tApparition to Saint Faustinat
tThe God of Mercy tThe Divine Mercy Chaplet t
tDivine Mercy Chaplet Promises tThe Feast of Divine Mercy t
tFeast of Mercy Promises tThe Divine Mercy Novena tThe Hour of Great Mercy t
tPropagation of Divine Mercy PromisetIndext

The Divine Mercy of God The Revelations of Our Lord to Sr. Faustina

Divine Mercy Sunday! The Novena begins on Good Friday And ends the first Saturday after Easter. Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated the next day. Don't Miss The Opportunity!

"The Lord is compassionate and merciful."

James 5:11

JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU!

Psalm 91:2
Say to the LORD,
"My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust,"

Apparitions to the Newly Canonized (April 30, 2000)
Saint Faustina: Crakow, Poland (1931-1938)

The God of Love & Mercy "I desire the entire world know that I am a God of Love, Goodness and Mercy." Our Lord to Sr. Josepha As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear him: for he knoweth our frame. He remembereth that we are dust: man's days are as grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish. Psalm 102:13-15 "The Greatest outpouring of God's Mercy is reserved for mankind in the Twentieth Century." Fr. Roman Hoppe '...where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more..' Romans 5:20 "I want the whole world to know My Infinite Mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy." Our Lord to Saint Faustina "No soul shall be justified unless it turns with confidence to My Mercy ...[Let] the greatest sinners place their trust in My Mercy. They have the right before others to confidence in the abyss of My Mercy ...Graces are drawn from the fount [Confession] of My Mercy with one vessel only, and that is trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive ... I make Myself dependent upon your trust; if your trust will be great, then My generosity will know no limits ... Sins of distrust wound Me most painfully." Our Lord to Saint Faustina "When you go to Confession, know this, that I Myself am waiting for you in the confessional; I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in the soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of Mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great there is no limit to My generosity." Our Lord to Saint Faustina

The Divine Mercy Chaplet The Chaplet itself only takes about 7 - 8 minutes to say not long at all and may be chanted. Our Lord instructed St. Faustina: "You will recite this chaplet on the beads of the rosary in the following manner: First of all you will say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Apostle's Creed. Then, on the Our Father beads say these words: 'Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Thy Most Beloved Son and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and the sins of the whole world.' On the Hail Mary beads say the following words: 'For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and the whole world.' In conclusion say THREE TIMES these words: 'Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.'

The Lord said to St. Faustina (1905-1938): "Encourage souls to say the Chaplet which I have given you.... Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death.... When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the Merciful Savior..... Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy.... Through the Chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will." - Imprimatur: John A. Marshall, Bishop of Springfield, Mass. (February 22, 1993)

The Feast of Divine Mercy Our Lord told St. Faustina that it is His will that a Feast of Mercy be officially established in the Church on the first Sunday after Easter. Our Lord said to St. Faustina: "This feast emerged from My most tender pity, and it is confirmed in the depths of My Mercy ... I desire that it be celebrated with great solemnity on the first Sunday after Easter ... I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. The very depths of My tender Mercy are open on that day ... are opened all the divine floodgates through which graces flow." OUR LORD PROMISES: "I will pour out a whole ocean of graces upon souls who will approach the fount of My Mercy... The soul that will go to Confession, and [on the Feast of Mercy] receive Holy Communion, shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishments ... Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet." To avail oneself of this promise, Our Lord prescribes: 1. The reception of Holy Communion on that Sunday. 2. The reception of the Sacrament of Penance [within several days before or after the Sunday, in accord with the Church's present practice in the matter of gaining a plenary indulgence]. Our Lord also recommends; 3. The recitation of The Chaplet of Divine Mercy for nine days preceding the feast (beginning on Good Friday). 4. "On My Feast - On the Feast of Mercy - run through the whole world and lead souls that fainted away to the source of My Mercy. I will heal and strengthen them." 5. "I desire that adoration take place here [in church] for the intention of imploring mercy for the world."

Novena to The Divine Mercy
Taken from the Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska (1209-1229)

In addition to saying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy often,
Our Lord requested the Novena of Chaplets be prayed
especially the nine days before the Feast of Divine Mercy
[beginning on Good Friday, and ending the first Sunday after Easter].

