Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Catholic Faith
What is the difference between “Mass,” “Communion” and “Eucharist” for Catholics?
“Mass” is typically attended by Roman Catholics every Sunday, but may be attended daily. The word Mass comes from the Latin phrase “Ita Missa Est” “Go, do the mission,” reminding the community to go out and do the work the Lord has instructed us to do. The Mass is basically divided into two parts: the Liturgy of the Word focusing on the Scriptures, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, focusing on Christ present in the Eucharist. “Communion” can also be understood as “Common Union,” that is, the whole body of the Church coming together to celebrate their unified faith in Jesus Christ fully present in the People of God, the Priest, the Word of God, and the Eucharist. During the Mass, those Catholics who are not aware of serious sin go to the altar to receive the Eucharist. “Eucharist” means literally, the “Good Gift.” It is the core belief that Jesus Christ is fully present as Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Host (the Bread) and the Cup (the Wine) received by Catholics at the Mass.
What is the importance of the Crucifix for Catholics?
In Genesis 3:22, the Bible states: “Therefore, he must not be allowed to put out his hand to take fruit from the tree of life also, and thus eat of it and live forever.” Simply, the Tree of Life would be the Cross, and the fruit of the Tree, Jesus Christ. (An important Catholic Prayer, the “Hail Mary,” states about Mary: “Blessed is the fruit of your womb.”) Expanding this explanation to Eucharist, Catholics believe that the Eucharist is literally the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. “Eating” this will allow one to “live forever,” that is, following death one would have the opportunity to live for eternity in Heaven. The Cross also reminds one of the death of Jesus Christ, and, a crucial addition, of His Resurrection and victory over death
What is “Advent”?
Advent, meaning literally “the coming of,” is the period of the four Sundays prior to Christmas. It is a time, traditionally, to prepare oneself for the birth of the Messiah. The most popular practice is the lighting of the four candles of the Advent Wreath, one each week. The third week’s candle is pink, representing hope.
What is “Lent”?
Lent is the forty-day period each spring (“Lent” comes from the root word of “Lengthen” the time of year when the days grow longer) where Catholics make a concerted effort to turn their hearts back to God. The three pillars of Lent are fasting, alms giving and prayer, but most people would know “giving up.” Many Catholics “give up” something for Lent, often sweets, television, gossip; or they try to do something extra, like attend daily Mass or pray daily.
What is the Easter Triduum?
The Easter Triduum is made up of three important feast days, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Holy Thursday reflects the day that Jesus Christ offered the “Last Supper,” the model of the Mass. Good Friday reflects the day that Jesus died on the cross. It is “good” because of the events of Easter. In most states, businesses are closed on the afternoon of Good Friday as the time from Noon until three are the traditional hours that Jesus spent on the cross. Easter Sunday celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the key moment in Salvation History.
Do Catholics worship saints?
Catholics believe that worship or adoration is due to God alone. Catholics do venerate (or highly honor) the saints as examples of human beings like ourselves, with faults and failing, who were able to lead exemplary lives modeled after Jesus Christ. Catholics believe that studying the lives of these historical individuals and attempting to follow their example can be a good way to draw one closer to God. Catholics also believe that death does not separate the members of Christ’s Body, and so Catholics pray to the saints for the prayers and love the saints can extend for the living members of the Church.
Do Catholics believe Mary is equal to God?
Like other saints, Mary is venerated, or especially honored, not worshipped by Catholics. Unlike other saints however, Mary is given a higher veneration due to the role she played in life as the mother of Jesus Christ.
