Catholic

The story of Noah's Ark in the Book of Genesis teaches believers about an important covenant God made with the world after the great flood. On the ark, Noah, his family and two of each animal on earth…

Of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, baptism is the earliest and most essential. Unlike some Protestant denominations, Catholicism acknowledges infant baptisms as being thoroughly valid,…

The teaching authority of the Catholic Church is called the magisterium. It resides in the Pope and in the bishops as successors to the apostles, united among themselves and under the Pope. Different…

A Catholic chapel veil is a triangle of flat lace with a edging of lace trim. They are a small version of a traditional lace mantilla. These small veils became popular when women stopped wearing hats…

In Catholicism, the term "friar" refers to a member of one of the mendicant religious orders. Friars have different vows and restrictions than monks, and spend more time in the outside world as…

In Catholicism, divine revelation is emphasized as the primary means by which the faithful come to know God's word. According to Catholicism, Divine revelation is the original source of Catholic…

Holy Communion, also referred to as the Eucharist, is an integral part of the Roman Catholic faith because they believe in transubstantiation, meaning they consider the wine and bread taken during…

The question of whether a person who is divorced can remarry and then take part in communion has bothered theologians for centuries. Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Christian Church, has said in Mark…

Lent is the 40 days and nights leading up the celebration of Easter, in which Christians typically fast and devote their lives even more fully to God. The idea of Lent and the driving principles…

Confirmation is the second of seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. In Protestant Christian religions, confirmation is usually part of an ongoing faith process, though it is generally when a…

Protestant denominations are Christian churches that broke away from the Catholic church. Many churches broke away because of disagreements in the teachings of the Catholic church. In most Protestant…

Lent is a time of repentance, sacrifice and self-denial. During Lent, the physical appearance of the church reflects these aspects of the Lenten season. Decorations are minimal and the few that are…

Both Catholics and Pentecostals base their religious beliefs around the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In addition, both Catholics and Pentecostals trace their roots back to the first…

Holy Communion is a sacrament practiced by Christian religions. Commonly simplified to just "Communion" and sometimes "Eucharist," it is the celebration of the instructions given by Jesus during the…

A baptism is a ritual in Christianity that represents a cleansing and rebirth. The word "baptism" is derived from the Greek "bapto" ("to immerse" or "to dip"). A baptism is typically performed when a…

In Judaism, when a person dies, the soul begins its journey from this life to the life hereafter. Showing respect to the body that contained the soul is the basis for the Jewish laws that have been in…

Faith can be developed and nurtured in creative ways, particularly with young people who often receive creative and fun exercises with more willingness. Creating personal liturgical calendars, trivia…

You can easily teach religious history and ethics to adults using popular party or school games. Games are a fun way to create a familiar and relaxed social atmosphere that is conducive to learning.…

Choosing a confirmation sponsor is more than deciding who will stand beside you at your confirmation ceremony; it is deciding who will serve as your spiritual guide and role model for the rest of your…

The Catholic Church teaches that a child is given two godparents: a man and a woman. The parents of a child are to appoint godparents to their child prior to the Baptism of the child; the godparents'…

During the season of Lent, members of the Catholic church prepare their hearts for Christ's death and resurrection. In this season, people make sacrifices in their daily lives, such as fasting and…

The season of Advent is one of the most beloved of the Christian year. It is observed during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Advent is considered a penitential season. Advent, which means…

Pope Gregory the Great (540-604 A.D.) was the early church leader who classified the seven deadly sins and linked them to seven corresponding virtues in an effort to encourage the people of his times…

Confirmation is a holy sacrament of the Catholic church that confirms a person's faith in deliverance from hell through Baptism. Confirmation symbols are designed to invoke the Holy Spirit and bestow…

The Orthodox Church views Holy Communion as a part of the Holy Eucharist, but does not emphasize the Holy Communion as a standalone act. The reasoning is to avoid reducing the Holy Eucharist to a…

The issue of whether to baptize a baby has been hotly debated in Christian theology for many years. Some believe that baptism is essential for a child's salvation. Others believe that baptism is a…

Christian worship can be a holistic experience, making use of body, mind, heart and soul. Corporate worship, which often includes singing, is unified in the sense that each member joins in praise. But…

Nuns are elevated over a period of several years as their devotion and service grows within an order. So it's very important women choose an order that best fits their desired mission. Entrance into…

Nearly every married couple struggles at one time or another, and for Catholics, this can mean a moral dilemma as well as a personal dilemma. The Catholic Church is generally opposed to separation and…

In the beginning of Christianity, the word catholic meant universal church. It did not come to be capitalized, as the name of a particular church, until the reform movements of the fourteenth and…

Becoming a child's godparent is a serious commitment and great honor. While not a legally binding arrangement, it means that you accept the task of guiding the child morally. Rules for godparents vary…

Catholicism, Puritanism, and Anglicanism are Christian sects. Puritans and Anglicans belong to Protestant religions that broke away from Catholicism in the 1500s. Because Anglicanism emerged directly…

