Q. 1363.  What should persons about to marry do, if they suspect they are related to each other?  A. Persons about to marry, if they suspect they are related to each other, should make known the facts to the priest, that he may examine the degree of relationship and procure a dispensation if necessary.

Q. 1364. {404} What is the meaning of the command not to marry privately?  A. The command not to marry privately means that none should marry without the blessing of God’s priests or without witnesses.

Q. 1365.  What sin is it for Catholics to be married before the minister of another religion?  A. It is a mortal sin for Catholics to be married before the minister of another religion, and they who attempt to do so incur excommunication, and absolution from their sin is reserved to the bishop.

Q. 1366. {405} What is the meaning of the precept not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times?  A. The meaning of the precept not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times is that during Lent and Advent the marriage ceremony should not be performed with pomp or a nuptial Mass.

Q. 1367. {406} What is the nuptial Mass?  A. The nuptial Mass is a Mass appointed by the Church to invoke a special blessing upon the married couple.

Q. 1368. {407} Should Catholics be married at a nuptial Mass?  A. Catholics should be married at a nuptial Mass, because they thereby show greater reverence for the holy Sacrament and bring richer blessings upon their wedded life.

Q. 1369.  What restrictions does the Church place on the ceremonies of marriage when one of the persons is not a Catholic?  A. The Church places several restrictions on the ceremonies of marriage when one of the persons is not a Catholic.  The marriage cannot take place in the church; the priest cannot wear his sacred vestments nor use holy water nor bless the ring nor the marriage itself.  The Church places these restrictions to show her dislike for such marriages, commonly called mixed marriages.

Q. 1370.  Why does the Church dislike mixed marriages?  A. The Church dislikes mixed marriages because such marriages are frequently unhappy, give rise to many disputes, endanger the faith of the Catholic member of the family, and prevent the religious education of the children.

LESSON THIRTY-SEVENTH.  ON THE LAST JUDGMENT AND THE RESURRECTION, HELL, PURGATORY, AND HEAVEN.

Q. 1371. {408} When will Christ judge us?  A. Christ will judge us immediately after our death, and on the last day.

Q. 1372. {409} What is the judgment called which we have to undergo immediately after death?  A. The judgment we have to undergo immediately after death is called the Particular Judgment.

Q. 1373.  Where will the particular judgment be held?  A. The particular judgment will be held in the place where each person dies, and the soul will go immediately to its reward or punishment.