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Do you know somebody who is "fighting" with their pastor or DRE about specific things "required" before reception of Baptism, Communion, or Confirmation? Please send them to the link below for some useful information regarding such things as proper age, sponsors, CCD class attendance, retreats, involvement in social works, etc.. Or maybe you just want to read it yourself!
http://www.canonlaw.info/a_preparingchildren.htm |
Next First Holy Communion date: TBD for 2024
(Fr. Palka will meet with the children, individually or as a group, on the Monday, Wednesday, or Friday of the last week of April. Call and make an appointment for whichever time/date in convenient for you. He will be making sure that they are properly prepared for making their First Holy Communion and that they are ready for their First Confessions between now and then. They will be able to go to confession at any regularly scheduled confession time as soon as they are ready to do so, even if that is before this meeting. There is no "communal" reconciliation service as is sometimes done.
**If you are not registered parishioners of Epiphany of Our Lord, your pastor's letter attesting to your child being in good-standing will be sufficient attestation that your child is ready for the Sacrament.)
Next Confirmation date: TBD for 2024
(Those to be confirmed will meet with the pastor so that he can determine if they are properly prepared for receiving this Sacrament. Classroom #2.
Date and time TBD.
**If you are not registered parishioners of Epiphany of Our Lord, your pastor's letter attesting to your child being in good-standing will be sufficient attestation that your child is ready for the Sacrament.)
NB (which is Latin for Nota Bene, meaning, "note well" and is used frequently in ecclesiastical--Church--writings):
If you normally participate in the Traditional Latin Mass at Epiphany but are registered "officially" at another parish, you or your children may still receive all of the sacraments here, but we need more contact information from you!
NB again: You MUST send in or bring in a copy of your child's baptism certificate WHEN signing up your child for either First Holy Communion or for Confirmation. Do not procrastinate. Get the certificates in to the office as soon as possible, if not earlier! In addition, if you are not a registered parishioner of Epiphany, you MUST provide a letter of permission from your pastor that your child may receive their sacrament outside their registered parish.
(Fr. Palka will meet with the children, individually or as a group, on the Monday, Wednesday, or Friday of the last week of April. Call and make an appointment for whichever time/date in convenient for you. He will be making sure that they are properly prepared for making their First Holy Communion and that they are ready for their First Confessions between now and then. They will be able to go to confession at any regularly scheduled confession time as soon as they are ready to do so, even if that is before this meeting. There is no "communal" reconciliation service as is sometimes done.
**If you are not registered parishioners of Epiphany of Our Lord, your pastor's letter attesting to your child being in good-standing will be sufficient attestation that your child is ready for the Sacrament.)
Next Confirmation date: TBD for 2024
(Those to be confirmed will meet with the pastor so that he can determine if they are properly prepared for receiving this Sacrament. Classroom #2.
Date and time TBD.
**If you are not registered parishioners of Epiphany of Our Lord, your pastor's letter attesting to your child being in good-standing will be sufficient attestation that your child is ready for the Sacrament.)
NB (which is Latin for Nota Bene, meaning, "note well" and is used frequently in ecclesiastical--Church--writings):
If you normally participate in the Traditional Latin Mass at Epiphany but are registered "officially" at another parish, you or your children may still receive all of the sacraments here, but we need more contact information from you!
NB again: You MUST send in or bring in a copy of your child's baptism certificate WHEN signing up your child for either First Holy Communion or for Confirmation. Do not procrastinate. Get the certificates in to the office as soon as possible, if not earlier! In addition, if you are not a registered parishioner of Epiphany, you MUST provide a letter of permission from your pastor that your child may receive their sacrament outside their registered parish.
The checklist needed is found below. Feel free to print it out on your computer, fill it out, and return to the office as soon as possible, either in person, in the mail, or electronically.