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the…

Nuns are women who dedicate their lives to God by entering a convent and devoting their lives to worship and work. As nuns, women serve the needs of the community and spend time in worship and prayer.…

Anti-ceremonialism is the belief that formalized ritual or ceremony is an impediment to genuine spirituality and religious feeling. There is a long tradition of anti-ceremonialism in Protestant…

The Sign of the Cross is a well-known gesture in Catholicism. Catholics cross themselves as they enter and leave the church, as they enter and leave pews and at the beginning and end of prayers.…

The Sacrament of First Eucharist marks an important, life-changing moment in the faith of every Catholic child. As such, a teacher preparing a class of First Communion candidates must ensure that each…

Children will eventually have questions about religion as they get older. One decision parents have to make is how to instruct their child in spirituality. For some parents, this means raising the…

Lent refers to the 40 days preceding Easter in the Christian tradition. It begins on Ash Wednesday, where Christians mourn Christ's sacrifice by daubing their foreheads with ashes, and ends with the…

The ancient treasury of Roman Catholic ritual provides many options for blessing and purifying a home in almost any situation. Typically these blessing ceremonies are led by ordained clerics such as…

Roman Catholicism and Protestantism both fall under the broad category of Christianity. However, there are distinct differences between them. In addition to the outward differences in style of…

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) are two separate church organizations that have as members the majority of followers who make up the…

Holy Communion is the focus of the traditional Roman Catholic Mass. It is a symbolic re-enactment of the Last Supper, and the moment when members of the congregation take Christ into their bodies in…

According to FamilyDoctor.org, a single parent often struggles to balance childrearing, work and personal time, but it doesn't mean it's impossible to do. They recommend that single parents seek out…

In the Baptist tradition, ordained clergy are called to be congregational leaders, examples of Christian living and preachers of the Word of God. This means that in addressing Baptist ministers, one…

The Vatican suggests that giving up meat is the highest form of penance one can do. Every year, Catholics between the ages of 14 and 60 should abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent. Some may…

While many Catholics find solace and comfort in the familiar traditions associated with the Funeral Mass, this religious service can be confusing for members of other religions. Whether or not to…

Mary, mother of Jesus, is considered the greatest of all Catholic saints, and perhaps the saint best-known by sight. Biblical accounts of Mary present her as a young virgin, engaged to Joseph, when…

The observance of Ash Wednesday is important to many Christians. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a liturgical season that recalls the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Ash Wednesday, Good Friday…

Confirmation is a sacrament of Christianity (being one of seven sacraments). This is a sacrament that all Christians will be expected to pass through in their lifetime, assuming that the individual in…

Lenten austerities focus the mind and purify the soul. As the 40 days of Lent pass, observers have opportunities to view their Christian faith in a new light as they strive to be more Christ-like. On…

While Pentecost and Lent both occur in conjunction with Easter, the two Christian holidays are not really related. Pentecost celebrates the beginning of the church while Lent is a time of spiritual…

Maintaining grace in the First Reformed Church is more than simply going to services every Sunday and shaking hands with the pastor. It is about building a foundation of faith in Christianity and the…

Virtues are types of qualities that are associated with leading lives full of strong moral purpose and intent. Many religions and belief systems espouse virtues that set the stage for becoming a…

While Christian schools share many values with the Catholic faith, there are several notable differences between these belief systems. This may cause some confusion for children who attend both…

Uruguay is a South American country of about three million people. They celebrate some holidays like Christmas and New Year's like the residents of other countries. Uruguayans also celebrate historic…

Standing as your granddaughter's confirmation sponsor is an honor that speaks volumes about her views of you as a supporter and role model of the Roman Catholic faith. Confirmation is a sacrament of…

The blessing of the bread for the Catholic religion is one of the most sacred rituals that they witness. The changing of the bread to the body of Jesus is a reminder of the Last Supper. The blessing…

Baptism is a religious ceremony involving the sprinkling of water onto a person's head in order to symbolize purification. There is no age limit to becoming baptized, however in most situations you…

There are many common conceptions of nuns and the religious life. Some of these ideas are true, like a nun's devotion to God and her religious community. But some are clearly exaggerated, like that…

An ancient rite of both the Western and Eastern Christian churches, confirmation is a common sacrament of the Roman Catholic Church that marks the entry of a child -- or an adult -- into the life of…

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Its leaders believe God instituted this sacred union with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden: "Wherefore a man shall leave father and…

Christianity has undergone many shifts in doctrine in the United States. Different sects of Christianity, while having in common the fundamentals of the religion, often disagree about the particulars…

The Catechism of the Catholic Church can be defined as the text that contains a synthesis of the essential teachings of the church, in regards to both faith and morals. The new CCC was first published…

Properly signing the cross on one's chest is an important part of worship and ceremony for several Christian denominations. Pope Innocent III of the Catholic Church first standardized the modern…

