The 7 Sacraments (The Holy Mysteries)

Baptism
Confirmation (Chrismation)
Eucharist
Penance (Confession, Reconciliation)
Matrimony
Holy Orders
Extreme Unction (Annointing of the Sick)

Notes:
A Sacrament is defined as "an outward sign of inward grace" which was instituted by Christ Himself and
receives its power from God, through the merits of Christ.

Baptism and Penance are known as the "Sacraments of the Dead" because before receiving them when
needed, we are dead in sin.

Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony are known as the
"Sacraments of the Living" because one must be in a state of grace to receive them licitly and receive
their fruits; they give additional grace to souls already spiritually alive.

Matrimony and Holy Orders are known as the "Social Sacraments" because they are designed primarily
for the benefit of society and confer a social status.

Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders are the three Sacraments which leave an indelible mark on the
recipient's soul and can never be repeated.

The 7 Corporal Works of Mercy

To feed the hungry
To give drink to the thirsty
To clothe the naked
To shelter the homeless
To visit the sick
To visit the imprisoned
To bury the dead

Note:
Reference Matthew 25 and Tobias 12. "To visit the imprisoned" was originally listed as "to ransom the
captives," referring to the ransoming of Christians taken prisoner during Moslem aggression.

The 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy

To counsel the doubtful
To instruct the ignorant
To admonish the sinner
To comfort the sorrowful
To forgive all injuries
To bear wrongs patiently
To pray for the living and the dead
The 3 Eminent Good Works
Prayer
Fasting
Almsgiving

The 7 Gifts of the Holy Ghost

Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Fortitude
Knowledge
Piety
Fear of the Lord

Note:
See Isaias 11:1-3

Class of Gifts of the Holy Ghost known as Charismata

Gift of speaking with wisdom

Gift of speaking with knowledge
Faith
Grace of healing
Gift of miracles
Gift of prophecy
Gift of discerning spirits
Gift of tongues (i.e., xenolalia, the ability to speak foreign languages unknown by natural reason)
Gift of interpreting speeches

Note:
See I Corinthians 12:6-11; I Corinthians 12:28-31; and Romans 12:6-8. The number of items in this class
of Gifts of the Holy Ghost, properly called "charismata," is disputed among theologians. Some add: Gift
of government, Gift of Helps, Gift of distributio, Gift of misericordia. The charismata were/are not
necessary for individual sanctification, were/are not distributed to all Christians, and are to be subjected to
authority and the proper ends for which they were given (I Corinthians 12-14).

The 12 Fruits of the Holy Ghost

Charity
Joy
Peace
Patience
Benignity
Goodness
Longanimity
Mildness
Faith
Modesty
Continency
Chastity
Note:
See Galatians 5:22-25 (three of these are not mentioned in some Greek and Latin manuscripts). The 12
Fruits of the Holy Ghost are the effects of the 7 Gifts of the Holy Ghost.

The 3 Theological Virtues

Faith
Hope
Charity

Note:
Reference I Corinthians 13:13. The Theological Virtues are called such because they are supernatural in
origin, relate immediately to God, and can only be gained through His grace

The 4 Cardinal Virtues

Prudence
Justice
Fortitude
Temperance

Note:
Refrerence Wisdom 8:7. The Cardinal Virtues, unlike the Theological Virtues, can be achieved by human
effort.

The 7 Capital Sins and their Contrary Virtues

Capital Contrary
Definition
Sin Virtue
Pride Unrestrained appreciation of our own worth Humility
Greed Immoderate desire for earthly goods Liberality
Lust Hankering for impure pleasures Chastity
Anger Inordinate desire for revenge Meekness
Gluttony Unrestrained use of food and drink Temperance
Envy Sorrow over another's good fortune Brotherly Love
Laxity in keeping the Faith and the practice of
Sloth Diligence
virtue
Note:
The 7 Capital Sins, also known as "The 7 Deadly Sins," are those sins that give rise to other sins. They
were first enumerated by Pope St. Gregory the Great in "Moralia in Job."

