Most Catholics take their faith for granted.  Many leave the faith never knowing what they had till is was gone.  The good news you are here either to come home or be strengthen in your faith.  You will find this page only the start to an eye opening journey. 

Here are a few simple questions that will help you on your journey.

1.  Why am I Catholic?

This is the easiest question of them all.  Jesus said,"I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church" (Mt 16:18).  Jesus also says,"I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Mt 16:19).  In these two verses we see how Jesus set up the church and gave the church full authority.  Peter was the first Pope and all his successors can be traced back to him over the last 2000 years.  If you still missed it try this where can you find the oldest church, the church with the most history and tradition.  Where else can you find an organization that has the world wide reach like the Catholic Church. But most of all, one that is lead by Jesus's disciples.  There is only one place, The Catholic Church.  (for more on this subject read' "Catechism of the Catholic Church.")

click here Why am I Catholic video 1   Why am I Catholic video 2




2.  Why do I go to Mass? 

To understand the mass you must understand what Jesus did for you.  Through his suffering on the cross and the shedding of his blood he created the new everlasting covenant between man and God.  In the time of the Jews only the high priest was allowed in the Holy of Holies.  Once a year the high priest was allowed to enter the most of holy places to sacrifice a lamb and shed its blood.  God gave his only son, and through his death and resurrection we have been given life.  Now we are all allowed to participate in the sacrifice.  The mass is the continuation of the sacrifice on the cross.  The mass is a sacrifice in which Christ is offered under the species of bread and wine in an unbloody manner.  Tradition straight from the Bible says, They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.(Act 2:42)Bottom line, Catholics go to mass to participate in the ultimate sacrifice, the mass is not for us, it is for us to give thanks to God. 

click here catholic mass video 1  catholic mass video 2   catholic mass video 3




3.  What is the Mass? (A Prayer) 

I had a very close cradle catholic tell me that he just did not get anything out of the mass.  Hello did you sleep through it!  He left the church because the protestant church he goes to "studied the bible more," he said.  He has never seen the Roman Missal.  If you go to mass everyday of the week for three years you will hear most of the Bible.  You will also hear many other sacred books the catholic church did not put in the Bible (hint the Catholic Church canonized the Bible around 400 A.D.). 

The mass is broken in to liturgical divisions.  They are; the penitential rite, the liturgy of the word, the liturgy of the Eucharist, the communion rite, and the concluding rite.  The penitential right is lead by prayer and is a asking for forgiveness so we may partake in the body and blood of Christ.  The Liturgy or the word is the three reading from the bible.  The liturgy of the Eucharist is a prayer that the priest say.  During the liturgy of the Eucharist this is where Jesus is present in the bread and wine.  Communion rite is where the laity receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ.  The concluding rite is where the mass is ended and the laity is told to go in peace, which means go with God for now he dwells within you.  

Many other religions do not recognize Jesus's actual presence in the bread and wine.  Jesus spoke very firmly about eating his flesh and drinking his blood so firmly that many followers objected.  They left and went back to what they were doing (Jn 6:52,60,66).  This has also happened in Church history, the (reformation).  I am sorry to tell you this but if you are protestant your faith only dates back to 1800 not to Jesus's time.  So who exactly are you following?  It is also true that many Catholics take Jesus and the mass for granted.  They come to mass just going through the motions.  They fail to recognize that Jesus is present in the Eucharist.  When they eat the bread and drink his blood, again they fail to recognize that Jesus now dwells within them (read Lk 24:35; Lk 24:30-31).

click here Origins of the catholic mass video   History of Catholic Mass video
 




4.  Do Catholics study the Bible? 

Remember the teachings in the Bible are the word of God and the inspired word of God.  In the Bible Jesus instituted the church through Peter (Mt 16:18).  In Peter's time there was no Bible, there was only oral teachings.  The amazing thing about the mass is no matter where you go through-out the world it is the same.  The mass came first and the Bible was designed to reflect and work with the mass.  The Bible is the mass and the mass is the Bible.  For example; 

Opening blessing         Mt 28:19
Apostolic greeting        2 Cor 13:14
Amen                         1 Chr 16:36b
The Lord be with you    Lk 1:28; 2 Thess 3:16; Ruth 2:4
Lord, have mercy         Mt 17:15, 20:31; Ps 123:3
Glory to God               Lk 2:14, plus many texts in Revelations
Alleluia                      Rev 19:1-6; Tob 13:18
Lift up your hearts       Lam 3:41
Holy, holy, holy...        Rev 4:8; Is 6:3; Mk 11:9-10; Ps 118:28
The great amen           Rev 5:14
The Lord's Prayer         Mt 6:9-13
Peace be with you        Jn 14:27; 20:19

click here Do Catholics study the Bible video 1   Do Catholics study the Bible video 2






5.  The differences in worship (Other Faiths vs Catholic) 

Other religious worship is usually centered around a section of the bible.  The Bible section is then preached on by the leader or pastor of the organization.  It is more designed for education.  Most Non catholic organizations focus really hard on scripture study because that is all they have.  However, they have no governing authority on the scriptures.  That is one reason you see so many divisions in the Protestant movement.  They can't agree on one teaching.  The moment you don't like what the pastor says you can leave and start your own church.  One problem with that idea there is only one God.  Jesus says in the Bible,"I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church" (Mt 16:18).  Jesus also says,"I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Mt 16:19).    

It always amazed me how so many people could be so dedicated to something that a man started and how they turn their back on the Church that Jesus started.  Other faiths teach anti catholic ideas, or have anti catholic attitudes.  The Catholic Church teaches to love our Non Catholic brothers and sisters.  As Catholics we are taught that you are to show unconditional love to our Non Catholic brothers and sisters.  Just as a Mother loves  her child.  