Each church denomination has its own core set of beliefs and the sources from which they acquire these beliefs. This leads to similarities and differences among denominations. The Methodist and…

Before receiving their First Holy Communion, children will need to undergo the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession. Preparation for these two sacraments go hand in hand. Through the Catechism,…

The Catholic Church considers venial sins to be less serious than mortal sins, although both are moral evils. Mortal sins are the worst sins because they alter the sinner's direction away from the…

A "vocation" in Catholicism is the path that God calls a particular person to follow in life. Catholics discern which vocation they are called to by adopting an attitude of listening for God through…

Bishops are authorized by the Catholic Church to conduct the sacrament of confirmation. Unlike baptisms --- a ceremonial act bringing believers into intimacy with Jesus Christ --- a sacrament is a…

Another word for a consecrated host is the Eucharist. Catholics believe that at the moment of consecration, the priest transforms the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This is…

A male superior in an abbey, whether the abbey is a monastery or convent, is referred to as an abbot. However, you should not simply address an abbot as "Abbot Jones" or "Abbot Davidson." Instead,…

The term "relic" can apply to any item of worth from the past in any condition, from an ancient headstone to an old war specimen. Although this naturally makes it difficult to offer entirely specific…

The Lenten season is an annual period of 40 days when Christians reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (46 days before Easter Sunday; Sundays are not part…

Saints are Christians who demonstrate exceptional understanding of the love of Christ and who live their lives with complete devotion to God. The Catholic Church honors saints as ideal role models,…

Certain foods and drinks are not permitted for followers of Islam. This prohibition is established by verse 173 of the Cow sura in the Koran and repeated in similar forms throughout the Muslim…

According to the Orthodox Church in America website, the Eucharist is "the 'sacrament of sacraments'" in the Orthodox tradition, or the "sacrament of the Church." The Eucharist is the climax of the…

The word catholic, uncapitalized, means universal. The word Catholic, capitalized, refers to a particular doctrinal perception regarding the Eucharist normally associated with the Roman Christian…

Human beings have been burying their dead in ritual fashion for as long as 350,000 years, and as religion has evolved, burial rites have developed in each faith and sect. Funeral rituals in the…

From Shakespeare's "all the world's a stage" to the more recent expression "it's a small world," there has been the idea that in some way all human beings are connected. However a formal theory of…

The Christian church has been in existence for approximately 2,000 years. Even though a lot of history has transpired since the days of the early church, information in ancient sources explains the…

Catholic confirmation is an important time in any person's life. For many people, the sacrament of confirmation is almost taken for granted as an event that will happen easily and smoothly. For…

The sign of the cross is a "sacramental;" that is, it is a sacred sign that "sanctifies a moment or circumstance." Early Christians used their thumb and forefinger to trace a cross on their foreheads,…

Easter is one of the most important festivals of Christianity, and it is the center of the Christian liturgical year. The festival commemorates the story of the death and Resurrection of Jesus.…

Some words sound very similar to one another but their actual definitions have almost nothing to do with one another. The words "synchronicity" and "idiosyncrasy" are two such words that sound alike…

The Methodist church has its origins in the early teachings of Church of England missionaries to the colony of Georgia, John and Charles Wesley. John Wesley's teachings still serve as the foundation…

Explaining things to children can often seem like a daunting task to parents. Explaining Lent, a 40-day season of liturgy and penance, to children might appear especially challenging. The key is to…

Baptism is a holy sacrament of the Christian religion. It involves the immersion of the whole body into water or sprinkling or pouring water on the head of an individual seeking spiritual salvation…

The Roman Catholic sacrament of confirmation is the final stage of initiation into the Catholic faith. Historically, confirmation occurred in union with baptism and the first reception of eucharist,…

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Guatama (subsequently called the Buddha) in ancient India. Buddhism spread to China, and the country adopted it the national religion during the Tang Dynasty. The…

Aristotle is an ancient Greek philosopher who lived from the year 384 B.C. to 322 B.C. The seven virtues stem from the work and teachings of Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. Aristotle outlined four of…

Many theological controversies which once sharply divided Roman Catholics and Protestants have been tempered in recent years through ecumenical dialogue. One of these controversies is the historic…

Catholic weekend retreats, which are available all over the U.S., are opportunities for Catholic men and women to reconnect with God and take a spiritual respite from their busy working weeks. Many…

The term Lent designates, in the western hemisphere, the pre-Easter interval of 40 days excluding Sundays in the count. The term Lent derives from the expression "lengthening of days" and this 40-day…

Violence between Catholics and Protestants largely ended in the early 20th century; however, history records a long series of struggles between the two religions. From Martin Luther's original…

The creative process describes the personal, emotional and intuitive work that comes together when writers write or singers compose music. Although religion is often viewed as disconnected from modern…

You can easily look at moral virtues as a series of internal statutes that define how you should behave in every situation. The classic philosophers, though, treat moral virtues less like statutes…