The 6 Sins against the Holy Ghost

Presumption
Despair
Resisting the known truth
Envy of another’s spiritual good
Obstinacy in sin
Final impenitence
The 4 Sins that Cry Out to Heaven
Willful murder
The sin of Sodom
Oppression of the poor
Defrauding laborers of their wages

Note:
Genesis 4, Genesis 18, Exodus 2, James 5, respectively. Elaboration on "the sin of Sodom," from the
Douay Catholic Catechism of 1649, Chapter XX: "The sin of Sodom, or carnal sin against nature, which
is a voluntary shedding of the seed of nature, out of the due use of marriage, or lust with a different sex."
In other words, do not think that this particular sin is just about acting on homosexual impulses; it isn't.
St. Peter Damian, Doctor of the Church, in his Liber Gomorrhianus ("The Book of Gomorrah") speaks of
four forms of sodomy: "Four types of this form of criminal wickedness can be distinguished in an effort
to show you the totality of the whole matter in an orderly way: some sin with themselves alone; some by
the hands of others; others between the thighs; and finally, others commit the complete act against nature
[anal intercourse]. The ascending gradation among these is such that the last mentioned are judged to be
more serious that the preceding. Indeed a greater penance is imposed on those who fall with others than
those who defile only themselves; and those who complete the act are to be judged more severely than
those who are defiled through femoral fornication. The devil's artful fraud devises these degrees of failing
into ruin such that the higher the level the unfortunate soul reaches in them, the deeper it sinks in the
depths of hell's pit."

3 Conditions for Mortal Sin

Grave matter
Full knowledge
Deliberate consent

Note:
From the Catechism of St. Pius X, "The Main Kinds of Sin," Question 9-10:
Q: What injury does mortal sin do the soul?
A: (1) Mortal sin deprives the soul of grace and of the friendship of God; (2) It makes it lose Heaven; (3)
It deprives it of merits already acquired, and renders it incapable of acquiring new merits; (4) It makes it
the slave of the devil; (5) It makes it deserve hell as well as the chastisements of this life.
Q: Besides grave matter, what is required to constitute a mortal sin?
A: To constitute a mortal sin, besides grave matter there is also required full consciousness of the gravity
of the matter, along with the deliberate will to commit the sin.

The 9 Ways We Participate in Others' Sins

By counsel
By command
By consent
By provocation
By praise or flattery
By concealment
By partaking
By silence
By defense of the ill done
The 10 Commandments
Thou shalt not have other gods besides Me
Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain
Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day
Honor thy father and thy mother
Thou shalt not murder
Thou shalt not commit adultery
Thou shalt not steal
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods

Note:
Reference Exodus 20 and Exodous 34 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. Note that the Septuagint, the Latin
Vulgate (the official Scripture of the Church), and the original Douay-Reims phrase the Fifth Word as
"Thou shalt not murder"; later Douay-Reims versions, such as the Challoner, and the King James Bible,
etc., phrase it as "Thou shalt not kill." "Thou shalt not murder," however, is the original intent and the
meaning of the earliest texts. Catholics, of course, have 2,000 years of Church teaching and the
Magisterium to interpret Scripture, and the meaning of the Fifth Commandment is that one is not to take
innocent human life. (For information on the way Catholics number the Commandments, as opposed to
how Protestants and Jews number them, see this page in the Apologetics section of this site)

The 2 Greatest Commandments

To love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength.
To love thy neighbor as thyself.

Note:
Reference Mark 12:30-.31

The 3 Evangelical Counsels

Voluntary poverty
Perpetual chastity
Entire obedience

Note:
The Evangelical Counsels, also called the Counsels of Perfection, are those precepts given by Christ that
are not binding on all, but are binding on those who have a vocation to them. The 10 Commandments, the
Precepts of the Church, the two Great Commandments, for ex., bind one and all, but the evangelical
counsels do not. See Matthew 19:16-22 for the story of Christ's telling the young man what he needs to do
in order to be saved, and then what he needs to do in order to be perfect -- two different things.

The 6 Precepts of the Church (The Duties of a Catholic)

To go to Mass and refrain from servile work on Sundays and holy days
To go to Confession at least once a year (traditionally done during Lent)
To receive the Eucharist at least once a year, during the Easter Season (known as the "Easter duty")
To observe the days of fasting and abstinence
To help to provide for the needs of the Church according to one's abilities and station in life
To obey the marriage laws of the Church

Holy Days of Obligation in Addition to Sundays (English-speaking Countries)

 United States Canada England & Wales
Circumcision Circumcision Circumcision
Ascension Epiphany Epiphany
Assumption Ascension Ascension
All Saints All Saints Corpus Christi
Imm. Conception Imm. Conception SS Peter & Paul
Christmas Christmas Assumption
All Saints
Christmas
Australia & New
Ireland Scotland
Zealand
Circumcision Circumcision Circumcision
Epiphany Epiphany Ascension
St. Patrick St. Joseph Assumption
Ascension Ascension All Saints
Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Christmas
SS Peter & Paul SS Peter & Paul
Assumption Assumption
All Saints All Saints
Imm. Conception Imm. Conception
Christmas Christmas
Note:
In the United States: in the Novus Ordo: if 1 January, 15 August, or 1 November falls on a Saturday or
Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated; if 15 August or 8 December falls on a Sunday, the Feast
is celebrated the next day, but the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated; the Feast of the Circumcision is
referred to as "Mary, Mother of God"; the Feast of the Ascension in the United States might be celebrated
on the 7th Sunday of Easter, according to Province.

