RCIA Schedule for St. Michaels
Classes on Tuesdays from 6– 7pm in the Parish Hall
Attend Holy Mass each Sunday.
Tuesday, 11-6-12 Salvation History Book of Genesis
Tuesday, 11-13-12 Salvation History Book of Exodus
Tuesday, 11-20-12 Salvation History Gospel of Luke (Incarnation, Mission of Christ)
Tuesday, 11-27-12 Salvation History Gospel of Luke (Redemption & Salvation)
[Advent] – Rite of Acceptance into Order of Catechumens
Tuesday, 12-4-12 Discussion of Conversion
Tuesday, 12-11-12 Acts of the Apostles; Tradition
Tuesday, 12-18-12 Arguments for God’s Existence
Tuesday, 12-25-12 No class [Christmas break]
Tuesday, 1-1-12 No class [New Years Day]
Tuesday, 1-8-13 Trinity
Tuesday, 1-15-13 Church; Mother of God & Saints
Tuesday, 1-22-13 Video by Fr. Robert Barron on the Mass
Tuesday, 1-29-13 Sacraments of Initiation
Tuesday, 2-5-13 Explanation of Mass
Tuesday, 2-12-13 Catholic Prayers & the Liturgical Year
Sunday, 2-17-13 @ 9:30AM Mass [First Sunday of Lent] – Rite of Sending
Sunday, 2-17-13 @ 2:30PM @ Cathedral – Rite of Election for Catechumens &
Candidates with Bishop
Tuesday, 2-19-13 Sacraments of Healing
Tuesday, 2-26-13 Sacraments of Service
Sunday, 3-3-13 @ 9:30 Mass 1st Scrutiny for the Third Sunday of Lent
Tuesday, 3-5-13 Creed, End Times
Sunday, 3-10-13 @ 11:00 Mass 2nd Scrutiny for the Fourth Sunday of Lent
Tuesday, 3-12-13 Commandments
Sunday, 3-17-13 @ 9:30 Mass 3rd Scrutiny for the Fifth Sunday of Lent
Monday, 3-18-13 @ 6pm – Lenten Mission
Tuesday, 3-19-13 @ 6pm – Lenten Mission (No RCIA class; attend mission instead)
Wednesday, 3-20-13 @ 6pm – Lenten Mission
Tuesday, 3-26-13 Church Structure: Hierarchy & Dioceses, Life of Virtue; review of the
basics of the sacraments, what to do at Mass
Thursday, 3-28-13 @ 7:00pm Mass of Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday)
Friday, 3-29-13 @ 3:00pm Adoration of the Cross (Good Friday)
Saturday, 3-30-13 @ 8:00pm Easter Vigil Mass – RECEPTION OF SACRAMENTS
Tuesday, 4-2-12 No class (You deserve a break.)
Tuesday, 4-9-13 Celebration Supper
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RCIA Basics
RCIA, The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is the Church's process of welcoming
newcomers into full communion with the Catholic Church. The RCIA program is open to all
adults, even those who just want to learn more. It is a time of reflection, prayer, instruction,
discernment, and formation. Those who enter the process are expected to attend Holy Mass
each Sunday, attend a weekly RCIA class, and to become increasingly more involved in the
activities of their local parish. Definitely, participate in Mass by standing, kneeling, saying the
prayers, except don’t receive Communion until you’ve received Confirmation or formally been
welcomed as a Catholic at the Easter Vigil.
RCIA is for those persons who have never been baptized and seek to join the community of
believers. These men and women are called "Catechumens." RCIA is for those who have been
baptized in another Christian faith, but are seeking to join the Catholic Church. These men and
women are called "Candidates." RCIA is for those who have been baptized in the Catholic faith
but who have never been fully initiated, through the Sacraments of Eucharist/Confirmation.
These are also called "Candidates." Others who participate in RCIA are: Catholic adults who
serve as sponsors for the catechumens and candidates. These people have a very important role
in helping to nurture and introduce the catechumens and candidates to the Church community by
providing support, example and prayer.
Catechesis is the Church's efforts to make disciples – to help men and women “believe that Jesus
is the Son of God so that believing they might have life in his name, and to educate and instruct
them in this life, thus building up the body of Christ.” (CCC, 4) Proclamation of the Gospel 
examination of the reasons for belief  experience of Christian living  celebration of the
sacraments  integration into the church community  witnessing the faith to others
Four Stages of RCIA
Precatechumenate/Inquiry: Basic information about the faith is given in hopes of bringing
about an initial conversion. This may be gradual or the person may quickly come to a decision
that they want to live the Christian life.
Catechumenate: A time of formation and reflection on the Word of God. Concludes with the
Rite of Election or Enrolment of Names (for unbaptized) and the Rite of Calling the Candidates
to Continuing Conversion (for baptized). The Catechumens are thereafter known as the “Elect.”
Purification and Enlightenment: Instruction and intensive prayer through the season of Lent
in preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Scrutinies occur
during Lent.
Mystagogy: The newly initiated are more fully integrated into the life of the Church.
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3
Precatechumenate/Inquiry Questions1
1. Do you believe in God?
2. What kind of God do you believe in? (personal or impersonal)
3. Do you believe in the possibility of a relationship with this God?
4. Do you have a relationship with this God? What kind of relationship?
5. Are you part of a religious tradition? What tradition? Are you a Christian?
6. Are there bridges of trust in your life regarding Christ, the
Church, the faith, or a committed Christian you know?
7. Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?
8. What spiritual threshold are you at? Trust? Curiosity?
Openness? Seeking? Intentional disciple?
9. If you are not a disciple, how can I help you take the next step on the journey of
discipleship?
Recommended Reading
*Bible. Preferably the NAB or RSV translation. The KJV is a Protestant version and is missing some
books. Every Christian should a Bible and read it.
*Catechism of the Catholic Church – This is the official summary of Catholic Church teachings.
*Basic Catechism by Mary Hill and Susan Walace; Pauline Books, 1999. (Easy Q & A format)
YouCat – youth catechism
Why Is That in Tradition by Patrick Madrid. Our Sunday Visitor; 2002
Where Is That in the Bible by Patrick Madrid; Our Sunday Visitor; 2001
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn
The Story of a Soul by Therese of Liseaux
Unplanned by Abby Johnson
Good News about Sex and Marriage by Christopher West
Eucharist by Father Robert Barron
Man of the Beatitudes by Lucianna Frassati
Local Places to buy Catholic books/gifts:
Crossroads Catholic Book Store, 4416 Johnston Street, Lafayette
Louisiana Church Interiors 1307 N Parkerson Ave Crowley
Acadian Religious 2819 Johnston Street, Lafayette
1
Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry A. Weddell. Our Sunday Visitor Publishing; 2012; p. 198
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Useful Catholic Links
General Reference
Catholics Come Home www.catholicscomehome.org/
Catholic Encyclopedia Online http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/
Faith Formation Online - Free Courses! http://www.kofc.org/un/en/cis/courses/index.html
Catholic Information Service: “Hart Series” and “Veritas Series”
http://www.kofc.org/un/en/cis/index.html
-wide range of devotional/catechetical topics in MP3 or PDF
Catholic Conversion Stories http://whyimcatholic.com/index.php
Mary Foundation (excellent talks) (listen online) www.catholicity.com/cds/cds.html
Daily Mass Readings and short homilies www.usccb.org/nab/
The Vatican Website www.vatican.va/
Catholic Television www.ewtn.com/
Various Topics
Real time Abortion Counter http://www.numberofabortions.com/
Black Genocide and Planned Parenthood video www.maafa21.com/
Pope John Paul II – “Witness to Evil” (Excellent documentary!)
http://www.awesomestories.com/assets/witness-to-evil-young-john-paul-ii-part-1
Marriage video (12 minutes) www.marriageuniqueforareason.org/sexual-difference-video/
Priesthood “Fishers of Men” video (18 min) www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqtOvt7d490
The True Catholic Church (2 min. 38 sec) Available at www.youtube.com
“180” Movie (33 minutes) (compares abortion to holocaust) http://www.180movie.com/
Word on Fire – Fr. Robert Barron www.wordonfire.org
Q and A Catholic Forum sponsored by Vatican www.Aleteia.org/en
Vocational Discernment http://imaginesisters.org/media/
Palm Sunday Video palmsundayfilm.com/
Pentecost in 2 minutes bustedhalo.com/video/pentecost-in-two-minutes
“Confession Explained” (6 minutes 2 seconds) Available at www.youtube.com
Confession resources http://www.thelightisonforyou.org/
“Why I hate religion, but love Jesus – A Catholic Response” (4 min 10 sec)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dqnfz4y8uA
“The Latin Mass” available at www.youtube.com (5 minutes 24 seconds)
“Answering Atheism” by Ken Hensley (46 minutes)www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqE1YguKSDk
Sexual Ethics
Romance without Regret by Jason & Crystalina Evert (88 minutes); Available at youtube.com
Effects of Pornography http://freedbytruth.com/harms-of-porn/
Online Recovery for Pornography Addiction reclaimsexualhealth.com/
Ted Bundy’s Last Interview (4 minutes 33 seconds); Available at youtube.com
“Contraception, Why not?” by Dr. Janet Smith (excellent audio talk)
http://catholicipod.stblogs.com/2008/03/05/contraception-why-not-janet-smith-mp3s-audio/
The Birth Control Pill – Abortifacient (causes abortion) www.prolife.com/BIRTHCNT.html
Sexual Common Sense http://janetesmith.org/
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11-6-12 Book of Genesis: This book of 50 short chapters is an incredible account of the
promises of God to our ancestors. God is always faithful. I strongly encourage reading the
entire book (though it is not required for RCIA). [The footnotes throughout the bible are useful.]
Primeval History (Gen 1-11)
Gen 1 – 3 provide two accounts of Creation
Sin  suffering and death into world: for example, thrown out of
paradise, Cain kills Abel, “dust unto dust”
Gen 9 Covenant with Noah
Gen 11 Tower of Babel
The Patriarch Abraham (Gen 11-25)
Gen 15 – 22 Covenant with Abraham
The Patriarchs Isaac and Jacob (Gen 25-36)
Abraham  Isaac  Jacob/Israel (Gen 32:29)  Joseph
Joseph & His Brothers (Gen 37-50)
Gen 37 – 41 Joseph is enslaved in Egypt; gains prominence with Pharaoh
Gen 46 Jacob/Israel’s other children, the Israelites, migrate to Egypt
Gen 50 Jacob/Israel and his son Joseph die
11-13-12 Book of Exodus
Israelites in Egypt (Ex 1-12)
Ex 1 Twelve sons; oppression, order to kill boy children
Ex 2-4 Moses is spared, called by God, goes to Pharaoh
Ex 5-12 Intense plagues; Passover Ritual
Exodus and Sinai (Ex 12-18)
Ex 12 Depart after 430 years
Ex 14 Crossing of the Red Sea
Ex 16 Quail and Manna
Ex 18 Moses appoints judges
Covenant at Mount Sinai (Ex 19-24)
Ex 20 Ten Commandments
Ex 24 Twelve tribes, Glory Cloud
Dwelling and Furnishings (Ex 25-40)
Ex 25-31 detailed instructions on construction of Dwelling
Ex 32 The Golden Calf
Ex 34 Renewal of the Tablets
Ex 40 Perpetual priesthood
Homework: Study Genesis and Exodus. Quiz next class period on Genesis and Exodus.
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Quiz on Genesis and Exodus
1. What did God create on the seventh day?
a. Animals
c. Night
b. Humans
d. None of the above
2. What are the consequences of original sin?
a. The Tower of Babel
c. suffering and death
b. Covenants
d. Cain and Abel
3. What was the sign of the covenant with Noah?
a. Circumcision
c. rainbow
b. The Passover
d. The Exodus
4. Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as
a. the leaves on a tree
b. stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore
c. the letters in the bible
d. the ants on the ground
5. Who was Abraham’s great grandson who was enslaved in Egypt, but later gained
prominence with Pharoah?
a. Ezekiel
c. Abel
b. John the Baptist
d. Joseph
6. How many sons did Jacob/Israel have?
a. One
c. Seven
b. Three
d. Twelve
7. Which sin did Moses commit?
a. Gambled all his money away
b. Murdered someone
c. Ate meat on Fridays of Lent
d. Cursed at God
8. God surprised Moses by speaking to him
a. in silence
b. through Pharoah
c. through the Quail
d. in a burning bush
9. Who was destroyed in the Red Sea?
a. Canaanites
b. Hittites
c. Egyptians
d. Israelites
10. What was the substance on the ground that the Israelites ate?
a. Rice
c. manna
b. Camels
d. grass
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11-20-12 Gospel of Luke (part I) (Incarnation, Christ’s mission) &
11-27-12 Gospel of Luke (part II) (Redemption & Salvation)
I.
The Prologue (Luke 1)
II.
The Infancy Narrative (Luke 1-2)
Announcement of the Birth of John, Announcement of the Birth of Jesus, Mary Visits
Elizabeth, Canticle of Mary, Birth of John, The Canticle of Zechariah, Birth of Jesus,
Visit of the Shepherds, Circumcision and Naming of Jesus, Presentation in the
Temple, Return to Nazareth, Boy Jesus in the Temple
III.
The Preparation for the Public Ministry (Luke 3-4)
Preaching of John the Baptist, Baptism of Jesus, Testing of Jesus
IV.
