rament of Matrimony is the Sacrament which unites a Christian
man and woman in lawful marriage.

285. Q. Which are the effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony?
A. The effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony are: 1st, to sanctify the
love of husband and wife; 2d, to give them grace to bear with each
other's weaknesses; 3d, to enable them to bring up their children in the
fear and love of God.

286. Q. To receive the Sacrament of matrimony worthily is it necessary
to be in the state of grace?
A. To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony worthily it is necessary to be
in the state of grace, and it is necessary also to comply with the laws
of the Church.

LESSON TWENTY-THIRD
ON THE SACRAMENTALS

292. Q. What is a sacramental?
A. A sacramental is anything set apart or blessed by the Church to
excite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through these
movements of the heart to remit venial sin.

294. Q. Which is the chief sacramental used in the Church?
A. The chief sacramental used in the Church is the sign of the cross.

295. Q. How do we make the sign of the cross?
A. We make the sign of the cross by putting the right hand to the
forehead, then on the breast, and then to the left and right shoulders,
saying, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.

296. Q. Why do we make the sign of the cross?
A. We make the sign of the cross to show that we are Christians and to
profess our belief in the chief mysteries of our religion.

300. Q. What other sacramental is in very frequent use?
A. Another sacramental in very frequent use is holy water.

301. Q. What is holy water?
A. Holy water is water blessed by the priest with solemn prayer to beg
God's blessing on those who use it, and protection from the powers of
darkness.

302. Q. Are there other sacramentals besides the sign of the cross and
holy water?
A. Besides the sign of the cross and holy water there are many other
sacramentals, such as blessed candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, images
of the Blessed Virgin and of the saints, rosaries and scapulars.

LESSON TWENTY-FOURTH
ON PRAYER

303. Q. Is there any other means of obtaining God's grace than the
Sacraments?
A. There is another means of obtaining God's grace, and it is prayer.

304. Q. What is prayer?
A. Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God to adore Him,
to thank Him for His benefits, to ask His forgiveness, and to beg of Him
all the graces we