The Sacraments of The Church provide an almost inexhaustible subject for theological study and discussion. The questions to which they give rise, particularly in the practical sphere of their administration, are innumerable. Old problems, with fresh nuances, and new problems begotten of modern circumstances, keep constantly cropping up for solution. Very many of those problems have been posed in the Notes and Queries section of the Irish Ecclesiastical Record. For the past fifteen years the theological queries have been dealt with by Canon John McCarthy, Professor of Moral Theology and Canon Law at Maynooth. A selection of the queries submitted to him on the theology of the Sacraments and of the replies given has been re-edited and brought together in this volume. The queries are adequately set out so that the reader may be able to see the difficulties posed and the bases on which they rest. The replies are distinguished by a thoroughness and learning which have won the attention and praise of theological journals in Europe and America. There is no evasion of difficulties; there is no ignoring of arguments in the discussions. The completeness of the replies, the ample reference for further consultation manifest a width and depth of theological knowledge both theoretical and practical. This volume is of incalculable value to priests and seminarians, and even to a wider public. It provides an incentive to all to strive towards a fuller understanding and appreciation of the rich content and of the great dignity of the Christian sacramental system.