The Ministry in Galilee (Luke 4-9)
Beginning of the Galilean Ministry, Rejection at Nazareth, Call of Simon the
Fisherman, Mission of the Twelve, Ministering to a Great Multitude, Sermon on the
Plain, Galilean Women Follow Jesus, Mission of the Twelve, Return of the Twelve
and the Feeding of the Five Thousand, Peter’s Confession about Jesus, First
Prediction of the Passion, Transfiguration of Jesus, Second Prediction of the Passion
V.
The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke’s Travel Narrative (Luke 9-19)
Departure for Jerusalem, Would-be Followers of Jesus, Mission of the Seventy-two,
Return of the Seventy-two, Herod’s Desire to Kill Jesus, Coming of the Kingdom of
God, Third Prediction of the Passion, Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
VI.
The Teaching Ministry in Jerusalem (Luke 19-21)
Entry into Jerusalem, Lament for Jerusalem, Cleansing of the Temple, Authority of
Jesus Questioned, Destruction of the Temple Foretold, Coming Persecution, Great
Tribulation, Coming of the Son of Man, Ministry in Jerusalem
VII.
The Passion Narrative (Luke 22-23)
Conspiracy against Jesus, Preparations for the Passover, Last Supper, Betrayal
Foretold, Role of the Disciples, Peter’s Denial Foretold, Instructions for the Time of
Crisis, Agony in the Garden, Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus, Peter’s Denial of Jesus,
Jesus before the Sanhedrin, Jesus before Pilate, Jesus before Herod, Sentence of
Death, Way of the Cross, Crucifixion, Death of Jesus, Burial of Jesus
VIII. The Resurrection Narrative (Luke 24)
Resurrection of Jesus, Appearance on the Road to Emmaus, Appearance to the
Disciples in Jerusalem, Ascension
Homework: Study Luke’s gospel. Quiz next class period on the above sections in Luke’s gospel.
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Quiz on the Gospel of Luke
1
Where do the words of the Hail Mary prayer come from?
a. Jesus, the Messiah
c. the Gospel of Luke
b. St. Peter
d. Zechariah
2 What does the word “Bethlehem” mean?
a. to eat
c. be not afraid
b. house of bread
d. heavenly host
3 What is the event when the Angel Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive?
a. Annunciation
c. Heralds
b. Visitation
d. Presentation
4 In the gospel of Luke, Jesus sends out 12 disciples and they return, later he sends out
___________ disciples and they return.
a. twenty-six
c. two
b. seventy-two
d. twelve again
5 Jesus predicts his passion saying he will rise again on the _____ day.
a. 8th
c. Easter
b. Sabbath
d. 3rd
6 What is the Latin abbreviation for “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”?
a. INRI
c. YHWH
b. Alpha
d. IHS
7 Jesus foretells the destruction of __________________.
a. his mother
c. the Temple
b. the Passover
d. the synagogue
8 “This cup is the ________ covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.”
a. Passover
c. old
b. Renewed
d. new
9 On the road to Emmaus Jesus appear to __________ disciples.
a. the twelve
c. two
b. Mary of Magdala and his
d. the prophetic
10 The author of Luke’s gospel also wrote _______________________.
a. The gospel of Mark
c. The Acts of the Apostles
b. Revelation
d. Exodus and Leviticus
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12/4/12 Discussion on Conversion
What events led to your own decision to become Catholic or to receive the sacraments of
initiation?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Homework: Go to http://www.catholicity.com/cds/. Click on “Conversion of Scott Hahn” and
play audio. You can also click on “download this free talk now.”
Quiz on the Conversion of Scott Hahn
1. Professor Hahn converted from the Presbyterian faith to the ___________ faith.
2. When asked if we are born again, what should we say? ___________________
________________________________________________________________
3. Martin Luther, taught sola fide, which means justification by faith alone. This rationale
led to the Protestant ________________.
4. Professor Hahn gave his wife a book about ___________________________.
5. Praying to Mary on rosary beads and praying before images of the saints would be
considered as ________________ by many Evangelical Christians.
6. Professor Hahn’s wife was the only woman in her class. She investigated Christian
ethics on birth control and eventually she changed her position to _________-ing the use
of artificial birth control.
7. The New Testament should be seen as the __
______-ment of the Old Testament.
8. Where in the bible does it teach sola scriptura, the principle that we believe in God based
on scripture alone? _____________________________________
9. What is the pillar and foundation of truth? ________________________
10. Praying every day, reading the Bible, and ____________________________ are 3 ways
to become a good witness to the Catholic faith.
Bonus Questions [These weren’t specifically spelled out in the presentation.]
With regard to the Church what is the oral tradition? ____________________________
What is a theologian? _____________________________________________________
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12-11-12 Acts of the Apostles & Tradition
Preparation for the Christian Mission
(Acts 1-2) Promise of the Spirit,
Ascension of Jesus, First Community in
Jerusalem, Choice of Judas’s Successor,
Coming of the Spirit
The Mission in Jerusalem (Acts 2-8)
Peter’s Speech at Pentecost, Signs and
Wonders of the Apostles, Need for
Assistants, Persecution of the Church
The Mission in Judea and Samaria
(Acts 8-9) Philip and the Ethiopian,
Saul’s Conversion, Saul’s Baptism
The Inauguration of the Gentile Mission (Acts 10-15) Baptism of the Gentiles Explained, Church
at Antioch, Council of Jerusalem
The Mission of Paul to the Ends of the Earth (Acts 15-28) Testimony to Jews in Rome
Early Church Martyrdom
Which of the 12 apostles were martyred? All except one.
Matthias replaced Judas. Paul was not one of the original twelve.
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St. Justin, ~155AD, Apology
St. Justin wrote to the pagan emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161) around the year
155, explaining what Christians did:
“On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the
same place. The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as
much as time permits.
When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and
challenges them to imitate these beautiful things.
Then we all rise together and offer prayers* for ourselves . . .and for all others, wherever
they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the
commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation.
When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss.
Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who
presides over the brethren.
He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek:
eucharistian) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts.
When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an
acclamation by saying: 'Amen.'
When he who presides has given thanks and the people have responded, those whom we
call deacons give to those present the "eucharisted" bread, wine and water and take them
to those who are absent.”
The big picture: 5000 years of Judeo-Christian history. Moses was 5000 years ago.
Old Testament (Pentateuch, prophets, historical books) & New Testament (gospels,
letters). The prophets responded to sinful society and spoke of repentance. Each
prophet had to go through conversion first, before proclaiming message. We are
prophets today! The point of Confirmation is so that we’ll be prophets in the modern
world. Prophets of one true God and one true faith. In the New Testament Jesus
founds Catholic Church.
Homework: Watch Fishers of Men DVD (18 minutes)
www.usccb.org/vocations/fishersofmen.shtml
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Tuesday, 12-18-12 Arguments for God’s Existence
“Atheism is one of most serious problems of our times… Atheism is not present in people’s
minds from the beginning. Believers can thus have more than a little to do with the rise of
atheism.” (The Church in the Modern World, 19)
The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God;
and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness
he never stops searching for. In many ways, throughout history down to the present day, men
have given expression to their quest for God in their religious beliefs and behavior: in their
prayers, sacrifices, rituals, meditations, and so forth. These forms of religious expression, despite
the ambiguities they often bring with them, are so universal that one may well call man a
religious being. But this "intimate and vital bond of man to God" (GS 19 § 1) can be forgotten,
overlooked, or even explicitly rejected by man. Such attitudes can have different causes: revolt
against evil in the world; religious ignorance or indifference; the cares and riches of this world;
the scandal of bad example on the part of believers; currents of thought hostile to religion;
finally, that attitude of sinful man which makes him hide from God out of fear and flee his call.
(CCC, 27-30)
33 The human person: with his openness to truth and beauty, his sense of moral goodness, his
freedom and the voice of his conscience, with his longings for the infinite and for happiness, man
questions himself about God's existence. In all this he discerns signs of his spiritual soul. The
soul, the "seed of eternity we bear in ourselves, irreducible to the merely material",9 can have its
origin only in God.
35 Man's faculties make him capable of coming to a knowledge of the existence of a personal
God. But for man to be able to enter into real intimacy with him, God willed both to reveal
himself to man and to give him the grace of being able to welcome this revelation in faith. The
proofs of God's existence, however, can predispose one to faith and help one to see that faith is
not opposed to reason.
36 "Our holy mother, the Church, holds and teaches that God, the first principle and last end of
all things, can be known with certainty from the created world by the natural light of human
reason."11 Without this capacity, man would not be able to welcome God's revelation. Man has
this capacity because he is created "in the image of God".12
38 This is why man stands in need of being enlightened by God's revelation, not only about those
things that exceed his understanding, but also "about those religious and moral truths which of
themselves are not beyond the grasp of human reason, so that even in the present condition of the
human race, they can be known by all men with ease, with firm certainty and with no admixture
of error". 14
46-47 When he listens to the message of creation and to the voice of conscience, man can arrive
at certainty about the existence of God, the cause and the end of everything. The Church teaches
that the one true God, our Creator and Lord, can be known with certainty from his works, by the
natural light of human reason (cf. Vatican Council I, can. 2 § 1: DS 3026), (CCC, 46-47)
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Extremely Brief Summary of 24 Arguments for God's
Existence By Peter Kreeft in Summa of the Summa
I.
Ontological (Anselm): “God” means “that which has all conceivable perfections”;
and it is more perfect to exist really than only mentally; therefore God exists really.
The most perfect conceivable being cannot lack any conceivable perfection.
II.
Cosmological
A. Motion: Since no thing (or series of things) can move (change) itself, there must
be a first, unmoved mover, source of all motion.
B. Efficient causality: Nothing can cause its own existence. If there is no first,
uncaused cause of the chain of causes and effects we see, these second causes
could not exist. They do, so it must.
C. Contingency and Necessity: Contingent beings (beings able not to be) depend on
a necessary Being (a being not able not to be). [This concept is from Aquinas.]
D. Degrees of perfection: Real degrees of real perfections presuppose the existence
of that perfection itself (the perfect Being).
E. Design: Design can be caused only by an intelligent designer. Mindless nature
cannot design itself or come about by chance. [Ratzinger speaks about this.]
F. The Kalam (Time) Argument: Time must have a beginning, a first moment
(creation) to give rise to all other moments. (The ‘Big Bang’ seems to confirm
this: time had an absolute beginning 15 - 20 billion years ago.) And the act of
creation presupposes a creator.
III.
Psychological
A. From mind and truth
i. Augustine: Our minds are in contact with eternal, objective and absolute
truth superior to our minds ( e.g. 2 + 2 = 4 ) and the eternal is divine, not
human.
ii. Descartes: Our idea of a perfect being (God) could not have come from
any imperfect source (cause), for the effect cannot be greater than the
cause. Thus it must have come from God.
B. From will and good
1
Kant: Morality requires a perfect ideal, and requires that this ideal be
actual and real, somewhere.
2
Newman: Conscience speaks with absolute authority, which could come
only from God.
C. From emotions and desire.
1
C . S . Lewis: Innate desires correspond to real objects, and we have an innate
desire (at least unconsciously) for God, and Heaven.
14
2
Von Balthasar: Beauty reveals God. There is Mozart, therefore there must be
God.
D. From experience
1. Existential Argument: If there is no God (and no immortality) life is ultimately
meaningless.
2. Mystical experience meets God.
3. Ordinary religious experience (prayer) meets God. Prayer of the Skeptic: "God,
if you exist, show me" - a real experiment.
4. Love argument: If there is no God of love, no absolute that is love, then love is
not absolute. Or, the eyes of love reveal the infinite value of the human person as
the image of God.
IV.
The argument from the analogy of other minds, which are no harder to prove
than God (Platinga).
V.
The practical argument: Pascals wager: To bet on God is your only chance of
winning eternal happiness, and to bet against Him is your only chance of losing. It is
the most reasonable bet in life.
VI.
Historical
A. From miracles: If miracles exist, a supernatural miracle-worker exists.
B. From providence, perceivable in history (e.g., in scripture) and in ones own life.
C. From authority: Most good, wise, reliable people believe in God.
D. From saints: You see God through them. Where do they get their joy and power.
as with Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
E. From Jesus: If God is unreal, Jesus was history’s biggest fool or fake.
Homework: Listen to Six Arguments (from Answering Atheism by Ken Hensley 2012)
46 minutes; Available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqE1YguKSDk
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Notes from Answering Atheism by Ken Hensley 2012
Morality  We all know intuitively that right and wrong exist. Atheism as a worldview
makes human beings into mere animals and there can be no moral law in the universe.
“Humans are the forward sludge of evolution, and therefore Hitler should get rid of the
evolutionarily less advantaged.”
Atheists would argue that ethics is merely based on a consensus of each culture
and right and wrong do not exist.
Questions for personal reflection: How do I justify my beliefs in right and wrong?
Knowledge  We all assume that knowledge is possible. We take in the world from
senses. We draw logical inferences from facts, that is, we believe reasoning will lead to
truth. Most of us believe the mind is somehow distinct from the brain. We are more than
the bodies in which we dwell.
Human Dignity  Human beings have value. We are made in the image and likeness of
God. We have immortal souls and therefore we are made to life forever.
If humans do not have immortal souls, we are no different than animals. If God
does not exist, humans are not different from animals.
Human personality  If God does not exit, human personhood does not exist.