The 3 Powers of the Soul

Memory
Intellect
Will

The 4 Pillars of the Catholic Faith

The Apostles Creed
The Seven Sacraments
The Ten Commandments
The Lord's Prayer

The 3 Pillars of the Church's Authority

Sacred Scripture
Sacred Tradition
Living Magisterium

The 3 Munera (Duties of the Ordained)

Munus docendi (duty to teach, based on Christ's role as Prophet)
Munus sanctificandi (duty to sanctify, based on Chris's role as Priest)
Munus regendi (duty to shepherd, based on Christ's role as King)

The 3 Parts of the Church

The Church Militant (Christians on Earth)
The Church Suffering (Christians in Purgatory)
The Church Triumphant (Christians in Heaven)

The 4 Marks of the Church

Unity
Sanctity
Catholicity
Apostolicity

Note:
In the Nicene Creed we say that the Church is "one, holy, catholic and apostolic."

The 12 Apostles

Peter    Formerly "Simon," renamed "Kepha" or "Cephas" by Our Lord; preached in

Antioch, Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, and Asia Minor, Rome; headed Roman
Church (was first Pope); crucified upside-down in Rome, Italy. Symbols: the
Keys; upside-down Latin Cross; book. Relics: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
City. Feast: June 29 (along with St. Paul); August 1 (St. Peter's Chains).
Andrew Peter's brother; preached in Scythia; Epirus; Achaia; Hellas; Cappadocia, Galatia,
and Bithynia, Scythian deserts, Byzantium;Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, and
Achaia; crucified in Patrae in Achaia. Symbols: X-shaped Cross; anchor; fish;
fishing net. Relics: Cathedral of Amalfi, Italy, and in St. Andrew's Church,
Patras, Greece. Feast: November 30.
James the Greater He and his brother (John) nicknamed by Jesus "Sons of Thunder" (Boanerges); a
son of Zebedee; preached in Spain; beheaded by Herod Agrippa I to please the
Jews. Symbols: seashells; pilgrim's staff; scroll; book; floppy hat; trampling a
Moor; mounted on horseback. Relics: Compostela, Spain. Feast: July 25.
John He and his brother (James the Greater) nicknamed by Jesus "Sons of Thunder"
(Boanerges); a son of Zebedee; the disciple whom Jesus loved; Evangelist;
preached in Asia Minor (Ephesus). Symbols: chalice; eagle; serpent; sword;
cauldron. Relics: Basilica of St. John, Ephesus, Turkey. Feast: December 27.
Philip Preached in Hieropolis in Asia (?); relics at church of the Dodici Apostoli in
Rome, Italy. Symbols: basket of loaves; T-shaped Cross. Relics: Holy Apostles
Basilica, Rome, Italy. Feast: May 11 (with St. James the Less)
Bartholomew Preached in India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Armenia, Lycaonia, Phrygia,
shores of the Black Sea (?); flayed alive and crucified, head downward in
Albanopolis in Armenia. Symbols: tanner's knife; flayed skin. Relics: St.
Bartholomew-in-the-Island, Rome, Italy. Feast: August 24.
Matthew "Levi"; Evangelist; preached in Ethiopia to the south of the Caspian Sea (not
Ethiopia in Africa), Persia and the kingdom of the Parthians, Macedonia, and
 Syria, and to the Hebrews generally (?). Martyred by
sword. Symbols: angel/man/winged man holding a pen or inkwell; bag of coins,
money bag, money box, or purse; spear; sword; halberd; lance. Relics: Cathedral
of Salerno, Salerno, Italy. Feast: September 21.
Thomas "Didymus," meaning "Twin"; familiarly (not Scripturally) known as "Doubting
Thomas"; preached in India; pierced through with spears by four soldiers at
Syriac Mazdai. Symbols: T-square; spear. Relics: Basilica of St. Thomas,
Ortono, Italy, and Santhome Cathedral, Chennai, India. Feast: December 21.
James the Less "James the Just" or "James the Younger"; son of Alphaeus (Clophas) and
"brother of the Lord"; Bishop of Jerusalem Church; epistle writer; killed by Jews
by being thrown off the Temple and clubbed to death. Symbols: fuller's club;
book; windmill. Relics: Holy Apostles Basilica, Rome, Italy. Feast: May 11
(with St. Philip)
Jude "Thaddaeus"; "brother of James (the Less)"; epistle writer. Symbols: shown with
medallion with profile of Jesus around his neck; shown with flame above his
head; oar; boat; axe; book; pen. Relics: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
City. Feast: October 28 (with St. Simon).
Simon "Simon the Zealot" or "Simon the Canaanite." Symbols: fish(es); man being
sawn in two longitudinally; saw; lance. Relics: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
City. Feast: October 28 (with St. Jude).
Judas Iscariot Replaced after his suicide by Matthias (St. Matthias's Feast: February 24).
Notes:
A little poem to help you remember:
Peter, Andrew, James and John,
Phil and Bart and Matt and Tom,
James the Less and Jude and Simon --
Then Judas who betrayed the God-man.
The word "apostle" means "one who is sent." Notice that two of the 12 Apostles -- Matthew and John --
also belong to the group of the 4 Evangelists (the men who each wrote one of the four Gospels). The other
two Evangelists -- Mark and Luke -- were students of Simon Peter and Paul, respectively, and were not
sent directly by Christ. Paul is often referred to as "Apostle Paul" -- specifically the "Apostle to the
Gentiles", -- because he, too, was sent by Christ, but he is not one of the original 12 Apostles. All of these
men (the 12 Apostles, St. Paul, the Evangelists) can -- along with "the seventy disciples" spoken of in
Luke 10, the women who followed Christ, and men like Timothy and Apollo -- be called "disciples,"
which indicates "student."

