1. What is one of the chief ways by which I can make up for my past sins?
One of the chief ways by which I can make up for the sins of my past life is by gaining indulgences.
· “Be not without fear about sin forgiven” (Ecclesiasticus 5:5).
2. What is an indulgence?
An indulgence is the taking away of all or of part of the temporal punishment still due to sin. (See Lesson 12, Quest. No. 4).
Jesus said to Peter: “I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven” (Matthew16:19).
3. How do indulgences take away the punishment due to sin?
The Church has the authority to take away the punishment due to sin on the condition that special prayers be said or certain good works be performed.
4. What is a Plenary Indulgence?
A Plenary Indulgence is one which takes away all of the temporal punishment due to sin.
5. Give some examples of Plenary Indulgences.
A Plenary Indulgence may be gained by saying the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament in church, by making the Way of the Cross, reciting the prayer “Behold, O most kind and sweet Jesus” after Holy Communion.
6. What do I have to do to gain a Plenary Indulgence?
To gain a Plenary indulgence
1) I must have no mortal or venial sin on my soul,
2) I must say the prayer or do the work to which the Indulgence is attached, and
3) I must have the intention of gaining the Indulgence, and
4) I must fulfill all the special conditions laid down by the Church for each Indulgence.
7. What is a Partial Indulgence?
A Partial Indulgence is one which takes away only part of the temporal punishment due to sin.
8. Give some examples of Partial Indulgences.
I may gain a Partial Indulgence by reading the New Testament at least fifteen minutes a day, saying the Rosary, making the Way of the Cross, reciting the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, using Holy Water, medals or statues which have been blessed.
9. What do I have to do to gain a Partial Indulgence?
To gain a Partial Indulgence —
1) I must have no mortal sin on my soul,
2) I must say the prayer or do the work to which the Indulgence is attached, and
3) I must have the intention of gaining the Indulgence.
10. May I gain an Indulgence for others besides myself?
Yes, I may gain Indulgences for the souls in Purgatory.
The month of November is dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory. During this month, Catholics are urged to attend Mass daily, and to recite the Rosary and make the Way of the Cross for the relief of the Poor Souls.