William C. Michael

With children and friends in the US military, we hear news of possible conflicts and deployments. These reports lead to discussions about politics and war, which can be very complicated. Thankfully, as Catholics, we can look to the Church for faithful instruction and guidance. With news of trouble in eastern Europe, what does the Catechism of the Catholic Church ((Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 2307-2317)) teach us about war? 2307 The fifth commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life. Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer and to … Continue

In this lesson, students who are preparing for First Communion are introduced to the Seven Sacraments. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the lesson below, carefully and completely. Complete all memory work. Complete the lesson assessment. Lesson Q. What is a Sacrament?A. A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. Q. How many Sacraments are there?A. There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Q. Whence have the Sacraments the power of giving grace?A. The Sacraments have the power of giving grace from … Continue

In this lesson, students preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation get into the details of the sacrament of Baptism. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the Lesson. Complete the Memory Work. Complete the Lesson Exam. Lesson 152 Q. What is Baptism?A. Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from Original Sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of Heaven. “Christians,” that is, members of the Church of Christ. “Children of God,” that is, adopted children. All men are children of God by their creation, but Christians are children of God, not merely … Continue

In this lesson, we study the fourth prayer to be learned by students, going deeper into the details than we did in Baltimore Catechism II. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the lesson for mastery. Work to memorize the answers to each question. Complete the lesson assessment. Lesson Q. 90. Say the Confiteor and verses after it.A. I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary, ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly … Continue

In this lesson of Baltimore Catechism II, we study Our Lord’s Passion, Death, Resurrection & Ascension. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the Lesson. Complete the Memory Work. Complete the Lesson Exam. Lesson The Passion, that is, the terrible sufferings of Our Lord, began after the Last Supper, and ended at His death. On Thursday evening, Our Lord sat down for the last time with His dear Apostles. He had been talking, eating, and living with them for over three years; and now He is going to take His last meal with them before … Continue

The descendants of Adam were divided into two classes—the good and the bad. To console Adam for the death of Abel, God gave him the pious Seth. Seth’s posterity were known as the children of God, while the descendants of Cain were very wicked. By degrees mankind became corrupt, Noe alone remaining just. God bade Noe build an Ark, for in a hundred years He would destroy by a deluge every living creature on the face of the earth. The following are the dimensions and construction of the Ark : its length, three hundred cubits; its breadth, fifty; and its … Continue

What is classical education? If you’re confused about the meaning of this phrase, don’t think there’s something wrong with you. It’s probably because you’re a reasonable person who’s able to see some obvious problems. Classical Education: Modern Rip-offs With the widespread dissatisfaction with modern schools, it is easy to promote something different. Unfortunately, many have sought to take advantage of parents and students who don’t know any better (thanks to their modern education) and have sold them a modern education program that called by a different name, and dressed up a little. They sprinkle some literature and history on top … Continue

In this lesson, we study the third prayer to be learned by students, going deeper into the details than we did in Baltimore Catechism II. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the lesson for mastery. Work to memorize the answers to each question. Complete the lesson assessment. Lesson Q. 49. Say the Apostles’ Creed.A. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, … Continue

Apollo is represented as a beardless youth, with long hair, comely and graceful, who wears a laurel crown, and shines in garments embroidered with gold, with a bow and arrows in one hand, and a harp in the other. He is at other times described holding a shield in one hand and the Graces in the other. And because he has a threefold power in heaven, where he is called Sol; in earth, where he is named Liber Pater; and in hell, where he is styled Apollo; he is usually painted with these three things: a harp, a shield, and … Continue