the

. . the GOD- GIVEN laws Why the Knights of Columbus

Advertise Catholic Faith

The reason is simple. We Catho- Despite the plainly stated will lics want our non-Catholic friends of the Good Shepherd that there and neighbors to know us as we be "one fold and one shepherd,” really are and not as we are some the differences in the understand- times mistakenly represented. ing of Christ’s teaching are plainly evident. It has rightfully We are confident that when been called "the scandal of a our religious Faith is better un- divided Christianity.” derstood by those who do not If there is anything which will share it, mutual understanding gather together the scattered will promote the good-will which flock of Christ, it is the nation- is so necessary in a predominant- wide understanding of the ly Christian country whose gov- Savior, what He did and how He ernment is designed to serve all intended mankind to benefit by the people— no matter how much the Redemption. their religious convictions may To this end, we wish our differ. fellow-Americans to become ac- American Catholics are con- quainted with the teachings of vinced that as the teachings of Christ as the Christ widely and firmly take has faithfully presented them, hold of the hearts and conduct since the day the apostles in- of our people, we shall remain vaded the nations of the world free in the sense that Christ in willing and courageous obedi- promised (John VIII, 31-38), ence to Christ’s command: "Go, and in the manner planned by therefore, and make disciples of

.” the Founding Fathers of this all nations . . (Matt. XXVIII, republic. 19).

SUPREME COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Religious Information Bureau

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© Knights of Columbus, 1961 "Let everyone be subject to , Immortale Dei). the higher authorities, for These two societies exist there exists no authority ex- for different purposes. The cept from God” (Romans Church exists for man’s sanc- 13:1). All authority, whether tification and eternal happi- ecclesiastical or civil, has for ness. "Whatever, therefore, its final sanction the divine in human things is of a sacred law. All authority of Church character, whatever belongs and State ultimately comes either of its own nature or from God. And, as everyone by reason of the end to which knows, if any law given by it is referred, to the salva-

Church or State is to be true and just, tion of souls, or to the worship of

it must conform with the mind of God, is subject to the power and God. These are the two perfect so- judgment of the Church. Whatever cieties which exist in this world: the is to be ranged under the civil and civil society, which goes by the name political order is rightly subject to of the State, whether it be a nation the civil authority. Jesus Christ has or a sovereign federated commu- Himself given command that what

nity, and the Catholic Church. is Caesar’s is to be rendered to Cae- In the words of Leo XIII, sar, and that what belongs to God is "The Almighty, therefore, has ap- to be rendered to God” (Encyclical, pointed the charge of the human Immortale Dei). race between two powers, the eccle- The goal of the State is to make

siastical and the civil, the one being it possible for men to live together set over divine, the other over hu- in this life, to protect them in their

man things. Each in its kind is su- lives and property, to smooth out preme, each has fixed limits within conflicts of interest, to judge dis- which it is contained, limits which putes, to advance prosperity and

are defined by the nature and spe- public morality, to safeguard its peo- cial object of the province of each, ple’s position among the nations. All

so that there is, we may say, an orbit this is what we call the temporal

traced out within which the action welfare of man, because it begins of each is brought into play by its and ends with time, with this life. own native right” (From the famed To ensure the temporal welfare of

1 men the State exists. For this it must sinned apart from the written Law make laws. of Moses shall perish or be judged What, then, is law? A law is a by the natural law, written on every reasonable ordering of things for the man’s heart. general good, made by the supreme Thus, simply stated, a natural authority in a sovereign community. moral law is one that is evident in In the past this supreme authority the nature of man, and evident to was a monarch; now it is commonly, his own reason and understanding. at least in theory, a legislative as- Examples of such natural moral laws sembly. But it is well to bear in are the basic commands: adore God mind the idea of a monarch, for the only; honor your father and mother; One Who gives the first and most you shall not kill; you shall not mis- essential laws, on which all others use the of generation; you rest, is a Monarch—God. shall not steal; you shall not lie. All God in creating must intend or- these laws, and the primary conclu- der in what He creates, and thereby sions that can be drawn from them, He becomes the author of the nat- are written into man’s nature in such ural law. This natural law can be a way that so long as he possesses determined simply by examining human nature he is bound by these things as they are, just as we can laws. determine the order an automobile Of course God did more than designer imposes on his product by write these laws into man’s nature. examining the machine. He also put them into words and into positive teaching, as through God Will Judge the commandments He gave to Paul in his Epistle to the Romans Moses for the Chosen People, and points out that the Gentiles could through the frequent repetitions of have known God by the light of natural laws that came from the lips natural reason (Romans 1:18-23). ot Christ. Over such laws the Cath- Furthermore, Paul says, "When the olic Church has no authority other Gentiles who have no law do by than that of manifesting how clearly nature what the Law prescribes, they stand out in human nature and these having no law are a law unto repeating them to the end of time. themselves. They show the work of The Divine Law the Law written in their hearts. Their conscience bears witness to When God speaks directly to them, even when conflicting mankind through revelation and thoughts accuse or defend them. thus makes known His will, He be- This will take place on the day when, comes the author of the divine posi- according to my gospel, God will tive law, that could not necessar- judge the hidden secrets of men ily be determined simply by reason. through Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:- An example is the law that 14-16). The Gentiles will be judged is necessary in order to enter the by God according to the natural Kingdom of Heaven. A positive law law: for the Gentiles or nations who is always one that you have to be

2 told about to know, while a natural sufficient. For everything that has law is one that you could learn about to do with directing people in refer- by using your reason. Christ told us ence to their interests here and now, many things that we must do for the State is the supreme authority

our salvation that we could never and for that purpose it is sovereign. have learned except through His When we speak of the State as words. The Catholic Church never concerned with the here and now,

has changed, does not assume that we do not mean to say that it has she can change, and never will no interest in furthering man’s high- change the positive divine laws laid er destinies. The State, being an on mankind by Jesus Christ. outgrowth of man, is, like man, a The thought bears repeating that creature of God and owes Him hom- since it is of the essence of law to be age and obedience, and the State is reasonable and productive of order, bound to do all in its province that it follows that no law made by man will help man along his road to the can be really law unless it corre- other life. The State is bound to pro- sponds to the will of God, Who is tect the whole man, and therefore it Supreme Governor and Orderer. must uphold public morality and put

Generally there is no difficulty in no blocks to man’s spiritual pursuit, distinguishing laws from other rules not precisely in order to get man to for the guidance of life. Laws are heaven, but for its own welfare; for distinguished from mere precepts the State cannot flourish unless it chiefly by two things: they are made has the protection of God and the for a sovereign community, and in support of citizens of moral fiber. themselves laws are permanent or But its laws are never directed to the stable. They last beyond the author- other world, in and for itself. ity of the lawgiver, at least until such time as lawful authority sees Authority of Church fit to repeal them. This purpose of advancing man’s We do not call the commands of spiritual welfare is the business of a parent laws, though they are cer- the Church. The preaching of the tainly binding in conscience. Nor do Gospel, the administration of the we call laws the directives of a busi- sacraments, the celebration of divine ness executive or the constitutions worship, the final judgment with of a particular organization. We do respect to the morality of human not normally call law even the en- acts are within the legitimate prov- actments of a municipality. The rea- ince of the Church. Besides these son is that these entities, though they spiritual functions, there are other have power to command, are not matters, in themselves temporal but sovereign communities, governing consecrated to God by reason of the all the people. uses to which they are put, which Hence to make laws is the same are subject to ecclesiastical authority. as to be a perfect society. The State For example, Church buildings and is a perfect society because it is com- all articles are set apart for divine plete for its own purposes and self- worship, as well as the sources of

3 income appropriated to the upkeep ages. And in fact some civil laws, like of God’s ministers. that making legal adoption an im- In actual practice the division be- pediment to matrimony, have been tween the respective provinces of "canonized” or taken over bodily by Church and State is not absolute and the Church as her law for the region clear-cut; there is a "mixed” cate- in which the civil law is in force. gory, pertaining to the Church from The Church, naturally, depends on one point of view, to the State from the State for making tolerable the another. The marriage contract and conditions of her existence. But the education are conspicuous examples Church does not depend on the State of this. Marriage is a sacrament, and in any other way. Laws that reach as such pertains exclusively to far deeper into a man’s life than civil Christ’s Church; but it is also a social laws ordinarily go, laws such as that contract, and under this aspect the commanding celibacy for the clergy State rightly takes cognizance of it. and those declaring the conditions

Education, fostering as it does the under which marriage is valid, laws growth and development of a free commanding the specific confession individual human person, potential- of sins or regulating the amount and ly or actually a member of Christ’s kind of food that may be taken on Mystical Body, must always be certain days— all these are generally among the chief preoccupations of observed with a far greater sense of the Church. But the State, respon- obligation than are the most strin- sible in large measure for the welfare gently sanctioned civil statutes. Ob- of its future citizens, may also legis- viously, the Church would have long late within the sphere of education, since had to give up making laws if provided that in doing so it does not her members did not realize that she override, but rather respects and is a perfect society which is sover- reinforces the freedom and spiritual eign in the spiritual sphere. interest of those chiefly concerned. Now how did the Catholic Church come to have this peculiar position? Church and State This Spiritual Kingdom had its fore- The Church, being a perfect so- runner in a Kingdom both spiritual ciety, and hence having the right to and temporal, known as the carnal make true laws, might be expected Israel. Moses became the first law- to bear some analogy to the State. giver of that Kingdom when he was In truth, anyone who takes a first commanded by God to enact laws glance at the organization of the minutely regulating the life of the Catholic Church will note some re- Chosen People. The carnal Israel semblances to a state—some of them, continued until the time of Christ- indeed, consciously copied from the down those centuries when the spir- civil sphere. Her and other itual and temporal interests of the jurisdictions were imitations of old Jewish people were fused together Roman provinces. Much in her in one theocratic state, which served law was modeled after or sug- both as Church and as State. gested by the civil law in various The coming of Christ brought

4 into the world a division between The "keys” were the symbol of religion and the State that had exist- authority over a household or a king- ed nowhere before. Christ made it dom. Hence when Christ promised known that He had come to estab- Peter the keys to the kingdom of lish a "kingdom”; but it was not to heaven, He promised to make the be a continuation of the carnal Israel. Apostle His administrator or His "My kingdom is not of this world” visible representative in governing (John 18:36). It was to be a king- the power to make decisions dom in the realm of the spiritual regarding faith and morals—for this life. Christ had often described to the kingdom. This promise entailed the people the nature of this king- is the purpose of the Church which dom—in this world, but not of it. is in this world but not of it. Hence And He had taken the steps to pro- to Peter, as chief of the Apostles, vide those who would represent Him were given the powers to make laws, in His absence, when He had re- to enforce these laws, and to judge turned to the Father. In no case did in disputes. He surrender to them His supreme right of kingship as the Son of God. Power Is Delegated

But He did choose men to whom He Christ later promised to the group gave the power to rule in the king- of the Apostles the power of bind- dom—under Him and with the au- ing and loosing which He had first thority He would give and within promised in a most special way to the limits He would set. Simon Peter (Matthew 18:18). He In the Church, all would be sub- fulfilled this promise shortly before ject to the one who in his own per- His Ascension into heaven, when He son would be the visible representa- told them: "All power in heaven tive of Christ on earth—Peter and and on earth has been given to me. his successors. To Peter, He said: "I Go, therefore, and make disciples will give thee the keys of the king- of all nations, baptizing them in the dom of heaven; and whatever thou name of the Father and of the Son shalt earth bind on shall be bound and of the Holy Spirit, teaching in heaven; and whatever thou shalt them to observe all that I have com- loose on earth shall be loosed in manded you; and behold, I am with heaven” (Matthew 16:19). The pow- you all days, even unto the consum- er of binding and loosing was the mation of the world” (Matthew power to impose an obligation or - 28 : 19 20 ). to remove it; it is the power of mak- In other words, the that ing laws for the whole Church and power of imposing special obligations on the Son of God Himself had over single individuals. That this is a the souls of men He transmitted to power coming from God and lead- the twelve whom He had chosen to ing to God is clear from the fact that extend His kingdom. They were to God Himself promised to back the have a share of His authority until decisions of Peter and his successors the end of time. This meant, natural- by His divine confirmation. ly, that they were to communicate

