Why do Catholics pray to saints? Why do Catholics worship Mary? These questions and others like it stem from confusion about a Catholic doctrine called the Communion of Saints. The Communion of Saints is the belief that every living Christian is … Continue reading
Catholic Beliefs and Catholic Teachings //
Catholicism 101
New to Catholicism or looking for a primer on the Catholic Church? Start here with our introduction to Catholic doctrine.
A History of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation may be one of the least understood sacraments in the Church. Let's look at its history and theology to get a better idea of what it really is. What Confirmation is not Some say that Confirmation is a pledge of sorts to … Continue reading
Five Easy Ways to Understand the Bible
The Scriptures are a diverse compilation of writings encompassing a few thousand years of human history. As such, it can be difficult to understand them if you don't recognize this context. St. Peter even writes that St. Paul's letters can be hard to … Continue reading
Hail Mary? Why Not Hail Jesus?
One thing that many people find difficult to understand about the Catholic Church is the Church's emphasis on Mary. Why would we say "Hail Mary" and pray the Rosary when we could be talking to Jesus? Doesn't that go against the meaning of the … Continue reading
Pentecost
Pentecost, which we celebrate this Sunday, is the liturgical season after Easter. It celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. Pentecost begins the eighth Sunday, or 50 days, after Easter Sunday. The descent of the Holy Spirit … Continue reading
Using God’s Name
"You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain." - God Crying out the name of Jesus Christ as a profanity when one is mad seems to be a popular expression; however, it is a problem if this is the only time we call upon our Lord. … Continue reading
Putting God First
"I, the Lord, am your God. You shall have no other gods before me." - God "Of course I don't worship anyone other than God," you might say. But is God really a priority in your life? During this season of Lent, we have a wonderful opportunity to … Continue reading
Lent in the Catholic Church
What is Lent? The season of Lent is a Catholic liturgical season consisting of forty days of fasting, prayer, and penitence beginning at Ash Wednesday and concluding at sundown on Holy Thursday. The official liturgical color for the season of Lent … Continue reading
Ash Wednesday
February 14 is Ash Wednesday. Catholics and some Protestants celebrate Ash Wednesday. The name "Ash Wednesday" comes from the blessed ashes that are applied to the foreheads of the faithful. We receive them as a sign of the beginning of the season of … Continue reading