THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
by Robert Hyatt
June 1993

Preface *

Fundamental Beliefs *

God *

The Trinity *

Jesus Christ *

Holy Ghost and Gifts *

The Church and Authority *

Mary the Mother of Jesus *

Adam and Eve *

The Pope *

Membership *

Meaning of the Word Saint *

Faith *

Virtues *

Premortal Existence of Spirits *

Spirit Body of Man *

Angels *

Satan *

Heaven *

Salvation *

Sin *

Prayer *

Millennium *

Second Coming *

Death *

Judgment *

Resurrection *

Purgatory *

Hell *

The Sacraments *

Baptism *

Confirmation *

The Eucharist *

The Mass *

Holy Communion *

Penance *

Contrition *

Confession *

Temporal Punishment and Indulgences *

Anointing the Sick *

Holy Orders *

Matrimony *

Sacramentals *

Prayer *

The Laws of the Church *

Footnotes *

Apostles Creed contains fundamental truths of Christian Belief.

God existed before the Universe. God created the Universe. Only one God exists in the Universe. Believe that God can create something out of nothing.

God is a spirit. He does not have a physical body of flesh and bones. There are only 3 kinds of beings: God, Angels, and Humans.

Those who make it to heaven will also be like God, spirits only. (No physical or resurrected bodies.)

Catholics believe that viewing God in Heaven will not be vision as we know it because God does not have a physical body. Believe that a special union of the spirit with God will take place.

Believe that God can be Omni-Present because he is spirit element.

Believe in Triune God theory. One God is manifested in 3 separate persons. Church admits that the doctrine of the Trinity is mystical and hard to comprehend. Believe that no member of the Godhead is greater than the other. Believe Trinity to equal one God.

Catholics believe that the doctrine of the Trinity is one of the great mysteries of their Faith.

Eternal happiness is viewing God face to face.

When Jesus comes at the second coming He will judge the living as well as the dead.

Believe that Jesus came to save all mankind, not just the Jews.

Jesus will sit down at the right hand of God.

Incarnation of Christ is one of the great mysteries of the Catholic faith.

The work of sanctification by the Holy Ghost began with the creation of Adam's soul and was vitalized at our baptism. With the end of the world, and the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment complete, the Holy Spirit's work will end.

Believe that some people are born with special gifts that come from the Holy Ghost.

Seven sanctifying gifts of the Holy Ghost are given at Baptism. These include Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. The Church believes that you should not expect to feel the presence of the Holy Ghost at baptism or these gifts.

The twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost are Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Benignity, Goodness, Long-suffering, Mildness, Faith, Modesty, Continency, and Chastity. Although these fruits are learned in catechism, they are seldom mentioned in religious instruction and even less in sermons.

Catholics believe that Jesus Christ created His Church during His ministry and that they have always held the necessary priesthood authority since the time of Christ.

Catholics believe that their church is the only true church and that it was established by Christ Himself, and that it will last until the end of time. Any church claiming to be the true church must be able to trace its priesthood lineage and be built upon the foundation of Apostles and Prophets and have Christ as the corner stone of their faith.

They believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the Catholic Church and that today's Bishops are successors of the Apostles. Catholics claim to have the names of all Popes in succession from Peter.

Catholics believe that Christ's church must be One, Holy, Catholic, Universal, and Apostolic.

Catholic Church believes that Mary is the Co-Redeemer of the human race. Believe that Mary did not die and that she received a resurrected body upon entering heaven. This is called the Assumption of Mary and is a celebrated event. Church believes that Christ and Mary only will have resurrected bodies (similar to the bodies we have on this earth) in Heaven.

Entire human race stem from Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve would have lived forever without suffering in the Garden of Eden. They could see God face to face.

Gods plan for mankind was that they would be like Adam and Eve forever. Adam and Eve sinned in the garden knowingly. There was no vail of forgetfulness in the garden.

Although all mankind fell under the curse of Adam, Mary the mother of Jesus from birth was not under this curse. This is part of the Immaculate Conception.