Love  not just a biochemical reaction; feelings of love demonstrate existence of God.
Why would a human die to protect another? Why do we cry when a loved one
dies? It is natural to grieve.
Meaning  Christ died and was raised. Morality, knowledge, human dignity, human
personality, and love are meaningful human realities.
If we are the product of accidental causes, then we cannot account for meaning in
life.
11:00AM Sunday Mass, 12-?-12 Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (for
those not yet baptized). One who dies during the Catechumenate receives a Christian burial.
12-25-12 No class – Merry Christmas
1- 1-13 No class – Holy Day of Obligation: Mary the Mother of God; New Years’ Day
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1-8-13 Trinity
God is mystery. St. Augustine says, “If you understand, that isn’t God.”
Father: Covenant with the Israelites (highlighted in Old Testament)
Son: Incarnation & Death and Resurrection (highlighted in New Testament)
Unlike all previous prophets, Jesus spoke and acted in the very person of God.
Holy Spirit: Gift to Church/believers (guiding Church since Pentecost).
The Holy Spirit kindles faith. Allows us to call God, “Abba, Father.” Gal 4:6
Symbols of the Holy Spirit: water, anointing, fire, cloud, light, dove
God creates ex nihilo, from nothing.
Places in scripture where we hear about
Trinity: In Baptism of Jesus we hear voice of
Father, see the Holy Spirit as a dove, and
Jesus in water.
Trinity – sign of cross, communion, unity,
family of love. God is love.
Lover – Beloved – Shared Love
Father – Son – Holy Spirit
CCC, 686 “The Holy Spirit is at work with the Father and the Son from the beginning to the
completion of the plan for our salvation. But in these "end times," ushered in by the Son's
redeeming Incarnation, the Spirit is revealed and given, recognized and welcomed as a person.
Now can this divine plan, accomplished in Christ, the firstborn and head of the new creation, be
embodied in mankind by the outpouring of the Spirit: as the Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.”
In class, watch episode 3 of Catholicism: The Journey of a Lifetime on “The Ineffable Mystery
of God” (50 minutes)
Naming God: Eternal – outside time & Immutable – not changing  transcendence
Omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, omnibenevolent  immanence
The Problem of Evil: God is all good and yet allows evil.
Homework: Read chapter 8 from Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Catholicism on saints
Recommended reading: CCC 781–810
Optional: A MORNING OF CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS WITH KARLO BROUSSARD
Topics: The Church’s Belief in God, The Church’s Belief in Christ, The Church’s Belief
in Itself on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 8:00am to 12:00pm. This is a free lecture at
St. Peter’s Church in Carencro. No registration required.
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1-15-13 Church; Mother of God & Saints
The Church
Prayer: 1 Cor 12:1-11
What is the Church? Why belong to the Catholic Church?
“Already present in figure at the beginning of the world, this Church was prepared in marvelous fashion in
the history of the people of Israel and the old Alliance. Established in this last age of the world and made
manifest in the outpouring of the Spirit, it will be brought to glorious completion at the end of time." (LG, 2)
The Church is born primarily of Christ's total self-giving for our salvation, anticipated
in the institution of the Eucharist and fulfilled on the cross. "The origin and growth of
the Church are symbolized by the blood and water which flowed from the open side of
the crucified Jesus." "For it was from the side of Christ as he slept the sleep of death
upon the cross that there came forth the 'wondrous sacrament of the whole Church.'"
As Eve was formed from the sleeping Adam's side, so the Church was born from the
pierced heart of Christ hanging dead on the cross. (CCC, 766)
People of God (priestly, prophetic, and royal); Body of Christ; Temple of the Holy Spirit
CCC, 816 "The sole Church of Christ [is that] which our Savior, after his Resurrection, entrusted to Peter's
pastoral care, commissioning him and the other apostles to extend and rule it. . . . This Church,
constituted and organized as a society in the present world, subsists in (subsistit in) the Catholic Church,
which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him."
The Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism explains: "For it is through
Christ's Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that
the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained. It was to the apostolic
college alone, of which Peter is the head, that we believe that our Lord
entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth
the one Body of Christ into which all those should be fully incorporated who
belong in any way to the People of God."
Four Marks: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic
Christ’s Faithful – Hierarchy, Laity, Consecrated Life
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The Communion of Saints
Can your deceased relatives and friends pray
for you? Do our prayers do them any good?
Discussion on the Saints (based on Ch. 8 of
Rediscover Catholicism)
a) Which biography inspired you the most?
b) Which person did you know the least about?
c) How did the stories encourage, challenge, or inspire you to live differently?
Mary - Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church
How is Mary different from other people?
“truly the Mother of God”
Wholly united with her Son . . .
. . . also in her Assumption
"Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of
original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was
taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the
Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more
fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of
sin and death." (CCC, 966).
. . . our Mother in the order of grace
“Behold your mother… Woman, behold your son."
"wholly unique … the "exemplary realization" of the Church
"by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation . . .”
"Mary's function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this
unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power.”
DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN “This very special devotion . . . differs essentially
from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the
Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration."
Homework: Read Ch. 14 of Rediscover Catholicism on The Mass (pages 199-222)
1-22-13 Video by Fr. Robert Barron on the Mass (episode 7)
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1-29-13 Sacraments of Initiation
Sacrament – the visible sign of an invisible grace! Every sacrament brings us closer to God. The seven
sacraments are instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism: God’s Holy Spirit begins to live in you; “Indelible mark;” You die (to sin)
and rise (to new life) with Christ; Things you see: water, chrism oil, candle, white
garment; Beginning of new life
Confirmation: Person is dedicated to the service of God. “Indelible mark”
Service examples: building houses for poor, feeding hungry, caring for sick;
Strengthening of new life
Communion (Eucharist): Bread and wine become Body and Blood of Jesus.
This happens at every Catholic Mass during the consecration when the priest
says the words of Jesus over the bread and wine. We become what we eat.
We become more like Jesus (holy); Nourishment for new life
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation: forgiveness of sins by priest who does this action as Christ; Restores us to a
state of holiness; The priest has the power to absolve (get rid of) sins because Christ gave this
power to the apostles when he was on earth.
Anointing of Sick: Priest anoints person who is ill; the person’s sins are
forgiven if they are physically unable to make a confession; God helps
the person by giving the person special grace (a special gift) to help them
deal with the illness; God MAY heal the person physically/emotionally.
Sacraments of Service
Marriage: God blesses those who are married in the Church; Marriage shows the love
Christ had for the Church; Christ willingly died for his bride, the Church. A married couple
is a sign of God’s love for the world.
Holy Orders: A bishop (a successor of the apostles) lays his hands on candidate to be
ordained, and says prayer of ordination transforming the candidate into a deacon, priest, or
bishop; “indelible mark;” Main duties of deacon, priest, bishop: preaching, teaching,
celebrating sacraments; Devote their lives as official ministers of Christ for the Church.
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Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water
Celebrant: Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of
the wonders of your unseen power. In baptism we use your gift of water, which
you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament. At the
very dawn of your creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the
well spring of all holiness. The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the
waters of baptism, that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness.
Through the waters of the Red Sea you led Israel out of slavery, to be an image
of God’s holy people, set tree from sin by baptism. In the waters of the Jordan
your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit. Your Son willed
that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross. After
his resurrection he told his disciples: “Go out and teach all nations baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Father,
look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of
baptism. By the power of the Spirit give to the water of this font the grace of
your Son. You created man in your own likeness: cleanse him from sin
in a new birth to innocence by water and the Spirit.
The celebrant touches the water with his right hand and continues: We ask you, Father, with your Son to send the
Holy Spirit upon the water of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also with him
to newness of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.
Reflections on the Eucharist

In the multiplication of the loaves, “Jesus took
the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them.”
This is similar to Last Supper account when
“Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and
giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is
my body.’” The multiplication of the loaves is
used to physically feed those who are following
Jesus as the Holy Eucharist is used to spiritually
feed the followers of Jesus.

Through Holy Communion we are in Communion with the Saints. “Because the loaf of bread is one,
we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf” (1 Cor 10:17). We become more
united with all the faithful in heaven, purgatory, and on earth.

More importantly – through the Eucharist we are in “intimate union with Christ Jesus” (CCC, 1391).
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father
sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life
because of me” (Jn 6:56-57). “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” The Eucharist
is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Creator.

Receiving Holy Communion renews the grace we received at our Baptism. As we participate more
frequently in the life of Christ, we grow in friendship with him, and this friendship makes it harder
for us to turn against Him in sin. When we receive the Eucharist we become living tabernacles. We
become more like God, more grace-filled, and able to change the world.
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
Sanctifying effect by washing away venial sins. Sin damages; Christ heals. If one has only committed
venial or lesser sins, one does not need to go to Confession to be forgiven.

The Eucharist is reverenced in tabernacles which are gold plated and embedded with precious
jewels. Likewise, the chalice which holds the Blood is made of precious metal. Adoration chapels
are also frequently found throughout the world as a sign that Catholics really do believe in the true
presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Christian martyrdom is said to be a ‘witness of blood.’ Receiving the Blood of Christ is symbolic of
our willingness to die for Jesus.

The mixing of the water and the wine is important. The wine represents the blood of Christ and the
water represents his people. When Christ became man he took on our humanity. The mingling of
Christ’s divinity and our humanity is the nature that unifies the Church. Christ and his Church are
absolutely inseparable

We often don’t realize how shocking and stomach-turning Jesus’ request to the disciples was in the
upper room during the night of the Last Supper. When Jesus asks them to eat his flesh and drink his
blood, the disciples were likely more than puzzled at such a request. John’s gospel explains that
many of the disciples found the message too hard to believe, and they no longer followed Jesus.
o
Unfortunately, this is the case for many fallen away Catholics today. They do not believe
that Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine which is transformed into his body and
blood at Mass. This has always been the understanding of the Catholic Church. Many fallen
away Catholics have thought that there is no real distinction between receiving Communion
at a Protestant service and receiving communion at a Catholic Church.

Catholics are not simply remembering Jesus’ words at the Last Supper. We enter into the entire
Paschal mystery of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We not only remember, but we actually
participate in the ever present reality of this Paschal mystery. We believe there is one priest (Jesus
Christ), one sacrifice (the sacrifice of Christ himself on Calvary). At Mass we enter into a sacramental
re-presentation of this same reality. In the Eucharist we participate in Christ’s death and
resurrection.

The Word became Flesh in Bethlehem two millennia ago. The
Word still becomes Flesh at every Catholic Mass. Christ gives
himself to us as spiritual food for the journey. The French word
meaning “to eat” is mangér, a term related to the word manger.
Christ’s residence in a feeding trough in Bethlehem is a message to
us about food. To rescue his people from sin and death, Christ
gives us himself as food for the journey of life.

I have encountered people who doubt that God could be made present in Eucharist. It seems to me
that if we believe that God is the “maker of heaven and earth” then all things are possible. We
profess that Christ “was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.” God, who
manifests himself in this miraculous way, can likewise change bread and wine into his body and
blood at Mass.
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Sacraments of Initiation - Quiz2
Which sacrament gives our souls the new life of Sanctifying Grace, by which we become
children of God and heirs of heaven? ______________
Which sacrament takes away original sin? ______________
Does Baptism take away all sins? True or False
Only babies can be baptized. True or False
What is the duty of the godparent after Baptism? __________________________________
In case of necessity, Baptism may be given by anyone. True or False
Baptism removes from the soul every sin. True or False
When you were born you had original sin. True or False
Which sacrament is the first sacrament? ______________
Which sacrament do you receive church membership? ______________
Which sacrament is a prerequisite for all sacraments? ______________
Who is the usual minister of Confirmation? ______________
When does the bishop bless the chrism? ______________
Confirmation is the Sacrament through which ____________ comes to us in a special way.
The Holy Spirit is received during Confirmation when the minister lays his hands upon the head
of the one to be confirmed. True or False
These are the essential words said by the minister of Confirmation: “I sign you with the sign of
the cross and I confirm you with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” True or False
Confirmation increases sanctifying grace and imprints a lasting character on the soul. True or
False
The sacramental grace of Confirmation helps us live our faith loyally and profess it
courageously. True or False
The bishop anoints those being confirmed with chrism on the forehead in the form of what
shape? ______________
A deacon may consecrate the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus. True or False
The appearance of the bread and wine remain after the consecration. True or False
We receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. True or False
Jesus is contained whole and entire in every single particle of the consecrated host. True or False
Jesus is contained whole and entire in every drop of His Precious Blood. True or False
The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice. True or False
When did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? ________________
Who was present when Our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist? ______________
What is the change of the entire substance of the bread and wine into the body and blood of
Christ called? ______________
The part of the Mass in which the priest, using the words of Our Lord, changes bread and wine
into the Body and Blood of Christ is called what? ______________
2
Source of Questions: http://www.orgsites.com/md/church-crafts-and-activities/SacramentsQuestions.pdf
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2-5-13 Explanation of Mass (with Church tour)
Changes in People’s Mass Parts
PART OF MASS
NEW TEXT
Changes denoted by boldface text.
Greeting
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Penitential Act,
Form A
(Confiteor)
I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in
my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through
my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary
ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to
the Lord our God.
Penitential Act,
Form B
Priest: Have mercy on us, O Lord.
People: For we have sinned against you.
Priest: Show us, O Lord, your mercy.