The 12 Tribes of Israel

In order of their birth:

Reuben
Simeon
Levi
Judah
Zabulon
Issachar
Dan
Gad
Asher
Naphtali
Joseph (Menasseh and Ephraim)
Benjamin

The 8 Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land.
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

Note:
Reference Matthew 5:3-10. Note that "meek" here is the perhaps unfortunate English translation of the
Greek word "praótes," meaning "temperate," "displaying the right blend of force and reserve or
gentleness," "avoiding unnecessary harshness, yet without compromising or being too slow to use
necessary force."

The 14 Stations of the Cross

Jesus is Condemned to Die
Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross
Jesus Falls the First Time
Jesus Meets His Mother
Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
Veronica Wipes Jesus' Face
Jesus Falls the Second Time
Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Jesus Falls the Third Time
Jesus is Stripped
Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
Jesus Dies on the Cross
Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

The 7 Sorrows (Dolours) and 7 Joys of Our Lady

Sorrows (Dolours):
The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:33-35)
The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 3: 13-15)
The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)
The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the
Cross (John 19:17)
The Crucifixion (John 19:25-30)
The Taking Down of the Body of Jesus from the
Cross (John 19: 31-37)
Joys:
The Annunciation (Luke 1:27-38)
The Visitation (Luke 1:39-58)
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:7)
The Adoration of the Magi (Matthew 2:7-11)
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:46)
The Resurrection of Our Lord (John 20:1-9)
Jesus laid in the Tomb (John 19:38-42) The Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed
Virgin (Apocalypse 12)

The 7 Sorrows and 7 Joys of St. Joseph

Sorrows:
The doubt of Saint Joseph (Matthew 1:19)
The poverty of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:7)
The Circumcision (Luke 2:21)
Simeon's prophecy that many would be lost (Luke
2:34)
The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14)
The return from Egypt (Matthew 2:22)
The loss of the Child Jesus (Luke 2:45)
Joys:
The Message of the Angel (Matthew 1:20)
Jesus' Birth itself (Luke 2:7)
The Holy Name of Jesus (Matthew 1:25)
Simeon's prophecy that many would rise (Luke
2:34)
The Overthrow of Idols (Isaias 19:1)
Life with Mary and Jesus (Luke 2:39)
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:46)