First Holy Communion Information and Checklist
Epiphany of Our Lord, 2510 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610
1st Holy Communion date: TBD at both Masses
___ A copy of the Baptism Certificate been given to the office. (Don’t bother with the rest if this is not checked!) Mail to: 2510 E. Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 or Email to: office@epiphanytampa.com
___If you are not a registered parishioner of Epiphany of Our Lord, please have your pastor send a letter or email to the parish giving permission to have your child receive this sacrament outside of their home parish. Mail to: 2510 E. Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 or Email to: office@epiphanytampa.com
Full Name of the person receiving their 1st Holy Communion:
____________________________________________________________________________________
Birthdate: ____________________________________________________________________________
Parents’ names: _______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Are you registered at Epiphany of Our Lord? Yes___ or No___
Do you normally attend Epiphany, whether registered here or not? Yes___ or No___
Which Mass will your child attend for First Holy Communion? 7:30 am___ or 10:30 am___
Which First Holy Communion Preparation books/series are being used? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Remember: You need to also prepare your child to go to Confession, too, which must be done BEFORE the reception of Holy Communion! Also, Father Palka wants to speak with each child to make sure he or she is properly prepared and knows what (Who) the Blessed Sacrament is and that he/she is ready to go to confession. See note above.
Epiphany of Our Lord, 2510 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610
1st Holy Communion date: TBD at both Masses
___ A copy of the Baptism Certificate been given to the office. (Don’t bother with the rest if this is not checked!) Mail to: 2510 E. Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 or Email to: office@epiphanytampa.com
___If you are not a registered parishioner of Epiphany of Our Lord, please have your pastor send a letter or email to the parish giving permission to have your child receive this sacrament outside of their home parish. Mail to: 2510 E. Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 or Email to: office@epiphanytampa.com
Full Name of the person receiving their 1st Holy Communion:
____________________________________________________________________________________
Birthdate: ____________________________________________________________________________
Parents’ names: _______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Are you registered at Epiphany of Our Lord? Yes___ or No___
Do you normally attend Epiphany, whether registered here or not? Yes___ or No___
Which Mass will your child attend for First Holy Communion? 7:30 am___ or 10:30 am___
Which First Holy Communion Preparation books/series are being used? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Remember: You need to also prepare your child to go to Confession, too, which must be done BEFORE the reception of Holy Communion! Also, Father Palka wants to speak with each child to make sure he or she is properly prepared and knows what (Who) the Blessed Sacrament is and that he/she is ready to go to confession. See note above.
The following list is an example of what kinds of basic knowledge of the Faith that children should have before making their First Holy Communion.
Know the 10 commandments.
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 to 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 goods.
—Name the 7 sacraments. Put an asterisk next to those which, once all are received, fully initiate a Catholic into the Church.
*Baptism
*Confirmation
*Holy Eucharist
Confession (Penance or Reconciliation)
Holy Orders
Matrimony
Extreme Unction (Sacrament of the Sick or Anointing)
—Give the definition of a Sacrament.
An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.
Can you recite the Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)?
Can you recite the Hail Mary?
Can you recite the Glory be?
Can you recite the Act of Contrition?
Can you recite the Angelus?
Can you recite the Hail Holy Queen?
Can you recite the Blessing Before Meals?
Can you recite the Grace (thanksgiving) After Meals?
Can you recite the St. Michael the Archangel prayer?
Can you recite the Guardian Angel prayer?
Do you know all of the mysteries of the Rosary?
Name the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. 1) God the Father 2) Jesus, God the Son 3) God the Holy Spirit
Is that one God or three gods? One God with three Persons
Who is the head of the Catholic Church? The Pope
Who is the head of a Diocese? The Bishop
Who is the head of a parish church? The Pastor
Who elects a new Pope when one is needed? The Cardinals
What does a Deacon do? Assists at Mass, distributes Holy Communion, preaches, witnesses marriages, leads funeral services
Is the Eucharist a piece of bread? No
Is the Eucharist a piece of holy bread? No
Is the Eucharist a piece of extra special, holy, bread? No
Is the Eucharist Jesus? Yes
Is Jesus in the Eucharist the same Jesus as Mary's Baby? Yes
Is Jesus in the Eucharist the same Jesus as Jesus Who died on the cross? Yes
Is Jesus in the Eucharist the same Jesus as Jesus Who rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven? Yes
Is the smallest crumb of the Eucharistic Host Jesus? Yes
Is the smallest drop of the Precious Blood Jesus? Yes
Is Jesus half God and half man? No
Is Jesus fully God and fully man? Yes
What makes Jesus fully man? His Body, His Blood, and His Soul
What makes Jesus fully God? His divinity
When you receive Holy Communion do you receive a symbol of Jesus' Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity? No
When you receive Holy Communion do you receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in a real and substantial way? Yes
Know the 10 commandments.
