The Roman Catechism (aka The Catechism of the Council of Trent)
Full Text: The Roman Catechism (aka The Catechism of the Council of Trent)
FAQs for The Roman Catechism (aka The Catechism of the Council of Trent)
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Roman Catechism, how does the First Commandment both command and prohibit actions?
- It commands us to worship and adore God alone, recognizing Him as the Supreme Being. It prohibits the worship of any other gods or idols, as well as the creation of graven images for adoration.
Why does the Roman Catechism state that the veneration and invocation of saints and angels is not forbidden by the First Commandment?
- The Catechism distinguishes between the adoration due to God alone and the veneration offered to saints and angels. This veneration is seen as honoring God’s work in them and seeking their intercession, not as worshiping them as deities.
What are the three conditions for a lawful oath, as explained in the Second Commandment?
- The three conditions are truth, judgment, and justice. The oath must be truthful, considered with careful judgment, and used for a just purpose.
How does the Roman Catechism differentiate between the three kinds of penance?
- The first is sorrow arising from fear of punishment. The second is sorrow for past sins that brought pleasure but no longer do so. The third, and true repentance, is interior sorrow and outward expression of that sorrow for the sake of God alone.
Why does the Roman Catechism state that only God can forgive sins, and how was this power communicated to others?
- Sins are seen as debts owed to God, and only the creditor can forgive a debt. Christ, as God-man, received this power from the Father and communicated it to bishops and priests in the Church through the power of the keys.
What are two reasons why the Roman Catechism emphasizes the importance of godparents fulfilling their responsibilities?
- Godparents act as sureties before God, promising to guide their godchildren in faith. Additionally, they take on a lifelong commitment to teaching and protecting their godchildren, ensuring their spiritual well-being.
How does the Roman Catechism describe the signs of spiritual resurrection in a baptized individual?
- The baptized individual seeks heavenly things above earthly ones and demonstrates a relish for truth, modesty, justice, and holiness. This reflects a renewed and spiritual life in Christ.
According to the Roman Catechism, what are the two main reasons why man and woman should be joined in marriage?
- The first is the natural instinct for companionship and mutual support. The second, and more important, is the procreation and education of children in the true faith and service to God.
How does the Roman Catechism justify the lawfulness of praying for temporal blessings?
- While emphasizing God as the supreme good, the Catechism acknowledges the legitimacy of seeking necessary temporal goods, citing examples like Jacob and Solomon. These requests are viewed as seeking necessities, not luxuries, and should be directed towards God’s glory.
What is the meaning of the word “Amen” at the end of the Lord’s Prayer, as explained in the Roman Catechism?
- “Amen” signifies that the prayer has been heard and its requests granted by God. It is a confirmation and affirmation, expressing trust in God’s faithfulness and the efficacy of prayer.
Glossary of Key Terms
- Anathema: A formal curse or condemnation by a religious authority.
- Concupiscence: Strong desire, particularly for sensual pleasures.
- Contrition: Sincere sorrow for sin, arising from love of God.
- Decalogue: The Ten Commandments.
- Fornication: Sexual intercourse between unmarried persons.
- Grace: The free and unearned favor of God.
- Heresy: The denial or contradiction of a defined doctrine of the faith.
- Idolatry: The worship of idols or anything other than the true God.
- Iniquity: Wickedness; a violation of God’s law.
- Invocation: The act of calling upon a deity, saint, or angel for help or support.
- Justification: The act of God by which a person is made righteous in His sight.
- Penance: A sacrament in which sins committed after baptism are forgiven.
- Providence: God’s care and guidance over all creation.
- Redemption: The act of Christ by which He delivered humanity from sin and death.
- Sacrament: An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.
- Satisfaction: Making amends for sin through prayer, fasting, almsdeeds, etc.
- Schism: A separation or division within a church or religious body.
- Temptation: An enticement to sin, often presented by Satan.
- Veneration: Respect and honor given to saints and holy things.
