What is Baptism?
Baptism is the foundation of the whole of Christian life. It is the gateway to life in the Holy Spirit and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is a one-off event and anyone who has not previously been baptised may seek Baptism. Through Baptism a person is reborn as a daughter or son of God. It is through Baptism that an individual begins his or her formal relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church.
Why do I have to confess my sins to a priest?
This is a question frequently asked by both Catholics and non-Catholics. Many query why we should tell a priest our sins, when we can go “straight to God” and ask for God’s forgiveness. Certainly, God does forgive our sins, and it is a healthy part of the life of a Catholic to reflect each day on the ways they have fallen short in loving God and loving others. Whenever we pray the “Our Father”, we ask God to “forgive us our trespasses”.
Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am sorry that I have sinned against you,
because you are so good,
and by the help of Your grace,
I will not sin again.
Amen
The third of the three sacraments of initiation.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the reception of Christ's Body and Blood. This sacrament is the source of great graces that sanctify us and help us grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ. Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.
The following guidelines
are based on the Catholic Church’s liturgical norms and offered in order to encourage reverent reception of Holy Communion in the Latin Rite, under the form of consecrated bread and wine, as the highpoint of sacramental participation in the Celebration of the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life [cf. Vatican Council II, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (1963) art. 10]
What is the Eucharist/Communion?
The word, Eucharist, which is Greek for “thanksgiving”, is the term used for the whole ritual of the Mass. People use the words Eucharist and Mass interchangeably. During the Eucharist, members of the community come forward to receive the body and blood of Christ, in the form of bread and wine. The action of coming forward and receiving the body and blood of Jesus is called Communion or (also!) Eucharist.
Confirmation - What is this Sacrament about?
The sacrament of Confirmation continues, strengthens, confirms and celebrates the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism. The Gospels are a rich source for the continuation of the works of Jesus’ early ministry through the Holy Spirit.
Why should I get married in a Catholic Church?
St. Paul begins the discussion of marriage with the statement that “This mystery has many implications; but I am saying that it applies to Christ and the Church”. Paul’s comment was in the context of Jewish and Roman laws regarding marriage. The civil union which derives its force and strength from creation was the sacramental element for Christian marriage. The civil laws provided the human element for Christian marriage to be sacramental.
How can I become a Priest.
Throughout the writings of the New Testament, there appear different understandings of leadership, and who should be leaders. Clearly the Apostles appear as the first source of leadership for the emerging Church. However, following upon their death, the question emerges as to who would replace them in leading the Christian community. In the communities founded by St. Paul a structured leadership emerges.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
finds its origin in the healing ministry of Jesus. Throughout his life Jesus would seek out the sick and offer them healing. For some who sought his healing touch, all they need to do was to reach out in faith and simply touch him and they would be healed. The apostles also served in this same ministry; merely being touched by their shadow some would be healed.
Who is God?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16).