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 to 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 goods.
—Name the 7 sacraments. Put an asterisk next to those which, once all are received, fully initiate a Catholic into the Church.
*Baptism
*Confirmation
*Holy Eucharist
Confession (Penance or Reconciliation)
Holy Orders
Matrimony
Extreme Unction (Sacrament of the Sick or Anointing)
—Give the definition of a Sacrament.
An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.
Can you recite the Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)?
Can you recite the Hail Mary?
Can you recite the Glory be?
Can you recite the Act of Contrition?
Can you recite the Angelus?
Can you recite the Hail Holy Queen?
Can you recite the Blessing Before Meals?
Can you recite the Grace (thanksgiving) After Meals?
Can you recite the St. Michael the Archangel prayer?
Can you recite the Guardian Angel prayer?
Do you know all of the mysteries of the Rosary?
Name the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. 1) God the Father 2) Jesus, God the Son 3) God the Holy Spirit
Is that one God or three gods? One God with three Persons
Who is the head of the Catholic Church? The Pope
Who is the head of a Diocese? The Bishop
Who is the head of a parish church? The Pastor
Who elects a new Pope when one is needed? The Cardinals
What does a Deacon do? Assists at Mass, distributes Holy Communion, preaches, witnesses marriages, leads funeral services
Is the Eucharist a piece of bread? No
Is the Eucharist a piece of holy bread? No
Is the Eucharist a piece of extra special, holy, bread? No
Is the Eucharist Jesus? Yes
Is Jesus in the Eucharist the same Jesus as Mary's Baby? Yes
Is Jesus in the Eucharist the same Jesus as Jesus Who died on the cross? Yes
Is Jesus in the Eucharist the same Jesus as Jesus Who rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven? Yes
Is the smallest crumb of the Eucharistic Host Jesus? Yes
Is the smallest drop of the Precious Blood Jesus? Yes
Is Jesus half God and half man? No
Is Jesus fully God and fully man? Yes
What makes Jesus fully man? His Body, His Blood, and His Soul
What makes Jesus fully God? His divinity
When you receive Holy Communion do you receive a symbol of Jesus' Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity? No
When you receive Holy Communion do you receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in a real and substantial way? Yes
Confirmation Information and Checklist
Epiphany of Our Lord, 2510 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610
Confirmation date: TBD @ 1:00 PM See note above for pre-confirmation meeting date/time with the pastor.
___ A copy of the Baptism Certificate been given to the office. (Don’t bother with the rest if this is not checked!) Mail to: 2510 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610 or Email to: office@epiphanytampa.com
___If you are not a registered parishioner of Epiphany of Our Lord, please have your pastor send a letter or email to the parish giving permission to have your child receive this sacrament outside of their home parish. Mail to: 2510 E. Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 or Email to: office@epiphanytampa.com
Full Name of the person being confirmed: __________________________________________________
Birthdate: _____________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________________
Parents’ names: ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Saint’s Name (include any distinguishing last names, titles, city, etc., by which this Saint is identified (such as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Thomas of Canterbury):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Confirmation Sponsor’s Name (in the old Rite this cannot be a parent or spouse, must be of the same sex as the one being confirmed, and must be a baptized Catholic who has received First Holy Communion, Confession, and Confirmation and is living in conformity to Church teachings):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Which Confirmation Preparation books/series are being used? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Epiphany of Our Lord, 2510 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610
Confirmation date: TBD @ 1:00 PM See note above for pre-confirmation meeting date/time with the pastor.
___ A copy of the Baptism Certificate been given to the office. (Don’t bother with the rest if this is not checked!) Mail to: 2510 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa, FL 33610 or Email to: office@epiphanytampa.com
___If you are not a registered parishioner of Epiphany of Our Lord, please have your pastor send a letter or email to the parish giving permission to have your child receive this sacrament outside of their home parish. Mail to: 2510 E. Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 or Email to: office@epiphanytampa.com
Full Name of the person being confirmed: __________________________________________________
Birthdate: _____________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________________
Parents’ names: ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Saint’s Name (include any distinguishing last names, titles, city, etc., by which this Saint is identified (such as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Thomas of Canterbury):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Confirmation Sponsor’s Name (in the old Rite this cannot be a parent or spouse, must be of the same sex as the one being confirmed, and must be a baptized Catholic who has received First Holy Communion, Confession, and Confirmation and is living in conformity to Church teachings):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Which Confirmation Preparation books/series are being used? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2024 Confirmation Test w/answers (This is posted to help you see kinds of things your child should be studying in preparation for Confirmation. It is not an exclusive list, just the the things that they got tested on last year.)