In the Christian faith as a whole, sin is viewed as the great barrier preventing humans from truly communing with God on a spiritual level. In the Catholic Christian tradition in particular, the…

In the 17th century, the nations of Europe began to explore North America, hoping to uncover greater resources, founded new colonies and even spread their religious beliefs among the natives. One of…

If you are an adult child of an alcoholic, rest assured that you are not alone. Many adults struggle with the effects and repercussions of having an alcoholic parent, but not everyone knows that the…

Easter is the most important day on the Christian calendar, and the period of 40 days leading up to it, known as Lent, represents a very spiritual season for many Christians. Traditionally, Christians…

The Anglican Church is represented in North America by several groups, but the group most closely aligned with traditional Anglican orthodoxy is the recently-established Anglican Church in North…

Throughout its long and rich history, the Catholic church has amassed a large amount of ceremonies and traditions. One of these traditions is the outfits worn by members of the church. In fact, some…

"It is often easier for a person with a disability to get a beer at a bar than it is to enter a church to pray," said John Dunne, a former Assistant Attorney General, while debating the Americans with…

Kaivala (also commonly written as "Kaivalya") and Samadhi are Sanskrit terms; these ancient words arose from the Vedas and the Upanishads, ancient Hindu religious and philosophical texts. In the…

The cross has been one of the most important symbols of Christianity since its early days, and it stands as the defining mark of this religion. Whether in imagery with paintings and small crosses, or…

The bindi is a small jewel or dot worn on the center of the forehead, above the bridge of the nose. This Indian tradition has been worn for hundreds of years. Though once steeped in religious…

Since its inception in 1776, the United States has engaged in wars for its own independence or the independence of other nations. This nation has erected monuments and memorials in honor of its troops…

Although it is Protestant, the Episcopal Church, as part of the Anglican tradition, has many similarities with the Roman Catholic Church. Some Episcopal Christians identify themselves as Catholic…

How you end a letter varies depending on the addressee, the sender, the purpose and the style of the letter. If your Christian faith is important to you, you might want to share God's love by…

EFY is an acronym that stands for "Especially For Youth." It is a program in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is specifically for young men and young women between the ages of 14…

Roman Catholicism is one of the oldest branches of Christianity and the largest sect of Christianity. Most Catholics believe that during the consecration of the bread and wine that it was transmuted…

By the age of reason, teenagers want to being experiencing life as mature individuals. When Catholic teens prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, religious educators have an…

Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States and home to numerous memorials and monuments. As the nation's seat of government, many of D.C.'s memorials are dedicated to past Presidents and…

Catholics share many traditions with their fellow Christians; however, the Roman Catholic Church retains certain unique traditions. Other religions, and even some Christian sects, have held…

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that marriage is eternal in God's sight. The Church includes Marriage as one of it seven sacraments -- so the Catholic Church teaches, by Jesus in the gospel of…

As the Roman empire began a slow decline, its emperors slowly transferred their base from Rome to the strong Eastern wing of the empire based in Constantinople (modern day Istanbul). As communication…

Despite the many similarities and points of agreement that exist between denominations in Christianity, there are also many fundamental differences. In the 21st century, many of these distinctions…

Roman Catholics recognize seven sacraments, which serve as rites of Christian initiation and passage throughout a person's life, however brief or long that life may endure. Extreme Unction, also…

The idea of infallibility is a confusing and often misunderstood concept for Catholics and non-Catholics. Its purpose is to guarantee that certain defined teachings of the Catholic Church are exempt…

Whether you are teaching at a Catholic school, a religious education institution or you are teaching your child religion at home, using some games and other activities will help to stimulate your…

After the Protestant Reformation reshaped Europe in the 14th century, Protestant and Roman Catholic churches took divergent paths. Specific doctrines were redefined, which identified the differences…

The Roman Catholic Church has at councils through the centuries confirmed and communicated its core beliefs through its "professions of faith." These have been passed down as creeds (from the Latin…

Becoming a godmother is one way of strengthening your spiritual relationship with a friend who shares your faith. As godmother of her child, you share the responsibility of raising the child in the…

Rituals play an important role in the Catholic faith, as they are performed by God's representatives, the priests. Jesus promised his followers that he would live on through the Church and through its…

According to Jewish law, Judaism does not accept an individual who practices a different faith as a Jew. Additionally, Jewish lineage passes through the matrilineal line, meaning Orthodox and…

If the media are any indication, Americans have a multifaceted understanding of Catholics. Sometimes Catholics are portrayed as holy and pious. In other instances Catholics are depicted as corrupt and…

The differences between different denominations of Christianity can seem obscure, especially to someone not familiar with the religion. Catholicism and Protestantism are two of the three main branches…

Pentecostalism and Catholicism are both belief systems in the Christian religion, but the similarities between the two do not extend much beyond that. Pentecostalism and Catholicism differ from each…

Although Methodists, Protestants and Catholics have derived their religious beliefs and practices from the Catholic Church and are all Christians of faith, the three "wings" have developed in time…