5 that authority to successors. were to consecrate other Bishops, That the Apostles actually exer- with similar lawmaking authority, cised this power, and transferred it and there were to be successors of to others even in their lifetime, can Peter who were to rule the entire be seen from any reading of the Church as he had ruled the Church Acts or Epistles. At the first Church of the Apostles. The primitive council on record, held in Jerusalem Church was a lawmaking Church, about 50 A.D., the great question as is the Catholic Church today. was decided whether or not a Chris- The Church Christ founded was tian had to retain Jewish practices therefore given the power to make in order to be a Christian: "The Holy laws, and she actually exercised that Spirit and we,” the council answered, power. The reason why she used

"have decided to lay no further bur- that power then, as she uses it now, this den upon you but indispensable is obvious from the nature of the one, that you abstain from things Church, which must do for its mem- sacrificed to idols and from blood bers all that is necessary for the end and from what is strangled and from for which they are members. immorality...” (Acts 15:28-29). The laws of the kingdom of * 'Ruled the Unruly” Christ are made by the authority which Christ gave to His Church. The council of the Apostles thus not human inventions could impose burdens, and remove They are mere them. In other words, they had the intended to supplant the law of God. right to make true laws in order to They are made to point out the direct the Christian people to sal- means in the succeeding ages of vation. Their power was not con- Christianity by which the members fined simply to reaffirming or in- of the Church can best observe these terpreting the laws God had given laws of God Himself. They are not directly. to turn men away from God, but to Again, we read in 1 and 2 Corin- turn- men to Him. Their effect is to thians that Paul ruled the unruly make the whole Christian commu- Christian community of Corinth nity strive together in harmony for with a firm hand and threatened its the final end of the kingdom of disobedient members with the rod Jesus. They produce in men those of authority (1 Corinthians 4:21). dispositions by which each man This authority with which he was helps himself. And besides helping invested, he transferred to Timothy himself, through his prayers, his (1 Timothy 5:17-20) and Titus, reverence for sacred things, his ac- whom Paul exhorts to "speak and ceptance of the guidance and the exhort and rebuke, with all author- means of holiness in the kingdom, ity” (Titus 2:15). These men were each man draws down greater bless- Bishops, who had the Apostles’ own ings of God upon all the members authority to rule the Church and of the Church and helps others to- make laws for her. They in turn ward the final goal of salvation.

6 "He therefore said to them natural and divine law has again, 'Peace be to you! As become dim and confused the Father has sent me, I also in the minds of so many; send you’” (John 20:21). when written man-made law When Christ gave authority is made to stand for all law, to His Church, He certainly it is difficult for some people gave her the right to make to realize that there are many whatever laws would be nec- laws that the Church upholds essary at any given time to but which she did not make fulfull her mission of glori- and cannot alter, and which fying God and leading men are not, in the strict sense. to salvation. All such laws, based on Church laws at all. special circumstances and needs, are Often mistakenly considered positive ecclesiastical laws. Though Church laws, because the Church is they may bind the faithful under the only considerable force that now pain of or of mor- defends them, are such laws as those tal or venial sins, they can be lifted, forbidding contraception, and at- altered, or abrogated by the same tempted remarriage when already authority that made them. validly married. Actually, these are No person should be in the least divine laws and would be in force disturbed by the fact that the Cath- even if the Church did not exist. The olic Church sometimes changes the divine natural law forbidding the laws she is competent to make. It direct and deliberate frustration of must be remembered that the law- the God-given faculty of procreation making authority of the Church exists because order could not be never embraces natural moral laws maintained in creation if it were not and positive divine laws. The in force. God must sanction order Church can call to mind those things and condemn disorder or cease to that are already prescribed by the be God. He could no more permit divine law, natural or positive; and, sex -perversions, which involve mis- although she cannot dispense in use of the faculty of generation and these laws, she can interpret them are intrinsically immoral, than He authoritatively. could command a lie, which is a In our day, when the notion of perversion of the gift of speech.

7 Hence it is idle to look for a time take a vow of celibacy before their when the Church first condemned ordination. That this is a Church law contraception, or consider whether and not a direct command of Christ the documents in which it is con- is clear from the fact that in the first demned are infallible, or wonder two centuries of Christianity the whether the Church at some future clergy were not required to be celi- time will modify her position on this bate and nowhere in the Bible is it immoral practice. The law always stated that they are. Yet celibacy existed and always will exist. The was so highly praised both by Christ Church must uphold it because she and St. Paul and proved to be so is the agent of God’s will. But she great a help to the holiness and fruit- did not make it. The birth control- fulness of priests, that it is very ler’s quarrel is not with the Church doubtful this particular law will but with his own Creator, the author ever be changed. of human nature. The Church has authority to Church Laws Change determine those things that were There are many examples of pure- left undetermined in the divine law, ly positive ecclesiastical laws that as for example the manner in which have undergone changes throughout the Lord’s Day is to be sanctified, the years of the existence of the the times and frequency with which Church. There have been, for exam- the divine law of communion is to ple, many changes in the laws made be fulfilled, the way in which the by the Church concerning fast and obligation of fasting is to be com- abstinence. Christ gave only a gen- plied with, etc. Moreover, the eral command to do penance. "Un- Church can make laws in matters less you shall do penance, you shall that were left free by our Lord when- all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). ever this will promote the better The Church has full authority to de- observance of His law, as for exam- cide what form the penance of the ple laws regulating clerical life, laws faithful should take, and to change for the administration of the Church, her decisions from age to age ac- laws for the conduct of worship. cording to circumstances. "Whatsoever you shall bind upon Changes which the Church makes earth, it shall be bound also in heav- in her law's should come as no sur- en; whatsoever you shall loose upon prise to anyone. Outside the realm earth, it shall be loosed also in heav- of divine commands and the natural en” (Matthew 16:19). The Church moral law, the Church is bound to has power not only to make laws, but use her authority to meet given also authority to change or repeal situations by different laws. The laws she has herself made. Some Church is an organism filled with laws the Church has made will prob- vitality to effect through the ages ably never change. An example of the glory of God and the salvation such a law is the one whereby all of men. The Church would be stag- who aspire to and are accepted for nant and dead if her own legislation the priesthood in the western rite was never altered to respond to

8 changing social conditions. the public is occasionally made By whom is this right to make aware of the particular laws of a laws exercised? This right is exer- Bishop against participating in cised by the Bishops, the successors bathing beauty contests or against of the Apostles, and especially by segregation in Catholic schools or the Pope, who as the successor of churches. These, however, are rather the chief of the Apostles, , specifying a natural law than has the right to make laws for the true Church laws. universal Church. As Vicar of Christ and Visible Bound by Law Head of the Church the Pope has The general laws of the Church supreme legislative power in the oblige all and only such persons as Church. Thus, the Pope can legis- are at once subjects of the Church late either alone or in concert with and capable of receiving a law. By a general council. Of course, to exer- Baptism one becomes a member of cise his jurisdiction, the Pope makes the Church, and hence it is the bap- use of congregations and tribunals, tized who are subject to Church roughly comparable to cabinet of- laws. By her laws the Church com- fices. These various departments of mands only human and deliberate Church government make laws in acts or omissions, and therefore it the name of the Holy Father, who is only those who can reason that in turn passes on and approves their are subject to those laws. Persons suggested decrees. habitually unable to reason are all Bishops, "placed by the Holy those who have not yet learned the Spirit to rule the Church of God” difference between right and wrong (Acts 20:28), have legislative power (infants or idiots) or who have per- within their own territory and de- manently lost all knowledge of right pendently on the Pope. Each can and wrong (the hopelessly insane). make laws for his own . These persons are not bound by When gathered together in council, Church laws. Moreover, unless the Bishops can legislate for provinces or law expressly rules otherwise, those for all the faithful of their country. who, although they have attained the use of reason, have not yet com- Bishop Decides pleted their seventh year are not There is little variation among bound by purely ecclesiastical laws. the laws of different dioceses since It is a principle in all law that the universal laws of the Church no one should receive a benefit from tend to bring the local into con- his rebellion to law. No member of formity, just as federal laws tend to the Church can put himself out of standardize state laws. One Bishop reach of Church laws by "resigning” may, for good reason, give a dis- from the Church, by living in ha- pensation from a law of fast or ab- bitual sin (as does a Catholic in an stinence on a certain day, although invalid marriage) or even by being the general law obliges elsewhere. excommunicated by the Church. Because of the sensational impact, Such members of the Church still

9 gravely sin when they do not obey up the Code have no direct and im- the Church’s laws, such as the com- mediate relationship with the life mand to receive worthily Holy Com- of the in general. Most munion once a year, to hear Mass of the regulations in the Code per- every Sunday, or to observe the laws tain to the following: clerical life, of fasting and abstinence. In point ecclesiastical offices, religious state, of fact such persons are seldom men- sacrament of orders, matrimonial tally or spiritually prepared to obey contract, sacred places, seminaries, such precepts, but they are not re- church property and spiritual pen- leased from their obligations to alties. Texts and commentaries on them. In the case of the excusably the Code of are avail- ignorant, they would not commit able from Catholic book stores, pub- formal sin, but they are under the lishers and libraries. law nevertheless. The present collection of Church Ordinarily, when Church laws law has been in force since 1918. are mentioned, the following six Like the civil law, the present col- precepts of the Church come to lection did not appear full grown mind: but was the outgrowth of laws that gradually developed through the 1. To assist at Mass on every Sun- day and on all holydays of obli- ages and at length was systematized gation. into a code. Canon Law is a wonder- 2. To fast and to abstain on the days ful embodiment of tradition. appointed. Since the Church today is the 3. To confess our sins at least once a year. same in essentials as it was in Apos- 4. To receive Holy Communion tolic times, Canon Law could not during the Easter time. avoid a great respect for tradition. 5. To contribute to the support of The Church serves men, and as men the Church. change in accidentals through the 6. To observe the laws of the ages so also the laws of the Church Church concerning marriage. will change. The forthcoming ecu- Each of these commandments of menical (universal or general) coun- the Church will be explained in sub- cil of the Church will probably in- sequent articles of this booklet. Be- troduce minor revisions into the sides these precepts there are many Code to adopt it better to the needs other laws regulating the govern- of modern society. The Church is ment of the Church and the admin- never afraid to clear away excess istration of her affairs. The collec- lumber. But there is in Canon Law tion of such laws binding the Latin nothing entirely new and much that Church is contained in an official has been handed down with little book called the Code Canon Law. of change from* the first centuries.

The vast majority of the 2414 Canon Law is one of the great stabil- canons (rules or laws) which make izing forces in a turbulent world.