People: And grant us your salvation.
Gloria
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we
bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord
God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take
away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus
Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
At the Gospel
Deacon (or Priest): A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible
and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before
all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made,
consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our
salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin
Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered
death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again
24
in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and
the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through
the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the
forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the
world to come. Amen.
Preface Dialogue
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right and just.
Sanctus
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the
highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Mystery of Faith
(formerly the
Memorial
Acclamation)
Priest: The mystery of faith.
People:
A – We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come
again.
-orB – When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until
you come again.
-orC – Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us
free.
Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: And with your spirit.
Invitation to
Communion
Priest: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
All: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say
the word and my soul shall be healed.
Concluding Rites
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Homework: Read Ch. 13, Ch. 16 & 18 of Rediscover Catholicism on Daily Prayer (pages 169199), Fasting (pages 241-258) & The Rosary (pages 265-278); Read CCC 2673-2682 on prayer.
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2-12-13 Catholic Prayers & the Liturgical Year
“What is the difference between public Revelation and private revelations?
In some cases popular devotions are based on private revelations rather than
public Revelation. The Church distinguishes between public Revelation, which God
has given to the Church as a whole and to which all the faithful are bound, and
private revelations, which God has given to a particular individual or group and
which place no obligation on the rest of the Church. In its document The Message
of Fatima, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith offers a theological
commentary that explains the difference between public Revelation and private
revelation.
The term public revelation refers to the revealing action of God directed to humanity as a whole and
which finds its literary expression in the two parts of the Bible: the Old and New Testaments. It is called
revelation because in it God gradually made himself known to men, to the point of becoming man
himself, in order to draw to himself the whole world and unite it with himself through his incarnate Son,
Jesus Christ. 39
Public Revelation has been transmitted in Sacred Scripture and in Sacred Tradition, which together
"form one sacred deposit of the word of God, committed to the Church." 40 This is the Revelation that
was given to the entire Church and that must be received in faith by all the People of God. It is complete
in itself and does not need to be supplemented by later revelations. "In Christ, God has said everything,
that is, he has revealed himself completely, and therefore revelation came to an end with the fulfillment
of the mystery of Christ as enunciated in the New Testament." 41 The Fathers of the Second Vatican
Council affirmed, "we now await no further new public revelation before the glorious manifestation of
our Lord Jesus Christ." 42
Private revelations are different, for they refer "to all the visions and revelations which have taken place
since the completion of the New Testament." 43 A vision or any other kind of miraculous communication
from God or from Mary or another saint falls into this category. Private revelations are given to an
individual or small group, not to the Church as a whole. Consequently, while specific commands may be
directed to an individual or small group, no obligation of assent of Catholic faith is placed on the Church
as a whole. 44 "Even when a 'private revelation' has spread to the entire world . . . and has been
recognized in the liturgical calendar, the Church does not make mandatory the acceptance either of the
original story or of particular forms of piety springing from it" 45 Private revelations do not have the
same authority as public Revelation. Public Revelation "demands faith; in it in fact God himself speaks to
us through human words and the mediation of the living community of the church." 46 Private
revelations do not demand faith on the part of the Church as a whole because such revelations do not
belong "to the deposit of the faith. It is not their role to improve or complete Christ's definitive
Revelation, but to help [people] live more fully by it in a certain period of history." 47
The role of private revelations is to help people to enter more deeply into the faith that has been
revealed publicly. Private revelations are thus in service to the faith, which is based on public Revelation.
Private revelations are "a help to this faith and shows its credibility precisely by leading [one] back to the
definitive public revelation." 48
Source: usccb.org
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Prayers said by Christians are of two main types: liturgical and private.
Liturgical: Sacramental Rites (the official rituals by which a sacrament is experienced/done).
 Examples include: celebration of all the sacraments including Holy Mass; the Liturgy of
the Hours
Private: Includes any and all prayers you can do in private and not in a community setting.
 Examples include: Lectio Divina with scripture, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, The
Holy Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Prayer cards, medals, scapulars, icons, Spiritual
reading, Pilgrimages and Retreats, Novena, Stations of the Cross (usually during Lent)
Different forms of prayer: Blessing and Adoration, Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving, and
Praise.
Different expressions of prayer: Vocal (say), Meditation (try to understand), Contemplative
(marvel).
Lectio Divina
It’ll take 10 minutes or more to clear your mind from the day’s distractions. After clearing your mind, try
to spend 20 to 30 minutes with the passage.
Preparation
Place
Find a quiet time and place.
Posture
Be relaxed and comfortable, but not in a posture conducive to sleep.
Passage
Prepare your passage before you begin.
Prayer
Begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Steps
Lectio
Meditatio
Oratio
Contemplatio
Read the passage slowly. Pause when you feel your attention drawn to
word, phrase or thought.
Ponder this passage and what it means for you.
Prayer. Talk with God about the passage and your reflection.
When moved by God, rest in the quiet presence of God; surrender to grace.
When ready, return to your reading.
Source: http://www.benedictine-srs-vocations.org/
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Stations of the Cross
by St. Francis of Assissi
There are many versions of this prayer from various saints or other spiritual writers. Feel free to use whichever
version you find the most inspiring. The Stations may be prayed in a group or individually. The presiding minister
may be a priest, deacon, or layperson. The following is from http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/prayer/stations.htm.
Most of the time people use prayer booklets when praying the stations. Versions are online as well.
Preparatory Prayer: O Loving Jesus, inflame my cold heart with Thy love, that I may perform this devotion
as perfectly as possible, and that I may live and die in union with Thee. Amen.
First Station - Jesus Is Condemned to Death
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus, the most innocent of beings, is condemned to death, yes, to the shameful
death of the cross. In order to remain a friend of Caesar, Pilate delivers Jesus
into the hands of His enemies. O fearful crime, to condemn Innocence to death
and to displease God in order to please men.
O innocent Jesus, * I have sinned and I am guilty of eternal death; * but that I
may Live, * Thou dost gladly accept the unjust sentence of death. * For whom
then shall I henceforth live * if not for Thee, my Lord? * If I desire to please
men, * I can not be Thy servant. * Let me, therefore, rather displease the whole
world * than not please Thee, O Jesus!
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified.
R. Have mercy on us. Through her heart, His sorrow sharing, All His bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword
had passed.
1st Station: Jesus is condemned to death
2nd Station: Jesus carries His cross
3rd Station: Jesus falls the first time
4th Station: Jesus meets his mother
5th Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross
6th Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
7th Station: Jesus falls the second time
8th Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9th Station: Jesus falls a third time
10th Station: Jesus clothes are taken away
11th Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross
12th Station: Jesus dies on the cross
13th Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross
14th Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb
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The Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
The Joyful Mysteries
1st – The Annunciation: The humility of the Blessed Virgin when the Angel Gabriel greeted her
with these words: "Hail full of grace". Luke 1:26
2nd – The Visitation: Mary's charity in visiting her cousin Elizabeth and remaining with her for
three months before the birth of John the Baptist. Luke 1:39
3rd – The Birth of Jesus: The poverty, so lovingly accepted by Mary when she placed the Infant
Jesus, our God and Redeemer, in a manger in the stable of Bethlehem. Luke 2:1
4th – The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple: Mary's obedience to the law of God in presenting
the Child Jesus in the Temple. Luke 2:22
5th – Finding Jesus in the Temple: The deep sorrow with which Mary sought the Child Jesus for
three days, and the joy with which she found Him in the midst of the Teachers of the Temple.
Luke 2:41
The Sorrowful Mysteries
1st – Agony in the Garden: Our Lord Jesus in the garden of Gethsemani, suffering a bitter agony
for our sins. Matthew 26:36
2nd – Scourging at the Pillar: The cruel scourging at the pillar that our Lord suffered; the heavy
blows that tore His flesh. Matthew 27:26
3rd – Crowning of Thorns: The crown of sharp thorns that was forced upon our Lord's Head and
the patience with which He endured the pain for our sins. Matthew 27:27
4th – Jesus Carries His Cross The heavy Cross, so willingly carried by our Lord, and ask Him to
help you to carry your crosses without complaint. Matthew 27:32
5th – The Crucifixion of Jesus The love which filled Christ's Sacred Heart during His three hours'
agony on the Cross, and ask Him to be with you at the hour of death. Matthew 27:33
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The Glorious Mysteries
1st – The Resurrection of Jesus: Christ's glorious triumph when, on the third day after His death,
He arose from the tomb and for forty days appeared to His Blessed Mother and to His disciples.
John 20:1
2nd – The Ascension of Jesus: The Ascension of Jesus Christ, forty days after His glorious
Resurrection, in the presence of Mary and His disciples. Luke 24:36
3rd – The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost: The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and
the Apostles, under the form of tongues of fire, in fulfillment of Christ's promise. Acts 2:1
4th – The Assumption of Mary into Heaven: The glorious Assumption of Mary into Heaven, when
she was united with her Divine Son.
5th – The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth: The glorious crowning of Mary as
Queen of Heaven by her Divine Son, to the great joy of all the Saints.
The Luminous Mysteries
1st – The Baptism of Jesus: And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son,
with whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17
2nd – The Wedding at Cana: Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so
revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. John 2:11
3rd – The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God: Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of
God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the
gospel." Mark 1:15
4th – The Transfiguration: And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and
his clothes became white as light. Matthew 17:2
5th – Institution of the Holy Eucharist: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the
blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Matthew
26:26
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How To Pray The Rosary
After each decade say "Prayer to Jesus Requested by
Our Lady"
Announce Second Mystery; then say "Our Father."
and continue with Third, Fourth and Fifth Mysteries
in the same manner.
After the Rosary, say, “Hail Holy Queen” on large
bead.
Note: The Joyful mysteries are usually said on
Monday and Saturday, the Luminous on Thursday,
the Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday, and the
Glorious on Wednesday and Sunday.
Prayers of the Rosary
The Apostles' Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and
in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the
Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended
into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and is
seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge
the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion
of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
The Our Father: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be
done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace! the Lord is with thee; blessed are thou among women, and
blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the
hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Prayer to Jesus Requested By Our Lady: O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell,
take all souls to Heaven, and help especially those most in need of Your mercy.
Hail Holy Queen: Hail! Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do
we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this
valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our
exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary!
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The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Our Lord said to Saint
Faustina:
“Encourage souls to
say the Chaplet which
I have given you ...
Whoever will recite it
will receive great
mercy at the hour of
death ... When they
say this chaplet in the
presence of the dying,
I will stand between
my Father and the
dying person, not as
the Just Judge but as
the Merciful Savior ...
Priests will
recommend it to
sinners as their last
hope of salvation.
Even if there were a
sinner most hardened,
if he were to recite
this chaplet only once,
he would receive
grace from my infinite
mercy. I desire to
grant unimaginable
graces to those souls
who trust in My
mercy ... Through the
Chaplet you will
obtain everything, if
what you ask for is
compatible with My
will.”
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Perpetual Adoration is when the priest takes a consecrated host
and places it in a monstrance.
What do you actually do during adoration? You may sign up to be
an "adorer" for one or more hours per week. It means that you can
have some time alone with Jesus to recite your favorite prayers, read
the bible, contemplate acts of faith, hope, charity, thanksgiving,
reparation, pray a rosary or do whatever type of prayerful devotion
that suits you before Our Lord. You can just sit and say nothing
simply keeping Him company, just as you would with a dear friend.
What is an Icon? Icons are religious painting traditional among Eastern
Christians. Christian iconography expresses in images the same Gospel
message that Scripture communicates by words. CCC 1159-1162
Brown
Scapular
9:30AM Sunday Mass, 2-17-13 [First Sunday of Lent] - Rite of Sending (sponsors testify)
Catechumens and sponsors sign the Book of the Elect at parish; Bring Book of Elect to
cathedral. Candidates may present a copy or symbol of their baptism. The candidates
can be asked: “Are you ready to ready to renew baptismal commitment?”
2:30PM Sunday, 2-17-13 at Cathedral is Rite of Election.
Both catechumens and candidates go to Cathedral in Lafayette.
Homework: (1) Read Ch. 12 of Rediscover Catholicism on Confession pages 143-168. (2) Try
praying in a different way. (3) Watch Scott Hahn – Forty Days video at www.youtube.com
(explaining Lent; 8:13 sec). Quiz next week.
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Catholic Prayer Quiz
The Our Father: Our Father who art ______, hallowed be ___ name; Thy kingdom _____; Thy
will be _____ on earth as it is in _______. Give us this day our ______ bread; and forgive us our
_________ as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into ___________, but
deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of _______! The Lord is with thee; blessed are thou among
_____, and blessed is the fruit of thy _____, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us
_________ now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be: Glory be to the ________, and to the ____, and to the ___________. As it was in the
beginning, ________, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Prayer to Jesus Requested By Our Lady: O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the
_____ of hell, take all souls to _______, and help especially those most in need of Your _____.
The Apostles' Creed: I _______in God, the Father _________, Creator of Heaven and ______;
and in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord; who was __________ by the Holy Spirit, born of the
Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius _______, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended
into _____; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and is seated
at the ______ hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to _______ the
living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of
_______, the forgiveness of _____, the _____________ of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Hail Holy Queen: Hail! Holy Queen, Mother of _____, our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To you do we ___, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning
and weeping in this ______ of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy
towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed _____ of your womb, Jesus. O
clement! O ______! O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O Holy ______ of God, that we may be
made worthy of the promises of Christ.