Catholic crosses come in all shapes and sizes, and nearly all of them have some type of special meaning or symbolism. Interestingly, some of these are directed toward specific branches of Catholicism,…

Over the centuries, many Catholics have left their mark not only on the church, but also upon the culture in which we live. While some of these men have fallen into obscurity, others have been…

"Why should I want to become a Catholic?" If this question is asked seriously, then a serious answer from a knowledgeable Roman Catholic will be an apologetic answer. That doesn't mean the person…

Anointing with oil is an ancient tradition often associated with religious practice. It is the process of applying oil or an oil ointment to a person during a religious ceremony or blessing. For…

Ireland was and still is a home of many successful people, including actors, singers, politicians, athletes and poets. Although it is a country of four million people, Ireland has a rich history and…

The Eucharist is the heart of Catholic worship. Although the most obvious way to obtain the Eucharist is by attending Mass, another way to grow closer to God is by spending Holy Hour in adoration of…

The Catholic religion is well known for its many rules and rites. One of the most complicated and difficult to understand is related to divorce and receiving Holy Communion, the symbolic consumption…

The Ten Commandments are an important part of Catholicism. They give explicit directions about how God wants us to live. Use word association and finger tricks to teach them to children at a young age…

The role of men and women in the Catholic Church have undergone a degree of scrutiny over the past century as other denominations within the higher church have begun to re-examine the roles of women…

The Catholic Church recognizes the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Heavenly Virtues, which are seen as opposites. The virtues provide a set of values to believe in, and Catholics are expected to…

The Friday of the week before Easter is called Good Friday. This is a day when Christians worldwide recognize Jesus Christ's suffering, crucifixion and death. Most Christian denominations have their…

The cornerstone of the Catholic faith is the belief that God forgives us for our sins if we are truly sorry. To gain his forgiveness, Catholics must perform the Sacrament of Reconciliation, whereby…

In Christianity, the Signs of the Cross typically start and end a prayer. They are also used for various other situations, such as when passing a place of worship, and are used several times during a…

Upon entering a Catholic church, one of the first things any visitor will notice is the number of candles. There are several candles on the altar and at least one large bank of votive candles in front…

Martin Luther led a revolt against the Roman Catholic Church on Oct. 31, 1517, when he posted a challenge on the door to Wittenberg University for a debate of 95 theological topics from the Bible that…

In Catholicism, one of the world's oldest and universal religions, there are a great number of important rituals ranging from exorcism to reconciliation. Drawing from Christ's promise to remain with…

Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments in the Catholic faith. Although an individual can be baptized at any age, traditionally the ceremony occurs during infancy as a celebration of a baby's…

One must be very careful when attempting to explain the Catholic Doctrine of the Trinity, for it is very specific, and dozens of men and women over the centuries have been censured by the Catholic…

Writing for Catholic websites can be a great way to earn a bit of extra money, and may be especially rewarding if you have a strong faith and want to share it. Catholic websites, like other sites,…

The prayers that are called creeds are professions of the Roman Catholic faith. Catholics recite the creeds during Mass or while praying, so that they can show that they believe. Catholics learn the…

There are many differences between Baptists and Catholics. Roman Catholics trace their history back to St. Peter, the first leader of the church, while John Smyth founded the first Baptist church in…

Roman Catholics hold many moral principles that are used to determine what actions they take in everyday life. Catholics see morality as something that is objective, and yet that must be applied…

The Episcopal and Catholic religions are similar and have many aspects in common. King Henry VIII founded the Episcopal, or Anglican, church in response to his disagreement with the Catholic religion.…

The Catholic Church observes not only the well-known Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter, but also many other important days recognizing events in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as…

When Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517, he couldn't have possibly predicted their massive ripple effect. Along with John Calvin and other early…

The Catholic Church generally forbids the annulment of a marriage, as the forming of two people into a union is seen as an unbreakable bond that mirrors the relationship between Jesus Christ and the…

Selecting godparents for your child is a significant responsibility. Godparents are responsible for helping raise your child in the faith to become an active Catholic adult. According to canon law,…

Catholics and Pentecostals are both part of the Christian community, along with other Christian denominations like Anglicans, Methodists, Orthodox and Brethren, to name a few. Catholics have a single…

The Roman Catholic Church includes 1.166 billion baptized Catholics worldwide, according to the 2010 Pontifical Yearbook. Catholics comprise 23.9 percent of American adults, and the Church's…

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is comprised of 11 counties, six of which are home to Catholic high schools. Some of these schools serve areas outside the St. Louis metro area. More than 14,000 students…

In Catholicism, it has been pointed out that a committed marriage is the foundation of a family, which helps to strengthen the faith. Catholicism also teaches that a committed marriage allows for…

The Catholic faith believes that Jesus Christ died on a cross for the sins of humanity and was raised from the dead to reign eternally as a king of peace in heaven. The Stations of the Cross are…

