r established a Church at Antioch and
ruled over it for several years.

Q. 506. {119} Who are the successors of the other Apostles?
A. The successors of the other Apostles are the Bishops of the Holy
Catholic Church.

Q. 507. How do we know that the bishops of the Church are the successors
of the Apostles?
A. We know that the bishops of the Church are the successors of the
Apostles because they continue the work of the Apostles and give proof
of the same authority. They have always exercised the rights and powers
that belonged to the Apostles in making laws for the Church, in
consecrating bishops and ordaining priests.

Q. 508. {120} Why did Christ found the Church?
A. Christ founded the Church to teach, govern, sanctify, and save all
men.

Q. 509. {121} Are all bound to belong to the Church?
A. All are bound to belong to the Church, and he who knows the Church to
be the true Church and remains out of it cannot be saved.

Q. 510. Is it ever possible for one to be saved who does not know the
Catholic Church to be the true Church?
A. It is possible for one to be saved who does not know the Catholic
Church to be the true Church, provided that person: (1) has been validly
baptized; (2) firmly believes the religion he professes and practices to
be the true religion, and (3) dies without the guilt of mortal sin on
his soul.

Q. 511. Why do we say it is only possible for a person to be saved who
does not know the Catholic Church to be the true Church?
A. We say it is only possible for a person to be saved who does not know
the Catholic Church to be the true Church, because the necessary
conditions are not often found, especially that of dying in a state of
grace without making use of the Sacrament of Penance.

Q. 512. How are such persons said to belong to the Church?
A. Such persons are said to belong to the "soul of the church"; that is,
they are really members of the Church without knowing it. Those who
share in its Sacraments and worship are said to belong to the body or
visible part of the Church.

Q. 513. Why must the true Church be visible?
A. The true Church must be visible because its founder, Jesus Christ,
commanded us under pain of condemnation to hear the Church; and He could
not in justice command us to hear a Church that could not be seen and
known.

Q. 514. What excuses do some give for not becoming members of the true
Church?
A. The excuses some give for not becoming members of the true church
a