JOYFUL
SORROWFUL
GLORIOUS
LUMINOUS
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
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2-19-13 Sacraments of Healing
Penance Mt 16: 13-20 power to bind and loose
Names: conversion, penance, confession, forgiveness, reconciliation
Effects: pardon from God & reconciliation with the Church
Mortal and Venial Sin
A serious, grave or mortal sin is the knowing and willful violation of God's law in a serious
matter, for example, idolatry, adultery, murder, slander. These are all things gravely contrary to
the love we owe God and, because of Him, our neighbor. As Jesus taught, when condemning
even looking at a woman lustfully, sin can be both interior (choices of the will alone) or exterior
(choices of the will carried into action). A man who willfully desires to fornicate, steal, murder
or some other grave sin, has already seriously offended God by choosing interiorly what God has
prohibited.
Mortal sin is called mortal because it is the "spiritual" death of the soul (separation from God). If
we are in the state of grace it loses this supernatural life for us. If we die without repenting we
will lose Him for eternity. However, by turning our hearts back to Him and receiving the
Sacrament of Penance we are restored to His friendship. Catholics are not allowed to receive
Communion if they have unconfessed mortal sins.
Venial sins are slight sins. They do not break our friendship with God, although they injure it.
They involve disobedience of the law of God in slight (venial) matters. If we gossip and destroy
a person's reputation it would be a mortal sin. However, normally gossip is about trivial matters
and only venially sinful. Additionally, something that is otherwise a mortal sin (e.g. slander) may
be in a particular case only a venial sin. The person may have acted without reflection or under
force of habit. Thus, not fully intending the action their guilt before God is reduced. It is always
good to remember, especially those who are trying to be faithful but sometimes fall, that for
mortal sin it must not only be 1) serious matter, but 2) the person must know it is serious
and then 3) freely commit it.
Answered by Colin B. Donovan, STL
Source: www.ewtn.com/
Anointing of the Sick Jas 5: 14-15
“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace
of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”
Oil of sick; Anointing is appropriate when grave illness or old age.
Confession  Anointing  Viaticum.
Effects: unites suffering to Christ; strength, peace, courage; forgiveness of sins; possibly
the restoration of health; preparation for final Passover
35
RITE OF CONFESSION
RECEPTION OF PENITENT
The penitent can either confess face-to-face or behind a fixed grate. The penitent makes the sign
of the cross saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Bless me Father for I have sinned, it has been ________ (length of time) since my last
confession.”
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD (OPTIONAL)
The priest may read a brief passage from Scripture.
CONFESSION OF SINS
The priest may say, “May the Lord be in your heart and help you to
confess your sins with true sorrow.” If necessary, the priest helps the
penitent to make an integral confession and offers counsel. The priest
proposes an act of penance.
ACT OF CONTRITION
The priest asks the penitent to say an Act of Contrition in these or similar words: “My God, I am
sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have
sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do
penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered
and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.”
ABSOLUTION
The priest extends his right hand and says: “God, the Father of mercies, through the death and
resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for
the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and
peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of
the Holy Spirit.” The penitent answers: Amen.
DISMISSAL
The priest dismisses the penitent who has been reconciled. The priest may say, “May the
Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of all the
saints, whatever good you do and suffering you endure, heal your sins, help you to grow in
holiness, and reward you with eternal life. Go in peace.”
PENANCE
The penitent fulfills the penitent after leaving the confessional.
Examination of Conscience
You will need a conscience 
Confess sins.
Be absolved.
Do penance.
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EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
Below are suggestions for examining your conscience in preparation for a fruitful confession. This
examination focuses on the Ten Commandments and gives examples of the kinds of sins that tend to be
committed against each Commandment.
I. I am the Lord your God; you shall not have false gods before me.
Have I rejected God’s revelation as it comes to me through the Scriptures and the teaching of the Church?
Have I sought money, power, sexuality, or any other lesser good as if it were the supreme good? Have I
despaired of God’s help? Have I taken for granted God’s mercy? Have I placed faith in superstition?
II. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Have I disrespected the holiness of God or of things or persons dedicated to God? Have I lied under oath
or failed to keep vows made in God’s sight?
III. You shall keep holy the Sabbath day.
Have I failed, through my own fault, to worship God by attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of
Obligation? Have I kept Sunday holy by using it as a day for recreation with family and friends, for
charitable activity, and for extra prayer? Have I rested sufficiently to renew me for the work that awaits
in the coming week?
IV. You shall honor your father and your mother.
Have I fulfilled my obligations toward my parents, especially in their advancing years? Have I been
respectfully obedient to those who are legitimate authorities over me?
V. You shall not kill.
Have I contributed to, or permitted in any way, the taking of human life through murder, abortion, or
euthanasia? Have I done damage to another’s health or well-being in any way? Have I jeopardized my
own well-being through the use of alcohol, drugs, or some other self destructive behavior? Have I acted
on anger unjustly? Have I wished ill fate to befall another? Have I done anything that gives bad example
to others that might lead them to sin?
VI and IX. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not covet your neighbor’s spouse.
Have I engaged in voluntary sexual intercourse outside of marriage? Within marriage, have I engaged in
sexual activity without regard for showing love to my spouse or without openness to the possibility of
conceiving children? Have I been sexually impure with myself or others? Has my marriage been
celebrated in the Catholic Church or with the permission of the Catholic Church?
VII and X. You shall not steal. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
Have I respected the property of others? Have I taken the goods of another or done willful damage to
them? Have I taken the intellectual property of others by taking their ideas without giving proper credit?
Have I deprived others of a just wage? Have I failed to give my employer a day’s work for a day’s pay?
Have I failed to share my resources with those less fortunate than me? Have I been discontent with my
own blessings from God and envied those of my neighbor?
VIII. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Have I told serious lies? Have I gossiped? Have I disclosed the faults of another without serious reason
for doing so? Have I willfully and maliciously damaged another’s reputation?
Source: www.nationalshrine.com
37
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I have to confess my sins to a priest?
That’s the way Jesus set it up on Easter Sunday
evening. He told his apostles that just as God the
Father had sent him — and God the Father sent him to save us from our sins — so he was sending them.
He breathed on them the power of the Holy Spirit, giving them God’s power to forgive sins, since no one
can forgive sins but God alone. He told them that whatever sins they forgive are forgiven and whatever
sins they retain are retained (Jn 20:21-23; Mk 2:7). Since the apostles were unable to read minds, the only
way that they would know which to forgive and which to retain is if people told them their sins. Jesus
thus established the essential structure of the sacrament of confession. Just as he uses priests to give us his
Body and Blood at Mass so he uses them to give us His mercy in Penance.
2. Was the Sacrament of Penance always the way it is now?
The Catechism succinctly teaches, “Over the centuries the concrete form in which the Church has
exercised this power received from the Lord has varied considerably. During the first centuries the
reconciliation of Christians who had committed particularly grave sins after their Baptism (for example,
idolatry, murder, or adultery) was tied to a very rigorous discipline, according to which penitents had to
do public penance for their sins, often for years, before receiving reconciliation. To this ‘order of
penitents’ (which concerned only certain grave sins), one was only rarely admitted and in certain regions
only once in a lifetime. During the seventh century Irish missionaries, inspired by the Eastern monastic
tradition, took to continental Europe the ‘private’ practice of penance, which does not require public and
prolonged completion of penitential works before reconciliation with the Church. From that time on, the
sacrament has been performed in secret between penitent and priest. This new practice envisioned the
possibility of repetition and so opened the way to a regular frequenting of this sacrament. It allowed the
forgiveness of grave sins and venial sins to be integrated into one sacramental celebration. In its main
lines this is the form of penance that the Church has practiced down to our day” (CCC 1447).
3. Why do people vary in calling it the Sacrament of Penance, Confession or Reconciliation?
The names emphasize different aspects of the sacrament. Penance refers to our repentance, sorrow and
resolution to amend our life with God’s help. Confession refers to the act by which we tell our sins to the
priest. Reconciliation refers to the goal of the celebration by which the sinner is reconciled to God and the
Church (see CCC 1423-1424). The ritual for the sacrament is called the Rite of Penance, but is fitting to
refer to it with any of these titles. In fact, the Catechism refers to it also as “the Sacrament of Conversion”
and the “Sacrament of Forgiveness.”
4. What do I need to do to make a good confession?
The sacrament consists of three actions on the part of the penitent: contrition, which sorrow for one’s sins;
confession, that is examining one’s conscience and telling one’s sins to the priest; and penance, namely a
desire to make up for one’s sins and amend one’s life. Together the three are called the “acts of the
penitent.”
5. How do I examine my conscience well?
One does so by asking for God’s help and prayerfully examining one’s actions in the light of Christ’s
teaching and example. Some review their behavior by the Ten Commandments, others by Christ’s
38
command to love God and love others, others by their correspondence to the beatitudes, others by
comparing their behavior to the most important Christian virtues, and others by the seven “capital” sins
(pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, lust and gluttony). It is not enough merely to focus on how one’s broken
God’s “rules,” but rather how one has damaged his relationship with God and others and hurt himself
interiorly. It is also important to examine for sins of omission.
6. How do I grow in contrition?
There are two types of contrition: sorrow over hurting one we love (called perfect contrition) and sorrow
over getting caught or over the punishment that comes because of sin (imperfect contrition). We should
ask God to help us achieve that perfect contrition in which we are sorry for having wounded the God
who loves us and whom we should love in return. Meditation on the consequence of ours sins — Christ’s
brutal death on the Cross — often helps us to grow toward perfect contrition.
7. How does our sorrow translate into penance?
When we are truly sorry for our sins, we regret having ever done them. That leads naturally to our trying
to remedy the damage caused by sin and to having a firm purpose of amendment to avoid that and other
types of sins in the future. The priest normally assigns us a penance (for example, prayer, fasting or other
types of self-denial, sacrifices, almsgiving, spiritual or corporal works of mercy, or service of neighbor) as
medicine to begin to repair the damage caused by sin, but this penance is light in comparison to the
infinite harm our sins have done in bringing about Christ’s death. So we should voluntarily do penance
to seek, with God’s help, to expiate our sins and repair that damage (CCC 1460)
8. What are the qualities of a good confession?
A good confession is humble, sincere and complete. It’s humble when we accuse ourselves of our sins
with a deep sorrow for having offended the Lord while imploring his loving mercy. It’s sincere when we
tell all of our sins honestly and truthfully, without exaggerating or excusing them. It’s complete when we
confess all of our mortal sins, including the number of times we have committed each one.
9. What is sin and what sins need to be confessed in the Sacrament of Penance?
Sin is an offense against God that ruptures our communion with Him and with His Church (CCC 1440). It
is far more than “breaking the rules,” but is a failure to love God and to love others, which causes real
damage in all our relationships. There are sins totally incompatible with love for God and others (mortal
sins, in which genuine love is “dead”), and ones in which love is less grievously wounded (venial or
“easily forgiven”). The Church says that all grave or mortal sins must be confessed as soon as possible
(CIC 988).
10. What is a mortal sin?
A mortal sin involves an action whose object is grave matter that is committed with full knowledge and
deliberate consent. Grave matter is generally understood to be something that violates the Ten
Commandments. Full knowledge means that one is aware that God or the Church he founded considers
the act sinful (even if one doesn’t totally understand why it is sinful). Deliberate consent means a consent
sufficiently intentional to be a personal choice (CCC 1857-1859).
11. What are the consequences of a mortal sin?
39
A mortal sin “results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of
grace. If it is not redeemed by repentance and God's forgiveness, it causes exclusion from Christ's
kingdom and the eternal death of hell, for our freedom has the power to make choices for ever, with no
turning back” (CCC 1861). This is why it is so important for mortal sins to be confessed to a priest as soon
as possible.
12. What is a venial sin and what are its consequences?
“One commits venial sin when, in a less serious matter, he does not observe the standard prescribed by
the moral law, or when he disobeys the moral law in a grave manner, but without full knowledge or
without complete consent. Venial sin weakens charity; it manifests a disordered affection for created
goods; it impedes the soul's progress in the exercise of the virtues and the practice of the moral good; it
merits temporal punishment. Deliberate and unrepented venial sin disposes us little by little to commit
mortal sin. However venial sin does not set us in direct opposition to the will and friendship of God; it
does not break the covenant with God. With God's grace it is humanly reparable” (CCC 1862-1863).
13. What did Jesus say and do about sin?
Jesus is the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29). His first public words
were “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mt 4:17). He healed the sins of the paralyzed man and
of the woman caught in adultery (Mk 2:5; Jn8:11). He preached on God’s desire to reconcile us with the
beautiful images of the lost sheep, lost coin and lost son (Lk 15). He taught us how to be brutal toward
sin, instructing us in the Sermon on the Mount us that it would be better to rip out our eyes or cut off our
hands if they were leading us to sin than to do nothing and lose our bodies and souls forever in Hell (Mt
5:29-30). He taught us to pray to the Father to forgive us our sins and to bring us to forgive the relatively
smaller debts of those who sin against us (Mt 6:12; 18:21-35). On the Cross, as he prepared to die to take
away our sins, Jesus’ salvific words were, first for sinners in general, “Father, forgive them, for they do
not know what they are doing,” and then for one sinner, the Good Thief, in particular (Lk 23:34,43). After
his resurrection, not only did Jesus give the apostles the ability to forgive sins in his name but
commanded them to preach “repentance and forgiveness of sins” to all nations (Jn 20:21-23; Lk 24:47).
