Source Archive
Search 428 source passages, explore historic teaching, and follow the evidence back to Scripture and prayer.
421 source passages
Clear all filtersBaltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 256
To receive plentifully the graces of Holy Communion it is not enough to be free from mortal sin, but we should be free from all affection to venial sin, and should make acts of faith, hope, and love.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 257
The fast necessary for Holy Communion is to abstain from all food, beverages, and alcoholic drinks for one hour before Holy Communion. Water may be taken at any time. The sick may take food, non-alcoholic drinks, and any medicine up to Communion time. [This answer has been changed in the 1977 pri…Read the source passage →
Read Lesson 23: explanations and full Scripture →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 258
Any one in danger of death is allowed to receive Holy Communion when not fasting or when it is necessary to save the Blessed Sacrament from insult or injury.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 259
We are bound to receive Holy Communion, under pain of mortal sin, during the Easter time and when in danger of death.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 260
It is well to receive Holy Communion often, as nothing is a greater aid to a holy life than often to receive the Author of all grace and the Source of all good.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 23, question 261
After Holy Communion we should spend some time in adoring our Lord, in thanking Him for the grace we have received, and in asking Him for the blessings we need.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 262
The bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ at the Consecration in the Mass.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 263
The Mass is the unbloody sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 264
A sacrifice is the offering of an object by a priest to God alone, and the consuming of it to acknowledge that He is the Creator and Lord of all things.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 265
The Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the Cross.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 266
The Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the Cross because the offering and the priest are the same—Christ our Blessed Lord; and the ends for which the sacrifice of the Mass is offered are the same as those of the sacrifice of the Cross.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 267
The ends for which the sacrifice of the Cross was offered were: 1st, To honor and glorify God; 2d, To thank Him for all the graces bestowed on the whole world; 3d, To satisfy God's justice for the sins of men; 4th, To obtain all graces and blessings.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 268
Yes; the manner in which the sacrifice is offered is different. On the Cross Christ really shed His blood and was really slain; in the Mass there is no real shedding of blood nor real death, because Christ can die no more; but the sacrifice of the Mass, through the separate consecration of the br…Read the source passage →
Read Lesson 24: explanations and full Scripture →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 269
We should assist at Mass with great interior recollection and piety and with every outward mark of respect and devotion.Read the source passage →
Baltimore Catechism · Lesson 24, question 270
The best manner of hearing Mass is to offer it to God with the priest for the same purpose for which it is said, to meditate on Christ's sufferings and death, and to go to Holy Communion.Read the source passage →