Blessed by the Holy Spirit, all Christians are given the fruits and gifts that grant us our humanity, morality and ethics. Catholics believe that we are born with the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit, and that the 7 gifts are first bestowed upon us at Baptism and strengthened at Confirmation. In this … [Read more...]
Wall Crosses (Variations and Suggestions)
The humble cross is arguably the most recognizable and iconic symbol for all Christian faiths. One of the more common forms of the cross, are the wall mounted crosses that can be seen in places of worship, as well as within our very homes. The cross not only represents the sacrifice Jesus Christ … [Read more...]
The Roles and Requirements of a Catholic Godparent and Confirmation Sponsor
For many people it is consider an honor and a privilege to be asked to be someone's godparent or confirmation sponsor. These people are being asked to not only participate in a ceremony that connects and strengthens a persons bond with the holy spirit. But to also help guide their wards down the … [Read more...]
What is the History of Your Church?
Church Year Established Founder Where Established Catholic 33 Jesus Christ Jerusalem Orthodox 1054 Schismatic Catholic Bishops Constantinople Lutheran 1517 Martin Luther Germany Anabaptist 1521 Nicholas Storch & Thomas … [Read more...]
Just War
The Fifth Commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life. Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer so that the divine Goodness may free us from the ancient bondage of war (CCC 2307). Thus, all citizens and all … [Read more...]
Modesty in Dress
Women are incredible creatures. By being able to bring human life into the world, women participate in the divine life of the Blessed Trinity more intimately than men could ever do. In short, women are sacred tabernacles of the Most High God, cooperating with the creator in populating His heaven for … [Read more...]
Vain and Repititious Prayer
Matt. 6:7 - Jesus teaches, "do not heap up empty phrases" in prayer. Protestants use this verse to criticize various Catholic forms of prayer which repeat phrases, such as litanies and the Rosary. But Jesus' focus in this instruction is on the "vain," and not on the "repetition." Matt. 26:44 - … [Read more...]
Drinking
Matt. 26:27,29; Mark 14:23,25; Luke 22:17-18; 1 Cor. 11:25-27 - Jesus instituted the Eucharist using wine and commanded us to "do this in remembrance of me." We know that Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Jewish seder meal, which required the use of wine. Yet some Protestant churches forbid … [Read more...]
Fasting
Matt. 9:15; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:35 - many non-Catholics frown upon the Church's pious practice of fasting, and say that fasting went away after the resurrection of Christ. But Jesus Himself says that His followers will fast once He is gone and does not object. Matt. 6:16-18 - in fact, Jesus even … [Read more...]
Suffering
Matt. 10:38 - Jesus said, "he who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Jesus defines discipleship as one's willingness to suffer with Him. Being a disciple of Jesus not only means having faith in Him, but offering our sufferings to the Father as He did. Matt. 16:24; Mark … [Read more...]