The 15 Mysteries of the Holy Rosary & When They are Prayed
 
Joyful:
Annunciation  
Visitation Mondays: Joyful
Nativity Tuesdays: Sorrowful
Presentation Wednesdays: Glorious
Finding Jesus in the Thursdays: Joyful
Temple Fridays: Sorrowful
Saturdays: Glorious
Sorrowful:
Sundays in Advent, Christmastide &
Agony in the Garden Joyful
Epiphany:
The Scourging
Crowning with thorns Sundays in Eastertide & Time After Pentecost: Glorious
Carrying of the Cross All of Septuagesima & Lent: Sorrowful
Crucifixion

Glorious:
Resurrection
Ascension
Pentecost
Assumption
Crowning of Mary
Note:
In October 2002, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, recommended adding 5 more Mysteries to the Rosary
to be prayed on Thursdays -- the "Luminous Mysteries" which focus on Jesus' public life. These
Mysteries are:
The Baptism in the Jordan
The Marriage Feast at Cana
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
The Transfiguration
The Institution of the Eucharist
This novelty does not change the true Rosary and is merely presented as an option for Christians. This
option, however, is one that totally disrupts the relationship between the Rosary and the Breviary's
Psalms. Stick with the classic tried-and-true Rosary. To read why adding Mysteries to the Rosary was a
most horrible idea, see this page, and to read a critique of Pope John Paul II's Encyclical on the matter,
see this page (both pages offsite, will open in new browser window)

The Order of Creation

1st Day: A dividing of light from darkness brings forth Heaven and a formless, water-covered
Earth, then Light
2nd Day: A dividing of the waters above from the waters below to create the Firmament of
Heaven
3rd Day: A dividing of the waters under the heavens to form dry land; then grass, herbs, and fruit
trees
4th Day: Sun, Moon and Stars
5th Day: Creatures of the waters and of the air
6th Day: Creatures of the land, then Man
Note:
God, Who is of the supernatural order, created the natural and preternatural (e.g., the angelic) orders out
of nothing (ex nihilo), in time ("in the beginning"), and for His own pleasure. Only God can "create," and
because of this, it is actually rather blasphemous to refer to man as "creating" anything. Man can produce,
re-produce, manufacture, form, fashion, fabricate, design, shape, or make -- but he cannot bring into
existence anything out of nothing. Angels and demons, too, are limited and cannot do the truly
miraculous. They are able, however, to take what is created and manipulate it in ways that seem
miraculous and are able to influence our perceptions and imaginations.

You can remember the Order of Creation by thinking of the first three days as days which God spent
creating forms and frameworks by dividing the elements, and the last three days as the days He spent
creating things to fill those forms created by dividing the elements, e.g.:
 
Day 1 Light Day 4 specific forms of light in the Sun, Moon, and Stars
Day 2 the Firmament/waters Day 5 birds to fill the firmament, and fish to fill the waters
Day 3 dry land Day 6 land animals and man

The 9 Choirs of Angels

In ascending order:
Angels
Archangels
Principalities
Powers
Virtues
Dominions
Thrones
Cherubim
Seraphim
Note:
The Choir of Angels is divided into three triads with specific concerns: 
The 1st triad: Angels, Archangels, and Principalities: concern themselves with the minute ordering of
the universe and specific causes, including the welfare of people. Each human being,
each church, and each country has a Guardian Angel. The Feast of the Guardian Angels
is October 2.
The 2nd triad: Powers, Virtues and Dominions: known as the "angels of creation" because they concern
themselves with the ordering of the universe and a plurality of causes.
The 3rd triad: Thrones, Cherubim, and Seraphim: concern themselves with contemplating the glory of
God. It is the 6-winged Seraphim who sing the Sanctus, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of
Hosts" (Isaias 6:3).
Angels (the word means "Messengers") are spirits (there was and is debate as to whether they are pure
spirit like God or whether they are possess "subtle matter" and are corporeal in a different way from us),
created before man, who were given one choice at the beginning of Creation: the Kingdom of God -- or
the Absence of God, which is the Kingdom of Satan, the first Angel who rebelled.

There are 7 Archangels (Tobias 12:15). We know the names of 3 of them from Scripture:
 Michael (Daniel, Epistle of St. Jude, Apocalypse of St. John), whose name means "Who is like
God" and whose Feast is September 29;
 Gabriel (Daniel and Luke), whose name means "Strength of God" and whose Feast is March 24;
and
 Raphael (Tobias), whose name means "Medicine of God" and whose Feast is October 24.
The apocryphal Book of Enoch lists the other 4 as:
 Uriel;
 Raguel;
 Sariel; and
 Jeramiel.

