Or the "living" may also mean those who are in a state of grace; and the
"dead" those who are in mortal sin.

Q. 70. How many branches or parts of the Church are there?
A. There are three branches or parts of the Church, called the Church
Militant, the Church Suffering, and the Church Triumphant.

Q. 71. What do we mean by the "Church Militant"?
A. By the "Church Militant" or "fighting Church" we mean all the
faithful who are still upon earth struggling for their salvation by
warring against their spiritual enemies.

Q. 72. What do we mean by the "Church Suffering"?
A. By the "Church Suffering" we mean the faithful in Purgatory, who are
being purified from the last stains and consequences of their sins.

Q. 73. What do we mean by the "Church Triumphant"?
A. By the "Church Triumphant" we mean all the faithful now in heaven,
rejoicing with God that they have defeated their spiritual enemies and
attained their salvation.

Q. 74 Explain the "Communion of Saints."
A. The "Communion of Saints" means that the members of the three
branches of the Church can help one another. We can assist the souls in
Purgatory by our prayers and good works, while the Saints in heaven
intercede for us.

Q. 75. Does the "Communion of Saints" mean anything else?
A. The "Communion of Saints" means also that we all share in the merits
of Our Lord and in the superabundant satisfaction of the Blessed Virgin