Our Lord promised:

"By this Novena (of Chaplets) I will grant every possible grace to souls"

"On My Feast - on the Feast of Mercy - run through the whole world
and lead souls that fainted away to the source of My Mercy.
I will heal and strengthen them."

"I desire that adoration take place here [in church]
for the intention of imploring mercy for the world."

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Opening Prayer (optional)

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy for us, I trust in You!

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FIRST DAY
TODAY BRING TO ME ALL MANKIND, ESPECIALLY ALL SINNERS

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

SECOND DAY
TODAY BRING TO ME THE SOULS OF PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

THIRD DAY
TODAY BRING TO ME ALL DEVOUT AND FAITHFUL SOULS

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from it. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

FOURTH DAY
TODAY BRING TO ME THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD AND THOSE WHO DO NOT YET KNOW ME

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn You merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet to not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

FIFTH DAY
TODAY BRING TO ME THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE SEPARATED THEMSELVES FROM MY CHURCH

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart, Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

SIXTH DAY
TODAY BRING TO ME THE MEEK AND HUMBLE SOULS AND THE SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

SEVENTH DAY
TODAY BRING TO ME THE SOULS WHO ESPECIALLY VENERATE AND GLORIFY MY MERCY

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

EIGHTH DAY
TODAY BRING TO ME THE SOULS WHO ARE DETAINED IN PURGATORY

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy, so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

NINTH DAY
TODAY BRING TO ME SOULS WHO HAVE BECOME LUKEWARM

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

Closing Prayer (optional)

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion - inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself.

Three o'clock (both p.m. & a.m. !) The Hour of Great Mercy "At three o'clock implore My Mercy especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, steep yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy for the whole world. ....In this hour I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion." "... as often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world - mercy triumphed over justice." Our Lord asked St. Faustina to make the Stations of the Cross at this hour, if not possible then to step into the chapel for a moment and adore His Heart in the Blessed Sacrament. He said to her: "Should you be unable to step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer there where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant."

PROMISE to Those who Spread Devotion
to God's Divine Mercy:

"Souls who spread the honor of My mercy
I shield through their entire life as a tender mother her infant,
and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them,
but the Merciful Saviour."

THE HOLY EUCHARIST AND THE HOLY MASS

"Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to the disciples. 'Take it and eat,' he said, 'this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he handed it to them saying, "Drink from this all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26: 26-28

Graces Derived from Assisting at Mass

(Note: Assisting at Mass simply means attending Mass. By attending a Mass Catholics are actually assisting in Mass.)

1. The Mass is Calvary continued.

2. Every Mass is worth as much as the sacrifice of our Lord's life, sufferings and death.

3. Holy Mass is the most powerful atonement for your sins.

4. At the hour of death the Masses you have heard will be your greatest consolation.

5. Every Mass will go with you to judgment and plead for pardon.

6. At Mass you can diminish more or less temporal punishment due to your sins, according to your fervor.

7. Assisting devoutly at Holy Mass you render to the sacred humanity of Our Lord the greatest homage.

8. He supplies for many of your negligences and omissions.

9. He forgives the venial sins which you have not confessed. The power of Satan over you is diminished.

10. You afford the souls in Purgatory the greatest possible relief.

11. One Mass heard during life will be of more benefit to you than many heard for you after your death.

12. You are preserved from dangers and misfortunes which otherwise might have befallen you. You shorten your Purgatory.

13. Every Mass wins for you a higher degree of glory in Heaven.

14. You receive the priest's blessing which Our Lord ratifies in Heaven.

15. You kneel amidst a multitude of holy angels, who are present at the adorable Sacrifice with reverential awe.

16. You are blessed in your temporal goods and affairs.

In eternity, we shall fully realize that it was certainly worthwhile to have assisted at Holy Mass daily. PRAY FOR PRIESTS THAT THEY MAY OFFER THE MASS WITH HOLY LOVE AND REVERENCE.

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"WHY Should I Go To Mass Every Day?"

"The Mass is the most perfect form of prayer!"

For each Mass we hear with devotion, Our Lord sends a saint to comfort us at death. (revelation of Christ to St. Gertrude the great).

Padre Pio, the stigmatic priest, said, the world could exist more easily without the sun than without the Mass.

The Cure'd' Ars, St. Jean Vianney said, if we knew the value of the Mass we would die of joy.