Because of Adam, mankind lost the Graces of God. Through Jesus these Graces were restored.

Adam and Eve were undeserving and had no right to receive God's grace after the fall.

The Current Pope is John Paul II. Catholics generally believe that the current Pope will be the last Pope before the end of the earth.

Believe in the infallibility of the Pope. Catholics admit that not all Popes have been righteous in the past, but believe that God would not allow the Pope to lead the Church astray while acting for and in behalf of the Church.

Catholics become members at baptism. They remain members until a schism, heresy, or excommunication takes place.

Members should know what the Church believes and proselyte their faith to others. This should not be done by arguing. Do not believe that all non-Catholics will go to hell.

Members from the ancient church were called "Saints".

Believe that every soul in heaven is a saint.

The Church explains faith as acceptance of truth by the word of another fellow being.

Believe that there are two different kinds of faith: Divine Faith, and Human Faith.

Catholic Church believe in several virtues. They Believe that after Baptism, all receive Faith, Hope, and Charity. These are the three divine virtues received at Baptism. There are four other cardinal virtues called Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.

The greatest or highest of all moral virtues is that of being religious.

Do not believe in a pre-mortal existence of the spirit body. Believe that God and Angels only existed in heaven before the foundation of the world. Man cannot become an angel.

Spirit has no shape , dimension, or size. Spirit bodies of man are similar to God's spirit body. Spirit body enters the infant body during embryonic state of pregnancy.

Believe that Angels are superior to mankind. Also believe that there are different degrees of Angels. Angels can see God face to face. Also believe that Lucifer caused many Angels to fall from Heaven. Do not know how many Angels fell. Catholic Church believes that God created mankind to fill this gap of fallen Angels. Also believe that every person has a guardian Angel

Satan has many powers but he cannot interfere with mans free agency. Temptations, trials, and test are for man to gain strength in adversity.

Believe that the human body is made up of the physical as well as a spiritual body. Satan can enter a body and effect the physical but not the spiritual element. Any Catholic Priest can perform exorcism with permission from Bishop.

Believe that heaven will not be on this Earth. Statement in the Beatitudes concerning the meek inheriting the Earth is Symbolic only.

Do not believe that one needs to be perfect to go to Heaven.

Believe that members have very little to do with their own salvation. The Grace of God provides most of the salvation merit. This earth life is the only time that people can repent or earn merits for salvation. You can not repent in Hell or Purgatory.

Sin only becomes valid if the person who commits the sin knowingly commits it. For example, if a Catholic did not know that it was a sin to take part in a non-Catholic religious service, then it would not be a sin. Contraception is a sin. Missing Mass is also a sin.

After death, there is no chance to repent of sin.

Catholic Church believes that a priest can forgive sin.

If a Catholic commits mortal sin, all previously earned merits are taken away. After penance they are restored.

If you die before baptism with mortal sin, you can not go the heaven and you'll never be able to see God face to face.

Church emphasizes importance of personal as well as Church prayers.

Catholic Church does not believe in a millennial reign by Jesus Christ for the 1,000 year period following the Second Coming as most Christian Churches believe.

Believe that the second coming could come at any time but the general consensus of members is that it will not come any time soon.

Believe that death is the separation of the soul from the body.

There are two judgments. The first judgment occurs immediately after death while the soul is still separated from the body. This judgment is the most important one. This determines whether one goes to Heaven, Purgatory, or Hell. At the end of the World, the resurrection and final judgment occurs. This judgment is secondary to the first and general in nature.

Believe that all who have ever lived will receive resurrected bodies. These bodies will not be physical or look like the bodies we have now.

Resurrected bodies will be able to travel the speed of thought. Resurrection is only for the righteous. The wicked will have spirit bodies only.

This is the temporary state of the soul before going to Heaven or Hell. It is during this time that one purifies themselves and works out any imperfections that might stand between them and God.

Those that go to hell will not have resurrected bodies. They will not burn by fire as we know fire for a spirit can not feel pain.

Catholics believe in the following seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Anointing the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Obedience to the Sacraments on a regular basis allows the soul of man to receive the sanctifying graces of God administered through the Holy Ghost.