(full answer to Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Ghost are found directly below this section)
—How many Gifts of the Holy Ghost are there? Name them. What is the purpose of each one?
Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Fortitude
Knowledge
Piety
Fear of the Lord
—What are the 12 fruits of the Holy Ghost and where are they found in sacred scripture?
In the Douay-Rheims Bible (the traditional English version of the Vulgate) Galatians 5:22-23 lists:
Charity
Joy
Peace
Patience
Benignity (Kindness)
Goodness
Longanimity (Long Suffering)
Mildness
Faith
Modesty
Continency
Chastity
—Why do some lists only include 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit? (Tip: note the change from Holy Ghost to Holy Spirit !)
Newer Bible translations sometimes use different ancient manuscripts that only list 9! For instance, the New American Bible (used in the Novus Ordo Mass) lists only love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
—What is the difference between a Gift and a Fruit of the Holy Ghost?
The Gifts are given by God, especially through the sacrament of Confirmation, which, if used properly, bear the Fruits in the life of the one receiving the Gifts.
—Write out the 10 commandments.
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 to 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 goods.
—Name the 7 sacraments. Put an asterisk next to those which, once all are received, fully initiate a Catholic into the Church.
*Baptism
*Confirmation
*Holy Eucharist
Confession (Penance or Reconciliation)
Holy Orders
Matrimony
Extreme Unction (Sacrament of the Sick or Anointing)
—Give the definition of a Sacrament.
An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.
—Answer (honestly!) yes or no to the questions below: [I didn't see a need to write each of these out. Let me know if I was wrong!]
Can you recite the Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)?
Can you recite the Hail Mary?
Can you recite the Glory be?
Can you recite the Angelus?
Can you recite the Hail Holy Queen?
Can you recite the Blessing Before Meals?
Can you recite the Grace (thanksgiving) After Meals?
Can you recite the St. Michael the Archangel prayer?
Can you recite the Guardian Angel prayer?
Can you recite the Act of Contrition?
Can you recite the Apostles Creed?
Do you know all of the mysteries of the Rosary?
Do you know all of the Stations of the Cross?
(full answer to Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Ghost are found directly below this section)
—How many Gifts of the Holy Ghost are there? Name them. What is the purpose of each one?
Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Fortitude
Knowledge
Piety
Fear of the Lord
—What are the 12 fruits of the Holy Ghost and where are they found in sacred scripture?
In the Douay-Rheims Bible (the traditional English version of the Vulgate) Galatians 5:22-23 lists:
Charity
Joy
Peace
Patience
Benignity (Kindness)
Goodness
Longanimity (Long Suffering)
Mildness
Faith
Modesty
Continency
Chastity
—Why do some lists only include 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit? (Tip: note the change from Holy Ghost to Holy Spirit !)
Newer Bible translations sometimes use different ancient manuscripts that only list 9! For instance, the New American Bible (used in the Novus Ordo Mass) lists only love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
—What is the difference between a Gift and a Fruit of the Holy Ghost?
The Gifts are given by God, especially through the sacrament of Confirmation, which, if used properly, bear the Fruits in the life of the one receiving the Gifts.
—Write out the 10 commandments.
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 to 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 goods.
—Name the 7 sacraments. Put an asterisk next to those which, once all are received, fully initiate a Catholic into the Church.
*Baptism
*Confirmation
*Holy Eucharist
Confession (Penance or Reconciliation)
Holy Orders
Matrimony
Extreme Unction (Sacrament of the Sick or Anointing)
—Give the definition of a Sacrament.
An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.
—Answer (honestly!) yes or no to the questions below: [I didn't see a need to write each of these out. Let me know if I was wrong!]
Can you recite the Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)?
Can you recite the Hail Mary?