10 Worship of God

Man is bound by the natural tles Sunday (or the first day law itself to give public and of the week) came to be ven- social worship to God. Rea- erated as the Lord’s Day in son itself teaches that man memory of the Resurrection, set aside some time for the which completed the work external worship of his Crea- of Redemption. (For addi- tor, and avoid those things tional information on the that distract him from such "Sabbath Question,” we rec- worship. The exact manner ommend our booklet en- in which that worship must titled, Remember the Sab- be rendered is a matter for bath . . . Keep It Holy, which determination by positive law. will be sent free of charge In the Old Testament economy upon request.) the Jews were commanded by God From the earliest days of the to set apart and sanctify, by prayer Church also, various special holydays and rest, one day of the week—the were appointed and made days of Sabbath. "Remember to keep holy obligatory worship, as had been the the Sabbath day . . . the seventh day case with certain feasts in the Old is the Sabbath of the Lord, your God. Testament. These holydays were in- .” No work may be done . . (Exodus stituted by the Church to recall the 20:8-10). The Old Testament Law principal mysteries or truths of our observed the Sabbath or last day of faith, to give emphasis to the im- the week in memory of the creation portant events in the lives of Christ of the world, and it abstained most and of His Blessed Mother, and to rigorously from work on the Sab- bring to mind the virtues and the bath because there was a divine pro- rewards of the saints. As early as the hibition and because this rest was a third and fourth centuries laws were figure of things to come. made by the Church confirming the But in the New Law the cere- primitive customs of assisting at monial precepts of Judaism no long- Mass and resting from labor on Sun- er have force, and the Christian pre- days and holydays. cepts substituted for them were not The general law of the Church instituted by Christ Himself but (Canon 1248) prescribes that on all arose from the custom of the Church. Sundays and holydays of obligation During the life-time of the Apos- the faithful are bound to assist at

11 Mass and to abstain from servile present holydays of obligation in the work and certain other activities. United States. Thus the law has a positive and a The Church chooses the Mass as negative aspect—but, of course, the the obligatory way of worshipping two aspects are closely interconnect- God because the Mass is the perfect ed. The fundamental purpose of the act of worship. The Mass is the Holy law is to secure the sanctification Eucharist as a sacrifice, the sacrifice of the prescribed days of precept— of the New Covenant in which particularly by the devout assistance Christ through the ministry of the of the faithful at the sacrifice of the priest offers Himself to God in an Mass. Accordingly, one of the pur- unbloody manner under the appear- poses of the prohibition of servile ances of bread and wine. An expla- work and other activities is to en- nation of the Mass, the principal act sure that the people generally may of Catholic worship, is given in our be freed from their ordinary week- pamphlet entitled "The Holy Sacri- day occupations and thus have the fice—the Catholic Mass” which will opportunity of rendering to God the be sent free upon request. public worship which is His due. Any Catholic who does not at- tend Mass through his own fault and The Holy Days without sufficient reason on the days prescribed commits a grave or The affirmative part of the first mortal sin. Mortal sin is a grievous precept of the Church commands offense against the law of God. This the hearing of Mass on all Sundays sin is called mortal, or deadly, be- of the year and on holydays of obli- cause it deprives the sinner of sanc- gation. The holydays in the United tifying grace—the supernatural life States are these six: Christmas, the of the soul. Mortal sin makes the Nativity of Our Lord, December soul an enemy of God, takes away 25; Octave of the Birth of Our Lord, the merit of all its good actions, de- January 1; Ascension of Our Lord, prives it of the right to everlasting 40 days after Easter; the Assumption happiness in heaven and makes it of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August deserving of everlasting punishment 15; All Saints’ Day, November 1; in hell. The guilt of sin is removed and the Immaculate Conception of through the proper use of the Sacra- the Blessed Virgin Mary (designat- ment of Penance. Likewise they ed by the American Bishops in 1846 commit a mortal sin who, with- as the Patronal Feast of the United out sufficient reason, make it impos- States), December 8. In addition to sible for other Catholics—such as these days, there are four other holy- their children or their employees— days of obligation in the universal to assist at Holy Mass on the days church: Epiphany, January 6; St. Jo- commanded. seph, March 19; Corpus Christi, The grave obligation to hear June 16; and Sts. Peter and Paul, Mass on Sunday and holydays of June 29. By reason of social condi- obligation does not bind the follow- tions, these four feasts are not at ing: those who must care for the

12 sick; those whose illness does not Church are not excused from the permit them to go outdoors; those divine precept of worshipping God. who live a considerable distance Hence, those who are really obliged from a church; those who must give to miss Mass should sanctify the immediate attention to urgent work. Lord’s Day by whatever private A person in doubt about this obliga- prayer or devotion they may wish tion should consult a priest. to substitute. The negative part of the first pre-

Worship of God cept is concerned with servile works, In reference to the person who that is, labor of a kind that tends to hears Mass, the precept requires ex- make one unfit for devotion or that ternal assistance and internal devo- shows disrespect for the sacredness tion. Bodily assistance must be such of the day. In the first centuries of that one can be said to take part in Christianity the term servile work the divine worship. There is not was not used in relation to the Sun- sufficient presence when the Mass day observance. But the faithful felt is seen by television or heard over that it was fitting to abstain on the the radio. Moreover, the mere pres- Lord’s Day from any work which ence in body in the church does not might impede the due fulfillment of satisfy either the requirements of the obligation of religious worship. worship of God or of the law of the Out of this original voluntary and Catholic Church. He who goes to almost instinctive abstention the church merely to hear the music or custom of the Sunday rest grew and look at the pictures does not hear developed and later found expres- Mass, for lack of intention. He who sion in positive law. It was only sleeps soundly all through the serv- about the sixth century that the obli- ice does not hear Mass for lack of gation of the Sunday rest came to attention. One who wills to perform be compared with the law of the what the Church requires, and who Sabbath observance formulated in knows what is going on before him, the Book of Leviticus 23:7: "You either by thinking on the Mass itself shall do no servile work therein.” or on other pious subjects, satisfies Thus, and henceforth, the familiar his obligation of hearing Mass. term servile work found a place in A whole Mass must be heard— Christian theology. that is, all the ceremonies from the prayers at the foot of the until The Lord’s Day the blessing at the end, and it is Through the subsequent centuries irreverent to leave church without various attempts were made to de- necessity before the priest has left fine the term "servile work”. The the altar. It would be a serious sin most commonly accepted description to miss without good reason an im- today is to say that servile work is portant or principal part of the that which is done principally by Mass, as for example the Consecra- bodily labor, is intended immedi- tion. Those who for good reason are ately for the utility of the body, and unable to fulfill the precept of the is the kind of work which was done

13 by slaves (hence the adjective ser- to some degree of normality. vile) in times past. In the common Millions of people today work on estimation of men, the kind of work Sunday who are only the innocent which is generally prohibited on victims of an ever-increasing lust Sundays and holydays is the daily for material wealth. The greedy own- toil or occupation which is engaged ers of a big chain-store or super- upon as a means of livelihood. It is market decide to stay open on Sun- this toil which constitutes the servi- day to grab more business; and then tude of man to his fellow-men and the other merchants of the commu- which normally inhibits or endan- nity feel that they must do business gers that freedom and rest which as usual, in self-defense. Christians are necessary for the due exercise of must make it a matter of conscience divine worship. Sunday is a day of to do what is possible to bring the rest, and if one does his regular world back to the full and traditional weekday work on Sunday, he is not observance of the law of Sunday resting. He is making Sunday a rest. Each thoughtless and unneces- workday, just like any other day. The sary purchase forces someone in turn purpose of the precept is to set one to give up his Sunday rest, and con- free from his routine, daily cares of tributes to the growing abuse of the world so that he may devote public merchandising, which is for- himself to divine things. In prac- bidden on Sunday. Those under tice, a member of the Church in Communist domination are not per- doubt about a particular kind of mitted a Sunday rest, a time to wor- work should consult a priest. In de- ship God. Labor unions in America termining what is servile work, the are finding it increasingly difficult priest must consider not only the to negotiate contracts not requiring nature of the work itself but also Sunday labor. Only a necessary or a the way in which it is done, the light proven public good should permit in which it is commonly regarded business to be conducted on Sunday. and other circumstances. Christians should make every effort to keep ordinary stores and business ... or Greed God? houses closed on Sunday so that this During World War II and since, special day to worship God will not there has become observable a ten- be lost. dency to encroach more and more Those who must labor on a Sun- upon the Sunday rest. It is true, in- day in order to live, or to perform deed, that the encroachment was to services necessary for the good of a large extent unavoidable, and so society are excused from the nega- excusable, owing to the exigencies tive part of the precept and per- of war and war conditions. But we mitted to work. Reasons that excuse should not allow ourselves to be de- from part of the precept do not ex- luded into thinking that what was cuse from all of it. Hence, those who excusable and justifiable in such must labor are still obliged to assist times should remain the rule when at Mass, unless a serious reason like- the world and our lives have reverted wise excuses from this obligation;

14 !

those who are unable to hear Mass The Catholic Church, mindful of are not thereby justified in doing the advice of her Divine Founder, servile work. When a Catholic is in recommends joyous and cheerful doubt about the morality of a par- service of God. A dreary, joyless ticular action, the priest should be Sunday of a puritanical Sabbatarian- consulted so that in the light of all ism, which is really a throwback to the circumstances the proper spir- the pharisaic observance against itual advice may be obtained. which Christ so frequently in- Sports or amusements, as such, veighed, is not a part of Catholic are not prohibited on Sundays or life. "Rest, combined with religious holydays by the general law of the observances,” said Pope Leo XIII, Church. Of course, if in "disposes man to forget for a while forms of amusement is such that business of everyday life, to turn thereby the sacred atmosphere of the things the Sunday is completely destroyed his thoughts to heavenly and and the minds of the faithful are to the worship which he so strictly entirely distracted from religious owes to the Eternal Godhead. It is aspirations and obligations—such in- this, above all, which is the reason dulgence would stand condemned. and the motive of the Sunday rest.”

How much do you EARN . . . how much do you GIVE?

If you give 1 -hour’s pay weekly If you , give 10% of salary Weekly Weekly Annual Weekly Weekly Annual Wages Total Wages Donation Total

$ 50 $1.25 $ 65.00 $ 50 $ 5.00 $ 260.00 60 1.50 78.00 60 6.00 312.00 70 1.75 91.00 70 7.00 364.00 80 2.00 104.00 80 8.00 416.00 90 2.25 117.00 90 9.00 468.00 100 2.50 130.00 100 10.00 520.00 110 2.75 143.00 110 11.00 572.00 120 3.00 156.00 120 12.00 624.00 130 3.25 169.00 130 13.00 676.00 140 3.50 182.00 140 14.00 728.00 150 3.75 195.00 150 15.00 780.00 160 4.00 208.00 160 16.00 832.00 170 4.25 221.00 170 17.00 884.00 180 4.50 234.00 180 18.00 836.00 190 4.75 247.00 190 19.00 988.00 200 5.00 260.00 200 20.00 1,040.00 Be generous to God — He will be generous to you

15 Fast and Abstinence

"Time now,” the Lord says, fasts were observed from "to turn the whole bent of sunset to sunset (Judges 20:- your hearts back to me, with 26). No food or drink was fasting and with mourners’ taken on these days. If the tears. It is your hearts, not fast lasted longer than a day, the garments you wear, that a little nourishment, enough must be torn asunder. Come to maintain life, was allowed. back to the Lord your God; These longer fasts were of he is ever gracious and merci- three days, or seven days, or ful, ever patient and rich in many days, or forty days pardon; even now he is ready (Exodus 24:18), or perhaps to forgive” (Joel 2:12-15). for life (Judith 8:6). Abstinence from food was rec- Fasting under the Old Law did ognized in the Old Testament as a not consist merely in the privation means of penance and reparation, of food and drink. The Hebrew ex- propitiation (1 Samuel 7:6), peti- pression for fasting, innah naphsho,

tion (Baruch 1 : 5), mourning (1 Sam- is best translated by the words "to uel 31:13), and grief. "And when I afflict one’s soul,” "to humble one’s had heard these words, I sat down, soul,” and means the willful depriva- and wept, and mourned for many tion of what is pleasing to the body days: and I fasted, and prayed before and gratifying to self-love. It was the face of the God of heaven” (2 customary to refrain, while fasting, Esdras 1:4). from bathing, anointing the body, Fasting was undertaken as a prep- wearing shoes, exercising the mar- aration for a great work (1 Esdras riage right, etc. Sometimes the rend- 8:21), to secure victory (Judges 20:- ing of garments, the sprinkling of 26), to avert disaster (Esther 4:3), ashes on the head, the wearing of a expressions to please God (Judith 8:6), and to hair-shirt were outward re- receive divine light. "And I set my of fasting. But the Jews were face to the Lord my God, to pray minded that the spirit of sorrow for and make supplication with fasting sin must prevail and must be accom- and sackcloth and ashes” (Daniel panied by prayer and works of alms- 9:3). giving, justice, and mercy. "Prayer Among the Hebrews the Day of is good with fasting and alms: more Atonement and almost all other than to lay up treasures of gold”