If a member dips their finger in Holy water and makes the sign of the cross they will receive additional graces.

Actions must follow faith. Grace is not enough.

God Respects mans free will and agency.

Believe that God did not specify the details in some of the sacraments such as Baptism and Confirmation.

The washing of members feet on Holy Thursday during Easter is now considered a Sacramental and not a Sacrament.

Because of Adam's transgression, baptism is necessary and is a means to receive God's sanctifying graces.

After baptism if one sins then penance is required to receive God's sanctifying graces again.

A newborn baby must be baptized quickly because it is born spiritually dead because of the fall of Adam.

When an infant or an adult receives baptism, original sin disappears.

At the moment of baptism, everyone receives the inherent right of eternal life.

An investigator of the Catholic Church can have original sin taken away before baptism if he makes an act of perfect love for God.

Baptism is acceptance to membership in the Church and to perform church duties as a member.

The most important thing for a Catholic should be his/her baptism.

Baptism is not optional. You must be baptized to enter heaven.

Because baptism is so important, the Catholic Church believes that a baby should be baptized as soon as possible after birth. The practice of infant baptism by the Catholic Church is a very basic doctrinal belief.

If the child is not baptized before 1 month old then the parents are condemned.

A baby can be baptized if the parents are not members but certain rules must be adhered to.

Baptismal records are only kept at the parish of baptism. It's important to keep a copy of the baptismal certificate. The certificate is necessary for the first Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage.

The naming of infants is important. Giving Christian names of patron saints is very common and preferred. There are over 3,000 saints in heaven.

A financial offering is not required for a priest to perform a baptism but it is customary and common practice to do so.

A God Father should be selected and present at the infants baptism. It is the God Father's life long responsibility to look after the child's spirituality. A non-Catholic can not be a God parent. Thirteen years old is the minimum age to be a God parent.

The mother of an expected child should ask for an official blessing by a priest. After birth blessings are also common. Special blessings can be given to the mother if the child be born dead.

At baptism a baptismal robe is appropriate for the new born baby. A candle is presented and the priest speaks words to the infant including a welcome into the community of Christians. A prayer of exorcism is also given to the baby. Parents and God parents affirm their belief in God, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. The child is baptized with the following words said in Latin: " I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

After baptism the baby is also consecrated with oil.

Baptism should be performed by a Priest but in the absence of a Priest in an emergency anyone could baptize, even a non-Catholic providing they use the correct words and perform the baptism correctly. While saying the baptismal words tap water should be poured on the forehead of the person receiving baptism.

Confirmation is the receiving of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by a priest. Confirmation comes after baptism. It enables the recipient to strengthen their faith with a strong and perfect zeal. This added blessing enables them to continue in their faith to the end. Confirmation is a renewal of commitment to defend the faith. The Holy spirit will be their Helper and Guide to give them the spirit of right judgment, knowledge, and courage to defend the faith.

Confirmation is not biblical but has been a Catholic tradition from the very beginning.

Confirmation is given when the person is accountable and of age, normally after seven years old. If a baby is about to die baptism and confirmation are given. Confirmation is not necessary to make it to heaven but it's better to have then not to have.

Confirmation is normally given in conjunction with the Mass and Eucharist. The priest stands in front of all those to receive confirmation and blesses them in prayer, then the priest using Chrism on the forehead anoints each person individually by saying: "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."

Chrism is one of three Holy Oils which a bishop blesses each year at his Mass on Holy Thursday. The other two kinds of oil are the oil of catechumens (used in baptism) and the oil of the sick (used in anointing of the sick).

It is customary to receive another name of a Saint at confirmation.

The Holy Eucharist is the divine action of the Mass in which Jesus, through the agency of the human priest, changes the bread and wine into an actual offering of His body and blood for the receiver, so they may feel His presence and renew their personal relationship with Him.

The act by which one receives the Holy Eucharist is called the Holy Communion.

