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religion, you will not, on account of your ignorance, be able to refute
them. Almost the only time you have to learn the truths and practices of
your holy religion is during the instructions at Sunday school or day
school, and after a few years you will not have this advantage. When you
grow up you may hear a sermon, and if you attend early Mass, only a
short instruction, on Sundays; and if you do not know your Catechism,
you will be less able to profit by the instructions given. Therefore the
time to learn is while you are young, have sufficient leisure, and good,
willing teachers to explain whatever you do not understand.

When you attend Sunday school, bear in mind that your teachers have
frequently to sacrifice their time or pleasure for your sake, and that
you should not repay them for their kindness by acts of disobedience,
disrespect, and stubbornness. By spending your time in idleness, in
giving annoyance to your teacher, and in distracting others who are
willing to learn, you show a want of appreciation and gratitude for the
blessings God has bestowed upon you, and please the devil exceedingly;
and as God will hold you accountable for all His gifts, this one--the
opportunity of learning your religion--will be no exception.

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.

"The laws," laws concerning marriage. Laws forbidding the solemnizing of
marriage at certain times, namely, Advent and Lent; laws forbidding
marriage with relatives, or with persons of a different religion or of
no religion; laws with regard to age, etc.

*287 Q. Who has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament of
marriage?
A. The Church alone has the right to make laws concerning the Sacrament
of marriage, though the State also has the right to make laws concerning
the civil effects of the marriage contract.

"Civil effects"--that is, laws with regard to the property of persons
marrying, with regard to the inheritance of the children, with regard to
the debts of husband and wife, etc.

*288 Q. Does the Church forbid the marriage of Catholics with persons
who have a different religion or no religion at all?
A. The Church does forbid the marriage of Catholics with persons who
have a different religion or no religion at