When you think of a different religion other than your own you probably have some sort of descriptive words you think of. For example...Jahovah Witness-Door salesman, Baptist- Bible Thumpers, Catholics- Mary Worshipers, Jews-Greedy, and so on. There are so many different things people assume with a religion.
Thus for this class we sat down and looked at the common misunderstandings/assumptions people make about Catholics.
1.) Catholics Worship Saints: Catholics do not worship saints. Prayers are directed through saints because of the belief that all of the saints have an immediate and closer communication path with God.
A great example was that when we are having family issues and we turn to a friend we ask them to pray for us. It is the same type of thing. We are asking the saints to pray and speak to God for us as well.
2.) Catholics do not Believe in the Bible: This is just entirely false. Catholics use the scripture in all liturgy ceremonies. All of their doctrine is also formed from traditions including, but not limited to, the bible! This means that things that were handed down especially from writers in the early church are still integrated into the regular mass although it is text outside of the Bible.
3.) The Pope might as well be a God: The pope is not treated as a God. He is not worshiped and does not have prayers addressed to him like God or Saints. We pray for him like we would pray for our American government. We pray that as our faith leader God works through him to lead the church into the good and faithful.
4.) This is more of a question based #. Why can' we receive holy communion in Mass as non-catholics if we are still christians? We say that the body of Christ for you as well as the blood of Christ shed for you. This is mutual between most Christians, however, when we say Amen we are saying it as in we all believe this statement as well as what the church teaches/believes. Thus, if you are a non-catholic and baptized you may believe that Jesus died on the cross and his body and blood were for you BUT you do not believe the same rituals that the catholic church follows.
5.) The Priest is trying to act as God: This follows the line of question 3. But what should be known is that through reconciliation, communion, and other ceremonies in the church it is seen that the Priest is doing God's will. He is not saying he is Christ, but that he is acting through Christ.
6.) Catholics are not Christians: I don't even know who would say this. But it is stated that this belief comes from the fact that most catholics are christians will usually say they are catholic versus just saying the broader definition of christian.
7.) Catholics approve of heavy drinking, gambling, and other acts of the such. The truth is that Catholics know that God wants us to enjoy our lives on Earth. This means at times we can have a drink or two and enjoy other activities. The only point to this is that God never said not to do it, just to not do it in excess!
8.) Catholics stick their noses in Political Affairs: This one is pretty common with every religion everywhere if you want to have a say in your government. There is a fine line between separation of church and state. The truth is by majority rule we decide what our common laws are. Thus, if we don't vote and write to politicians we are losing the right to our opinions.
9.) Catholics are out of Touch with Progress: I almost can slightly agree with this. I think that there are processes in the works that are working to help with some changes. BUT it should be known there are some things that are a part of mass that are just solid principles and should remain the way they are.
10.) Catholics JUST say Rouge Prayers: First of all rouge prayers are basic prayers that everyone learns. Such as the Hail Marys, Glory to God, and meal prayers. However, we do say other prayers as well. The reason that we say these memorized prayers is so that we are all saying the same prayer in one voice as a community together.
Prayer Requests for the week:
1. Mark was diagnosed with an immune deficiency and needs expensive/risky bone marrow transplant.
2. Work Load
3. Fred Wilson terminal Cancer
4. Cathleen's back issue
5. Bob's ALS
6. College Students
7 Girlfriend's grandfather has liver cancer
8. Brother-in-law, Bob Gardner, has Leukemia
9. Co-worker has cancer.
10. People with medical problems
11. Mark is having a liver transplant.
12. Military Service members
13. Adjust to new living.
14. Wife in hospital with stomach disease.
15. Parent's are elderly.
16. Parishioner is fighting Cancer.
17. Friend is fighting kidney failure
18. Transitions to stay at home mom.
19. Aunt is struggling with diabetes.
20. Pray for good news on blood test.
21. Kendra is a teenager that was just diagnosed with cancer.
22. Friend's daughter broke her leg.
23. Jim Hines passed away.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Aug. 21-Meanings Behind Every Turn.
Hello Again,
Did you know when you walk in a Catholic church in Italy and then do the same thing in America, we have a lot of the same things! Neat right! I did not know this until this class. We went on a church tour and I truly learned more than I could ever remember, but I loved it! Thus, on here I am going to give a brief breakdown of the meanings of things I was told and what was awesome to me. :)
1. Baptismal Font/pool. At the church I go to, Holy Spirit, it is soo tiny. This may be very common in many Catholic churches BUT in the Baptist church we had what looked like a massive jacuzzi behind the pulpit and praise band area.