16 :

we are told in Tobias 12:8. dars free of charge. The regulations As in the Old Law so in the New of the Church regarding fasting and Dispensation of Christ, fasting con- abstinence will sound a little in- tinues as a means of atoning for sin, volved to one hearing or reading controlling disordered desires, and them for the first time, but the same obtaining Divine assistance. To be is true for a beginner reading an in- acceptable to God, fasting must be structional manual on operating an performed out of love for God and automobile or an expensive camera. be accompanied by true sentiments Actually, the ordinary Catholic has of sorrow for sin and charity to- little difficulty understanding or wards others. The Apostles do not even fulfilling these laws. fast as long as the Bridegroom priests announce ahead of time when

(Christ) is with them, but they will appointed days will occure and re- fast when He is gone. "Can the wed- call the manner of fulfillment. ding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the Who Must Fast? days will come when the bridegroom All members of the Church seven shall be taken away from them, and years of age or over who have at- then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15). tained the use of reason are obliged In the early days of the Church to observe the abstinence days of the fasts were frequently observed: dur- Church, unless they are excused or ing a fast the Holy Spirit made dispensed. Regulation number one known the divine will in regard to complete abstinence binds on all Saul and Barnabas, and after fasting Fridays. and prayer they received a special Early Christians seem to have blessing for their new work (Acts made no distinction between fasting 13:2-3). St. Paul advised fasting and and abstinence. It took time for the practiced his own recommendations precise theological distinctions we (2 Corinthians 6:4-5; 2 Corinthians have today to come into existence. 11:27). The custom of fasting was In the early Church the reference common among Christians from the was more often to the general term "fasting” and this term could mean beginning and this fact is evidenced no food at all, or very little food, or by the many references found in the restricted kinds of food. At the pres- very earliest writings of the Fathers ent time, abstinence refers to the of the Church. quality (what kind) of food that may Fast and Abstinence not be eaten; and fasting is primarily concerned with the quantity (how The second precept of the Church much) food may be eaten. may be concisely stated as follows: The law of abstinence forbids the to fast and abstain on the days ap- eating of meat and soup, gravy or pointed. The easiest way to know sauces made from meat. On days the "days appointed” is simply to of complete abstinence, these foods obtain a Church calendar each year. may not be eaten at all; on days of Most parishes give away such calen- partial abstinence, they may be eaten

17 once, at the principal meal. an integral part of fasting. Meat is The question often arises, "Why is a common food of the great gen- Friday as a day of complete absti- erality of mankind and thus is a nence?” From earliest times Friday good item which members of the was the usual fast day among all universal Church can collectively Christians. It was observed in mem- deny themselves in a spirit.of Chris- ory of the death of Christ on Friday, tian self-denial. The Church could in an effort of the faithful to unite have chosen bread or any common their penance and self-denial with food. It is interesting to note that those of the Savior. The process by Catholics are not obliged to eat fish which fasting on Friday became less but only to abstain from meat on strict until finally it was reduced to Friday and fast days. mere abstinence from meat was a gradual one. Lenten Fasts In a letter to St. Augustine of The second precept of the Church Canterbury (604), Pope St. Gregory also commands that on the week- the Great announced the final form days of Lent all those between the of abstinence which soon became ages of twenty-one years completed the law: "We abstain from flesh and sixty years begun shall eat not meat and from all things that come more than one full meal a day. Reg- from flesh, as milk, cheese, eggs.” ulation number two: fasting binds For almost a thousand years this on all days of Lent. As mentioned remained the norm of abstinence previously, fasting is primarily con- for all except those who were ex- cerned with "how much” food may cused for reasons of ill health. Dur- be eaten. On a day of fast, we may ing the time of Pope Nicholas I (1) eat one full meal without re- (858-867) a law was made forbid- striction as to amount and kind ding meat on Friday for the whole of food; (2) eat two other meat- Church. less meals, sufficient to maintain Abstinence from "milk foods”— strength, taken according to each milk, butter, cheese — was never one’s needs; but, together, they strictly enforced in some European should not equal a full meal; and countries because of the lack of sub- (3) drink liquids between meals. stitute foods. The Church granted Many early Christians kept a strict many dispensations in this matter. two-day fast from Good Friday to The present regulation on absti- Easter Sunday and did not eat or nence, explained above, was issued drink at all during this "Passion in 1918. Catholics abstain from meat Fast.” Eventually a longer period of on Friday to recall Christ’s supreme fasting was introduced in prepara- act of self-denial—His death on the tion for Easter, although its observ- cross. ance varied widely in the early cen-

Another question which arises is turies. Sunday was always excepted "Why meat?” Here again the an- from the fast (as it still is today). swer is not very profound. The During the third and fourth cen- avoidance of meat was traditionally turies most churches adopted a forty

18 days' fast, in imitation of Christ repast comes from this. Who had fasted forty days in the Eventually the Church extended desert (Luke 4:2). St. Athanasius the new laws to the laity as well (373), Patriarch of Alexandria, and by the end of medieval times Egypt, after having traveled to they had become universal practice; Rome and over the greater part of everybody ate a light evening meal the Roman Empire in Europe, wrote in addition to the main meal at noon. in the year 339 that "the whole The present custom of taking some world” fasted forty days. The official breakfast on fasting days is of very term of the forty days’ fast, Quadra- recent origin, the beginning of the gesima (fortieth), is first mentioned nineteenth century. in the fifth canon () of the Council of Nicaea (325). At the Exceptions time of St. Gregory, sixth century, One final regulation of the second the word "Lent” was generally ap- precept has to do with those few plied to the period of Lenten fast. days each year when Catholics are The observance of Lent in its expected to do double duty— fast and early practice consisted of eating abstain. Regulation number three: only once a day, toward evening; (a) fast and complete abstinence on nothing else except a little water Ash Wednesday, Holy Saturday, and was taken all day. After the eighth the vigils (days preceding) of the century, the time for this one and feasts of the Immaculate Conception only meal was advanced to the hour and Christmas; (b) fast and partial of the None in the liturgical prayer abstinence on Ember Wednesdays (meaning the ninth hour of the Ro- and Ember Saturdays and the vigil man day, which is three o’clock in of Pentecost. the afternoon). This meal was grad- Neither fast nor abstinence ually transferred to the middle of obliges when a vigil falls on Sun- the day (hence our word "noon” day, or when a holyday of obligation from None). The noonday meal did falls on Friday. not become a general practice until While on active service, all mem- the fourteenth century. bers of the Armed Forces are dis- pensed from the Church precept of For 1,200 Years fast and abstinence except on Ash And it was not until the ninth Wednesday, Good Friday and the century that less rigid laws of fast- vigil of Christmas. The dispensation

1 ing were introduced. It came about is personal and applies to the indi- in 817 when the monks of the Ben- vidual wherever he may be. It also edictine order, who did much labor applies to his wife, children, parents in the fields and on the farms, were and servants if he is habitually resid- allowed to take a little food in the ing with them, whether on or off evening, while they listened to the the post. daily spiritual reading of the Colla- The regulations of the Church on tiones (collected instructions). Our fast and abstinence are serious laws. word "collation” meaning a slight They bind under the pain of grave

19 sin. One cannot be frivolous in find- and to abstain in order that they may ing reasons to excuse himself from control the desires of the flesh, raise them. There must be a serious, real, their minds more freely to God, and grave inconvenience — something make satisfaction for sin. It is not similar to the inconvenience which because meat and other foods are would excuse one from attending evil in themselves that the Church Mass on Sunday. It need not be over- prescribes days of fast and absti- whelming or extreme hardship but nence. The Church commands us to neither may it be something silly or deny ourselves for the glory of God trivial in comparison with the im- and the good of our souls. Just as portance and severity of the law. the physician can forbid certain food to his patient for the sake of Dispensation temporal good, so for the sake of Saint John Chrysostom (407), spiritual good God forbade to Adam Patriarch of Constantinople, gave the fruit of one tree, and to the Jews the this instruction: "If your body is not the flesh of certain animals; and strong enough to continue fasting Church from the days of the Apos- the all day, no wise man will reprove tles (Acts 15:29) has exercised you; for we serve a gentle and merci- same right. ful Lord who expects nothing of us There are a number of interesting beyond our strength.” When health questions which arise regarding the or the ability to work would be seri- regulations of the Church on fast ously impaired, the regulations re- and abstinence. Perhaps a brief an- garding fast and abstinence do not swer to a few such questions would oblige. In doubt concerning these be of interest to our readers. regulations or their application, one What is Meat? should consult the parish priest or his confessor. For a just cause, a What is to he understood by the parish priest can dispense his sub- term "meat”? Under the name flesh jects from the law of fast or of absti- meat are included all land and warm- nence, or of both, in particular cases. blooded animals. Moreover, under He can dispense individuals or par- the name meat are included all the ticular families of his parish. Fur- parts of an animal, but not its fruit: thermore, the bishop of the diocese, eggs, milk, and things made from when there is a gathering of many milk, such as butter, cheese. The law people, or when there is question of of abstinence forbids the eating of public health, can dispense a par- flesh meat and broth made from ticular locality or even the whole meat. Under the name broth is in- diocese from the law of fast or absti- cluded any liquid made from the nence, or of both. juice of meat, such as beef tea, mut- Pope St. Leo I (461) pointed out ton soup, chicken broth, etc. The that fasting is a means and not an law does not forbid condiments end in itself; its purpose is to foster made from animal fats, as for exam- pure, holy and spiritual activity. The ple, margarine, lard, suet, bacon drip-

• - Church requires her members to fast pings, etc.

20 If a Catholic dines in the home Is gelatin permitted on Friday or of a non-Catholic friend on Friday days of abstinence? Yes. While gela- and meat is served, may he partake tin is a meat product, it is not pop- of it on the score that the embarrass- ularly considered as meat. The ment he would cause his friend by Church accepts the general popular a refusal would constitute a suffici- judgment as to what things are to ent inconvenience to excuse him be considered "flesh meat.” from the law of abstinence? In Is one dispensed from the Church America, where the regulations of regulations of fast and abstinence the Church are generally well free of all obligation regarding known, a Catholic should act in ac- works of self-denial? Since the pre- cord with the dictates of his con- cept of the Church is in substance science and courteously decline the based upon the natural law, those meat portion of the dinner. The host who are dispensed from Church law might be slightly embarrassed but are not dispensed from the natural at least he will not be scandalized. law of temperance. Such dispensed Moreover, in this country, there persons should practice some acts of would be little inconvenience in self-denial according to their abil- providing the Catholic guest with ity. Acts of sacrifice by self-denial in an adequate meal of abstinence food. alcoholic beverages, tobacco, sweets, How is the term "liquids” to be etc., or by mortification in the quan- understood which are permitted on tity or quality of food taken, enable days of fasting? Lenten and other us to strengthen our character, gain similar fasts are not broken by a mastery over our passions and de- liquids which are beverages rather sires, satisfy for past offenses, and than food, or which are used to allay win a higher degree of friendship thirst, or assist digestion, and not with God. "Now he (God) calls upon chiefly to nourish, such as water, all men everywhere to repent; inas- teas, coffee, light cocoa, wine, beer, much as he has fixed a day on which lemonade, fruit juice, milk, etc. Milk he will judge the world with justice shakes, malted milks, soups, and by a Man (Christ) whom he has similar liquids which are food equiv- appointed, and whom he has guaran- alents are not permitted between teed to all by raising him from the meals on a day of fast. dead” (Acts 17:30,31).