That’s what the Church continues through preaching the need for repentance and making Jesus’ mercy
available through the Sacrament of Penance.
14. I know mortal sins must be confessed, but should I also confess the venial sins I’m aware of?
The Church strongly recommends that we confess our every day faults (venial sins) because it can help us
“to form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies (patterns of weakness that can lead us to sin), … be
healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. (CCC 1458; CIC 988). Confession of our venial sins
shows our hatred of all sin because even venial sins are against the love of God and neighbor.
15. Should I go to confession if I’m only aware of having committed venial sins?
Yes. We should not stay away from confession if we’ve committed only venial sins, since the sacrament
not only forgives our sins but gives us God’s grace to fight against temptation. The great saints, who were
filled with love of God and seem for the most part to have avoided mortal sins, have confessed very
frequently, because the sacrament helps us to grow in God’s grace. It reveals to us our need for God’s
help in the “little things” of the day and leads us to ask for that help.
16. Should I go to confession if I haven’t committed any sins since my last confession?
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No, you should stay at home and wait for your canonization papers to arrive! Seriously, if it’s been
several weeks since your last confession, you have probably not examined your conscience very carefully.
“The just man,” the Book of Proverbs tells us, “falls seven times a day” (Prov 24:16). If you’re struggling
to find matter to confess, examine your conscience on your sins of omission, on the seven capital sins or
on whether you in fact love the Lord with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength (Lk 10:27).
17. If I forget to confess a mortal sin, is my confession still valid and my sins forgiven?
Yes. If one through bad memory or nervousness forgets to confess a mortal sin, the person’s confession is
valid and all his or her sins will be forgiven. The person should, however, mention that forgotten sin in
the next confession to receive advice and a proper penance. If this is a routine occurrence, it is probably
an indication that one is either confessing too infrequently or not fully aware of the true horror that is a
mortal sin, because one should not forget mortal sins easily. If, on the other hand, a penitent deliberately
refuses to mention a mortal sin in confession, none of the person’s sins will be forgiven, the person will
remain in the dangerous state of mortal sin, and will be guilty of the additional sin of sacrilege.
18. How often do I need to confess?
The Church recommends that Catholics receive the Sacrament of Penance frequently. Strictly speaking,
after they’ve reached the age of reason, Catholics are obliged to confess their serious sins at least once a
year (CIC 989), but the minimum should not be made a maximum. Catholics should come to confession
as soon as possible after they’ve committed a mortal sin. If they’re seeking to grow in holiness, the
regular practice of confession at least once a month is commended.
19. What are the effects of the sacrament?
The Sacrament of Penance is a spiritual resurrection bringing us to life again after we were dead through
mortal sin (Lk 15:24). It reconciles us with God in loving friendship and restores us to his grace. It is
normally followed by peace, joy, serenity and spiritual consolation. The sacrament also reconciles us with
the Church, repairing or restoring the damage our sins have done to our communion with others. The
sinner also auspiciously anticipates the judgment that will come at the end of his life, choosing the path of
life over the path of death (CCC 1468-1470).
20. Can a priest reveal what he has heard to others?
No. A priest can never reveal the sins a person has confessed. This is known as the “Seal of confession,”
which admits of no exceptions (CCC 1467). If a priest were to violate the seal of confession he would be
automatically excommunicated (CIC 1388). Over the centuries several priests have died and many have
been imprisoned because they refused, even under threat of torture and execution, to break the inviolable
seal of confession. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of the sacrament and of the priesthood: the
priest who hears our confession, in order to protect the secrets we have whispered to God through him,
will allow himself to be imprisoned, tortured or even killed. That’s how seriously he and the Church take
the seal and the sacrament.
21. What is the priest’s role in the sacrament of confession?
“When he celebrates the sacrament of Penance, the priest is fulfilling the ministry of the Good Shepherd
who seeks the lost sheep, of the Good Samaritan who binds up wounds, of the Father who awaits the
prodigal son and welcomes him on his return, and of the just and impartial judge whose judgment is both
just and merciful. The priest is the sign and the instrument of God's merciful love for the sinner.” The
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priest is called, practically, to lead “the penitent with patience toward healing and full maturity. He must
pray and do penance for his penitent, entrusting him to the Lord's mercy” (CCC 1465-66).
22. What if I feel nervous about going to the sacrament?
Remember, first, that in the sacrament you are fundamentally talking to God through the priest. God
loves you, wishes to forgive you, and desires to embrace you with the joy with which the prodigal son
was embraced in Jesus’ parable (Lk 15:11-32). Moreover, know that you will not say anything that the
priest has not heard before. Do not be afraid. If you are nervous, please just tell the priest that you’re
nervous and he will help you.
23. What if I haven’t been to the sacrament for many years? How do I prepare? What do I say?
First, don’t be afraid. Jesus said, “Heaven rejoices more for one repentant sinner than for 99 righteous
persons who never needed to repent.” The priest will probably be so happy you’ve returned to confession
after many years that you will make all the hours he spends in the confessional seem light. Second, try to
prepare with the help of a good examination of conscience sheet, but the priest will know that you cannot
remember your sins with the precision of someone who came the previous week. Third, get the largest
sins off of your shoulders first. Fourth, don’t be afraid to ask the priest for help; most confessors are
experts in leading someone in your circumstances through an examination of the “big stuff” in the
confessional. Finally, don’t wait. Come back to be reconciled to your loving Father, set off the celebration
in heaven, and share your Father’s joy!
24. I’m reluctant to go to confession because I don’t know the Act of Contrition by heart.
Confession is not meant to be a memory test. It is good when Catholics have memorized one of the many
beautiful acts of contrition, which sum up all of the sentiments and resolutions a Catholic should have in
coming to confession. But if you do not know an Act of Contrition by memory, you can always express
your sorrow and firm purpose of amendment in your own words, ask the priest to help you, or pray,
“Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner who loves you!”
25. What if I’m not comfortable going to confession face-to-face?
If you prefer to go to confession anonymously, that’s fine. Most churches have traditional confessionals or
reconciliation rooms with the option to confess either face-to-face or kneeling behind an opaque screen. In
Church law, both the priest and the penitent have the right to opt for the screen if for whatever reason
they find that more comfortable.
26. What if I prefer to go to confession to priests at nearby parishes or at Catholic shrines or chapels
where confessions are available each day?
The most important thing is that you go! You can go to any Catholic priest in good standing with the
faculties to hear confessions. You may find over time, however, that you will be helped more in your
struggle against sin by a good confessor who has gotten to know you than by confessing to various
priests, none of whom really know you.
27. Can I confess my sins over the telephone or via the internet?
You can confess your sins in any number of ways — many have confessed to bartenders and hairdressers
over the centuries — but you cannot receive sacramental absolution via the internet or on the phone.
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28. Can I be forgiven of the terrible sin of abortion?
Yes! Pope John Paul II once wrote to women in your situation, “The Church is aware of the many factors
that may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and
even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened
was and remains terribly wrong, but do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to
understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over
with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his
peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” Come, begin the process of healing. If you would prefer to
confess to a priest who has experience ministering to women who have abortions, please contact Project
Rachel (508-651-3100, help@projectrachelboston.com, www.projectrachelboston.com) and they will put
you in touch with such a priest.The Project Rachel website contains testimonies from dozens of women
who have found reconciliation and healing through Project Rachel and some very moving comments
about the Sacrament. Project Rachel also offers an extensive retreat program.
29. Do I have to go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion like everyone did years ago when I
was a child?
If you are conscious of having committed a mortal sin, then, yes, you must first go to receive Jesus’
forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance and be restored by Him to loving communion before you can
come to receive Him in Holy Communion. The reason why young children must receive the Sacrament of
Penance before first Holy Communion is to ensure that they have cleaned their inner “temples” to receive
the greatest Guest of all. The same principal applies to all of us. If one has not committed any serious sins
since his or her last good confession, then it is not necessary to confess before receiving the Holy
Eucharist.
30. May I receive the sacrament if I’m divorced?
If you are civilly divorced but have not remarried or were validly married in the Church after receiving a
declaration of nullity for your first marriage, then, yes, you may receive the Sacrament. If you have
remarried outside of the Church or have entered into a cohabitating relationship, then those
predicaments must be addressed before you can receive absolution. Pope John Paul II addressed this
situation in 1981. “The church reaffirms her practice, which is based upon sacred scripture, of not
admitting to Eucharistic communion divorced persons who have remarried. They are unable to be
admitted thereto from the fact that their state and condition of life objectively contradict that union of
love between Christ and the Church that is signified and effected by the Eucharist. … Reconciliation in
the sacrament of penance, which would open the way to the Eucharist, can only be granted to those who,
repenting of having broken the sign of the covenant and of fidelity to Christ, are sincerely ready to
undertake a way of life that is no longer in contradiction to the indissolubility of marriage. This means, in
practice, that when, for serious reasons such as, for example, the children's upbringing, a man and a
woman cannot satisfy the obligation to separate, they ‘take on themselves the duty to live in complete
continence, that is, by abstinence from the acts proper to married couples’” (FC 84). If you’re in these
circumstances, you are encouraged to talk to a priest in the light of God about your present situation and
possibly begin an investigation of whether your first marriage was valid.
31. Can a priest ever rightly deny me absolution?
A priest will normally try to do everything he can never to have to deny someone absolution. But on
some rare occasions he will find himself in a situation where he has no choice. This occurs when the
penitent lacks one of the three elements that make for a good confession: either the penitent confesses no
sins even after the priest assists in examining the conscience; or the penitent does not even have imperfect
43
contrition for the sins committed; or, most frequently, the penitent lacks a firm purpose of amendment to
address a situation of serious sin, like a living arrangement incompatible with the Gospel. In such cases,
the priest will normally pray with the penitent so that he or she may receive God’s help to remedy a
situation from which the person may presently see no way out.
32. I’ve heard that in some places people receive “general absolution” all at once, without needing to go
individually to a priest. Is this valid?
The Church teaches, “In case of grave necessity recourse may be had to a communal celebration of
reconciliation with general confession and general absolution. Grave necessity of this sort can arise when
there is imminent danger of death without sufficient time for the priest or priests to hear each penitent's
confession. Grave necessity can also exist when, given the number of penitents, there are not enough
confessors to hear individual confessions properly in a reasonable time, so that the penitents through no
fault of their own would be deprived of sacramental grace or Holy Communion for a long time. In this
case, for the absolution to be valid the faithful must have the intention of individually confessing their
sins in the time required. The diocesan bishop is the judge of whether or not the conditions required for
general absolution exist. A large gathering of the faithful on the occasion of major feasts or pilgrimages
does not constitute a case of grave necessity” (CCC 1483). For practical purposes, outside of an imminent
danger of death situation, these conditions would never obtain in our Archdiocese. Moreover, if a
penitent sought to have recourse to a general absolution as a means of avoiding individual confession
and absolution, the confession would be invalid.
33. Can my sins be forgiven outside of the Sacrament of Penance?
God, who created the sacraments for our salvation, is Himself not bound by them. Our sins are first
forgiven, of course, through the sacrament of baptism. For post-baptismal sins, the Church has always
taught that, for example in a danger of death situation without the possibility of recourse to the
sacrament of confession, God could forgive our sins if we pray to him with perfect contrition. The reality
is, however, that we can never know if we’ve made a perfect act of contrition. The Church teaches,
therefore, that “individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the
faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church, unless physical or moral impossibility excuses
from this kind of confession” (CCC 1484). The great gift of this sacrament is that, if we confess all our
serious sins with sorrow and a firm purpose of amendment, we do not need to doubt whether our sins
have been forgiven. God created this sacrament so that we might know that he has forgiven us through
the ministry of priests.
Abbreviations CCC: Catechism of the Catholic Church; CIC: Code of Canon Law FC: Familiaris
Consortio.
These materials have been adapted from the Diocese of Fall River’s “Be Reconciled to God” Initiative in
2009, with permission of Fr. Roger Landry.
Homework: Listen to audio version of talk: Confession by Fr. Larry Richard available online at
www.catholicity.com/cds/confession.html
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Sacraments of Healing Quiz3
True or False: A deacon can hear confessions and give absolution.
True or False: An examination of conscious is not needed before confession.
True or False: In giving absolution, the priest forgives sin.
True or False: We have to be sorry for our sins or they will not be forgiven.
True or False: We must firmly resolve to not sin again.
True or False: The prayers or good works assigned by the priest after one has confessed his sins
is called humility.
True or False: The Sacrament of Reconciliation gives us Sanctifying Grace.
True or False: If our sins are very serious, they may not be forgiven.
True or False: If we have committed mortal sin, the eternal punishment is removed through
absolution.
What is the Sacrament of Extreme Unction is now called?
True or False: The priest anoints the sick person with holy water.
True or False: During the Anointing of the Sick, the person’s soul receives health and strength.
True or False: Family members should call a priest when someone is seriously ill, even if he is
not in danger of death.
What Sacrament takes away mortal sin if the person is unconscious and has made an Act of
Contrition?
True or False: If the person is conscious, he receives three Sacraments in this order: 1)
Confession, 2) Anointing of the Sick, and 3) the Holy Eucharist.
Which sacrament has the effects of comfort in sickness and strength against temptation?