2. Holy Water. This is in every church. It is very common to be placed by each entrance to the church so that when one walks in they may place their first two fingers in it and then do the sign of the cross on themselves as a reminder of their baptism. Random Fact I learned: You do NOT have to be Catholic to do this. If you were baptized, feel free!
3. The Paschal Candle-This is a candle that should also be in every catholic church. It is a symbol of Christ. The light of the world.
4. Ambry- This is the area that contains three vessels of oils. I think it was the thing I struggled to find the most!! Random Fact:The three vessels are the oil for anointing the sick, the oil for anointing catechumens, and chrism for baptism, confirmation, priesthood and the consecration of altars. The bishop blesses these oils in large containers at the chrism Mass every year. Then they are poured into smaller vessels and brought to all the parishes of the diocese.
5. Stations of the Cross- This is self explanatory in a way. This is images that are on the walls of the church (like a canvas hung) that show the stations of Christ with the cross. I had no idea this was in every Catholic church but thought it was great that it was.
6. Corporal- the altar cloth that is slightly smaller than the alter and the Paten (container holding the host) and the Chalice are both placed on.
There are so many other things in a Catholic church, and I am kind of tired so I will list them and you can look up what you don't know. Roman Missal, Altar Wine, Lavabo Dish, Host, Ciborium, Sanctuary Light, Chasuble and Dalmatic, Vestments, Stole, Asperguillum, Monstrance, Thurible, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Mother Theodore Guerin, and special stained glass window!
There were so many things to learn during this tour but what I will say is the main thing I learned is Unity. The fact that within the Catholic faith no matter where a believer is they truly just want you to feel united in every way possible!
Did you know when you walk in a Catholic church in Italy and then do the same thing in America, we have a lot of the same things! Neat right! I did not know this until this class. We went on a church tour and I truly learned more than I could ever remember, but I loved it! Thus, on here I am going to give a brief breakdown of the meanings of things I was told and what was awesome to me. :)
1. Baptismal Font/pool. At the church I go to, Holy Spirit, it is soo tiny. This may be very common in many Catholic churches BUT in the Baptist church we had what looked like a massive jacuzzi behind the pulpit and praise band area.
2. Holy Water. This is in every church. It is very common to be placed by each entrance to the church so that when one walks in they may place their first two fingers in it and then do the sign of the cross on themselves as a reminder of their baptism. Random Fact I learned: You do NOT have to be Catholic to do this. If you were baptized, feel free!
3. The Paschal Candle-This is a candle that should also be in every catholic church. It is a symbol of Christ. The light of the world.
4. Ambry- This is the area that contains three vessels of oils. I think it was the thing I struggled to find the most!! Random Fact:The three vessels are the oil for anointing the sick, the oil for anointing catechumens, and chrism for baptism, confirmation, priesthood and the consecration of altars. The bishop blesses these oils in large containers at the chrism Mass every year. Then they are poured into smaller vessels and brought to all the parishes of the diocese.
5. Stations of the Cross- This is self explanatory in a way. This is images that are on the walls of the church (like a canvas hung) that show the stations of Christ with the cross. I had no idea this was in every Catholic church but thought it was great that it was.
6. Corporal- the altar cloth that is slightly smaller than the alter and the Paten (container holding the host) and the Chalice are both placed on.
There are so many other things in a Catholic church, and I am kind of tired so I will list them and you can look up what you don't know. Roman Missal, Altar Wine, Lavabo Dish, Host, Ciborium, Sanctuary Light, Chasuble and Dalmatic, Vestments, Stole, Asperguillum, Monstrance, Thurible, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Mother Theodore Guerin, and special stained glass window!
There were so many things to learn during this tour but what I will say is the main thing I learned is Unity. The fact that within the Catholic faith no matter where a believer is they truly just want you to feel united in every way possible!
Friday, October 18, 2013
Aug. 14 Class-Welcome Welcome! :)
Hello,
So on the first day of RCIA I was soo nervous! I mean I felt like a Baptist in a Catholic church, oh wait, I was! However, we started by talking in our table circles about ourselves and walk of faith (which I told you mine in the last post). It was interesting that most of our leaders are known as "Cradle-Catholics" which is just what it implies, they were born and raised Catholic. However, A LOT of the attendees were raised BAPTIST, yes that is what I said, Baptist. I felt a little more at ease knowing that at least I can relate to the other RCIA "students." Other than talking about what walks of life we came from truly we just prayed. We each shared a special prayer of the week. I am including this for my own benefit but if you read it, maybe you can send up a little prayer as well.
