Part III: Lesson 23

Question 1

138. What is a sacrament?

Answer 1

A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

Question 2

139. How many sacraments are there?

Answer 2

There are seven sacraments: Baptism,Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Question 3

140. Do the sacraments give sanctifying grace?

Answer 3

The sacraments do give sanctifying grace.

Question 4

141. Does each of the sacraments also give a special grace?

Answer 4

Each of the sacraments also gives a special grace, called sacramental grace.

Question 5

142. Do the sacraments always give grace?

Answer 5

The sacraments always give grace if we receive them properly.

Question 6

143. Why are Baptism and Penance called sacraments of the dead?

Answer 6

Baptism and Penance are called sacraments of the dead because their chief purpose is to give the life of grace to souls dead through sin.

Question 7

144. Why are Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony called sacraments of the living?

Answer 7

Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony are called sacraments of the living because their chief purpose is to give more grace to souls already alive through grace.

Question 8

145. What sin does he commit who knowingly receives a sacrament of the living in mortal sin?

Answer 8

He who knowingly receives a sacrament of the living in mortal sin commits a mortal sin of sacrilege.

Question 9

146. Why can Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders be received only once?

Answer 9

Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders can be received only once because they imprint on the soul a spiritual mark which lasts forever.