Questions for reflection:
Have I been faithful to Sunday Mass since I began the RCIA program?
What is your attitude toward confession?
How are you feeling about the Catholic faith and receiving the sacraments in a few months?
What spiritual reading have you done lately?
List the ways you have engaged in Catholic prayer besides Sunday Mass (for example,
Adoration, The Way of the Cross, the rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy).
3
Source of Questions: http://www.orgsites.com/md/church-crafts-and-activities/SacramentsQuestions.pdf
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2-26-13 Sacraments of Service: Holy Matrimony & Holy Orders
Marriage
Eph 5: 21-33
It’s natural; Marriage is holy; Not destroyed in the flood; Domestic Church;
Building block of society.
The exchange of vows or consent makes the marriage.
Made indissoluble through consummation. Need unitive and procreative.
A valid marriage is indissoluble or permanent until death.
Marriage is a covenant, not a contract. “till death do us part”
What do the spouses consent to in the marriage vows?
__________, __________, __________
How can marital sex be holy? Renews _______________
What does the Catholic Church teach on divorce?
What is an annulment? An annulment is the Church’s declaration
that a marriage was invalid from the beginning.
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John Paul II’s Theology of the Body
What is marital spirituality? How does the family become authentically spiritual? For Pope John Paul II,
the answers to these questions "of the spirit" are revealed in the body. This is what we learn from Pope
John Paul II's "theology of the body." In this collection of 129 general audience addresses delivered early
in his pontificate, Pope John Paul II developed what promises to be one of his most enduring
contributions to the Church and the world.
Establishing an authentic marital spirituality is essential if we are to restore the family and build a culture
of life. How do we do it? According to the Holy Father, "Those who seek the accomplishment of their
own human and Christian vocation in marriage are called, first of all, to make this 'theology of the body' .
. . the content of their life and behavior" (April 2, 1980).
More Catholics are hearing about the theology of the body. Still, very few of them know what it really is.
Let's look at some of the themes of Pope John Paul II's teaching and outline the foundations for building
an authentic marital and family spirituality.
The Pope's body language
The Pope's thesis, if we let it sink in, is sure to revolutionize our understanding of the human body,
sexuality and, in turn, marriage and family life. "The body, and it alone," John Paul says, "is capable of
making visible what is invisible, the spiritual and divine. It was created to transfer into the visible reality
of the world, the invisible mystery hidden in God from time immemorial, and thus to be a sign of it"
(February 20, 1980).
A mouthful of scholarly verbiage, I know. What does it mean? As physical, bodily creatures we cannot
see God. He's pure Spirit. But God wanted to make His mystery visible to us, so He stamped it into our
bodies by creating us as male and female in His own image (cf. Gen. 1:27).
The function of this image is to reflect the Trinity, "an inscrutable divine communion of [three] Persons"
(November 14, 1979). John Paul thus concludes that "man became the 'image and likeness' of God not
only through his own humanity, but also through the communion of persons which man and woman form
right from the beginning." And, the Pope adds, "on all of this, right from 'the beginning,' there descended
the blessing of fertility linked with human procreation" (ibid.).
The body has a "nuptial meaning" because it reveals man and woman's call to become a gift for one
another, a gift fully realized in their "one flesh" union. The body also has a "generative meaning," which
(God willing) brings a "third" into the world through the couple's communion. In this way, marriage
constitutes a "primordial sacrament" understood as a sign that truly communicates the mystery of God's
Trinitarian life and love to husband and wife, and through them to their children, and through the family
to the whole world.
This is what marital spirituality is all about: participating in God's life and love and sharing it with the
world. While this is certainly a sublime calling, it's not ethereal. It's tangible. God's love is meant to be
lived and felt in daily life as a married couple and as a family. How? By living according to the full truth
of the body.
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"In fact, how indispensable," our Holy Father insists, "is thorough knowledge of the meaning of the body,
in its masculinity and femininity, along the way of this vocation! How necessary is a precise awareness of
the nuptial meaning of the body, of its generative meaning — since all that which forms the content of the
life of married couples must constantly find its full and personal dimension in life together, in behavior, in
feelings!" (April 2, 1980).
Embodied spirituality
One of the greatest threats facing the Church today is a "spiritualism" in which people disembody their
call to holiness. Living a spiritual life never means eschewing our bodies. Authentic spirituality is always
an embodied spirituality.
This is the very "logic" of Christianity. God communicates His life to us in and through the body — in
and through the Word made flesh. The spirit that denies this "incarnational reality" is that of the antiChrist (cf. 1 Jn. 4:2-3).
Pope John Paul II teaches us that the human body — in the beauty of sexual difference and our call to
nuptial union — possesses a "language" inscribed by God that not only proclaims His eternal mystery, but
makes that mystery present to us. If there is an enemy of God who wants to keep us from God's life and
love, where, then, would he go to do it?
Satan's goal is to scramble the language of our bodies! And look how successful he's been. Because of
Satan's scheme, most of us are illiterate when it comes to reading the language of the body. How many of
us, for example, think that our bodies are the last place to look for the revelation of God's mystery?
Building an authentic spirituality
In order to build an authentic marital spirituality, we must learn to read the true language of the body. We
must pray for the eyes to see God's mystery revealed through our bodies and through the marital union
itself. Sin is what blinds us: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (cf. 1 Jn. 2:16).
In talking about the love between man and woman, we must contend primarily with the lust of the flesh.
Marriage in no way "legitimizes" lust. Men and women are called by the power of the Holy Spirit to
experience a "real and deep" victory over lust. Through the "redemption of our bodies," the Holy Spirit
impregnates sexual desire "with everything that is noble and beautiful," with "the supreme value which is
love" (October 22, 29, 1980).
This is how husbands and wives build an authentic spirituality: by loving one another according to the
Holy Spirit in and through their bodies. Marital love is shown in numerous ways, but spouses who are
filled with the Spirit realize "among the possible manifestations of affection, the singular, or rather,
exceptional significance of [the conjugal] act" (November 21, 1984). They come to understand that their
sexual union "bears in itself the sign of the great mystery of creation and redemption" (November 14,
1984). In a word, they come to understand that their union is "Eucharistic."
When we receive the Eucharist worthily, it bears new life in the whole of our lives. When we receive it
unworthily, we eat and drink our condemnation (cf. 1 Cor. 11:29). Similarly, when spouses open their
union to the Holy Spirit, their whole marriage continually bears new life in the Spirit. However, if
48
spouses close their union to the Spirit, they undermine the whole reality of their marriage and their family
life.
One of the primary ways we remain open to the Spirit is by remaining open to children. Who is the Holy
Spirit but the Lord and giver of life? Those couples who close their union to children at the same time
close their union to the Holy Spirit. Their union is no longer a sign of God's Trinitarian love but, in fact,
becomes a counter-sign of it.
This is why Pope John Paul II says that the antithesis of conjugal spirituality consists in the subjective
lack of this understanding of the dignity of the conjugal act, which is linked to contraceptive practice and
the contraceptive mentality (cf. November 21, 1984)."
For those who are filled with the Holy Spirit, contraception is simply unthinkable. They know it replaces
the true language of the body with a lie. And lying within the heart of marital intimacy has a ripple effect,
as does speaking the truth. Spouses who strive to speak honestly in the nuptial embrace also strive to be
open and honest with each other in the other areas of their married life.
As professor Mary Rousseau expresses it, when spouses live an authentic spirituality, "the love that marks
their marital bed spreads . . . into the kitchen, the yard, the supermarket, the workplace, and beyond. Their
love eventually spreads throughout the world, into the realms of politics, work, education, entertainment,
health care, and international relations. Such is the exact process by which the civilization of love comes
to be" (Chicago Studies, Vol. 39:2, p. 175).
Sign of dignity
This is why, according to Pope John Paul II, education in the theology of the body "constitutes . . . the
essential nucleus of conjugal spirituality" (October 3, 1984). This education is a clarion call not to
become more "spiritual" but to become more incarnational — to allow the Holy Spirit to impregnate our
bodies with divine life.
This is what happens in the sacraments. The Eucharist and Penance, in particular, are the "infallible and
indispensable" means, Pope John Paul II says, "for forming the Christian spirituality of married life and
family life. With these, that essential and spiritual creative 'power' of love reaches human hearts and, at
the same time, human bodies. . . . This love, in fact, allows the building of the whole life of the married
couple according to that 'truth of the sign,' by means of which marriage is built up in its sacramental
dignity" (October 3, 1984).
Through this "sacramental dignity" spouses and families participate in the mystery of the Trinity and
proclaim that mystery to the world in an "embodied spirituality."
Source: Christopher West. "John Paul II's Theology of the Body." Lay Witness (June, 2001).
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Why Natural Family
Planning?
Modern methods of Natural Family Planning (NFP) are based on an awareness of a woman’s
fertility. The couple learns how to interpret certain signs in a woman’s body that indicate her
fertile and infertile times, and then they use that knowledge to either try to achieve or postpone a
pregnancy after prayerful discernment of their family’s situation.
Advantages of NFP
» Safe & Healthy — Because it is 100%
natural, NFP is safe and has no health risks. It
involves no harmful drugs or devices.
» Effective — Modern NFP is 99% effective in
postponing pregnancy, comparable to hormonal
methods and more effective than devices and
barriers.
» Shared Responsibility — Most NFP couples
report that they appreciate the shared
responsibility of the practice of NFP, as both
husband and wife work together to practice it.
» Fertility Awareness — Most couples — even
those who did not want to attend an NFP class
— acknowledge that if they had not attended
they would have never known they had a licit
and effective option for family planning. Many
come to see their share fertility as a gift to be
cherished rather a problem to be controlled.
» Morally Acceptable — Unlike contraceptive
methods, NFP allows the marital embrace to
remain free, total, faithful and fruitful, thus
keeping it a reflection/renewal of their marital
vows.
» Increased Health Awareness —
Because NFP teaches a woman to become
aware of her normal fertility pattern,
changes in this pattern can alert her to
possible medical problems.
» Low Cost — After the initial
instruction, there are essentially no
continuing costs.
» More Satisfying Marriages — Most
couples report that practicing NFP has a
positive effect on their marriages. They
find that periodic abstinence helps keep
their relationship fresh, improves their
communication, and gives them a deeper
respect for each other.
» Environmentally Sound — NFP
methods have no negative environmental
impact, unlike artificial methods which
produce waste in both production and
packaging. NFP also does not pollute the
body with artificial chemicals and
hormones.
Source: www.live-the-love.org (click “Clergy”)
“Contraception, Why not?” by Dr. Janet Smith
http://www.janetesmith.org/ (excellent audio talk)
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WHAT IS AN ANNULMENT? In the Roman Catholic Church, an annulment refers to a tribunal’s (church court)
ruling that a marriage between a man and a woman is invalid due to specific circumstances within the relationship
that prevented the formation of a spiritual bond, which consequently prevented them from fully entering into the
sacred bond of matrimony with one another.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DIVORCE AND AN ANNULMENT? Typically, divorce refers
to a process which dissolves a marriage from all civil and legal aspects. An annulment does not dissolve a marriage
civilly, legally, or even spiritually. Rather, it declares that a marriage never truly existed due to the absence of the
spiritual bond which is essential to the Church’s definition of matrimony.
WHAT ARE THE GROUNDS FOR AN ANNULMENT? In order to grant an annulment, authorities of the
Roman Catholic Church must determine with absolute and moral certainty that this spiritual bond never formed
between a man and a woman. While each relationship is unique and must be investigated accordingly, some
circumstances which may prevent the formation of the spiritual bond include:
False/Contrary Intentions. (example: if one or both partners believe from the very beginning that divorce
is a future option if the marriage does not meet their expectations and/or needs)
Mental Incapacity. (example: if one or both partners does not possess the level of mental maturity or
stability to commit to the marriage)
Outside Forces / Influences. (example: if one or both partners is pressured or forced to enter into the
marriage due to pregnancy or other social conformities) Certain steps within the Church’s annulment
process are designed to assist individuals in identifying the exact circumstances which prevented the
formation of the spiritual bond in their relationship, before the case is presented to the tribunal for a ruling.
WHY IS AN ANNULMENT FROM THE CHURCH NEEDED? Anyone—either Catholic or non-Catholic—
who wishes to be married in the Roman Catholic Church will need an annulment from the Church if he/she was
previously married to a person who is still living. Even if the previous marriage did not take place within the
Catholic Church, an annulment is still required.
Catholics who are legally divorced from their spouses may also wish to pursue an annulment from the Church as
soon as the civil process has been completed. *Although this is not necessary in order for divorced Catholics to
remain in good standing with the Church, it may be beneficial in helping them to identify why the marriage failed,
and also allow them to clarify their marital status before they consider committing themselves to another
relationship in the future.
*Divorce is not a sin in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church; therefore, divorced Catholics may remain in good
standing and continue to receive Holy Communion. However, if a Catholic remarries outside of the Church, and/or
enters into a sexual relationship with another individual, he or she can no longer receive Holy Communion.
HOW LONG CAN THE ANNULMENT PROCESS TAKE? Again, each relationship is unique and thus requires
its own specialized investigation before the church tribunal will issue a ruling on the annulment process. The length
of time this requires will vary from case to case, making it difficult to offer a solid time estimate. Some annulments
may be granted in a matter of months, while others could potentially take a year or more.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM READY TO BEGIN THE ANNULMENT PROCESS? Those who are seeking
an annulment should contact their local parish priest, who can advise them on how to proceed according to all the
necessary guidelines.
