Wednesday, May 4, 2011

catholicism

How much do you know about Catholicism?

Before this year, I knew very little about it. I grew up Protestant, more specific Anabaptist, even more specific Brethren in Christ and Mennonite—at least that’s how I see the ladder, maybe someone can correct me on that aspect. (I’m really not found of denomination break downs, always seems to turn political). Two housemates though have been teaching the rest of us little by little about their Catholic traditions. The most notable has been the Catholic Prayer, which we say every so often before dinner.

Bless us, Oh Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord, amen.

When we first started trying it out, a few would somehow accidentally switch to saying the Lord’s prayer, but I think we have a hold of it now. On another note, if I was to throw out my parallel to this prayer, I could tell you the meal prayer our family did growing up.

God is great; God is good; let us thank Him for our food. By His hands, we are fed. Give us Lord our daily bread, amen.

I noticed some of my housemates sing this, but we didn’t growing up. (note: I always thought it was funny that “lettuce” sounds the same as “let us”)

Back on subject. From discussions to actions (like blessing the doorway at Christmas), we have been absorbing Catholicism little by little. To make things clearer and more approachable yet, a housemate did a whole seminar on the basics of Catholicism. Here are some things I gathered.

Liturgy
*Means public works or work done on behalf of the public
*All churches say these uniformly (like different hymns, these are printed in order to have the simultaneous affect)
*It’s a spiritual work- not just entertainment or chanting
*It’s considered an action of Christ, the high priest, and the church

Sacraments
*Signs of grace, instituted by Christ, demonstrated by church
*Signs that are effective—not just symbolic but also active
*Catechism- catholic rule book
*Traditions of Catholicism differs from many churches today because they hold a very strong idea to stick to what Christ instituted, verses churches who institute actions that are of interpretation/ implied in Christ’s teaching

7 sacraments
*Initiation
Baptism- the water represents dying with Christ in it, and then rising in baptism with Him
Confirmation- “age of reason”- also first time receive communion; people choose a saint that they want to emulate, which becomes their confirmation name
Eucharist (communion)
*Healing
Penitence /reconciliation (getting rid of guilt/sin)
Anointing of the sick (last rights)- peace and healing
*At the Service of Communion (Serving)
Holy orders
Marriage

7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
*Wisdom - desire for the things of God, and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory *Understanding - enable us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith
*Counsel - warn us of the deceits of the devil, and of the dangers to salvation
*Fortitude - strengthen us to do the will of God in all things
*Knowledge - enable us to discover the will of God in all things
*Piety - love God as a Father, and obey Him because we love Him
*Fear of the Lord - have a dread of sin and fear of offending God

Mass is the celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist
*Communion is offered every single day
*2 parts – liturgy of word and liturgy of Eucharist
Aka sermon from both parts of bible and communion, with worship songs interspersed

Rosary- set of prayers, not a part of the sacraments. Mary is an intercessor. If you pray to her with humility and faith, she will guide you to Christ. It’s a series of prayers but also a reflection on Christ’s life.
4 mysteries-
*joyful (birth) (early life)
*sorrowful (the passion) (before death)
*glorious (the resurrection) (after death)
*illuminist (transfiguration) (added later)
Hail Mary- scripture that describes Mary (mostly Luke), used with the Rosary to ask for Mary to be an intercessor

We also visited a Parish (catholic church, smaller version of a cathedral) and experienced religious art.

This by no means means that I know now about Catholicism, just to put out the disclaimer. So what are your insights about Catholicism? What are your questions?

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