Catechism of The Council of Trent (in Less than a Year)

In this episode we continue our study of Baptism focusing on sponsors (Godparents) - why they are necessary, who is eligible to be a sponsor and the duites that sponsors have to their Godchildren. We also take a brief look at St Thomas' discussion of these topics (ST. IIIa. Q. 67 a.7-8)

In this episode we discuss the distinction between when Baptism was instituted as a sacrament and when it was made obligatory to receive. We also discuss the various gradations among the ministers of Baptism and to whom it primarily belongs to baptize. (ST. IIIa. Q. 66 a. 2 and Q. 67 a. 2)

In this episode we discuss the words of the form of Baptism Additionally, we continue to read tertia pars of the Summa where St Thomas addressed the form as well as the administration of the sacrament. (ST. IIIa Q.66 a6-7)

In this episode we discuss why water is such an appropriate matter for the sacrament of Baptism as instituted by Our Lord. The Catechism gives several reasons following the thought of St Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica. (ST. IIIa Q. 66 a.3)

In this episode we begin reading the Catechism in its treatment on the sacraments in particular. Beginning with Baptism, after disucssing the importance of instruction concerning Baptism, the Catechism then sets forth its definition. We also read the first article from Question 66 from the Summa Theologica "Whether Baptism is the mere washing?" (ST. IIIa. Q. 63 a.1)

In this episode we conclude our reading of the Catechism's treatment of the 'Sacraments in General'. The sacraments have two effects "Sanctiying Grace" and a "Character." As an aid to our understanding of these effects we also turn to several articles in the third part of the Summa Theologica concerning these two effects of the sacraments. (ST. IIIa, Q.62 a. 1, Q63. a.1 -3)

In this episode we discuss the necessity of the sacraments relative to one another. Are all the sacraments equally necessary for salvation? Additionally, we discuss the distinction between the principle author of the sacraments as opposed to the instrumental agency of his ministers. Finally we discuss the question whether wicked ministers are able to validly confer the sacraments. To aid us in this discussion we continue to supplement our reading of the Catechism with selections from the Summa Theologica, Tertia Pars Q64 and Q65. (ST. IIIa. Q64. a.1. a.2. a.5 and Q65. a.4)

In this episode we discuss the number of the sacraments. The Catechism of the Council of Trent sets forth the doctrine of seven sacraments following St Thomas Aquinas in his Summa where he draws and analogy to the seven things that are necessary for the life of man in his corporal nature. In addition we read from the third part of the Summa where St Thomas asks "Whether there should be seven sacraments?" (ST. IIIa. Q. 65. a1)

In this episode we continue reading the Catechism in its treatment on the Sacraments in general. In particular we discuss seven reasons why the Sacraments were instituted. Additionally, we read about the constituent parts of every sacrament-namely the matter and the form. We also give three reasons for the ceremonies that surround the administration of the sacraments.

In this episode we continue our reading of the second part of the Catechism of the Council of Trent in its opening discussion on the sacraments in general. The Catechism sets forth the meaning of the word sign as it explains St Augustine's definition of sacrament (i.e. "A sacrament is a sign of a sacred thing") As the Catechism draws heavily on the first three chapters of Book II of St Augustine's work On Christian Doctrine we read these brief chapters in their entirety. (De Doct. Christ. lib. ii c. I-III)