Catholics will be the first to tell you, "I don't get anything out of the mass."  The real question is what did they put in their faith.  Ask not what God can do for you but what you can do for God.  Treat the faith with this attitude and you will be blessed.  Catholic mass is the greatest prayer we have.  Through it we give thanks and praise to the Father for the wonderful future He has given us in His Son.  We also ask forgiveness for our sins and beg the Father's blessing upon ourselves and our fellow human beings.  Catholics that say, "I just don't get anything out of the mass."  The question needs to be asked to them, do you pray at home, work, commute, and at play?  Prayer is a powerful tool.  Prayer makes you selfless, and honored to serve, it is humbling, and it is necessary for one to find the true faith.  Jesus said, "Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive." (Mt 21:22)  Do you believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist?  Do you believe in the one holy and apostolic Church?  Do you believe in the forgiveness of sins?  Do you believe in life everlasting? (read Apostles Creed)





6.  What are the marks of the Church? 

The chief marks of the Church are four:  It is one, holy, catholic or universal, and apostolic.

The Church is one because all its members, according to the will of Christ, profess the same faith, have the same Sacrifice and Sacraments, and are united under one and the same visible head, the Pope.

The Church is holy through Jesus Christ Who is the source of all holiness:  in its doctrine, which is the doctrine of Jesus Christ, of which it is the custodian; in its Sacraments, which the Divine Savior has established to sanctify human beings.

The Church is catholic, or universal, i.e., it is not destined for one race, but it will be the light and salvation of all peoples of the world.  There is not one country where the good tidings of salvation have not been or should not be announced by her.

The Church is apostolic, that is, it had its begining with the Apostles.  In commanding His Apostles to go forth and teach all nations, to call them to His Church, and to let them enter through the door of Baptism, Jesus Christ promised to assist them in their ministry until the consummation of the world.  This promise embraces all times, not merely apostolic times, nor does Jesus Christ address Himself personally to the Apostles alone but to all those who would succeed them till the end of the world.

The Apostles have had as their sucessors Bishops, whom they consecrated and who in turn consecrated others so that the apostolic ministry has never been interrupted.  St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, was the first Bishop of Rome, where he ended his apostolate in glorious martyrdom.  His successors in the See of Rome will always preserve the primacy of honor and of jurisdiction which Jesus gave to St. Peter. 





7.  Catholic Bible Study? 

Catholics do study the Bible.  Yes, everyday around the world masses are being held in every Catholic Church around the world.  Every mass is filled with the Bible.  Here is a question that will help you defend your faith.  Ask a Non Catholic. Who compiled the Bible?  The answer is the Bible was canonized around 400 A.D.  During the reformation the Bible was changed (not by the Catholic Church).  Non Catholics use the King James Bible.  This book contains seven fewer books than Catholic Bibles.  Another question to ask Non Catholics is; Why study the bible if it was compiled by the Catholic Church?  Another question is, Why are you studing a Bible that has been changed?  If you were learning to sky dive wouldn't you want to know everything about sky diving.  Missing one little thing could be leathal.  Many Catholics don't realize they do intense bible study.  Catholics study daily if they go to mass.  Catholic Bible study at the mass is lead by a priest that has had eight years of study on faith.  The priest also follows a universal teaching when preaching the Gospels.  A universal teaching that has been around since Jesus's day.  For Non Catholics and Catholics looking for more on this issue.  I encourage you to find and read a Missal.  (Daily Roman Missal).





8.  What does being saved mean? 

What does being saved mean?  Other faiths believe in being saved.  It is very similar to a Catholic being confirmed.  It is a point in a persons life where they decied to live a faithful life.  However, other faiths believe once you are saved, you are assured you place in heaven.  The question you must ask is; what in life has been easy?  Nothing in life is easy.  What makes a man think eternal savation is a walk in the park.  Jesus said, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough." (Lk 13:24)  Jesus also says, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.  How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.  And those who find it are few." (Mt 7:13-15)  Salvation is a daily journey.  We are sinners.  We must work daily to live as Jesus lived.  After a lifetime of learning we will still be no where close to Gods perfection.   





10.  Why don't Other Faiths Baptise Infants? 

This Question is a good one.  Many Faiths disagree with the Catholic Church on this issue.  However the Catholic Church is just doing as Jesus taught.  Jesus said,"Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Mt 19:14), also see (Mk 10:14) and (Lk 18:16).  The bible says no where that baptism is reserved for older people.  A good question to ask someone of another faith is; What happens to an unbaptised person when they die?  What makes children any different?  Jesus said,"Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit (Jn 3:5).  Catholics believe in Baptising infants because if a child is to die they too are to inherit the kingdom of heaven.  Catholic confirmation is equivlant to other faiths baptism.  Confirmation is a point in a persons life where they choose to walk with Jesus, live like Jesus, and work day to day to be holy. 




10.  What is a Catholics Role? (What am I to Do) 

The role of the Catholic is to lead by example.  Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church (Col 2: 24).  You are the Church.  If the work stands that someone built upon the foundation, that person will recieve a wage.  But if someone's work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire.  Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. (1 Cor 3: 12-17).  At the end of mass the priest says, "Go in peace to Love and Serve the Lord."  After recieving the eucharist you are the temple of God.  It is your duty to carry him out into the world.  Make him the focus of conversation.  Let your actions reflect him.  Spread the good news, evangalize making disciples of all peoples.  It is one thing to beleive it is another to belong.

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