When teaching Catholic preschoolers Sunday school lessons, remember that many religious concepts can be difficult for them to grasp. Keep it simple and focus on the basics, such as God's love and…

When children come of age in the Catholic Church, they receive first Holy Communion. Celebrating this event traditionally meant that families gathered in the home for a party. Mothers, aunts and…

Teenagers deal with all sorts of trials and tribulations as they grow from childhood into adulthood. The transition is made more complicated with the inclusion of religion. For nearly 2,000 years,…

In the early 16th century, a German priest name Martin Luther noticed discrepancies between Catholic theology and biblical scripture. He devoted himself to following the word of God as set out in the…

Teaching religion can be especially fulfilling, because it not only gives students an introduction to philosophy, history and civilizations, but also allows them some space to reflect quietly and…

Like other religions, Catholicism provides guidelines for dealing with grief. These not only help cope with the loss of a loved one; they can also help Catholics make sense of suffering in general so…

Because services -- called the "divine liturgy' -- were originally performed in the native tongues of immigrants to America, Orthodox Churches were seen as foreign and not easily accessible. This…

American Catholics have choices when subscribing to faith-based newspapers and magazines. Dozens of diocesan newspapers -- including many that have been around for more than a century -- keep…

Catholic art projects are a great way for teachers to decorate their classrooms, get their students involved and help parents see how their children are developing their Catholic faith. There are many…

Catholic Confirmation lessons instruct Confirmation candidates on the meaning and importance of the Sacrament. They also enforce certain requirements of candidates, as determined by the diocese.…

Catholic journey retreats are located in settings removed from urban centers, on sites that provide peaceful surroundings conducive to the participants' reconnection with their spirituality.…

The Catholic religion believes that fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are beneficial. A fasting is intended to energize the body spiritually. Fasting can last from one day to a couple of days.…

Catholics celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion for children around the age of 7 or 8. This is one of the Sacraments of Initiation by which children become more closely initiated with Christ…

Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic religion. When the Catholic is confirmed, he is blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and he becomes a full member of the Catholic…

The cross is the symbol of Christianity. It symbolizes the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the suffering he went through in order to bring about the salvation of humankind. The Christian cross is…

Many Catholic parents want their children to begin learning about their Catholic faith at a very young age because they want the values and ideas of the church to be an important part of the way their…

Catholicism is the largest Christian religion worldwide. Altar servers are lay assistants to the priest in conducting the Mass, and it is considered a position of honor. Young boys used to serve this…

Roman Catholicism or the Roman Church is the name given to the branch of Christianity that emerged out of Rome. It is the largest branch of Christianity in the world. A myriad of celebrations and…

The reign of Queen Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII, lasted a healthy 45 years, from 1558 to 1603. It was an exciting time, marked by a rising middle class, the Age of Explorers and Shakespearean…

The Catholic Church has seven sacraments. A sacrament is an outward sign of grace established by Christ. There are neither more nor less sacraments added or removed over time.

Finding people who share common interests and religious beliefs is easier if you know where to look. Start with your local church. Many Roman Catholic parishes have youth groups that bring like-minded…

Catholicism and Presbyterianism are related through Christianity. Catholicism and Protestantism are two of three sects that branched from Christianity. The Presbyterian Church is descendant of…

Christianity's 1 billion followers are scattered among a number of denominations. The largest is the Roman Catholic Church, which is also the oldest. However, after a series of bloody wars in Europe,…

Being part of an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program is a spiritually rewarding experience. While Roman Catholic catechesis has a heritage as old as the church itself, the Internet…

The Catholic Church is the world's largest denomination of Christianity, with over 1 billion followers. With that large amount of people, though, not every Catholic has the same value or belief…

The Catholic faith is rich in imagery and religious icons used in worship services and celebratory events. Catholics do not worship the statues, but use them as meditative objects and reminders of the…

Although vegetarianism is not obligatory for Catholics, its a subject of debate within Catholic theology. Some Catholics view vegetarianism as a living Jesus' mandate to show mercy and compassion to…

If you want to examine some ways in which different Christian Churches diverge, you may wish to compare the Roman Catholic and Episcopalian Churches. The Episcopal Church describes itself as "a…

Catholic monuments can be found all around the world. These religious structures were explicitly built to commemorate Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. Most Catholic monuments are landmarks in…

Catholicism is one single religion, however, it is celebrated and interpreted in many different rites in various churches. As of 2010, there are 20 liturgical rites that exist in the Catholic faith,…

According to the Code of Canon Law, all Catholics are obliged to carry out acts of penance as a sign of faith. Abstaining from meat on Fridays is one of several acts of penance that bind Catholics…

Conservative Protestants and Roman Catholics both call themselves Christians and share many of the same beliefs. Both religious groups believe in angels, the virgin birth, Jesus Christ's life,…

Confessing sins privately to a priest became customary in the Catholic Church after the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215. A confession consists of a believer stating all the sins he can recall since his…

