Baltimore Catechism: Lesson 23

Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist: (1) [blank_start]To unite us to Himself and[blank_end] [blank_start]to nourish our souls[blank_end] [blank_start]with His divine life[blank_end]. (2) [blank_start]To increase sanctifying grace[blank_end] [blank_start]and all the virtues in our souls[blank_end]. (3) [blank_start]To lessen our evil inclinations[blank_end]. (4) [blank_start]To be a pledge of everlasting life[blank_end]. (5) [blank_start]To fit our bodies for[blank_end] [blank_start]a glorious resurrection[blank_end]. (6) [blank_start]To continue the sacrifice[blank_end] [blank_start]of the Cross in His Church[blank_end].

How are we united to Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist? [blank_start]We are united to[blank_end] [blank_start]Jesus Christ in the[blank_end] [blank_start]Holy Eucharist by means[blank_end] [blank_start]of Holy Communion[blank_end].

What is Holy Communion? [blank_start]Holy Communion[blank_end] [blank_start]is the receiving of[blank_end] [blank_start]the body and blood of Christ[blank_end].

What is necessary to make a good Communion? [blank_start]To make a good Communion[blank_end] [blank_start]it is necessary to be[blank_end] [blank_start]in a state of sanctifying[blank_end] [blank_start]grace[blank_end], [blank_start]to be fasting for one hour[blank_end], [blank_start]and to have a right intention[blank_end].

Does he who receives Communion in mortal sin receive the body and blood of Christ? [blank_start]He who receives Communion[blank_end] [blank_start]in mortal sin receives the[blank_end] [blank_start]body and blood of Christ[blank_end], [blank_start]but does not receive[blank_end] [blank_start]His grace[blank_end], [blank_start]and he commits a great sacrilege[blank_end].

Is it enough to be free from mortal sin, to receive plentifully the graces of Holy Communion? [blank_start]To receive plentifully the graces[blank_end] [blank_start]of Holy Communion it is not enough[blank_end] [blank_start]to be free from mortal sin[blank_end], [blank_start]but we should be free from[blank_end] [blank_start]all affection to venial sin[blank_end], [blank_start]and should make acts of lively faith[blank_end], [blank_start]of firm hope and ardent love[blank_end].

What is the fast necessary for Holy Communion? [blank_start]The fast necessary for Holy[blank_end] [blank_start]Communion is the abstaining[blank_end] [blank_start]for one hour from[blank_end] [blank_start]everything which[blank_end] [blank_start]is taken as food or drink[blank_end].

Is anyone ever allowed to receive Holy Communion when not fasting? [blank_start]Anyone in danger of death[blank_end] [blank_start]is allowed to receive[blank_end] [blank_start]Communion when not[blank_end] [blank_start]fasting[blank_end].

When are we bound to receive Holy Communion? [blank_start]We are bound to receive Holy Communion[blank_end], [blank_start]under pain of mortal sin[blank_end], [blank_start]during the Easter time[blank_end] [blank_start]and when in danger of death[blank_end].

Is it well to receive Holy Communion often? [blank_start]It is well to receive[blank_end] [blank_start]Holy Communion often[blank_end], [blank_start]as nothing is a greater aid[blank_end] [blank_start]to a holy life than often[blank_end] [blank_start]to receive the Author of all graces[blank_end] [blank_start]and the Source of all good[blank_end].

What should we do after Holy Communion? [blank_start]After Holy Communion we[blank_end] [blank_start]should spend some time in[blank_end] [blank_start]adoring Our Lord[blank_end], [blank_start]in thanking Him for the graces[blank_end] [blank_start]we have received and[blank_end] [blank_start]in asking Him for the blessings[blank_end] [blank_start]we need[blank_end]