Source: diolaf.org
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Annulment Process
Overview of what an annulment is:
http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/annulment.htm
Common Questions and Answers about annulments
http://foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage/church-teachings/annulments/
Reasons why annulments can be granted:
http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/marital_consent.htm
On Receiving Communion when Divorced and Remarried
http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/communion_of_divorced_and_remarr.htm
A look at the growing trend of annulments:
http://www.ewtn.com/library/marriage/annul.txt
Important Notes
Simply because a marriage case is accepted for investigation by the Tribunal is not a
guarantee that an annulment will be granted. Both grounds for nullity and positive proof must be
produced. Infidelity itself is not sufficient grounds for an annulment.
The marital status of the parents does not affect the status of the children. All children are
created in God's image and have equal status in the church. Neither civil law nor church law
considers the children of an annulled marriage illegitimate. Nor does the annulment imply that
the children were not the fruit of a genuine human love. Annulment is simply a decision on the
circumstances surrounding a marriage that could prevent that marriage from being a sacramental
marriage.
Holy Orders
Bishop: fullness of
orders ; acts in
person of Christ
the Head
Priest: coworkers
of the bishop, acts
in person of Christ
the Head
Deacon: service of
Christ
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Male Priesthood
SCRIPTURE
Christ instituted the sacrament of holy
orders when from many disciples Christ, who
was a man, chose 12 men as Apostles. Pagan
cults of Jesus’ time did have priestesses,
but Jesus did not adopt this practice.
Jesus did however break many cultural
barriers to include and elevate the status
of women, and Jesus intentionally broke
from Jewish norms which treated women as
inferior in any way. Mary was Jesus’
holiest disciple and yet even she wasn’t
made a priest. In Acts 13:1-2 Paul is chosen by the Holy Spirit.
They “Laid hands on them.” Thereafter, Paul is called an
apostle.
HISTORY
There is no right to be ordained. The
Church confers holy orders. There is no
history of women being called to holy
orders.
TEACHING
Sacramental signs are symbolic. A sacrament is instituted by
Christ as an outward sign to give grace. The Mass makes present
Christ’s sacrifice in part through the sign of the manhood of
the priest. Priest (Bridegroom) is married to the Church
(bride).
Matt. 23:9 "Call no man father"
BUT Peter, Paul, John, Mattathias, and JESUS all refer to spiritual leaders as fathers.
See 1 Cor. 4:15; Phil. 2:22; Philemon 10; 1 Peter 5:13; 1 John 2:1,13,14; 1 Macc. 2:65;
Matt. 3:9; Luke 3:8
Transitional deacons versus permanent deacons
Homework: Read Part IV (Chapters 19-21) of Rediscover Catholicism (pages 277-314)
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Sacraments of Service Quiz4
True or False
A Christian marriage is a marriage between baptized persons.
Marriage vows bind a man and woman to love and be faithful to each other until death.
Children are the greatest natural gift God gives to married couples.
Indissolubility means that the marriage cannot be ended by any human authority.
Adam and Eve were the first husband and wife.
The laws of the Church require a Catholic to be married in the presence of a bishop, priest, or
deacon and before one witness.
Public promises made to God are called vows.
The bishop is the minister of the sacrament of Holy Orders.
Deacons are allowed to give Anointing of the Sick.
Deacons are allowed to Baptize and preside at weddings.
Deacons are allowed to give blessings.
The priest has the power to change ordinary bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.
A call from God to follow a special way of life is a _________.
A deacon can be married.
To preside at Mass and forgive sins are ministries of the priest.
At ordination the priest is anointed with ________.
The crosier is the shepherd's staff used by bishops.
A religious brother is like a nun, except he is ordained.
When a priest retires from active service, he ceases to be a priest.
Questions for Reflection: (based on Part IV of Rediscover Catholicism)
How can you become better educated about Catholicism?
What are some simple ways that you can evangelize in your circle of
influence?
In what areas of your life are you a leader?
What are you afraid of? How is that fear stopping you from being all God
created you to be (the-best-version-of-yourself)?
What virtue do you sense God is calling you to grow in at this time in your
life?
4
Source of Questions: http://www.orgsites.com/md/church-crafts-and-activities/SacramentsQuestions.pdf
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3-5-13 Creed, End Times
“Judas [the ruler of Israel]
then took up a collection
among all his soldiers,
amounting to two thousand
silver drachmas, which he
sent to Jerusalem to provide
for an expiatory sacrifice. In
doing this he acted in a very
excellent and noble way,
inasmuch as he had the
resurrection in mind; for if
he were not expecting the
fallen to rise again, it would
have been superfluous and
foolish to pray for the dead.
But if he did this with a view
to the splendid reward that
awaits those who had gone
to rest in godliness, it was a
holy and pious thought.
Thus he made atonement for
the dead that they might be
absolved from their sin.” 2
Maccabees12:43-46 
Purgatory
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A Plethora of Purgatory Ponderings
by Kelly Wahlquist | February 8, 2011 12:01 am
No matter the Bible study, somehow, someway, someone will eventually throw out those
dreaded purgatory questions: “Who believes in purgatory?” “What is the teaching regarding it?”
“What is it like?” “How do you get out?” “When did it come into existence?” “What are some
Scriptural references to it?” And, above all, “What exactly is it?” (Just to name a few!) Purgatory
is one of the most misunderstood teachings of the Church, yet when you understand it, it is one
of the most comforting.
Purgatory refers to a temporary state of purification for those who have died in the state of grace
but still need to get rid of any lingering imperfections (venial sins, earthly attachments, self-will)
before entering the perfection of heaven (CCC1030-1032). It is an application of the graces
merited for us by Jesus on the cross, so that we might be made pure before entering heaven, and
can be thought of as the final stage of sanctification (i.e., the process by which we become holy.)
This stage of sanctification is an immersion into the love of Christ, which removes the residue of
imperfection, cleansing us from the stain of sin. In the simplest analogy, it’s like showering and
donning our best attire before we meet the King.
The Church has never defined the exact nature of purgatory in reference to space and time; such
as, what kind of “place” it is or “how long it lasts”. For space and time are merely human images
used in an attempt to describe the mystery of eternal life.
The Church does clearly teach that purgatory is the final purification of the elect and is entirely
different from the punishment of the damned (CCC 1030). Sadly, many of our Protestant
brothers and sisters, and many Catholics as well, misunderstand this teaching, and believe
purgatory to be a place of punishment rather than a state of purification. This misunderstanding
is rooted in the middle ages when the notion of fire as a symbol of purification became
associated with punishment after death. Through exaggerated preaching and artwork, the image
of purgatory became that of a minor version of hell, the only difference being that purgatory is
temporary. This misguided image of purgatory as a painful fire burning punishment spread in the
Western Church and unfortunately continues to smolder in the minds of many today. In contrast
to this image of old, today’s theologians consider purgatory as a positive process and believe that
the pain associated with the process of purification isn’t a torturous pain, but rather the pain felt
as “the person ‘burns’ with remorse because he or she is separated from God who is infinite
goodness and joy. This separation, though temporary, is the result of a person’s own actions on
earth.” (This Is Our Faith, Michael Francis Pennock, Ave Maria Press, 1989)
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the Catholic doctrine of purgatory supposes the fact that
some die with smaller faults for which there was no true repentance, and also the fact that the
temporal penalty due to sin is in times not wholly paid in this life. The proofs for the Catholic
position, both in Scripture and in Tradition, are bound up also with the practice of praying for the
dead. For why pray for the dead, if there be no belief in the power of prayer to afford solace to
those who as yet are excluded from the sight of God?
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The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory at the Councils of Florence (1439) and
Trent (1563). Yet, before the Decrees of Florence and Trent, this doctrine -that many who have
died are still in a place of purification and that prayers avail to help the dead- is seen in the very
earliest Christian tradition. Tertullian “De corona militis” mentions prayers for the dead as an
Apostolic ordinance, and in “De Monogamia” (cap. x, P. L., II, col. 912) he advises a widow “to
pray for the soul of her husband, begging repose for him and participation in the first
resurrection”.
The Apostolic practice of praying for the dead continued on from Tertullian (c 211) through the
teachings of Hippolytus (c235), Origen (c254) and other Church Fathers and passed into the
liturgy of the Church. This is as evident in the fourth century as it is in the twentieth. St. Cyril of
Jerusalem (Catechet. Mystog., V, 9, P.G., XXXIII, col. 1116) describing the liturgy, writes:
“Then we pray for the Holy Fathers and Bishops that are dead; and in short for all those who
have departed this life in our communion; believing that the souls of those for whom prayers are
offered receive very great relief, while this holy and tremendous victim lies upon the altar.”
Today the Church holds to those practices and teaches that the prayers offered in atonement for
the dead, above all in the Eucharistic Sacrifice, can “help” those “in” purgatory attain the beatific
vision of God (CCC 1032).
The doctrine of purgatory was held by pre-Christian Jews, post-Christian Jews, Catholics, and
Eastern Orthodox. It was not denied until the Protestant Reformation, and thus only Protestants
deny it today.
Proofs in Scripture for the doctrine of purgatory are: 2 Macc 12:46, Matt 5:25-26, Matt12:32, 1
Cor 3:15, 2 Tim 1:16-18, 1Peter 3:18-20, 1 John 5:16-17 and Rev 21:27 (Nothing unclean will
be allowed to enter heaven.)
Once we understand what purgatory is, then we can understand the comfort the knowledge of its
existence brings. For purgatory is the ultimate “Bride’s Room”. It is the place set aside for me to
prepare to meet my Bridegroom. My whole entire life I have prepared my mind and spirit for this
day, why wouldn’t I want everything to be perfect? I can’t imagine standing before betrothed in
the church and exchanging vows un-showered and in my t-shirt and jeans. Why would I think I
could stand before the ultimate Bridegroom and not be cleansed and donned in my best. What a
comfort to know that before I go to the wedding banquet of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9), I will undergo
the eternal “What Not To Wear”, and I will be purified. I will stand before the beatific vision of
God and eternally bask in the ever-flowing well-spring of happiness, peace, and mutual
communion. Now that’s something worth cleaning up for!
Source URL: http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2011/02/wahlquist-a-plethora-of-purgatory-ponderings/
Father Jared imagines purgatory as hope-filled,
like a child on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa.
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3-12-13 Commandments
Watch Episode 10: “World without End: The Last Things” of Catholicism by Father Barron
3-19-13 No Class – Attend Lenten Mission instead
3-26-13 Church Structure: Holy See & Dioceses; Life of Virtue
Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living
lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been
articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of
this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief
reflections, we highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human
person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of
our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The
value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the
death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic
teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding
increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that
every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every
institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society—in economics and
politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in
community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and
strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society,
seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community
can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person
has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to
these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
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Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by
deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt
25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a
living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected,
then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair
wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.
Solidarity
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological
differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has
global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and
peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.”1 The Gospel calls us to be
peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world
surrounded by violence and conflict.
Care for God’s Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not
just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet,
living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental
moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.
This summary should only be a starting point for those interested in Catholic social teaching. A
full understanding can only be achieved by reading the papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents that
make up this rich tradition. For a copy of the complete text of Sharing Catholic Social Teaching:
Challenges and Directions (No. 5-281) and other social teaching documents, call 800-235-8722.
Copyright 2005, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and
retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder.
Source: www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/socialteaching/excerpt.shtml
Overview of Holy Week
Palm Sunday
Chrism Mass
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday
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CHURCH STRUCTURE
Catholic Dioceses in the United States:
Review basics of the sacraments
Review what to do at Mass
Practice for Holy Week
NOTE: For the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday you and your sponsor will sit on the first
pew near the pulpit where the readings are proclaimed.
Thursday, 3-28-13 @ 6:00pm Mass of Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday)
Friday, 3-29-13 @ 3:00pm Adoration of the Cross (Good Friday)
Saturday, 3-30-13 @ 8:00pm Easter Vigil Mass – RECEPTION OF SACRAMENTS
We will not have class on Tuesday, 4-2-12. You deserve a much needed break. I am
thinking of hosting a celebration supper the following Tuesday, April 9, 2013 so we can casually
discuss new life in Christ.
4-2-12 No class
4-9-13 Celebration Supper [6pm – 8pm (sponsors & spouses invited)]
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Sponsor Form for Adult Initiation
Name of one receiving sacrament: _______________________
Address: ____________________________________________
Date of Birth ____________________ Place of Birth _____________________
Father’s full name _________________________
Mother’s full name _________________________
Are you already baptized? _________ Have you received 1st Communion? ____________
Marital status __________ Married by priest, judge, or minister? ______________
Baptism
Male Sponsors name _________________________
Religion __________ 16 year or older _____ Confirmed _______ Active in Faith ______
Sponsor Address ____________________________ Phone _____________________
Female Sponsors name ________________________
Religion __________ 16 year or older _____ Confirmed _______ Active in Faith ______
Sponsor Address ____________________________ Phone _____________________
Sponsor for Confirmation
Full name of sponsor (male or female) ____________________________
Religion __________ 16 year or older _____ Confirmed _______ Active in Faith ______
Sponsor Address ____________________________ Phone _____________________
Note: This form should be completed and turned in by the first weekend of Advent.
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