INTRODUCTION TO THIS ONLINE COURSE OF RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION This Community was established to promote the instruction of Catechumens, Converts and Life-Long Catholics. The Managers have been Catholics all their lives. In the day and age of secular humanism invading Holy Mother Church, we found it necessary to begin a thorough study of the Catholic Faith as has always been taught, so as to protect ourselves from being influenced by some of these errors. This prompted the creation of this Site in June of 2002, a Course of Instruction in the timeless teachings of the Church. While Rites and Ritual may change, the Doctrines of the Church do not, for they are the doctrines of Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who taught them to the Apostles. This course , when completed will have 52 lessons of instruction on the teachings of the ONE TRUE CHURCH, the Roman Catholic Church. The lessons are taken from the book Lessons in the Catholic Faith By Parish Priests Imprimatur: Samuel Cardinal Stritch Archbishop of Chicago March 17, 1954 We hope it will help you. Though the lessons may appear rather simple, you will find that you will have to study it well in order to enjoy your instructions and profit from them. As you go through these instructions you will realize that there are no other lessons, no other activities so important as your religious instructions. Please study each lesson, whether you feel well instructed in the subject or not.One lesson is built upon another. The tenth or eleventh lesson, for example, cannot be understood without the first lesson, the second lesson, and all the lessons up to the tenth lesson. ATTEND MASS REGULARLY TOO Begin to attend Mass now. Consider your attendance at Mass on Sunday morning and the Holydays as part of this course of instructions. Come to Mass at any hour of the morning the Holy Sacrifice is celebrated at the Catholic Church in your area. If you so desire, you can go to early Mass; if you want to sleep on Sunday, attend a later Mass. Attendance at church on Sunday is the law of God. It is not something we Catholics make our people do just to make it difficult for them. The habit of going to church only when it pleases you is a serious sin. God's laws about Sunday worship are for all, not for Catholics only. BRING YOUR FRIENDS TO INSTRUCTIONS TOO While you are taking instructions bring some friends with you. Everyone is welcome. No one will try "to make them Catholics." We do not force people into the Catholic Church. As a matter of fact, you will see as you go on, that priests are very cautious about admitting people into the Catholic Church. All are most welcome to become Catholic after the instructions are complete and if they have gone regularly to Mass; but even then the priest will accept only those who he thinks are ready and anxious to enter the Church. ASK QUESTIONS WHENEVER YOU WANT Whenever you do not understand something, ask questions. That’s what the Message Boards are for! Do not think you are slow to understand. The person who asks questions shows he is interested and makes the lesson easier for himself. Do not be afraid; the Community is glad to hear your questions, and anxious to give you the answers. THE  MORE  IMPORTANT  PART  OF  THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE THE REVIEW WORK At the end of each lesson are the QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. Please review the lesson until you are able to correctly answer the questions, in a way you can understand and believe, and be able to explain to others. If you do not know the answers, do not worry . Ask a question on the Boards. We will do our best to help you. We will consult a Catholic Priest if we are unable to help you on our own. VERIFY THE SCRIPTURES QUOTED At all times you may use your Bible at home to confirm various points being explained in these lessons. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ! May God bless you now in your good endeavor. Pray daily that God may give you light to understand His teachings, and courage to live according to them. You may be sure that the members of this Community, and indeed many Catholics throughout the world will pray for you every day. Begin any course of study with prayer. An Act of Faith O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; I believe that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived. An Act of Hope O my God, relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen An Act of Love O my God, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul because Thou art all good and deserving of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen