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In this lesson, we study the Baltimore Catechism’s teaching “On Making a Good Confession“. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the Lesson for mastery. Complete the Memory Work. Complete the Lesson Exam. Lesson Study each question and answer below, with the commentary that follows. *224 Q. What should we do on entering the confessional?A. On entering the confessional we should kneel, make the Sign of the Cross, and say to the priest: “Bless me, Father”; then add, “I confess to Almighty God, and to you, Father, that I have sinned.” *225 Q. Which are … Continue

Jesus Christ gave His disciples a very clear message as to what was to come. It was clear to all that the work ahead of them was not going to be easy. He taught them plainly that they were to seek comfort in heaven and not to expect comfort on earth: “Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.” From the time the … Continue

When quality-words are joined to nouns by copulas, they are said to be “predicated” of those nouns. They may be written or printed in connection with nouns, without being joined to them by copulas; thus: white chalk sour apples a square table good boys When thus used, they describe or restrict the meaning of nouns, but are not predicated of them. Words that do not express quality may be used as modifiers of nouns. In the sentences, below, the words “this”, “that”, “two”, and “three”, are modifiers of the nouns that follow them; but they do not express any quality. … Continue

One of the most important (and difficult!) obstacles for students in classical Logic is understanding an illustration known as the “Porphyrian Tree” or the “Tree of Porphyry“. This illustration explains how Aristotle’s “Categories” are divided from the “genus most general” down through all subalternate genera and species, down to the “species most special” and individuals. It is the key to understanding Aristotle’s art of Reasoning, but it takes some work to understand rightly. Let’s take a careful look at the Porphyrian Tree above, and I’ll explain its meaning. Explanation of the Porphyrian Tree Starting at the top of the tree, … Continue

In this lesson of Baltimore Catechism I, we study the “Effects of the Redemption”. The following questions should be read aloud, and the answer recited until memorized. 102. Q. Which are the chief effects of the Redemption?A. The chief effects of the Redemption are two: The satisfaction of God’s justice by Christ’s sufferings and death, and the gaining of grace for men. 103. Q. What do you mean by grace?A. By grace I mean a supernatural gift of God bestowed on us, through the merits of Jesus Christ, for our salvation. 104. Q. How many kinds of grace are there?A. … Continue

In this lesson of Baltimore Catechism I, we study the catechism’s lesson “On the Church”. We learn about how men are able to enjoy the blessings God offers us, what the Church is, who leads the Church and how the true Church of God may be known. The following questions should be read aloud, and the answer recited until memorized. Q. Which are the means instituted by our Lord to enable men at all times to share in the fruits of the Redemption?A. The means instituted by our Lord to enable men at all times to share in the fruits … Continue