”0 almighty and everlasting God, Who by salutary abstinence dost heal us both in soul and body; we humbly beseech Thy majesty, that appeased by the fervent devotion of those who fast, Thou wouldst grant us help now and in time to come

Prayer for Ember Saturday, from the Roman Missal

21 . .

Annual CONFESSION

The third precept of the of Penance as a sacrament: Church commands that every an external sign instituted baptized person who has en- by Christ to give us grace. tered the Church through Christ conferred upon the valid baptism and who has Apostles the power to for- the use of reason, which be- give sins, and thereby raised gins usually at the age of the virtue of penance or re- seven, go to confession at pentance to a sacrament of least once a year. Infants are the New Testament. incapable of committing sin, Christ promised to confer and the unbaptized are in- upon the Apostles the gen- capable of receiving the sacrament eral power of the keys and also of of penance or confession. binding and loosing (both of which

In our pamphlet entitled, "Yes . . powers include the power of forgiv- ” A Priest Can Forgive Your Sins ing sins), likewise the special power which is sent free of charge upon of forgiving sins. The supreme request, we have presented an ex- power of the keys and of binding planation of the sacrament of Pen- and loosing were promised to Peter ance. Here it suffices to briefly (Matthew 16:19), whereas the pow- review the teaching of the Church er of binding and loosing was prom- on confession and to explain the ised to all the Apostles (Matthew Church precept which specifies the 18:18). Although these passages do divine law. not fully prove the existence of the The word "penance” has various , yet they clear- meanings. It is a moral virtue, a good ly demonstrate the universal reli- habit which inclines the sinner to gious powers that Christ conferred turn away from his sins, to repent upon His Apostles. them when they are past and to In a most solemn manner Christ, avoid them for the future. Penance after His resurrection, bestowed often means reparation. We do pen- upon the Apostles the power of for- ance for our sins: we deny ourselves giving sins: "Peace to you! As the by fasting, accept sufferings, and Father has sent Me, so I send you . . perform acts of devotion to expiate Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins our guilt. But here we are speaking you forgive they are forgiven them;

22 and whose sins you retain they are against the criminal, evidence is pre- retained” (John 20:21-23). It im- sented, pleas are made, and a judg- mediately becomes obvious that here ment is given, after which sentence is a specific application by Christ of is pronounced or a pardon or parole the general power of binding and is granted. It is fitting that such loosing as referred to above. judicial process should be chosen as In bestowing this power upon the the external sign for the forgive- Apostles, it must be taken for grant- ness of sin. ed that Christ permits and accepts In the sacrament of Penance ac- in His Church on earth the presence cusation is made by the penitent of sinners who are in need of for- himself. Circumstances are given. giveness after they have received the The sinner frankly admits his guilt, sacrament of Baptism. The Apostles but expresses sorrow and throws made use of this power to forgive himself on the mercy of Christ. Then sins through the administration of judgment is rendered on the basis Baptism (Acts 2:38), and also after- of the evidence at hand. It is not wards in regard to those already bap- arbitrary judgment; it is based on tized (1 Corinthians 5:4-13; 2 Co- the penitent’s own accusations and rinthians 2:7-11; 1 Timothy 1:20; pleadings and particularly upon his Titus 3:10). evidences of sorrow and also of good The words by which Christ con- intention from this time on. ferred upon the Apostles and the Christ gave the Apostles power to Church the power to forgive sins are forgive sins for the good of souls. of a general nature, admitting of no He gave it to them in their capacity exceptions: whatever they bind or as priests; it was needed for the spir- unbind on earth will be ratified by itual work of the Church. And it is God; whose sins they forgive these evidently needed as much today as sins are forgiven them, and whose in the first century. There are as sins they retain these sins are re- many sinners now as then, and they tained. Thus, Christ put no restric- have as much need of forgiveness. tion upon the Apostles as to either Christ is a God of infinite wis- persons or sins. dom. He knew the weakness of hu- man nature, its temptations and To Bind or Loose trials. He saw that the vast majority The power to forgive sins is a of adults are not only in danger of true judicial power and is exercised sin but actually do sin, and griev- in judicial form. "To forgive and to ously. He saw that if He did not give retain sins,” "to bind and to un- man some hope of recovering sanc- bind,” are judicial acts. They require tifying grace after Baptism, His suf- a judgment to be made according to fering and death might be in vain. the worthiness or unworthiness of Hence He instituted a sacrament the penitent. Sin is a type of crime; that would give us the definite as- it is a violation of law; and crimes surance of pardon without its being are tried in court. There is a for- left to our private presumption. mal process: accusation is brought Penance is a sacrament; it gives us

23 graces once it is received worthily. but God cannot be deceived. Any It is not the emotional intensity of serious misuse or abuse of the sacra- our own repentance which obtains ment of Penance only results in the forgiveness, but the sacrament. It is committing of the greater sin of not our own merits which produce sacrilege. graces, but the merits of Christ Too often the sacrament of Pen- which are brought to us through the ance is viewed only as a mere dec- sacrament. However, in many re- laration that God has forgiven us. spects, the graces of the sacrament In reality the sacrament gives us can be increased by the intensity of many graces. Here are some of the our devotion, by the sincerity and things the sacrament of Penance does thoroughness of our repentance, and for our souls: by the honesty and practical firmness (1) It restores sanctifying grace, of our good resolutions. if we have lost it by mortal sin. In In a very true sense it is the priest, other words, it revives supernatural acting in the name of Christ, who life in our souls when we have de- forgives sins. The priest pronounces stroyed that life by separating our- the judgment of forgiveness, and by selves from the friendship of God giving that judgment he confers the through serious sin. sacrament. He forgives as the min- (2) It increases the degree or in- ister of the sacrament. When the tensity of sanctifying grace in our priest baptizes he forgives sin by souls, if we receive the sacrament administering the sacrament of Bap- while we are still in the state of tism. In confession he forgives sin grace. Little differences or venial by administering the sacrament of sins cool the intensity of our love for Penance. God; the sacrament of Penance heals such misunderstandings and warms True Contrition the affection existing between God In order to make a good confes- and ourselves. sion, the penitent must know his (3) If through mortal sin, we sins and be honestly sorry for them; have closed heaven to ourselves, the he must make a firm proposal of sacrament opens it up to us again. amendment and be willing to enter We are restored to our adoption as into the spirit of reparation for his the sons of God. As sons of our heav- sins. And he must confess his sins enly Father we are invited to come frankly. All grace comes from God and live in His home. alone. Only when the penitent goes (4) The eternal punishments of to confession with the proper dispo- hell are taken away. If we should die sitions can the graces of this sacra- in a state of serious sin, of enmity ment be enjoyed. The graces of the with God, we would remain His sacrament come directly from God. enemies forever. We would be sep- The notion that one can "buy for- arated from Him, from Whom pro- giveness” is erroneous—in fact, im- ceeds all that is good, and beautiful, possible. The sinner might misuse and orderly. the sacrament and deceive the priest, (5) At least a portion of the

24 temporal punishment due us for actions. We diminish these merits sins is taken away. We do not go en- by our venial sins and we throw tirely free when the guilt of our sins them away entirely when we com- is forgiven; God’s justice still re- mit mortal sin. Merits are a share in quires a token payment for the harm the good works of Christ; they are we have done. The sacrament of given us when we do works of love Penance does not take away all such in union with Him. They have much (10) satisfaction due to God; it does not to do with determining our eternal relieve us of all need for penance, status in heaven.

prayer, sacrifice, and . Besides all these supernatur- The sacrament prepares the way al benefits, we get much natural help rather for all these to be effective. from the sacrament. In the confes- (6) The sacrament of Penance sional we often find advice and en- brings those graces which incline us couragement, a solution to our prob- to works of reparation and atone- lems, or a frank warning about the ment. It gives us the supernatural dangers we face. The certainty that incentive to for do penance past the guilt of one’s sins is removed sins, so that all the enduring effects forever, through the sacrament, of them may be taken away. brings a conviction of well-being God’s Grace that is experienced nowhere else in (7) The sacrament gives us the the realm of human activity. graces we need to avoid sins for the For almost every member of the future. All of us have daily need of Church, there is always some natural God’s help to avoid sin, just as we feeling of reluctance to the confes- have need of vitamins each day to sion of sins in the sacrament of Pen- stay healthy. This sacrament brings ance. The basic reason for such an such strengthening graces that the emotion is simply pride. One who Church encourages frequent confes- thinks seriously about the spiritual sion, even though we have not been life knows that it takes more cour- guilty of serious sin. Temptations age to break the laws of God than are a part of daily life and only with to humbly confess such failings. As God’s grace can we avoid them. long as the sinner has courage to (8) It restores the supernatural resist human pride, which is often virtues which we have lost by serious encouraged by the devil, and to sin; or it strengthens these virtues make sincere and humble use of this when they have been weakened by sacrament, he need have no fear of venial sin. Faith, hope, charity, pru- the final and eternal judgment. Ac- dence, justice, fortitude, temperance, tually, the many beneficial graces obedience, patriotism, patience, hu- and true consolations mentioned mility, chastity ... all these super- above, which come with the proper natural virtues are necessary if we use of confession, are more than wish to live in accord with the will enough to compensate the brief mo- of God. ments of "unwillingness” which (9) The sacrament of Penance may precede the use of this needed restores the merits of our past good sacrament of penance.

25 The precept of annual confession which dates back to the Fourth Lat- obliges under pain of mortal sin, for eran Council (1215), met well the its purpose is of vital importance. need that began after the gradual The purpose of the law is to ensure change from the early penitential the use of the sacrament instituted discipline. by Christ for forgiveness and to keep The Church encourages frequent sinners from delaying their repent- use of the sacrament of Penance. ance too long. If a good business Those in the religious life—Pope, man takes stock of his assets and Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Sisters, liabilities at least once a year and Brothers—are expected to go to con- those who are careful of their health fession weekly. Confession at least have medical attention or examina- once a month is ordinarily expected tion at least yearly, it is most rea- of a good Catholic layman. Members sonable that the faithful should of the Church can best be guided settle their spiritual accounts and about frequent confession by their attend to the well-being of their own confessor. "If we say we have souls within an equal period of time. no sin, we deceive ourselves, and In the early centuries when fervor the truth is not in us. If we acknowl- was greater and conditions differ- ent, no general law on the frequency edge our sins, he is faithful and just of confession was needed; but there to forgive us our sins and to cleanse is no doubt that the present precept, us from all iniquity” (1 John 1:8-10).

EUCHARISTIC FAST

Regulations for those receiving the Sacrament of Communion

Persons Food and Drink Allowed Time Allowed*

Solid food and 3 hours alcoholic liquids The Faithful in General Non-alcoholic 1 hour liquids

Non-alcoholic liquids No time Medicine, liquid or solid limit The Sick Solid food and 3 hours alcoholic liquids

* Period of time prior to reception of Holy Communion. Water never

breaks the fast for anyone.

