful retort to someone who would start quoting a passage or two. But the only one who was full of “you-know-what” was me--ignorant ol’ me.

While in Catholic School, I was taught religion, but we never, ever referred to a Bible Text. Nor did we have possession of any kind of a real, physical book that said Bible on its cover.  No, we had a catechism that was put together by someone in Baltimore and no doubt contained some spiritual truth. 

But that truth was mixed-up with so much of the Roman Catholic Sacred Tradition, that yes, there were big contradictions. And just one quick example is the teaching concerning Purgatory and the Cross.

I have no intentions of bashing the Catholic Church. If you are a practicing Catholic, be a good one. Any error in their doctrines? Yes.

Check-out what they teach and do the same thing here.

Read the Bible for yourself--all 66 Books.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.--2 Timothy 3:16

--Pastor Dean

[werewolf-femboy-maid]

its 11:08 in the fucking morning I have been awake for about 26? hours and I am fuckiign losing my mind about dragon ball because my hormones bruh they really after my ass man I gotta watch that shit asa; LOOK AT THIS SHIt

I was dancing to this fucking song sped up its so cute

and I was watching vegeta dancing to songs earlier because I was going through it TM and then I was listen to this song after hang out with bf and we doing better yay but yeah more awareness I have I feel more powerful I GRABBED A CHAIR AND PIUT IT ON MY BEDDDDDDD

man that's the kind of things I liked in fandoms man like 10-24 year old me really digs the character dynamics. ...

the

the the

as a homeschooled catholic woman that left the church I guess??? no specific time it just made less and less sense and kinda seemed scary and I felt trapped and not me :"(

omg everything is a lie but ANYWAY

as a homeschooled catholic girl I believed my purpose was either nun or marriage. even tho the Baltimore catechism said being single is a rare but valid vocation for a catholic. my dad really just reccomended the marriage or nun... ^^" man its been a long 24 years

I bee ouchies all the time head ouchie :"( back says omg were gonna die all day and ouch :"{

but it s ok because back to the ORIGINAL POINT I WAS GOING TO MAKE!!! the character dynamics, as I liked for most of my life

.. I used to get really fucking shy and I stilldo'

dude I was such a nerd man you wouldn't believe I was... um

a very pure(?) fangirl? because jacking off is a sin, fantasizing about anything remotely sexual even making out or cuddling with someone let alone the act themselves.

so I had a limited toolbox of things I could use for my tiny fantasies

just uh :} hand holding.. and nice things like that..///~/// but I remember wondering how exactly babies are made, idk I always had an odd feeling about that question, and since I didn't really know until I was at least 19, it was uh slightly underwhelming. I didn't find out by actually having sex that came later. I asked... :"( I

guys I can t do this wtf

ok ok im making it complicated again but whatever this is an unhinged record blog of my thoughts...

guys I think I had a mini episode?? what is episode?????? how long many minute????????? *panic*

idk man I just be moody because ouchies as a wee one. y'all remember that post about the fuckin uh the uh the fuckinm uhhhh

oh the post about lmao uh the renaming the illnesses and It was funny ill make another post about the convo I had if I remember to it was hilarious

ok love you gays stay ssaffeeeeeee

and ghe straaaaaighttsssssss

andnntt The

L E S B I A N S

AND the non binary people

and the ace people

gender queer

gender fluid

pansexualssssssssss rawr

and all the folks and fellows

love y'all to bits <3

[apenitentialprayer]

Ugh, I want an edition of the Baltimore Catechism from before the 2012 update, not for trad reasons, but for "this was the Catechism my mom used when she was a child" reasons