Prayers:
Mine-Baptist Church Missionaries in Honduras had their son, who is 11, kidnapped literally right out of their car when the mom and him pulled into the driveway.
1. Friend Joe had a heart attack, pray for life changes and healing.
2. Rose Hagan has a stress fracture in her hip.
3. Husband has cancer, pray for healing, family courage, and faith.
4. The Holy Spirit to welcome all of us into his arms.
5. Jenny who is struggling with responsibilities right now
6. RCIA member is having her second vasectomy tomorrow.
7. There was a UPS crash in Birmingham.
8. Brother is an undercover DEA Agent, pray for his and his family's safety.
9. All school kids have a safe and productive year as they are returning back.
10. John, from Atlantic City, just got a lung transplant and his body rejected it.
11. Deceased loved ones, may they be with God and pray for grieving of the loved ones.
12. Mona becomes stronger in her Catholic faith for herself, husband, and God.
13. Family, pray for safety, strength, and health.
14. 2 year old diagnosed with brain cancer and the grandma died in a car wreck the same week.
15. Peter's son who has health issues.
16. Larry struck by car. Had 9 surgeries due to 15 broken bones.
17. Support special needs programs and children
18. Korean family still are in Korea while she is here in America.
So on the first day of RCIA I was soo nervous! I mean I felt like a Baptist in a Catholic church, oh wait, I was! However, we started by talking in our table circles about ourselves and walk of faith (which I told you mine in the last post). It was interesting that most of our leaders are known as "Cradle-Catholics" which is just what it implies, they were born and raised Catholic. However, A LOT of the attendees were raised BAPTIST, yes that is what I said, Baptist. I felt a little more at ease knowing that at least I can relate to the other RCIA "students." Other than talking about what walks of life we came from truly we just prayed. We each shared a special prayer of the week. I am including this for my own benefit but if you read it, maybe you can send up a little prayer as well.
Prayers:
Mine-Baptist Church Missionaries in Honduras had their son, who is 11, kidnapped literally right out of their car when the mom and him pulled into the driveway.
1. Friend Joe had a heart attack, pray for life changes and healing.
2. Rose Hagan has a stress fracture in her hip.
3. Husband has cancer, pray for healing, family courage, and faith.
4. The Holy Spirit to welcome all of us into his arms.
5. Jenny who is struggling with responsibilities right now
6. RCIA member is having her second vasectomy tomorrow.
7. There was a UPS crash in Birmingham.
8. Brother is an undercover DEA Agent, pray for his and his family's safety.
9. All school kids have a safe and productive year as they are returning back.
10. John, from Atlantic City, just got a lung transplant and his body rejected it.
11. Deceased loved ones, may they be with God and pray for grieving of the loved ones.
12. Mona becomes stronger in her Catholic faith for herself, husband, and God.
13. Family, pray for safety, strength, and health.
14. 2 year old diagnosed with brain cancer and the grandma died in a car wreck the same week.
15. Peter's son who has health issues.
16. Larry struck by car. Had 9 surgeries due to 15 broken bones.
17. Support special needs programs and children
18. Korean family still are in Korea while she is here in America.
The Start of it All!
Hello to anyone out there reading,
This is not a guide towards the Catholic faith. This is quite simply the ramblings and thoughts of a 21 year old female who is going through RCIA currently. So if something sounds like I said it wrong, tell me, I am learning. If something sounds like I grasped it alright, go ahead and tell me that too...so I know. This blog is more to document my journey into the Catholic faith and to see my understanding level of each thing we learn. Thus, each week I will have a new blog discussing what we talked about in class that week. However, classes started August 14th so I will be playing catch up first. I appreciate your patience with me, for anyone who is reading my posts.
Well this would be all for this post so I am going to go ahead and explain my walk with Christ. When I was a child I was sent from different foster homes with different faith levels, from none to extreme. When I was in these homes some cared for me deeply and others just assumed abuse me. I was adopted in October of 1999 by a single parent mother, although her mother lived with us and did a lot of the child rearing while my mother was at work and on travel. By the time I was adopted my mother was a Lutheran. I was raised in this church for maybe one or two years before we switched to the Baptist church community. I was extremely happy there. We sang, we danced, and truly vocalized our faith in God. I was around age 10 when I went to the ABY (American Baptist Youth) camp. Although I knew a lot about God, thanks to Bible Baseball, this was where I truly found my faith. I learned so much in that weekend. I knew that I had a purpose in life and that God would lead me to it if I just listened to him. I came back from camp and told my pastor that I wanted to be baptized. He ask me many questions about my faith to make sure I was ready. After a few meetings with him I was baptized. When I was a teenager I attended a church retreat called Chrysalis. This was so moving for me. You see although I loved being a baptist I didn't understand why my mother said all these different "jokes" about Catholics to my aunt and uncle (who are Catholics). This was because on this retreat we weren't Baptist women, Catholic women, or any other denomination. We were Christians rejoicing in the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. After leaving there I didn't see the point in the stigma against other Christian faiths. To this day I don't.