The 3 Levels of Reverence

Dulia: the reverence we give to Saints

Hyperdulia
the reverence we give to Mary as the greatest of Saints and Mother of God
:
Latria: the reverence and worship we give to God alone

The 14 Holy Helpers

St. George, Martyr, April 23
St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, February 3
St. Pantaleon, Martyr, July 27
St. Vitus, Martyr, June 15
St. Erasmus (Elmo), Bishop and Martyr, June 2
St. Christopher, Martyr, July 25
St. Giles, Abbot, September 1
St. Cyriacus (Cyriac), Martyr, August 8
St. Achatius, Martyr, May 8
St. Dionysius (Denis), Bishop and Martyr, October 9
St. Eustachius (Eustace), Martyr, September 20
St. Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr, November 25
 St. Margaret of Antioch, Virgin and Martyr, July 20
St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr, December 4

Note:
The "Holy Helpers" are Saints who first became grouped together and invoked together during the Black
Plague, which ravaged Europe between 1346 and 1349. This horrible disease decimated entire towns and
struck quickly. First one's mouth would dry and head would ache. Then came the fever, and boils, and the
blackening of the tongue. Death would come in hours.

The 7 Last Words of Christ

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
Amen I say to thee: This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.  (Luke 23:43)
Woman, behold thy son. . . .Behold thy mother. (John 19:26-27)
Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? (My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken (Matthew 27:46, ref. Psalm
me?) 21)
I thirst. (John 19:28)
It is consummated. (John 19:30)
Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46, ref. Psalm 30:6)

The 4 Last Things (The Novissima)

Death
Judgement
Heaven
Hell

Bow of the head (or "simple bow")

How: Simply lower your chin toward your throat and hold a moment
When:  When you pass by a Church, bow your head and make the Sign of the Cross to honor the Real
Presence of Christ in the tabernacle.
 Any time you hear or say the Holy Name "Jesus" (note that "Christ" is His title, meaning
"Annointed One"; there is no need to bow the head at just the mention of the word "Christ"). Men
should remove their hats and bow their heads when passing a church or when His Name is spoken;
this practice is for both inside and outside of Mass. All Catholics bow their heads at these times
(yes, if you're having a casual conversation with someone on the subway and you pass a church or
mention His Name, you actually are supposed to bow your head, removing your hat if you are a
man). 1

 Any time you hear "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (or "Holy Spirit")" mentioned together; any time
you hear the word "Trinity," the name of Mary, and, during Mass, when the name of the Saint in
whose honor the Mass is being celebrated

Cross yourself and bow the head when the priest and the Crucifer walk down the aisle before and
after Mass. After Mass, as the priest leaves the Altar, it is also customary to pray for him. (Some
make a profound bow instead at these times)
Striking of the Breast
How: With either a fist or with the tips of the fingers, held close together, strike your chest over the heart to
 express regret and sorrow2
When:  at the Mass, formally: at each "mea culpa" during the Confiteor; at the Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus
(priest); three times during the Agnus Dei; and three times during the Domine, Non Sum Dignus
 informally, at the "forgive us our trespasses" ("dimitte nobis debita nostra") in the "Our Father"
 informally, any time to express penitence or remorse inside or outside of the Liturgy
 informally, when the bells are rung at Consecration and the Host or Chalice are raised, bow the head
and strike the breast three times. The mental prayer at this moment should be, "My Lord and my
God."
Bow at the waist (or "profound bow")
How: Bow at the waist in the manner of the Japanese (about 30 o forward)
When:  at the Aspérges at Mass when the priest sprinkles the congregation with holy water

 when the Altar boy incenses the congregation during the Mass

 Cross yourself and make a profound bow when the priest and Crucifer walk down the aisle before
and after Mass. After Mass, as the priest leaves the Altar, it is also customary to pray for him. (Some
simply bow the head instead of making a profound bow at these times)
 when greeting a hierarch who doesn't have jurisdiction over you (e.g., the Bishop of a diocese other
than one in which you live). As you bow, kiss the hierarch's ring. This bow and ring-kissing are only
done if the Pope is not present.
Genuflection on Left Knee
How: Kneel on your left knee for a moment, bringing the left knee all the way to the floor and keeping the back
straight. Hold for a moment, then stand. (The word is pronounced "jen-you-flek'-shun")
When:  When greeting or leaving the Pope or other hierarchs with the rank of Bishop or above and who
have jurisdiction over you (only when the Pope is not present) -- e.g., to the Bishop or Archbishop
of your diocese, not of a neighboring diocese. During the left-knee genuflection, a kiss is given to
the hierarch's ring. Then stand. This honor is being shown to their office, not to them as persons.