Can you recite the Glory be?
Can you recite the Angelus?
Can you recite the Hail Holy Queen?
Can you recite the Blessing Before Meals?
Can you recite the Grace (thanksgiving) After Meals?
Can you recite the St. Michael the Archangel prayer?
Can you recite the Guardian Angel prayer?
Can you recite the Act of Contrition?
Can you recite the Apostles Creed?
Do you know all of the mysteries of the Rosary?
Do you know all of the Stations of the Cross?
[This section tells the reasons we receive the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Ghost. Questions/answers regarding the Gifts of the Holy Ghost in regular print are taken from the Baltimore Catechism #3. The italicized print is taken from the Catechism of Pope St. Pius X. The underlined text is taken from Baltimore Catechism #4.]
Q. 698. Which are the effects of Confirmation?
A. The effects of Confirmation are an increase of sanctifying grace, the strengthening of our faith, and the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Q. 699. Which are the gifts of the Holy Ghost?
A. The gifts of the Holy Ghost are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
2 Q. What purpose do these gifts serve?
A. The gifts of the Holy Ghost serve to establish us in Faith, Hope and Charity, and to render us prompt in the exercise of those acts of virtue necessary towards attaining the perfection of a Christian life.
9 Q. What is the Fear of the Lord?
A. The Fear of the Lord is a gift which makes us respect God and fear to offend His Divine Majesty, and which detaches us from evil while inciting us to good.
Q. 700. Why do we receive the gift of Fear of the Lord?
A. We receive the gift of Fear of the Lord to fill us with a dread of sin. On account of the goodness of God and the punishment He can inflict.
8 Q. What is Piety?
A. Piety is a gift enabling us to venerate and love God and His Saints, and to preserve a pious and benevolent mind towards our neighbour for the love of God.
Q. 701. Why do we receive the gift of Piety?
A. We receive the gift of Piety to make us love God as a Father, and obey Him because we love Him.
7 Q. What is Knowledge?
A. Knowledge is a gift enabling us to estimate created things at their proper worth, and to learn how to use them rightly and to direct them to our last end, which is God.
Q. 702. Why do we receive the gift of Knowledge?
A. We receive the gift of Knowledge to enable us to discover the will of God in all things.
6 Q. What is Fortitude?
A. Fortitude is a gift which inspires us with valour and courage to observe faithfully the holy law of God and of the Church, by conquering all obstacles and all the assaults of our enemies.
Q. 703. Why do we receive the gift of Fortitude?
A. We receive the gift of Fortitude to strengthen us to do the will of God in all things. Some know the will of God--what they should do--but they have not the courage to follow the dictates of their conscience. For example, a person goes with bad company: the gift of knowledge will teach him that he should give it up; but the gift of fortitude will enable him to do what his conscience shows him to be right.
5 Q. What is Counsel?
A. Counsel is a gift by which, amidst the doubts and uncertainties of human life, we are enabled to recognise those things that redound more to God's glory, to our own salvation, and to that of our neighbour.
Q. 704. Why do we receive the gift of Counsel?
A. We receive the gift of Counsel to warn us of the deceits of the devil, and of the dangers to salvation. The devil is much wiser than we are, and has much more experience, being among the people of the world ever since the time of Adam--about 6,000 years. He could therefore easily deceive and overcome us if God Himself by the gift of counsel did not enable us to discover his tricks and expose his plots. When at times we are tempted, our conscience warns us, and if we follow the warning we shall escape the sin. Counsel tells us when persons or places are dangerous for our salvation.
Q. 705. How is it clear that the devil could easily deceive us if the Holy Ghost did not aid us?
A. It is clear that the devil could easily deceive us if the Holy Ghost did not aid us, for just as our sins do not deprive us of our knowledge, so the devil's sin did not deprive him of the great intelligence and power which he possessed as an angel. Moreover, his experience in the world extends over all ages and places, while ours is confined to a few years and to a limited number of places.
4 Q. What is Understanding?
A. Understanding is a gift which facilitates, as far as this is possible to mortal man, the understanding of the truths of faith and of the mysteries of God, which we are unable to know by the natural light of the intellect.