When I moved out of my home to go to college I started searching for a church. This was because in my hometown having school friends was okay but not important to me, my church family was. Losing them was devastating. I can't really say I lost them but I moved far enough away it was difficult to drive down just for Sunday School and Service. After seeking a baptist community I was nervous. I couldn't find any church that was truly as accepting and full of faith as my hometown. I joined a Catholic Club on campus that wasn't really denominational although the name was. Then I met my boyfriend, Tomasz. One of the greatest things to me was that he and his family had a strong faith. Although, I was worried because it was that of a Catholic faith. My mom complained about us being together for quite a while because of his religion. I never knew it was such a big deal to people. I had started attending Mass at the church they went to with them at times. I felt so confused and lost though. I also really disliked that I could not partake in communion when I could in my Baptist church. Finally one of his family members recommended I go to RCIA classes to learn more about the Catholic faith, as you DO NOT have to join the church, get baptized, or anything else if you choose not to afterwards. I decided it was worth trying. This was the start to my current journey in the Catholic faith...
This is not a guide towards the Catholic faith. This is quite simply the ramblings and thoughts of a 21 year old female who is going through RCIA currently. So if something sounds like I said it wrong, tell me, I am learning. If something sounds like I grasped it alright, go ahead and tell me that too...so I know. This blog is more to document my journey into the Catholic faith and to see my understanding level of each thing we learn. Thus, each week I will have a new blog discussing what we talked about in class that week. However, classes started August 14th so I will be playing catch up first. I appreciate your patience with me, for anyone who is reading my posts.
Well this would be all for this post so I am going to go ahead and explain my walk with Christ. When I was a child I was sent from different foster homes with different faith levels, from none to extreme. When I was in these homes some cared for me deeply and others just assumed abuse me. I was adopted in October of 1999 by a single parent mother, although her mother lived with us and did a lot of the child rearing while my mother was at work and on travel. By the time I was adopted my mother was a Lutheran. I was raised in this church for maybe one or two years before we switched to the Baptist church community. I was extremely happy there. We sang, we danced, and truly vocalized our faith in God. I was around age 10 when I went to the ABY (American Baptist Youth) camp. Although I knew a lot about God, thanks to Bible Baseball, this was where I truly found my faith. I learned so much in that weekend. I knew that I had a purpose in life and that God would lead me to it if I just listened to him. I came back from camp and told my pastor that I wanted to be baptized. He ask me many questions about my faith to make sure I was ready. After a few meetings with him I was baptized. When I was a teenager I attended a church retreat called Chrysalis. This was so moving for me. You see although I loved being a baptist I didn't understand why my mother said all these different "jokes" about Catholics to my aunt and uncle (who are Catholics). This was because on this retreat we weren't Baptist women, Catholic women, or any other denomination. We were Christians rejoicing in the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. After leaving there I didn't see the point in the stigma against other Christian faiths. To this day I don't.
When I moved out of my home to go to college I started searching for a church. This was because in my hometown having school friends was okay but not important to me, my church family was. Losing them was devastating. I can't really say I lost them but I moved far enough away it was difficult to drive down just for Sunday School and Service. After seeking a baptist community I was nervous. I couldn't find any church that was truly as accepting and full of faith as my hometown. I joined a Catholic Club on campus that wasn't really denominational although the name was. Then I met my boyfriend, Tomasz. One of the greatest things to me was that he and his family had a strong faith. Although, I was worried because it was that of a Catholic faith. My mom complained about us being together for quite a while because of his religion. I never knew it was such a big deal to people. I had started attending Mass at the church they went to with them at times. I felt so confused and lost though. I also really disliked that I could not partake in communion when I could in my Baptist church. Finally one of his family members recommended I go to RCIA classes to learn more about the Catholic faith, as you DO NOT have to join the church, get baptized, or anything else if you choose not to afterwards. I decided it was worth trying. This was the start to my current journey in the Catholic faith...
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