Deacons play an important role in the everyday functions of the Catholic Church. Like Catholic priests, these men take a vow of poverty. However, religious restrictions on deacons are minimal compared…

Catholic tithing and offerings originated in the Bible, and have since been carried out by Catholics all over the world. The Bible has many passages that refer to tithes and offerings, and these…

Conflict has existed, on different scales and with differing intensities, between Ireland and Britain for more than eight centuries. Today conflict is largely non-violent and focuses on whether…

There are many scholarships available for Catholic youth who are committed to their faith and have a good scholastic record. Some of these scholarships are available to any practicing Catholic…

The Christian cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ and constitutes the central symbol of Catholic iconography. Early Christians avoided this image due to the ignominy associated with this form…

Choosing a saint for the sacrament of confirmation marks an important step in your spiritual growth. You will bear this saint's name as a part of your own for the rest of your life. The name marks who…

Sir Francis Drake was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe during his famous voyage between 1577 and 1580. Spain was the world's super power at the time, and Drake's prime objective was to…

When it comes to dating, Catholic Answers website suggests taking a "Godly approach" as well as going back to the courtship principals of older generations. In other words, instead of dating just to…

Ever since the earliest days of Christianity, the burial of the body after death has been regarded by the Catholic Church as one of its most important practices. Until 1963, cremation was regarded as…

The Second Vatican Council's final document speaks about the relationship of the Roman Catholic Church to the modern world. The document discusses what the church is able to offer people as they…

The Catholic red plate tradition involves setting a red plate at the dinner table to honor a certain individual. Often this person is someone having a hard time or someone who has recently…

For Catholics, confirmation is an important practice and part of continuing their religious journey. As a baby, Catholics are baptized, but that does not confirm their perfection and complete…

Candles are important in Catholic rites and ceremonies. Candles symbolize life, light and prayers. Catholics have procedures regarding the funerals and burials of faithful Catholics. Catholic funeral…

Catholicism is a Christian religion centered out of Rome. The religion dates back to the apostle, Peter, who was a follower of Jesus Christ. Catholic comes from the Greek word "katholikos," which…

The Catholic religion is a denomination of Christianity. As of 2008, more than one billion people practice or believe in Catholicism. The history of Catholicism begins with Jesus Christ and the 12…

The Catholic catechism is a compilation of the church's teaching based on the Bible, Christian tradition, sacraments and the writings of its saints. "The Catechism of the Catholic Church...is a sure…

In the Catholic Church, baptism is an important rite that is believed to cleanse a person of all sin, unite one with Christ and give the gift of the Holy Spirit. Infant baptism has been part of…

The Roman Catholic Church goes back to the centuries following the death of Christ, but Baptist churches trace their roots to the Reformation of the 16th century, when Protestant Christians separated…

RCIA, or the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, is a process for adults that would like to join the Catholic Church. The process involves classes that explore various topics within the church…

Lutheran evangelicals broke away from the Catholic Church in 1517. Despite many attempts to heal the theological divide between Catholicism and Lutheranism, there are a number of fundamental…

When choosing a college, many things must be considered. For people devout in their religion, it is important to find a college that recognizes the values of their faith. Among colleges that are…

Protestant Christianity is not a single denomination, with a single set of agreed-upon principles. There are also Roman Catholics from the Latin rite and Eastern Catholics who follow Byzantine or…

Martin Luther's Reformation in the 16th century resulted in the formation of a number of Protestant Christian followers that wanted to break away from the corruption of the Catholic Church. Although…

Catholic singles' cruises, like other affiliate group tours, are opportunities for people with similar interests and background to socialize and share travel experiences. In addition to normal…

Catholicism is one of the largest religions in the world and continues to grow. The Holy Communion is the most important aspect of a Catholic Mass, as Catholics believe the bread and wine become the…

Family mission trips reinforce family bonds while modeling the values parents seek to instill in their children. Besides the educational experience inherent in visiting other lands, mission trips…

The "Original Catholic Encyclopedia" is composed of 15 volumes, published between 1907 and 1912. In 1914 an index was added. The encyclopedia serves as a leading reference work on the constitution,…

The Roman Catholic Church has many traditions that date back for centuries. One of the oldest traditions is fasting, especially during the season of Lent. For hundreds of years, the Church has…

Catholics should understand their faith so they can explain important questions to people who want to know why they pray the way they do. Prayer is an important part of the Catholic faith. It is the…

Video games are a common form of entertainment for children and adults alike in today's society. However, the video games available are not always of desirable subject matter for a Catholic family.…

Some people grow up attending Catholic church with their family, but never consider why they go. They take communion and baptize their babies, but never understand the meaning behind these traditions.…

The Polish, and general Slavic, custom of placing sheaves of wheat in the four corners of the dining room is a Christmas tradition. The practice, used in both Orthodox and Catholic countries, is…

Some people wonder about the differences between Episcopal and Catholic services or masses. In fact, they are much the same and, yet, vary in some aspects. Learn the facts about two important…