Genuflection on Right Knee

How: Looking at what you are genuflecting toward, kneel on your right knee for a moment in the manner of a man
proposing to a woman, bringing the right knee all the way to the floor, close to the heel of the left foot,
keeping the back and neck erect. Hold for a moment, then stand.
When:  Genuflect toward the Tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, and each time you pass
in front of it (except when you're in procession, such as standing in line for Communion, or
returning to your seat afterward). While this should, on one level, be a matter of habit, it shouldn't
be done thoughtlessly. Remind yourself when genuflecting toward the Tabernacle that you are
kneeling before God. Praying mentally, "My Lord and My God" is a good habit to get into while
genuflecting on the right knee. If the Tabernacle is not on the Altar, genuflect toward the Altar and
the Altar Crucifix.
 Before a relic of the True Cross when it is exposed for public adoration.
 On Good Friday to Holy Saturday, after the ceremony of the Adoration of the Cross, genuflect when
passing in front of the exposed Crucifix on the Altar.
 Before entering or after exiting your pew at church, while facing toward Christ in the tabernacle.
Kneeling (Double Genuflection)
How: Kneel on both knees
When:  any time the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, to show adoration and humility
  many times during the Mass: during the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar, after the Sanctus, after the
Agnus Dei, at the altar rail when receiving Communion, and at the Last Blessing
 during Confession, inside or, in emergencies, outside of the Confessional
 when receiving a priestly blessing, inside or outside of the Liturgy. If you are unable for some
reason to kneel, then bow your head.
 during private prayer (see St. Dominic's "Fourth Way"" of prayer)
Prostration
How: Keeping your legs together, drop to your knees and then lie down flat on the floor on your face, crossing
your hands underneath your forehead forming a "pillow" on which to rest your forehead 
When:  Prostrations, which signify total humility and penance, are made during the Rite of Ordination,
during rites of religious profession (i.e., entry into religious orders), as penance in religious orders,
and by anyone during private prayer before a Crucifix or the Blessed Sacrament. It is also
occasionally made by adults, at the priest's invitation, before the Profession of Faith in the
solemn Rite of Baptism. (See St. Dominic's "Second Way" of prayer)

Kisses
How: To paraphrase Lauren Bacall in "To Have and Have Not," you know how to kiss, don't you? You just put
your lips together... but don't blow.
When:  Kissing Crucifixes and Icons (2-D or 3-D): In icons that depict more than one person, kiss first Our
Lord (His Feet, Hem of His garment, or hands), then Our Lady (her hands or veil), then the the
angels and Saints. To reverence a Crucifix or icon that you can't reach too well with your lips, kiss
your fingers and then touch where you would kiss.
 Many Catholics kiss the Bible before opening and reading.
 Kissing rings of Bishops and Popes: see above under "Genuflection on Left Knee." The kissing of
rings ("baciamano") is to honor the office the ring-wearer holds, not their person. The Pope's ring --
called “the fisherman’s ring” -- has been used as far back as the 13th century. The signet on the ring
was used as a seal to press into wax used to enclose papal documents. Each Pope has his own ring,
which is destroyed after his death.
 Kissing a priest's hands (literally "baciamano"): the priest's hands may be kissed when greeting or
leaving him because they alone are able to confect the Holy Eucharist. This is an honor being shown
to Holy Orders, not to them as persons. Priests' hands are also kissed on Palm Sunday when
receiving a palm (which is also kissed). During the Mass, the priest's hands are kissed by the
acolytes/altar boys.
Orans
How: Raise arms either at your sides and with hands up to shoulder height, or raise arms up over your head as a
child would when wanting his father to pick him up
When:  Priests perform this gesture (the first method mentioned) during the Mass.
 Laymen sometimes adopt this position during private prayer. It should not be used by laymen at the
Mass. (See St. Dominic's "Seventh Way" of prayer) 3
Also, see the special page on the Sign of the Cross which will teach you about the different Signs of the Cross and when,
where, and how they are made.

For more information on when to kneel, etc., during Mass, see the Order of the Mass page. For an interesting work that shows
how St. Dominic used posture in prayer, see "The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic."

Unlike pagan religions which see time as an endless cycle, Christians see time as being linear; it has a beginning and
will have an end. But within Christianity's linear, "big picture" sense of time, the passing of hours is experienced as
cycles of meditations on holy things. Think of a spiral -- of a circle of time moving ever forward toward His Coming
-- and you will have a sense of "Catholic time."

