Q. 570. {133} In which Church are these attributes and marks found?  A. These attributes and marks are found in the Holy Roman Catholic Church alone.

Q. 571.  How do you show that Protestant Churches have not the marks of the true Church?  A. Protestant Churches have not the marks of the true Church, because: 

(1) They are not one either in government or faith; for they have no chief head, and they profess different beliefs; (2) They are not holy, because their doctrines are founded on error and lead to evil consequences; (3) They are not catholic or universal in time, place or doctrine.  They have not existed in all ages nor in all places, and their doctrines do not suit all classes; (4) They are not apostolic, for they were not established for hundreds of years after the Apostles, and they do not teach the doctrines of the Apostles.

Q. 572. {134} From whom does the Church derive its undying life and infallible authority?  A. The Church derives its undying life and infallible authority from the Holy Ghost, the spirit of truth, who abides with it forever.

Q. 573. {135} By whom is the Church made and kept One, Holy, and Catholic?  A. The Church is made and kept One, Holy, and Catholic by the Holy Ghost, the spirit of love and holiness, who unites and sanctifies its members throughout the world.

LESSON THIRTEENTH.  ON THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL.

Q. 574. {136} What is a Sacrament? 
A. A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

Q. 575.  Are these three things, namely:  An outward or visible sign, the institution of that sign by Christ, and the giving of grace through the use of that sign, always necessary for the existence of a Sacrament?  A. These three things, namely:  An outward or visible sign, the institution of that sign by Christ, and the giving of grace through the use of that sign, are always necessary for the existence of a Sacrament, and if any of the three be wanting there can be no Sacrament.

Q. 576.  Why does the Church use numerous ceremonies or actions in applying the outward signs of the Sacraments?  A. The Church uses numerous ceremonies or actions in applying the outward signs of the Sacraments to increase our reverence and devotion for the Sacraments, and to explain their meaning and effects.

Q. 577. {137} How many Sacraments are there?  A. There are seven Sacraments:  Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Q. 578.  Were all the Sacraments instituted by Our Lord?  A. All the Sacraments were instituted by Our Lord, for God alone has power to attach the gift of grace to the use of an outward or visible sign.  The Church, however, can institute the ceremonies to be used in administering or giving the Sacraments.

Q. 579.  How do we know there are seven Sacraments and no more or less?  A. We know there are seven Sacraments and no more or less because the Church always taught that truth.  The number of the Sacraments is a matter of faith, and the Church cannot be mistaken in matters of faith.