give to
us, as He did to the Holy Martyrs, sufficient grace to endure it.

Q. 691. {173} To receive Confirmation worthily is it necessary to be in
the state of grace?
A. To receive Confirmation worthily it is necessary to be in the state
of grace.

Q. 692. {174} What special preparation should be made to receive
Confirmation?
A. Persons of an age to learn should know the chief mysteries of faith
and the duties of a Christian, and be instructed in the nature and
effects of this Sacrament.

Q. 693. Why should we know the chief mysteries of faith and the duties
of a Christian before receiving Confirmation?
A. We should know the Chief Mysteries of Faith and the duties of a
Christian before receiving Confirmation because as one cannot be a good
soldier without knowing the rules of the army to which he belongs and
understanding the commands of his leader, so one cannot be a good
Christian without knowing the laws of the Church and understanding the
commands of Christ.

Q. 694. {175} Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation?
A. It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially in these evil days
when faith and morals are exposed to so many and such violent
temptations.

Q. 695. What do we mean by "these evil days"?
A. By "these evil days" we mean the present age or century in which we
are living, surrounded on all sides by unbelief, false doctrines, bad
books, bad example and temptation in every form.

Q. 696. Is Confirmation necessary for salvation?
A. Confirmation is not so necessary for salvation that we could not be
saved without it, for it is not given to infants even in danger of
death; nevertheless, there is a divine command obliging all to receive
it, if possible. Persons who have not been confirmed in youth should
make every effort to be confirmed later in life.

Q. 697. Are sponsors necessary in Confirmation?
A. Sponsors are necessary in Confirmation, and they must be of the same
good character as those required at Baptism, for they take upon
themselves the same duties and responsibilities. They also contract a
spiritual relationship, which, however, unlike that in Baptism, is not
an impediment to marriage.

LESSON SIXTEENTH.
ON THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY GHOST.

Q. 698. {176} Which are the effects of Confirmation?
A. The effects of Confirmation are an increase of sanctifying grace, the
strengthening of our faith, and the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Q. 699. {177} Which are the gifts of the Holy Gh