The traditional Catholic year (the "liturgical year") is made special by cycles of celebrations commemorating the lives
of Jesus and His mother, the angels, and the legion of Saints who modelled lives of sanctity. Below are 25 Feasts and
times, in chronological order, that demonstrate how the liturgical year is a reliving of the life of Christ:
Advent He is coming
Nativity He comes
Circumcision He follows Old Testament Law
Epiphany He reveals Himself as God
Holy Family He grows up in a human family
Candlemas Simeon's prophecy
Septuagesima We are in exile without Christ
Ash Wednesday Without Christ, we are dust
Lent Christ is in the Desert
Passion Sunday Jews make plans to kill Jesus
7 Sorrows Mary's suffers at what is to come
Palm Sunday He triumphantly enters Jerusalem
Spy Wednesday Jesus is betrayed by Judas
Maundy Thursday He offers the first Holy Mass
Good Friday He is put to death and fulfills Old Testament Law
Holy Saturday He is in the tomb
Easter He is risen
Ascension He ascends into Heaven
Pentecost He sends the Holy Ghost
Trinity Sunday The Most Holy Trinity has been fully revealed
Assumption Mary is assumed into Heaven & crowned Queen
Christ the King We recognize Christ's Kingship now and forever
All Saints We will triumph as have our heroic Saints
All Souls We pray for those who are awaiting their triumph
Last Sunday in
Apocalypse. He will come to judge the world.
Time after Pentecost

Cycle 1: The Christmas Cycle

Season 1: Advent

The word "Advent" comes from the Latin "advenire" which means "arrival" and refers to our awaiting the
 arrival of the commemoration of Christ's birth, and His Second Coming. This somber, penitential season of
expectation lasts from the first Sunday of Advent ("Advent Sunday") to 24 December (22 - 28 calendar
days). The first Sunday of Advent will be the Sunday closest to (on or before or after) St. Andrew's day
(November 30).  Its color is violet.

Season 2: Christmastide

As it's the celebration of Christ's Incarnation, the mood of Christmastide is of humble, grateful, joyous
celebration. This season lasts from Vespers of 24 December to 13 January (the Octave of the Epiphany)
inclusive (19 calendar days in terms of liturgical calculations). The Feast of Christmas itself lasts 12 days
("The Twelve Days of Christmas"), but the spiritual focus of Christmas doesn't end truly until Candlemas on
2 February. Its color is white or gold.

Season 3: Time After Epiphany

This season, which continues the  Christmas focus on and the Divine Childhood and segues into focusing on
Jesus' public ministry, lasts from 14 January to the vigil of Septuagesima Sunday (the ninth Sunday before
Easter, which is the same as 3 Sundays before Ash Wednesday) inclusive (4 - 38 calendar days). Its color is
green.

Cycle 2: The Easter Cycle

Season 4: Septuagesima

This Season, whose name name means "Seventy" and which recalls the Babylonian Exile, lasts from
Septuagesima Sunday to Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) inclusive (16 calendar days). Its
color is violet.

Season 5: Lent (Quadragesima)

This season, also called "Quadraegesima," meaning "Forty," is a somber, penitential Season that recalls
Christ's 40 days in the desert, prefigured by the Israelites' wandering in the desert for 40 years.

"Passiontide" is the last two weeks of Lent, from Passion Sunday (the 5th Sunday of Lent) to the day before
Easter Sunday. The second week of Passiontide is called "Holy Week." The last three days of Holy Week --
i.e., Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday -- are called the Sacred Triduum.

Lent lasts 40 days (but temporally includes six Sundays which aren't counted as "Lent" because Sundays are
always about the Resurrection and are joyous), from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter, with the
last three days -- the Sacred Triduum -- being treated separately liturgically speaking (46 calendar days).
color is violet.

Season 6: Paschaltide (Eastertide)

The joyous, victorious Easter season lasts from the Easter Vigil to the day before Trinity Sunday (56
calendar days, not counting the Easter Vigil). Its color is white or gold.

Season 7: Time After Pentecost

This Season's focus is the Holy Spirit in the Millennium, the Church Age that we now live in, and Christ's
 Reign as King of Kings -- the time between the Age of the Apostles and the Age to Come. This season lasts
from Trinity Sunday to the day before Advent Sunday (per the calendar, its length varies). Its color is green.