26 Easter COMMUNION

Since Our Lord willed the the anniversary of Christ’s Eucharist to be the necessary sacrifice and of the institu- nourishment of the soul’s tion of the Holy Eucharist, journey (John 6:54), and the it is the time most fitly chos- perpetual memorial of Him- Hiry/ en for the annual obligatory self (1 Corinthians 11:24), Communion. the Church in her fourth pre- Wjf.. "The bread which I will cept has prescribed that all give is My flesh for the life W ( the faithful who have at- of the world . . . unless you tained the of reason go eat the flesh of the Son of use \ to Holv Communion at least J Man and drink His blood once a year and that during the you have no life in yourselves ... for Easter time. Ordinarily the Easter My flesh is real food, and My blood time is the Paschal Season, from is real drink” (John 6:52-56). The Palm Sunday to Low Sunday; how- strictly literal interpretation of these ever, in the United States, by priv- words follows from the entire con- ilege, Easter time begins on the first text of the passage; the attitude of Sunday of Lent and ends on Trinity the Jews in murmuring against Sunday, or the First Sunday after Christ and that of some disciples in the Feast of Pentecost. leaving Him are clear evidence that In order to fulfill the precept, a they had understood Him literally worthy Communion must be re- and not figuratively. ceived. Since the law requires that At the Last Supper the Holy Eu- the Easter duty be made, not only charist was instituted. The words of within the Easter time, but also once the institution have come down to a year, it follows that he who neg- us in four different versions, and of lects Communion during the Easter these the two which are more de- period is still bound by the law to tailed are called "Pauline” (Luke go to Communion before the begin- 22: 19ff; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25), ning of the next Paschal season. The while the other two are called "Pe- Eucharist is a daily bread, and the trine” (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark law does not permit it to be neg- 14:22-24). In the accounts of the lected by anyone beyond a year; consecration of the bread the four and, since the Paschal Season brings texts have the same decisive read-

27 ing: "This is My body”; then Luke this sacrament of the Eucharist is adds, "which is given for you,” and available in our pamphlet, "Christ’s Paul, "which is for you,” to empha- Seven Sacraments.” size the sacrificial character of the The ministers of consecration or consecrated bread. of offering the Sacrifice of the Mass In the consecration of the wine are the Bishops and priests of the the decisive words of Matthew and Church. By the words, "Do this in Mark are, "This is My blood of the remembrance of Me,” Christ insti- (New) Covenant”; whereas Luke tuted the priesthood and command- and Paul give substantially the same ed His Apostles and their successors in the words, "This cup is the New in the priesthood to change bread Covenant in My blood” (that is, the and wine into His Body and Blood. wine contained in this cup is the The recipients of this sacrament are beginning or cause of the New Cov- all the faithful who, having attained enant through the agency of My the proper age, are in the state of blood). Again to emphasize the sac- sanctifying grace. rificial character of the consecrated wine, Matthew adds to the formula Greatest Graces of consecration of the blood of With the consecration of bread Christ the words: "which is poured and wine, during the Holy Sacrifice out for many for the remission of of the Mass, the sacrament of the sins”; Mark: "which is poured out Holy Eucharist comes into being. for many”; and Luke: "which is The sacramental reception of the poured out for you.” Furthermore, Holy Eucharist by the faithful is Luke and Paul have the command referred to as "receiving Holy Com- of Christ to the Apostles: "Do this munion.” The fourth precept of the in remembrance of Me” . . . words as Church regulates the minimum in uttered at the consecration of the the use of the Eucharist. It is the bread; Paul inserts them a second ardent desire of the Church that her time at the consecration of the wine. members receive Holy Communion The decisive words in these pas- frequently, and even daily if possible. sages: "This is My Body, this is My The Church encourages the use of blood,” must be understood in the this sacrament because, of all the literal sense. In other words, when sacraments, the Eucharist brings the Christ made this pronouncement the greatest graces. Some of its effects entire substance of the bread was are: changed into His body and the en- (1) It unites our body and soul tire substance of the wine was to Christ in an intimate union of changed into His blood, there re- friendship and love. This love which maining only the appearances of we share with Christ in Communion bread and wine. In the Eucharist extends itself to all His brethren. Christ is really, truly and substan- (2) It increases sanctifying grace tially present with His flesh and in the soul. As food sustains and in- blood, body and soul, humanity and creases vital human functions, so the divinity. Additional information on Eucharist enhances the spiritual life.

28 (3) It cleanses the soul of venial charistic fast are now simple, uni- sins, of lesser faults, just as food form, and easy to remember. The repairs the minor ailments of our faithful need only fast or refrain bodies. The Eucharist is then the from solid food and alcoholic liquids remedy of our daily weaknesses. for three hours and from non-alco- (4) It fortifies the soul against holic liquids for one hour before mortal sin. Just as the proper food receiving Holy Communion. keeps the body from sickness, weak- Exceptions ness, and early death, so the Holy For the sick, even though not con- Eucharist gives us the grace to resist fined to bed, the rule regulating temptations which could produce solid food and alcoholic liquids is

sickness and death within the soul. the same as above, that is, fast from (5) It lessens the temporal pun- such for three hours. However, the ishment due to past sin. The recep- sick may take non-alcoholic liquids, tion of Christ, sacramentally present and true medicines in liquid or solid in the Holy Eucharist, increases char- form without any time limitation,

ity in the soul, and as the love of that is, up to the time of Commu- friendship with God burns brighter, nion. Just prior to the actual recep- past and forgiven misunderstandings tion of Communion, the sick could are healed completely. use such non-alcoholic beverages as (6) It assures the glorious resur- fruit juices, milk, tea or coffee, and rection of our body. Our Lord prom- medicine in liquid or solid form. ised that if we would eat His flesh Since water does not break the and drink His blood He would raise Eucharist fast, it may be taken by us up on the last day (John 6:55). anyone at any time before the re- (7) It is a pledge of our future ception of Holy Communion. glory and happiness in heaven. "If The purpose of the fast before anyone eat of this bread he shall live receiving Holy Communion is to forever” (John 6:52). make one mindful of the great sac- To bring the faithful to Mass and rament about to be received. Jesus Holy Communion with ever increas- Christ, true God and true Man, is ing frequency, the Church adjusts present in a sacramental manner in her own regulations in accord with the Holy Eucharist. By an act of self-denial, of the notable social changes. members Church prepare themselves for the sublime At the present time, Bishops may moment of intimate union with God permit the daily celebration of Mass Himself in the reception of Holy in the hours after midday whenever Communion. the spiritual good of the faithful re- In the fourth century St. Ambrose quires it. Evening Masses are becom- wrote, "If it (the Eucharist) is daily ing more common with time, enabl- bread, why do you take it once a ing many working assist people to year? Take daily what is to profit at Mass and to receive Holy Com- you daily. So live that you may de- munion after working hours. serve to receive it daily” {On the Regulations pertaining to the Eu- Sacraments).

29 Church Support

The fifth precept of the welfare, whether in spir- Church requires the faithful itual or in temporal matters, to contribute to the support should be supported by those of the Church. This com- whom they serve; for, as

mandment of the Church their time and labor is given means that each member of to others, it is a duty of jus- the Church is obliged to bear tice that these latter make a his fair share of the financial return for the benefits re- burden of the Holy See, of ceived. Hence, just as citi- the diocese, and of the par- zens are naturally bound to ish. This universal law of the contribute to public , Church does not specify the amount so are the faithful naturally bound that must be given, nor does it de- to contribute to support necessary termine the precise manner in which for the ministers of religion.

support is to be obtained. Members Sacred Scripture expressly states of the Church are to give in accord that there is an obligation to support with their means. The manner of the ministers of religion. The Mo- giving is left to the special statutes saic Law prescribed a tithe (a tenth and customs of each country. part) in a form of land tax on the This obligation binds in con- chief products of the soil (grain and science, and at times even under the fruits) as a means of support for the pain of serious sin. Though formu- Levites (Leviticus 27:30), who were

lated by the Church, this precept is responsible for services connected basically a commandment of God, with the worship of God. Malachias

for it is a divine which pointed out that the failure to ob- requires us to support those who serve this law meant disloyalty to preach the Gospel and serve the God and had a disastrous effect upon altar. Since we are creatures of God, the temple worship. "Will a man the very law of our being demands rob God? Yet you have robbed me. that we make provision for the giv- But you say, Wherein have we ing of public and social worship to robbed thee? In and offerings. God. For this worship pastors, as You are cursed with a curse; for you well as churches, are necessary. have robbed me, even this whole Those who serve the common nation. Do but carry your tithe into

30 the tithe-barn, for my temple’s needs, of law; and by the eighth century and see if I do not open the windows the tithe was fully recognized as a of heaven for you, rain down bless- fiscal obligation confirmed by civil ing to your hearts’ content” (Mala- law. Later, as happened in many chias 3:8-10). Jesus Sirach taught other spheres, the tithes were that a man should dedicate his tithe usurped and laicized by the secular with gladness, "in every gift show princes and gradually fell into dis- a cheerful countenance, and sancti- use almost universally. The law of fy thy tithes with joy” we read in the Church today simply states that Sirach 35:11. in regard to the payment of tithes The Church of the New Testa- and first fruits, the particular sta- ment is by divine institution and tutes and laudable customs of each constitution a perfect and independ- country are to be observed, which is ent society. It has a right to ask of another way of saying that where the faithful the means necessary for the practice of such payment still divine worship, for the suitable sup- exists it may be preserved. port of the clergy, and for the attain- But tithes as such are for the most ment of its other particular pur- part no longer paid. In their place poses. The Pauline principle (1 Co- we have, in this and many other rinthians 9:13-14) that "they who countries, the free will offerings of serve the altar should partake with the faithful. In regard also to vol- the altar” and "they who preach the untary offerings, the particular sta- Gospel should live by the Gospel” tutes and laudable customs of the was fully accepted by the faithful place are to be observed. With due from the earliest years of the Church. regard for the requirements of As a matter of fact, the right of the equity, the Bishop can determine Church to require support, and the the manner and the measure in corresponding obligation of the which the means necessary for the faithful to provide it, have hardly support of the clergy and the Church ever been questioned within the will be provided by the faithful un- true fold. Of course, the manner and der his jurisdiction. In the absence the measure in which the support of written statutes or episcopal reg- was given have indeed varied down ulations, it is custom which deter- through the ages. mines the manner in which the nec- essary support will be provided for Church’s Needs the upkeep of religion. In the early centuries of the The obligation of contributing to Church, the influence of the meth- the Church is one of justice as well ods of support current under the as of religion, for there is a quasi- Old Dispensation was strong. Hence contract between the faithful on the we find reference to the giving of one side and the Church and its offerings, first fruits, and tithes— ministers on the other side, the lat- particularly to the last mentioned. ter being obliged to give spiritual At the end of the sixth century, the ministries and benefits, the former custom of tithes was given the status to supply the temporal sustenance

31 and means. Hence St. Paul compares of Church support worthy of a per- the salaries given to the clergy to fect spiritual society. the wages paid to the laborer ( 1 Co- A special collection for the Holy rinthians 9:4 ff). He who refuses to Father, often referred to as "Peter’s contribute to the Church evades pay- Pence,” is taken up each year ment for services given him and throughout the Church for the ex- also denies to divine worship his penses and charities of the Holy See. share of support. Moreover, if a large This collection originated in eighth percentage of the faithful fail to century England as a tax of a penny make a just contribution, then an on each household and was collected undue burden is placed unjustly on on St. Peter’s day, whence came the the other members of the parish or name. Such a collection lapsed after the Church. the Reformation but was revived again in the form of a free will offer- Voluntary Gifts ing about the middle of the nine- Each parish is a unit in the Church teenth century. After local expenses for the purpose of saving souls. have been covered, the funds col- Church buildings are a necessity. lected are used for world relief serv- Catholic children have a right to an ices without regard for religious af- education in which they can learn filiation. Annually, the Pontifical about God and about their religion. Relief Committee distributes tons This right means school buildings of clothing, provides funds for food and teachers. A parish plant—rec- and lodging, subsidies for hospitals, tory, school, church, convent—is a staffs for schools in refugee camps, business operation. But the parish programs for youth, and takes ref- has no product or service on sale ugees into orphanages and hospitals for a price. The parish depends on and aids numbers of them in effect- the voluntary contributions of the ing emigration. parishioners to meet its numerous bills. Such contributions are ordi- Collections narily collected immediately preced- In the United States three general ing the offertory of the Mass on collections are usually made annual-

Sunday, and hence called the "of- ly. These are the Catholic University fertory collection.” of America, the Propagation of the A pastor is fortunate if the Sun- Faith, and the Catholic Bishops’ day collection is sufficient to meet Thanksgiving Collection for the the various financial responsibilities needy in other lands. In the past of his parish. Regrettably, some pas- fifteen years, the Bishops’ collection tors must depend on bazaars, din- has made possible the shipping of ners, raffles, bingo, pew rent, rum- over 5 billion pounds of goods, val- mage sales, seat collections, etc., to ued at over one billion dollars, to keep the old parish going. Direct war ravaged and needy countries. contributions, conscientiously and This material is distributed on the cheerfully given, are the only means basis of need alone.