Catholics believe that the Eucharist to be the blood and body of Christ. They believe that the substance of bread completely and totally replaces the substance of the bread, and that the wine entirely ceased to exist as wine and that the substance of Christ's own blood replaces the wine.

Jesus Christ is actually present during Holy Communion. Jesus remains present as long as the appearances of bread and wine remain. When after Holy Communion, the digestive processes have destroyed the appearance of bread within us, Jesus no longer is bodily present; only his grace remains.

Believe that the priesthood authority to perform the Eucharist was passed on from the early apostles to the current bishops and priests.

The bread used in the Eucharist must be unleavened wheat bread. Other breads such as rye, oats, barley, etc. are not used.

The wine must be made from grapes only.

Each Catholic Church has an alter. Jesus is present in the alter.

The Mass is the sacred action by which Jesus makes himself present in the wine and water.

The Mass is a memorial to Jesus and is also referred to as the Holy Banquet.

Those who receive the Mass receive graces from Jesus Christ.

A Mass stipend is a cash offering that can be given to a priest on behalf of someone else for which a Mass can be given.

The Nicene Creed is recited during the Mass. Although the Creed was sometimes recited during Mass in earlier centuries, it was not until the year 1014 that Pope Benedict VIII made the Creed an official part of the Mass liturgy.

There are 3 different parts of the Mass: The Offertory, Canon, and the Communion.

There are several different kinds of Mass given: Solemn High Mass in which the celebrant is assisted at the altar by a deacon, with solemn and rather elaborate ceremonials. Then there is the ordinary High Mass, sometimes called the Sung Mass, which is less elaborate than the solemn Mass but with certain parts of the Mass sung by the celebrant and by the congregation or choir.

Thirdly there is the Low Mass, in which all parts of the Mass are read or recited by the priest with responses from the server. If any of these Masses are celebrated by a bishop, then the Mass will be a Pontifical Mass. Any of these Masses may also be a Requiem Mass, a Mass which is celebrated with black or violet vestments and with special prayers for the dead.

A Mass can also be offered in honor of the Blessed Mother or a deceased Saint. When requesting a Mass of a priest or bishop, it's better to request a High Mass.

The history of the Mass dates back to the year 150 A.D. in which the first Mass was said to have been given. It was in this year that the fundamental structure of the Mass was established. By the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great, who died in the year 604 A.D., the development of the Mass was pretty well completed.

Holy Communion is defined as the action by which members receive the Holy Eucharist.

The holy communion strengthens the faith of each member who partakes.

The essential requirements for partaking of the communion include being free from sin, that one has the right intention in receiving the holy communion, and that they keep the eucharistic fast which is a minimum of 1 hour prior to partaking of the communion. Being dressed properly is also very important.

The person who knowingly receives the holy communion while in the state of mortal sin commits the grave sin of sacrilege. To know that one has committed a mortal sin requires that individual to first receive the sacrament of penance before receiving holy communion. This does not mean that if you have committed a less severe sin that you should not partake of the communion. If a person can fulfill the minimum requirements then they should still be able to partake of the holy communion.

When partaking of the holy Eucharist, it's important to swallow the bread since the Eucharist is holy food. It is not appropriate to take the bread back to your seat then partake. The receiver should swallow the bread immediately upon receiving it.

The communion may be taken everyday if desired and in some circumstances it may be taken twice in one day.

The holy communion when taken properly lessens the inclination to sin and the power of temptation is weakened. It also unites members with Christ and intensifies their love of God and for neighbors.

Every member should partake of the communion as often as possible except children. The age at which children become accountable and therefore are able to partake of the communion has been established as seven years old. The absolute minimum that a Catholic should receive the holy communion is once a year during Easter time and when in danger of death.

A Mentally ill person who is completely out of touch with reality may not receive holy communion.

A child who is in danger of death may and should receive holy communion.

Penance is defined as "the sacrament by which sins committed after baptism are forgiven through the absolution of the priest."

Every priest has the power to forgive sins.

The prayer to forgive sins given by the priest is "I absolve thee from thy sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

The sacrament of penance reunites the soul to God and sanctifying grace is restored to the soul. Penance wipes out the eternal punishment which is the inevitable consequence of mortal sin.