Q. 706. Why do we receive the gift of Understanding?
A. We receive the gift of Understanding to enable us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith. "Mysteries," truths we could never know by reason, but only by the teaching of God; and the gift of understanding enables us to know better what His teaching means. The Apostles heard and knew what Our Lord taught, but they did not fully understand the whole meaning till the Holy Ghost had come.
3 Q. What is Wisdom?
A. Wisdom is a gift by which the mind is lifted up from earthly and transitory things, enabling us to contemplate things eternal, that is to say, God Himself, the eternal truth, and to relish and love Him, in which consists all our good.
Q. 707. Why do we receive the gift of Wisdom?
A. We receive the gift of Wisdom to give us a relish for the things of God, and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory.
Q. 719. Which are the twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost?
A. The twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost are Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Benignity, Goodness, Long-suffering, Mildness, Faith, Modesty, Continency, and Chastity.
Q. 720. Why are charity, joy, peace, etc., called fruits of the Holy Ghost?
A. Charity, joy, peace, etc., are called fruits of the Holy Ghost because they grow in our souls out of the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.
[The above questions in regular print are taken from the Baltimore Catechism #3. The italicized print is taken from the Catechism of Pope St. Pius X. The underlined text is taken from the Baltimore Catechism #4. What is below is from somewhere else.]
1. Charity – Cause us to perform our actions out of love for God
2. Joy – Keeps us happily aware of God’s infinite goodness
3. Peace – Results from joy and renders us tranquil
4. Patience – Resigns us to endure the disagreeable circumstance of life and the
suffering of deaths
5. Benignity (Kindness) – Results from goodness; it is goodness in words and actions
6. Goodness – Inclines us to wish to do good to everyone without distinction
7. Long Suffering (Longanimity – Preserves patience over a long period of time, even though no
encouragement is to be seen
8. Mildness – Restrain our angers
9. Faith – Makes one faithful and upright in dealing with others
10. Modesty – Produces moderation in external actions
11. Continency – Restrains illicit passion and assists in self control
12. Chastity – Helps one guard his/her senses so that they will not cause him/her to sin;
it helps one regard his/her own body and those of others as temple of the Holy Ghost
Q. 698. Which are the effects of Confirmation?
A. The effects of Confirmation are an increase of sanctifying grace, the strengthening of our faith, and the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Q. 699. Which are the gifts of the Holy Ghost?
A. The gifts of the Holy Ghost are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
2 Q. What purpose do these gifts serve?
A. The gifts of the Holy Ghost serve to establish us in Faith, Hope and Charity, and to render us prompt in the exercise of those acts of virtue necessary towards attaining the perfection of a Christian life.
9 Q. What is the Fear of the Lord?
A. The Fear of the Lord is a gift which makes us respect God and fear to offend His Divine Majesty, and which detaches us from evil while inciting us to good.
Q. 700. Why do we receive the gift of Fear of the Lord?
A. We receive the gift of Fear of the Lord to fill us with a dread of sin. On account of the goodness of God and the punishment He can inflict.
8 Q. What is Piety?
A. Piety is a gift enabling us to venerate and love God and His Saints, and to preserve a pious and benevolent mind towards our neighbour for the love of God.
Q. 701. Why do we receive the gift of Piety?
A. We receive the gift of Piety to make us love God as a Father, and obey Him because we love Him.
7 Q. What is Knowledge?
A. Knowledge is a gift enabling us to estimate created things at their proper worth, and to learn how to use them rightly and to direct them to our last end, which is God.
Q. 702. Why do we receive the gift of Knowledge?
A. We receive the gift of Knowledge to enable us to discover the will of God in all things.
6 Q. What is Fortitude?
A. Fortitude is a gift which inspires us with valour and courage to observe faithfully the holy law of God and of the Church, by conquering all obstacles and all the assaults of our enemies.
Q. 703. Why do we receive the gift of Fortitude?
A. We receive the gift of Fortitude to strengthen us to do the will of God in all things. Some know the will of God--what they should do--but they have not the courage to follow the dictates of their conscience. For example, a person goes with bad company: the gift of knowledge will teach him that he should give it up; but the gift of fortitude will enable him to do what his conscience shows him to be right.
5 Q. What is Counsel?
A. Counsel is a gift by which, amidst the doubts and uncertainties of human life, we are enabled to recognise those things that redound more to God's glory, to our own salvation, and to that of our neighbour.