32 Ordinarily, a particular diocese tions. Spiritual things cannot be sold. will have annually a general dioces- Can a man sell his heart and remain an collection to support their sem- alive? Can we traffic with the things inary and another to maintain a reg- of God and expect the Source of all ular building program. The central grace to bestow His blessings? There office of a diocese is called a chan- may have been some attempts in cery office. At this office all the this regard in the past, but it is official records of the diocese are foolish to think that those concerned preserved and all the general paper- were able to take advantage of God. work for the whole diocese put into Stole fees and Mass stipends began proper channels and processed. in ancient times as voluntary offer- As the official office of the ings for the support of religion. In Bishop, the decisions of the chancery the course of centuries, these offer- office naturally reflect the mind of ings became so sanctioned by cus- the Bishop. Diocesan statutes, made tom or by particular law that they known and interpreted by the chan- are now obligatory when one’s cery office, will specify the offer- means permit. ings ordinarily expected for Masses (Mass stipends) and a few spiritual "It Shall Be Measured" ministrations (stole fees), for the "Give to the most High according salaries of pastors, assistant priests, to what he hath given to thee, and and religious teachers. As offer- with a good eye do according to the ings and salaries vary in different ability of thy hands: For the Lord dioceses, definite information on maketh recompense, and will give such matters can be obtained from thee seven times as much” (Sirach the office. 35:12-13). Thus spoke God in the Stole fees or free will offerings Old Law. What says He in the New? made by the faithful on the occasion "Give, and it shall be given to you; of , marriages and funerals good measure, pressed down, shaken are a special discharge of part of the together, running over, shall they layman’s general duty of supporting pour into your lap. For with what his pastor. Stole fees constitute part measure you measure, it shall be of the general support of a parish. measured to you” (Luke 6:38). Such offerings are ordinarily deter- If every member of the Church mined and regulated by diocesan followed these divine directives, no statute; therefore, one in doubt pastor would find it necessary to about such offerings should either preach about money or lie awake consult a priest of the diocese or nights attempting to find ways the diocesan chancery office. A pas- of meeting parish responsibilities. tor may not refuse his free service There exists an old proverb which to persons who are unable to make contains much food for thought: such offerings. "The only thing a dead man holds Stole fees and Mass stipends are in his hands are the things he has not payments for spiritual func- given to God.”

33 - MARRIAGE a Sacred Vocation

The essence of the marriage sential part of His over-all contract and the sacrament project for the human race; it may form is found in the so He designed its nature to expression of mutual con- fit in with that project. Mar- sent. "Adam, will you take riage has purposes. Its first Eve for your lawful wife.” and primary purpose and

'I will.” A similar question privilege is joining with God is asked of Eve, and she too in the formation* of a new answers, "I will.” They are living body, the creation of now man and wife, for the a new human soul, and the rest of their lives. Because beginning of a new person-

marriage is a contract and, between ality which will live forever. Al- the baptized a sacrament, both the though this creative purpose can be

State and the Church have a right achieved outside marriage, still the

and obligation to legislate concern- completion and perfection of it de- ing its administration and reception. mands the permanency, love, and

"But from the beginning of the security of the home. So marriage is creation, God made them male and intended for the proper care, love, female. For this cause a man shall and formation of the children who

leave his father and mother; and are conceived and created in it. shall cleave to his wife. And they God’s second purpose for marri- two shall be in one flesh. Therefore age is also achieved in the home. they are not two, but one flesh. What God wants man and woman to be therefore God hath joined together, happy together, to find in each other let not man put asunder” (Mark 10: a completion of their individual per-

6- 9/>. Marriage is the religious and sonalities, a total expression of their legal bond uniting husband and wife love and emotional needs, and mu- for the begetting and rearing of off- tual help to attain that sanctity

spring, for mutual help and assist- which is their purpose in life and ance, and, after the fall of our first eternity. For the proper attainment parents, for the regulation of the of these purposes the home must sexual instinct in accordance with have order, peace, love and perma- the dictates of reason. nence. So marriage must exist be- God planned marriage as an es- tween one man and one woman, ex-

34 clusively; and it must last as long as obligation of the spouses, and the they both remain alive. Without obligation of parents toward their these features the home will be di- children. When it is a case of mixed vided, selfish and insecure. marriage, most Bishops require a Since God has planned the nature series of six instructions before the of the marriage contract, determined marriage may take place. In general its purposes, and established its es- a mixed marriage is one between a sential features of unity and indis- member of the Catholic Church and solubility, the Church can only ac- one who does not accept the doc- cept God’s plans and laws, teach trines of the Catholic Faith, even them to the world and insist that though perhaps validly baptized. they be honored. By the sixth pre- To avoid invalid and unhappy cept of the Church, Catholics are marriages, the Church requires pre- obliged to observe the laws of the liminary investigations. The pastor Church concerning marriage. Since shall ask the bride and groom sep- there are a number of regulations arately whether they are under any which pertain to marriage, only impediment, whether they give con- those more commonly affecting the sent freely, etc. Ordinarily, docu- laity will be briefly explained. ments of Baptism and Confirmation are requested. Marriage Regulations The pastor must publicly an- The Church tries constantly to nounce the parties between whom a make people aware of the sacred- marriage is to be contracted. This ness and seriousness of marriage so ancient custom is called "announc- that they may enter this vocation ing the banns” of marriage, and or- calmly and carefully and thus ex- dinarily takes place on the three perience a state of life which is Sundays immediately preceding the happy, secure, and a means to eternal date of the wedding. All the faithful life. With these purposes in mind, are bound, if they know of any the Church has laws on engagement, serious reason why the marriage prenuptial instructions, investiga- should not take place, to make tion of freedom and intention, pub- known this information to the pas- lication of banns, and marriage be- tor before the celebration of the fore a priest. marriage. The purpose of such a reg- Engagements are encouraged as ulation is to prevent irreverence to a sane preparation for marriage, but the sacrament, sin, and harm to the they should not last too long be- neighbor, some or all of which evils cause of their moral dangers. Though necessarily result from an unlawful the Church has specific regulations or invalid marriage. regarding formal engagements, still The Church law requires that a she leaves the parties free to break Catholic must be married before a the engagement for good reason. priest and two witnesses, and no The pastor is required to instruct Catholic—even a fallen-away one- the parties to be married on the can be married in any other way, at sanctity of matrimony, the mutual least in normal circumstances. The

35 Catholic Church alone has the right tized persons is a valid marriage too, to make laws regulating the marri- but it is not a sacrament. Such a ages of baptized persons because the valid contract of marriage can never Church alone has authority over the be dissolved as long as both remain sacraments and over sacred matters unbaptized. The Catholic Church affecting baptized persons. Although teaches, therefore, that two non- the Catholic Church has the right to Catholics, whether baptized or not make laws regarding the marriages baptized, who without any impedi- of all baptized persons, the Church ment of divine or civil law give the does not in all cases bind baptized proper consent of marriage to each non-Catholics by these laws. Non- other are validly married. Their chil- Catholics are bound by the laws dren are legitimate in the eyes of when, for example, they freely de- the Catholic Church and their mar- cide to marry Catholics. riage ordinarily binds them for life. If a non-Catholic couple, validly Priest Must Witness married for many years, become A Catholic must be married "be- Catholics, must they be remarried in fore a priest.” The attempted mar- the Church? Do they have to go riage of a Catholic before a minister through any ceremony at all? The or a civil official, such as a judge, a answer is NO to both questions. It justice of the peace, a squire, or any might only be suggested that they clerk of court, is not really a marri- receive the nuptial blessing of the age. A Catholic who remains in such Church, but no serious obligation an unlawful union is living in sin exists to so act. just as much as if he or she had never gone through such a ceremony. Impediments Regarding the marriages of bap- The Church has laws which for- tized persons, the State has the au- bid marriages between certain indi- thority to make laws concerning viduals. We call these laws impedi- their effects that are merely civil. ments. One such impediment is age. By the civil effects of matrimony A man before completing his six- are meant the rights and obligations teenth year and a woman before of husband and wife as citizens: for completing her fourteenth cannot example, the right to share in the contract a valid marriage. These ages property of the other. are very low, but the Church’s laws When no invalidating impedi- are for the whole world and cus- ment exists, the Church recognizes toms differ in various countries. the marriage of a non-Catholic as Pastors of souls are required to valid. The marriage of two baptized deter young people from marrying non-Catholics is also a sacrament, before the age at which, according to just the same as the marriage of any the received customs of the country, Catholic couple. Moreover, such a marriage is usually contracted. In marriage, once consummated, can America the civil law of our states never be dissolved by any power on varies not only regarding the mini- earth. The marriage of two non-bap- mum age for marriage, but also con-

36 cerning the effect of marriage under to that effect be given by explicit that age. Hence the civil laws of the promises made before a representa- place must be consulted. Church law tive of the Church. forbids pastors to assist at the mar- The non-Catholic party must riage of minors—under twenty-one— promise not to endanger the faith of unless the parents give their consent the Catholic; both parties must or the Bishop is consulted. promise that the children born of the marriage will be baptized in the "Ungodly Children" Catholic Church alone and educated Mixed marriages with the orig- solely in the Catholic religion. The inal inhabitants of Palestine were Catholic party, moreover, must forbidden by the Mosaic Law as a promise to strive for the conversion proximate occasion of idolatry and of the non-Catholic party by prayer polytheism. "You shall not inter- and good example. Unless these marry with them, neither giving promises are made, the Church will your daughters to their sons nor tak- grant no exemption from her law; ing their daughters for your sons. and unless the Bishop is convinced For they would turn your sons from that the promises are made in good following me to serving other faith and will be kept, he may not gods...” (Deuteronomy 7:1-5; Ex- grant the dispensation. odus 34:11-16). To prevent marri- ages which have little hope of true Happy Union happiness and stability, the Church Those who do not understand that forbids unions between parties of marriage is a sacrament divinely in- different religious convictions and stituted and that only one Church practices. Mixed marriages often was established by the Lord are apt bring about family discord, loss of to consider these regulations of the faith on the part of the Catholic, and Church rigorous and unreasonable. neglect of the religious training of The Church is the divine guardian the children. "And it is better to die of faith and of the religion estab- without children, than to leave un- lished by Christ. It can never min- godly children” (Sirach 16:4). imize the dangers of a mixed marri- For grave reasons—hope of con- age. The Church knows that conflict version of the non-Catholic, the and argument may result from it, avoiding of public discord, the fear endangering happiness and peace of a mere civil marriage, the fewness and that it presents barriers to a of Catholics in the district, etc.,—the complete union of hearts, minds, Church sometimes permits mixed convictions and sentiments. It often marriages and such a permission is endangers faith, cools religious fer- called a dispensation. Before grant- vor, and invites neglect of devo- ing the dispensation for a mixed tional practices. Its greatest prob- marriage, the Church demands that lems often confront the children, the danger to the faith of the Cath- who may be caught in the midst of olic party or of the offspring be conflict and left bewildered, in- removed and asks that guarantees secure and uncertain.