The effect of penance is that it restores the merits of past good works if they have been lost by mortal sin.

Catechism lists five requirements for penance. First, examination of one's conscience. Second, be sorry for the sin. Third, must have a good reason for not committing the sin again. Forth, must confess the sin to the priest. Fifth, be willing to perform the penance which the priest assigns.

Contrition is remorse for having done wrong and sorrow for having offended God.

The Act of Contrition prayer is as follows: "O my Savior, I am truly sorry for having offended you because you are infinitely good and sin displeases you. I detest all the sins of my life and I desire to atone from them. Through the merits of your Precious Blood, wash from my soul all stain of sin, so that, cleansed in body and soul, I may worthily approach the Most Holy Sacrament of the Alter."

All Catholics are required to confess their sins to a Priest on a regular basis. The act of confessing ones sins to a Priest is called Confession.

The seal of confession forbids the priest to reveal for any reason whatsoever what has been told to him in confession. The penitent is the only one who can release the priest from that bond. If a priest violates the bond of secrecy he is to be excommunicated.

The penitent person should do their best to remember all sins and bring them before the priest in confession; however, they are not held accountable for bad memory.

By frequent confession a Catholic believes that they will receive the necessary graces as to avoid mortal sin.

A typical confession starts out like "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." The penitent then tells the priest in a whisper his/her sins.

 

The following are some points to remember about confession:

1. Speak to the priest clearly but in a whisper

2. Do not tell anyone else's sins

3. Do not mention names

4. Try to be specific - Avoid general confessions

5. Listen attentively while the priest tells you your

penance, and any advice he may offer.

6. Listen carefully while the priest pronounces the

words of absolution.

7. Spend a little time after confession in thanking God

for the graces that you have received and in

performing the penance which the priest has

assigned.

 

Indulgences are a form of payment in discharging the debt of temporal punishment that still remain after ones sins have been forgiven by a Priest. An Indulgence which remits only part of the temporal punishment due to sin is called a partial indulgence. A Plenary indulgence can remit the entire debt of temporal punishment. The Church in essence can offer to God whatever satisfactions are needed to wipe out completely any personal debt of temporal punishment. The Enchiridion of Indulgences is the official book which lists all the indulgences.

 

The usual conditions for gaining plenary indulgences are sacramental confession, eucharistic communion, and prayers offered on behalf of the Supreme Pontiff. Praying for the Supreme Pontiff is normally satisfied by reciting one "Our Father," and one "Hail Mary". Anyone interested paying off his own debt of temporal punishment and in helping the suffering souls in purgatory will make bi-weekly confession and weekly holy communion a minimal practice. The Canon Law of the Church states that anyone who regularly receives the sacrament of penance every two weeks or receives holy communion "almost daily" (five days a week) is automatically eligible for all plenary indulgences. Another way to receive a plenary indulgence is to make the Way of the Cross.

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who give of themselves or of their goods to serve the poor. Another example of a partial indulgence is when the faithful in the spirit of penance, voluntarily deprive themselves of what is licit and pleasing to them.

This is defined as "The sacrament which, through the anointing with blessed oil by the priest, and through his prayer, gives health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age." Oil of the sick should be pure olive oil. Oil is placed on the forehead and on the hands. Part of the prayer is offered while anointing the head, and part of the prayer is offered while anointing the hands. The prayer that the priest says is, "Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord who frees you from sin, save you and raise you up."

Anointing the sick is normally done only when the recipient is in danger of death. The purpose of the anointing is a preparation of the soul for entrance into heaven by the forgiveness of venial sins and the cleansing of the soul from the remains of sin.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is in short the receiving of the Priesthood by one who is in authority. The applicant must meet all the requirements. One has to be a male, be at least 24 years of age, and have 4 years of theology training after having graduated from college. The candidate should have Catholic parents but special dispensations can be given for men raised by a mixed marriage.