A great doctor of the Church, St. Anselm, declares that a single Mass offered for oneself during life may be worth more than a thousand celebrated for the same intention after death. St. Leonard of Port Maurice supports this statement by saying that one Mass before death may be more profitable than many after it.

"The Holy Mass would be of greater profit if people had it offered in their lifetime, rather than having it celebrated for the relief of their souls after death." (Pope Benedict XV).

Once, St. Teresa was overwhelmed with God's Goodness and asked Our Lord, "How can I thank you?" Our Lord replied, "ATTEND ONE MASS".

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE HOLY MASS AND THE HOLY EUCHARIST

The following is from the book CATHOLIC CATECHISM BY Rev. W. Faerber, published by TAN BOOKS AND PUBLISHERS, INC. Rockford, Illinois 61105, Copyright 1978 by TAN Books and Publishers, Inc. Used with permission.

1. THE SACRAMENT

Question 272. What is the Holy Eucharist?

The Holy Eucharist is the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine.

Other names: Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, Lord's Supper, Corpus Christi, Sacred Host, Bread of Angels, Heavenly Manna, Viaticum (food for a journey).

Question 273. How is Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist?

Jesus Christ is present in the Holy Eucharist as He is in heaven.

Jesus is present really; not figuratively, not in a symbol. He is present truly; not imagined, not in a picture. He is present essentially, as God and as man.

Question 274. When did Jesus promise the Blessed Sacrament?

Jesus promised the Blessed Sacrament after the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

"The bread that I will give is My flesh for the life of the world. ...Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, you shall not have life in you .... For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed" (John 6: 52, 54). Read John 6:25-70.

Question 275. When did Jesus institute the Blessed sacrament?

Jesus instituted the Blessed Sacrament on the eve of His death.

Holy Thursday.

Question 276. How did Jesus institute the Blessed Sacrament?

Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying: "Take ye, and eat; this is My body." He then took the chalice with wine, blessed it, and gave it to His disciples, saying: "Drink ye all of this; for this is My blood. ... Do this for a commemoration of Me."

Question 277. What happened when Jesus said, "This is My body," "this is My blood,"?

When Jesus said, "This is My body," "this is My blood," the bread was changed into His body, and the wine into His blood. Transubstantiation = change of a thing into something else.

Question 278. What power did Jesus give to apostles when He said, "do this for a commemoration of Me"?

When Jesus said, "Do this for a commemoration of Me" He gave to His apostles the power to change bread and wine into His body and blood. The apostles were the first Catholic priests.

Question 279. Who received from the apostles the power of changing bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ?

The bishops and priest received from the apostles the power of changing bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.

Question 280. When do the bishops and priests change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ?

The bishops and priests change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ in the Mass.

Question 281. After the consecration, what is on the altar in the place of bread and wine?

After the consecration there is on the altar in the place of bread and wine, the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

Question 282. What remains of the bread and wine after the consecration?

Only the appearances of bread and wine remain after the consecration.

Question 282. What remains of the bread and wine after the consecration?

Only the appearances of bread and wine remain after the consecration.

Question 283. What is meant by appearances of bread and wine?

By appearances of bread and wine is meant all that the senses perceive of bread and wine: the color, taste, etc.

Question 284. Under how many appearances is Jesus present?

Jesus is present under two appearances: those of bread and wine.

Question 285. Is Jesus present whole and entire under each appearance?

Jesus is present whole and entire under each appearance.

Question 286. Is Jesus present whole and entire in each particle of the appearances of bread and wine?

Jesus is present whole and entire in each particle of the appearances of bread and wine.

Question 287. How long does Jesus remain present in the Blessed Sacrament?

Jesus remains present in the Blessed Sacrament as long as the appearances exist.

Question 288. What must we do because Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament?

Because Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament, we must adore the Blessed Sacrament. Genuflection. Holy hour. Forty Hours' Devotion.

Question 289. Why did Jesus institute the Blessed Sacrament?

Jesus instituted the Blessed Sacrament

1. To honor the Blessed Trinity (Mass);

2. To be the food of our souls (Holy Communion).

Application. When we pass a church we should greet our Savior with a short prayer. (Praised be Jesus Christ. O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment Thine.) Let us frequently visit our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and love to attend the Benediction service. It is a privilege to contribute to the ornamentation of altar, tabernacle, and sanctuary. This will please Jesus and bring us a rich reward.

2. THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

290. What is a sacrifice?

A sacrifice is a visible gift offered to God.

291. Why is sacrifice offered?

Sacrifice is offered to adore, thank, implore, and propitiate God.

292. What is required for a sacrifice?

For a sacrifice is required

1. a visible gift (victim, host)

2. a priest

3. an altar.

293. Which is the perfect sacrifice?

The perfect sacrifice is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

"By one oblation He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10: 14).

294. Is the sacrifice of the cross still offered?

The sacrifice of the cross is still offered in every Mass.

"From the rising of the sun even to the going down, My name is great among the Gentiles, and in every place there is a sacrifice, and there is offered to My name a clean oblation" (Mal. 1: 11).

295. How does Jesus offer Himself in the Mass?

Jesus offers Himself in the Mass to the Blessed Trinity in an unbloody manner.

296. When did Jesus institute the holy sacrifice of the Mass?

Jesus instituted the holy sacrifice of the Mass at the Last Supper.

"Do this for a commemoration of Me" (Luke 22:19).

297. Who is the invisible priest in the Mass?

The invisible priest in the Mass is Jesus Christ.

298. How is the Mass divided?

The Mass is divided into:

1. the preparatory and instructive part (Mass of the catechumens);

2. the sacrificial part (Mass of the faithful).

299. Which are the principal parts of the Mass?

The principal parts of the Mass are:

1. the offertory

2. the consecration

3. the communion.

300. Who are specially benefited by the Mass?

Those specially benefited by the Mass are:

1. the priest who celebrates the Mass

2. those for whom it is especially offered

3. all who take part in it.

301. Why is the Mass offered?

The Mass is offered

1. to honor the Blessed Trinity;

2. to distribute the graces which Christ earned by His death on the cross.

Definition: The Mass is the perfect sacrifice of the New Testament in which Jesus Christ offers Himself to the Blessed Trinity under the appearances of bread and wine.

The Mass is a sacrifice of adoration, thanksgiving, expiation, and petition.

Application. The holiest action that takes place on earth is the Mass. We should go to Mass often, be attentive during the instructive part, and devout during the sacrificial part. The best way to take part in the Mass is to unite with the priest in prayer by using a missal and to receive the Holy Eucharist. It is an honor to serve the priest at Mass.

3. HOLY COMMUNION

The act of receiving the Holy Eucharist is called Holy Communion.

302. What are the effects of Holy Communion?

The effects of Holy Communion are:

1. it unites us most intimately with Christ;

2. it increases sanctifying grace in us;

3. it weakens our evil inclinations;

4. it strengthens us in the practice of all virtues;

5. it cleanses us from venial sins;

6. it preserves us from mortal sins;

7. it is a pledge of eternal life.

Pledge---- guarantee.

"He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, abideth in Me and I in Him" (John 6: 57). "He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood hath everlasting life and I will raise him up in the last day" (John 6: 55).

303. How must we receive the Holy Eucharist to obtain the graces of this sacrament?

To obtain the graces of this sacrament we must receive the Holy Eucharist worthily.

304. Who receives the Holy Eucharist worthily?

He receives the Holy Eucharist worthily who receives it in the state of sanctifying grace.

Venial sins do not render Holy Communion unworthy, but they lessen the effects.

305. Who receives the Holy Eucharist unworthily?

He receives the Holy Eucharist unworthily who knowingly receives it in the state of mortal sin.

306. Why is an unworthy Communion a fearful crime?

An unworthy Communion is a fearful crime because it is a horrible sacrilege.

"Whosoever shall eat this bread or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord." "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord" (I Cor. 11:27, 29).

307. How often should we receive the Holy Eucharist?

We should receive the Holy Eucharist frequently. The Church recommends daily Communion. For daily Communion there are two requisites:

1. to be free from mortal sin;

2. to have a right intention.

308. How must we prepare for Holy Communion?

To prepare for Holy Communion we must:

1. make a good confession to cleanse ourselves from mortal sin;

2. fast, that is, take no food or alcoholic drinks for one hour or other liquids for one hour, except water, which may be taken at any time.*

"Let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of the chalice" (I Cot. 11:28).

309. How should we approach and leave the holy table?

We should approach and leave the holy table with the greatest reverence.