Q. 704. Why do we receive the gift of Counsel?
A. We receive the gift of Counsel to warn us of the deceits of the devil, and of the dangers to salvation. The devil is much wiser than we are, and has much more experience, being among the people of the world ever since the time of Adam--about 6,000 years. He could therefore easily deceive and overcome us if God Himself by the gift of counsel did not enable us to discover his tricks and expose his plots. When at times we are tempted, our conscience warns us, and if we follow the warning we shall escape the sin. Counsel tells us when persons or places are dangerous for our salvation.
Q. 705. How is it clear that the devil could easily deceive us if the Holy Ghost did not aid us?
A. It is clear that the devil could easily deceive us if the Holy Ghost did not aid us, for just as our sins do not deprive us of our knowledge, so the devil's sin did not deprive him of the great intelligence and power which he possessed as an angel. Moreover, his experience in the world extends over all ages and places, while ours is confined to a few years and to a limited number of places.
4 Q. What is Understanding?
A. Understanding is a gift which facilitates, as far as this is possible to mortal man, the understanding of the truths of faith and of the mysteries of God, which we are unable to know by the natural light of the intellect.
Q. 706. Why do we receive the gift of Understanding?
A. We receive the gift of Understanding to enable us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith. "Mysteries," truths we could never know by reason, but only by the teaching of God; and the gift of understanding enables us to know better what His teaching means. The Apostles heard and knew what Our Lord taught, but they did not fully understand the whole meaning till the Holy Ghost had come.
3 Q. What is Wisdom?
A. Wisdom is a gift by which the mind is lifted up from earthly and transitory things, enabling us to contemplate things eternal, that is to say, God Himself, the eternal truth, and to relish and love Him, in which consists all our good.
Q. 707. Why do we receive the gift of Wisdom?
A. We receive the gift of Wisdom to give us a relish for the things of God, and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory.
Q. 719. Which are the twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost?
A. The twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost are Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Benignity, Goodness, Long-suffering, Mildness, Faith, Modesty, Continency, and Chastity.
Q. 720. Why are charity, joy, peace, etc., called fruits of the Holy Ghost?
A. Charity, joy, peace, etc., are called fruits of the Holy Ghost because they grow in our souls out of the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.
[The above questions in regular print are taken from the Baltimore Catechism #3. The italicized print is taken from the Catechism of Pope St. Pius X. The underlined text is taken from the Baltimore Catechism #4. What is below is from somewhere else.]
1. Charity – Cause us to perform our actions out of love for God
2. Joy – Keeps us happily aware of God’s infinite goodness
3. Peace – Results from joy and renders us tranquil
4. Patience – Resigns us to endure the disagreeable circumstance of life and the
suffering of deaths
5. Benignity (Kindness) – Results from goodness; it is goodness in words and actions
6. Goodness – Inclines us to wish to do good to everyone without distinction
7. Long Suffering (Longanimity – Preserves patience over a long period of time, even though no
encouragement is to be seen
8. Mildness – Restrain our angers
9. Faith – Makes one faithful and upright in dealing with others
10. Modesty – Produces moderation in external actions
11. Continency – Restrains illicit passion and assists in self control
12. Chastity – Helps one guard his/her senses so that they will not cause him/her to sin;
it helps one regard his/her own body and those of others as temple of the Holy Ghost
If you, the parents, who are the first teachers of your children, desire help in preparing your children for either of these sacraments, please ask! IF YOU DO NOT NEED HELP in preparing your children for either of these sacraments, but can do so on your own, feel free to do so! If you use a good Catholic homeschool curriculum, this preparation should already by built in to the studies.
Recommended for First Holy Communion preparation. This book should be used in addition to Baltimore Catechism No. 1, not as a short, easy replacement for it! Books available online (cheap).
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The section in this Catechism on the reason we receive each of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for Confirmation. E-edition available online (free) or order books (cheap).
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Each of these three editions builds upon the other. The first two were meant to prepare young children for First Holy Communion and Confirmation; the third one is meant for post-Confirmation high school students. Book number 4 is meant to help the teachers!
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Confirmation prep. Good choice.
Faith and Life series for religious education, including sacramental preparation.
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