37 Several non-Catholic leaflets are the wholesome social atmosphere in circulation warning non-Catholics among the family relationships. Re- not to marry Catholics and bearing lationship affecting marriage in the such titles as "I Married a Catholic”; Catholic Church is twofold: by rea- "The Mixed Marriage Question”; son of blood (), and "Should a Protestant Consent to by reason of affinity (arises from a be Married by a Roman Catholic valid marriage). Consanguinity is a Priest?” Although these leaflets often relation between persons, based on grossly misrepresent the teachings carnal generation. It exists in the of the Catholic Church on mixed direct line, if one of the persons is marriage, still they agree with the the direct ancestor of the other; in Church that mixed marriages seldom the indirect line (collateral) if neith- contribute to nuptial bliss. er person is the direct ancestor of To enable the non-Catholic to the other, but both are descended understand the nature and import- from a common source. ance of the obligations he is expect- In the direct line of consanguin- ed to undertake, ordinarily six in- ity, marriage is invalid between all structions about things Catholic in the ancestors and descendants; and general and marital obligations in in the collateral line, marriage is in- particular are to be taken prior to valid up to the third degree inclusive marriage. Often the Bishop will re- (or down to and including second quire the Catholic party to attend cousins). The Church never dis- the instructions also; this often helps penses in the direct line nor in the the two of them to resolve their re- first degree of the collateral line. ligious problems before conflicts Affinity may be defined as a rela- begin. By studying Catholic teach- tion between two persons of whom ings, the non-Catholic has time to one is joined by a valid marriage to consider the problems involved in a blood relative of the other. Affinity marrying a Catholic and to freely in the direct line in any degree in- change his mind if he so desires. validates marriage; in the collateral

Even though a dispensation for a line it invalidates marriage up to mixed marriage has been obtained the second degree inclusive (the from the Church, the spouses are not man, and the sister, first cousin, permitted, either before or after the aunt or niece of the woman; the marriage contracted before the woman, and the brother, first cousin, Church, to go also to a non-Catholic uncle or nephew of the man). minister for the purpose of giving In almost all of the states, the civil or renewing their matrimonial con- law of consanguinity is similar to sent or vows. the law of the Church. In those states Both the State and the Church where the civil law of affinity is have regulations prohibiting close present, one must study the respec- relatives from entering marriage. tive law to know how it affects a Such laws not only prevent certain marriage. hereditary dangers but also preserve If you baptize a person, or act as

38 sponsor for a person being baptized, called a decree of nullity—is a dec- you contract a spiritual relationship laration that there was not a true with that person, and it is an im- marriage from the beginning, even pediment to marriage. Dispensa- though it may have had all the out- tions are readily granted for good ward appearances of being one. A reason from this impediment. true marriage is never contracted if In spite of all the Church’s pre- some invalidating law makes the cautions some marriages do not turn marriage null, if the parties them- out well. Temporary or permanent selves make conditions contrary to separation becomes necessary and the substance of the marriage con- is justified if one of the parties tract, if one or both are forced to leads a life of crime, or is so vicious marry, if one of the parties is a Cath- that the life, health, or spiritual wel- olic and the marriage does not take fare of the partner is threatened, or place before a Catholic priest, etc. commits adultery, etc. In cases of Only when the fact of nullity is separation the injured party should established does the Church give a have permission from the Bishop to . live for a long time apart from the Sometimes the Church dissolves guilty party. Such a permission is marriages for the good of souls, obtained through the parish priest. when such dissolution is possible.

The reason for such a permission is The only marriages which cannot be to bring the case to the attention of dissolved under any circumstances Church officials so that every pos- are the valid, consummated marri- sible effort might be made to re- iges of two baptized people. Most solve the difficulties and restore Christian marriages are in this class. nuptial harmony. No power on earth can dissolve the Unhappy people separate. Some- consummated bond of a sacramental times it is necessary that civil action marriage. But if the marriage is not be taken to insure property rights, consummated, or if it is not sacra- regulate the support and custody of mental, then on the authority of the the children, etc. Even in such cases, Church it may be dissolved for good no civil action should be taken until and sufficient reason, and under lim- the Bishop has been consulted. More- ited conditions. over, every Catholic must understand There are three types of marri- that neither separation nor civil di- ages which can sometimes be dis- vorce (obtained for its mefe civil solved: effects) confers the right to remarri- 1. Marriages which are valid and age while the partner lives. sacramental but have never been Some persons desire more than consummated by marital relation- separation and so they ask, "Can my ship between the husband and wife. marriage be annulled or dissolved?” Such cases are rare, and sufficient An does not mean that proof difficult to establish. When the Church makes null something non-consummation is proven, recon-

that was valid. An annulment in ciliation is impossible, and grave the Catholic Church—more properly reasons urge, then the Holy Father

39 dissolves the union. (Mass and Blessing) at any period 2. Marriages between two unbap- of the year for a just cause. Catholic tized persons. Such marriages can be marriages do not usually take place dissolved only when one party be- on Sundays or holydays because the comes a Catholic and the other party priests are all busy saying Mass for refuses to live peacefully with the the parishioners. Likewise Catholic convert. This is called the "Pauline marriages are held before noon, be- Privilege” because St. Paul first pro- cause the nuptial Mass may seldom mulgated it as a means of protecting begin later than one o’clock. the faith of his converts (1 Corin- Can a Catholic couple have non- thians 7:12-15). Catholic attendants at a marriage

3. Privilege of the Faith or the ceremony in the Church? It is the . When one party mind of the Church that non-Cath- to a marriage is baptized and the olics should not be attendants, but other is certainly unbaptized, their the Bishop may permit it for a marriage may be a valid contract, serious reason and provided scandal but it is not a sacrament. In theory is not given. it can be dissolved, and in practice The Church has no law forbid- the Church will dissolve it in certain ding interracial marriages. There limited circumstances, usually in- are no objections to such marriages volving the conversion of one party on moral or religious grounds. How- to the Catholic Church, the refusal ever, in our country prejudice pre- of the other party to live with the sents many practical difficulties to convert, and convincing proof of the the success of such a marriage, nonbaptism of one party. particularly between negroes and For information on marriage as whites. These social difficulties, as a sacrament, we recommend our free well as differences in attitude, back- pamphlet entitled, "The Real Secret ground, and temperament should be of Successful Marriage, free upon given due consideration. Marriage request. is for life, and the odds against its Catholic marriages take place at success should be kept at a minimum. Mass. Mixed marriages, between a Though there is a somewhat com- Catholic and a non-Catholic, must plicated system of laws in the Church take place before a priest but the that govern marriages and marriage Mass is not permitted. The Bishop "cases,” still the marriage laws of is entitled to permit for mixed mar- the Church are fewer than in any riages those ceremonies which he single American state or foreign judges advisable. country. In practice, one wishing in- Catholic marriages seldom take formation about the marriage reg- place during Lent or Advent because ulations of the Church should simply the solemn nuptial blessing, ordi- consult the parish priest. Only in the narily given at Mass, is not per- light of all the circumstances which mitted during those seasons of pen- pertain to a particular marriage case ance, though the Bishop may permit can the priest provide the informa- the solemnization of matrimony tion desired.

40 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - RELIGIOUS INFORMATION BUREAU

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3. The Bible is a Catholic Book 32. The Bible Is Not Our Sole Guide Faith Fathers 5. Christ’s Seven Sacraments 33. This Was the of Our 34. These Are Our Seven Deadly Enemies 6. The Holy Sacrifice — the Catholic — Seven capital sins explained Mass 35. Let’s Test Catholic Loyalty — A Good 7. Why the Catholic Church says "Inves- Catholic is a good citizen tigate” — Masons, Inquisition, Nuns 36. Remember the Sabbath . . . Keep It 8. Speaking of Tolerance — Controver- Holy — The "Sabbath Question” sial periods in history 37. I Am a Catholic Priest 9. These Men They Call "Knights” 38. But Why the Candles, Holy Water 10. Why Catholics Believe As They Do and Beads ? — Sacramentals — Existence of God, Immortality 39. The Reformation. Was It Reform or 11. A Short Story of the Revolt? 12. Let’s Stick to Moses — Ten Com- 40. Why I Had to Embrace the Catholic mandments explained Faith — Convert stories 41. Yes, Miracles Happened at Fatima 13. But Can It Be Found in the Bible? — 42. the Bible Contradict Itself? — Bible not sole rule of faith Does Peter the Rock, Faith and/or Works 14. What Happens After Death? 43. I Was Warned About the Catholic 15. Yes ... I Condemned The Catholic Church! — Religious Liberty Church 44. Why a Woman Needs the Catholic 16. What Do You Mean "Only One True Faith! Church”? 45. The Early Years of the Catholic 17. But How Can Educated People Be Church — First three centuries Catholics? 46. Yes ... A Priest Can Forgive Your Sins — Sacrament of Penance 18. No . . . Belief in God is not Enough! 47. But Why Don’t You Pray to the 19. The Real Secret of Successful Mar- Saints? — Communion of Saints riage 48. God’s Story of Creation — Genesis 20. The Way to Everlasting Life . . . The 49. Is the Catholic Church Out of Place Catholic Church Here? — Catholicism and Loyalty 21. Is the Catholic Church a Menace to 50. This Is the Catholic Church — Creed, Democracy? Sacraments, Mass, Commandments 22. But Do You Really Understand the 51. Revelation ... A Divine Message of Bible? — Rules for understanding Hope — Revelations or Apocalypse 23. A Letter to Our Non-Catholic Neigh- 52. Does It Pay to be a Catholic? — How bors — Aspects of Catholic faith to be a Catholic 24. Yes, the Mother of God Will Help 53. Think About Death and Start to Live You! — Catholic attitude toward death 25. What Makes a Woman Choose Such 54. What Do You Find Wrong With a Life? — Life of a Catholic Nun the Catholic Church? 55. His Name Shall Be Called God With 26. I’ll Tell You Why I Am a Catholic Us — Divinity of Christ 27. Why So Many Decide to Become 56. The Infallible Church, Truth or Trick- Catholics — Convert stories ery? — Church of the Scriptures 28. Let Us Judge Catholics by the Bible 57. Tell Us About God . . . Who Is He? — Prayer to Saints, unmarried priests Existence and nature of God 29. But Would Christ Call You A Chris- 58. The Word Was Made Flesh- tian? Humanity of Christ 30. But Do You Understand What God 59. Let Us Pray—Prayer Told Us? — Apostles’ Creed 60. Gift of the Holy Spirit—Confirmation 31. Should Children Learn About God- 61. The Church Says — Precepts of The in School? Church Learn All About THE CATHOLIC CHURCH By Mail ... At No Cost!

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Imprimatur: *JOSEPH CARDINAL RITTER Archbishop of St. Louis

St. Louis, April 26, 1961

Published in the United States of America 1st Printing, June, 1961