Only a Bishop can ordain priests. Some Priesthood duties are as follows: A Deacon can baptize, preach, and administer holy communion. A Priest can also bless the sacrament and forgive sins. A Bishop has a complete fullness of the priesthood. In addition to the duties of a Deacon and the Priest, a Bishop can confirm and ordain by passing the Priesthood to others.

The marriage between a man and a women was instituted in the Garden of Eden as a prototype of man on the earth. God instituted marriage for the peopling of the earth and the rearing of families. A newly married couple should attend a Nuptial Mass which provides special blessings. Divorce and casual remarriages is looked down upon by the Church. Divorce is strictly forbidden for any reason. A Catholic that becomes divorced may not marry another person so long as the spouse remains alive. Marriage of a Catholic couple by other than a priest is not binding; however a civil marriage by non Catholics is considered a genuine marriage. Sexual union is strictly forbidden except through marriage.

Although a Deacon can be married, a Priest and a Bishop are not allowed to marry.

Sacramentals most commonly used in a Catholic home are the crucifix, holy water, and blessed candles. The sacramental most commonly used on the person is the scapular medal. Other sacramental objects or articles of devotion include ashes, palms, medals, rosaries, and images of the Lord, Blessed Mother, and the Saints.

A Catholic Prayer has four basic parts: Adoration, Thanksgiving, repentance, and petition. An example of adoration is starting the prayer with "Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed by thy name". Thanking God for ones many blessings, talents, and abilities come next. After expressing thanks the one praying should ask God for forgiveness of any sin that they have done. The last part of the prayer is asking God for anything that you stand in need of.

Prayers should be directed to God. In addition to God, Prayers may be directed towards the Blessed Mary or any of the departed Saints. Prayers should be Vocal when possible, but not necessarily audible. This is done by the movement of the lips and tongue. When a group prays however, the prayer must be audible. A group prayer is sometimes called a "Corporate Prayer". When the Church officially prays for its members, this is called a "Liturgical prayer." The Divine Office, which a priest is obliged to recite daily along with the sacraments, consecrations and official blessings are all examples of Liturgical prayer. Prayers of meditation and contemplation are also important. These types of prayer allow God the opportunity to answer us back. Many people talk too much to God and do not give God enough chance to talk back.

The emphasis of prayer should be on quality and not quantity. The basic prayers for all Catholics are the "Our Father, the "Hail Mary", the "Apostles Creed", the "Confiteor", the "Glory be to the Father", and the "Acts of Faith, Hope, Love, and Contrition."

Prayer should be offered in the morning, at meals, and at night. Every prayer should begin and end with the sign of the cross.

There are six major laws of the Catholic Church. They are as follows: (1) To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holydays of obligation, (2) To fast and to abstain on the days appointed, (3) To confess ones sins at least once a year, (4) To receive holy communion during the Easter time, (5) To Contribute to the support of the Church, and (6) To observe the laws of the Church concerning marriage.

The Holydays of obligation include Christmas-December 25, Octive Day of Christmas-Jan 1, Ascension Thursday-40 days after Easter, Assumption-August 15, All Saints day-Nov 1, and the Immaculate Conception-December 8.

Abstinence should be observed on every Friday while abstinence and fasting are required on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. The law of abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs or the products of milk. The law of the Fast includes only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening. Abstinence begins at 14 years of age and fasting at 21.

The minimum confession of once a year is strictly observed. It is a mortal sin if one allows a year to elapse between confession.

The Church establishes an absolute minimum of once a year for the receiving of Holy Communion. If one receives the communion only once a year, it is recommended that this be Easter Day.

Support for ones local church as well as contributions to the Pope and the world-wide church effort are required by every Catholic. The amount of financial support is not given. One should however give as generously as ones means will allow. The Lord will bless those that give with a fullness of heart.

Marriage must be performed by a priest in the presence of two witnesses. The universal law of the church requires men to be a minimum of 16 and women to be 14. However, the laws of the country in which the applicant resides must be obeyed. The laws of the Church also require that a Catholic marry a Catholic. However the Church will grant a dispensation with conditions for mixed marriages.