Course 2, Chapter 33: Of union with our Lord the new Adam, by Communion. — The Sacraments

1. How is our union with the new Adam completed or perfected?

Our union with the new Adam commenced by faith, increased by charity, is completed or perfected by communion.

2. To what do all the sacraments have reference?

All the sacraments, like all religion, have reference to the holy communion.

3. How do all the sacraments refer to communion?

They all refer to communion, each in its appropriate manner; baptism renders us capable of the union which takes place in the Eucharist; confirmation maintains this union, or renders us more worthy of it; penance disposes us for the establishment of it when it has been destroyed by sin; extreme unction aids us to

consummate it at the hour of death; holy orders and matrimony perpetuate it, in perpetuating the Church.

4. What are the sacraments?

The sacraments are sensible signs, instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, for our sanctification.

5. Who has instituted the sacraments?

Our Lord Jesus Christ has instituted all the sacraments. No other could institute them; because God alone can attach to sensible things the power of conferring grace.

6. Why has our Lord instituted the sacraments?

Our Lord has instituted the sacraments: 1 st, to communicate his graces to us; 2d, to aid us by the means of sensible things to comprehend spiritual things; 3d, in order to show us his infinite power, in making use of little things to produce great effects; 4th; to teach us continually that we are all brothers.

7. What is the effect of the sacraments?

The effect of the sacraments is to sanctify us; either by giving us grace or by augmenting it.

8. Which are the sacraments that give grace?

The sacraments which give grace, that is, tr those who have it not, are baptism and penance; for this reason they are called the sacraments of the dtad.

9. Which are the sacraments that augment grace in us?

A\ the other sacraments augment in us the grace already received; they, are, therefore, called the tocrtunents of the living.

10. What else do baptism, confirmation, and holy orders effect?

Baptism, confirmation, and holy orders also imprint on us an indelible character, which renders ur competent to perform or receive certain things in the order of religion. They can be received but once; all the sacraments produce their effects by their proper virtue.

11. What are the elements of the sacraments?

208 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

A . The elements of the sacraments are the things of which they are composed. These are three in number; the matter, the form, and the minister.

12. How do we know that our Lord has instituted the seven sacraments?

We know that our Lord has instituted the seven sacraments from the Scriptures and from tradition.