Systematic Index

of discretion are bound to communicate each year at least at Paschal time 437, 891, 1922, 2137, C859; but a sacrilegious communion does not satisfy this precept 1205, C861.

For the lawful reception faith alone does not suffice 755, 893, but there is required (and as far as the soul is concerned suffices 1439) "a great reverence and sanctity" 880 f., that is the state of grace which is acquired by confession, not only by contrition 880, 893, C856; moreover, one receiving should be fasting 626, C858 (unless he be infirm 626), rightly prepared (by positive acts) 755, 880, 1252; but penance fulfilled is not necessary nor must the most pure charity be attained 1312 f.; the Eucharist is to be kept for the sick 452, not however too long 452, and transported with honor 879, 889, C847, even to the young 2144.

In danger of death Viaticum should be received C864.

Frequent or even daily communion is not necessary by divine law 1150, but it is commended to all who approach it with a right mind 881 f., 944, 955, 1147 ff., 1978, 1981 ff., C863; even the young 2137 ff., C863.

The effect is not bodily sustenance 546, nor especially nor solely remission of sins 882, 887; but union with Christ (without the changing of Christ into the subject 546) and an increase of grace and the virtues 546, 698; the remission of venial sins and penalties 546, 875, 887, 1981; preservation from mortal sins 875, 1981; perseverance in good 882; communion is the spiritual food of the soul 695, 698, and the pledge of future glory 875, 882, 887; which effect does not depend upon confidence alone 755; frequent communion of itself is not a mark of predestination 1206.

The Sacrifice of the Mass

XII h  Essence: The Mass is a sacrifice 424, 430, 441, 452, 464, 938 ff., 948 ff., 957, 997, divine 940, singular 937a, but true 937a, 948, 997, 1045, 1469, and proper 948, 997, 1469, prefigured by the sacrifices of nature and the Law 938 f., visible 938, 957; instituted by Christ at the Last Supper 938 f., 949, 957, 961, 963, as is established in the Gospel 585; by which the sacrifice of the Cross is represented and applied 938, 940; from which it then does not detract 940, 951.

The sacrifice does not consist in the communion alone 948, nor is there required the presence of the faithful or the (even spiritual) communion of those assisting 944, 955, 1528; which (even sacramental) is recommended 944, 1981 ff., C863.

The victim of the Mass is Christ Himself 424, 430, 940, 2195, offered in another way than on the Cross 940.

The principal one offering is Christ Himself 424, 430, 940, 2195, 3000, by the ministration of priests 424, 434, 940.—The priest who after mortal sin cannot confess and has to celebrate, having made a perfect act of contrition, after celebrating should confess as soon as possible 880, and that according to precept 1138 f. The faithful in their own way coöffer 3000.

The Effect: The Mass is a sacrifice of latria 950; hence it is offered to God alone, not to the saints 941, in whose honor nevertheless it can be offered 952; it is in thanksgiving 950; it is in supplication and propitiation 940, 950, 996 f., 1469, 2195.

By this sacrifice sins (even grave) are remitted indirectly 940, temporal punishments, however for contrite penitents even directly 940, 950; it is of benefit not only to the one receiving 950, but especially for him to whom the fruit is applied 1530, C828; it can be offered for the faithful departed 427, 464, 693, 940, 944, 950, 983, 996, C809. For the celebration and application of one Mass it is not lawful to accept a double stipend by offering a most special fruit 1108, and one injures justice who accepts stipends for many Masses and offers only one 1110, and likewise he injures fidelity by