Cuba has had a very controversial relationship with Catholicism, particularly in the latter part of the 20th century. Communism generally goes hand in hand with atheism, which is the lack of belief in…

Welcome parishioners to your next church event, celebrate a holiday or let your party guests know they're in the right place for a Feast Day with an easy-to-notice banner. You can make Catholic…

Catholic jewelry comes in many styles and designs, including bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces. What may appear to be simple jewelry often holds significant spiritual meaning to the wearer.…

Liturgical calendars document the major seasons of the Christian year, including Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost and Ordinary Time (the time between the major religious…

Catholic boarding schools are considered as an option for many young girls. Families may choose a catholic boarding school for their daughters for a variety of reasons including smaller class sizes, a…

Weddings are joyous occasions, but they can also cause a bit of anxiety when guests are not sure what to do during the ceremony. Catholic weddings are just different enough from other wedding…

First Communion is a Catholic ceremony in which individuals receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time. This rite usually takes place during the Easter season for children who are…

Trinidad and Tobago host Carnival, a festival described by author Barbara Ehrenreich as “a centuries-old blowout so wild and intense that it makes Mardi Gras look like a Veterans Day…

Ash Wednesday is the solemn and sacred start to the liturgical season of Lent, a forty-day period of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter Sunday. The use of sackcloth and ashes to symbolize…

With over four dozen Catholic parishes, churches and centers, Staten Island caters to its Catholic population. The borough also contains 13 Catholic high schools so that children can continue their…

Although both Catholicism and Evangelicalism are Christian faiths, they have distinct differences. The Catholic faith has a distinctly traditional church-centered history. The Evangelical faith is…

The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" serves the global Catholic community by codifying the "essential and fundamental content" of the beliefs that Catholics share. The "Catechism of the Catholic…

For four weeks before Christmas, Catholics celebrate the season of Advent, which Catholic Education defines as "a season of spiritual preparation marked by an eager longing for the birth of Our Savior…

Baptism is an important act in many Christian traditions. In Catholicism, it is one of the seven sacraments. A sacrament is a ritual when God is active. Different Christian groups have different…

When a person walks into a Catholic sanctuary to celebrate Mass, she sees details, all of which are necessary for Mass. Every element in the sanctuary is in order, clean and ready for a Eucharistic…

Good Friday in the Catholic Church celebrates the crucifixion and death of Jesus and is part of Holy Week that ends with Easter. While a mass is not said to celebrate Good Friday, a liturgical service…

A Catholic catechism is a book containing the essential teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The current approved catechism is in paragraph format. Past catechisms in the United States, notably the…

Like many aspects of Catholicism, use of holy water has its roots in Jewish religious tradition. In the Old Testament, Israelites immersed themselves in a "mikvah" or ritual bath to become pure before…

Those enrolled in the 188 Catholic seminaries throughout the U.S. share many of the same experiences as other high school, college and post-graduate students. They shop around for the best educational…

Seven sacraments are in the Catholic faith. One of them is First Communion, also called First Eucharist. This commemorates the first time a person, usually a child, receives the body and blood of…

For Catholics, Ash Wednesday, also referred to as the Day of Ashes, is the first day of the 40-day period of Lent that ends with Easter. Lent is a time for Catholics to repent, reflect and prepare for…

It's your godson's confirmation day and you're in a receiving line to meet the bishop. You have been Catholic all your life, but still the last time you met a bishop was your own confirmation day and…

Ash Wednesday is the yearly beginning of the period of Lent in the Catholic calendar, a period which culminates with Easter, a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Lent is a traditional time of…

Georgia only has one Catholic college, namely Southern Catholic College, but Roman Catholic students can take advantage of Catholic campus ministries at two of the most popular state schools as well,…

Studies at Georgetown University report that the number of graduate-level seminarians in the U.S. has dropped drastically from 8,325 in 1965 to 3,357 in 2009. However, Catholics are hopeful that these…

In the Catholic faith, Lent refers to a roughly six-week period that begins with Ash Wednesday and serves as a time for Catholics to prepare themselves for the Easter Day resurrection of Jesus Christ.…

Jesus Christ gave Simon Peter a special position in the Catholic Church. Peter is "the rock" upon which Christ's Church is built, and as such Peter is recognized as the first Pope. As the successor to…

Communion, or Eucharist, is the central focus of every Roman Catholic Mass and sacrament service. It is the representation of the Last Supper and it is when Catholics believe the host (unleavened…

The Roman Catholic Catechism teaches that confirmation enables Catholics to profess their faith as "strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ." It is the sacrament that roots…

Receiving the Eucharist is the highlight of a Catholic's faith. In receiving Jesus in this form, Catholics acknowledge the new covenant that Jesus instilled at the Last Supper. The Eucharist gives…

Catholics preparing for Lent, the 40 weekdays between Ash Wednesday and Easter, should approach the season as a 40-day spiritual journey, complete with a road map, itinerary and supplies needed to…

Since the Protestant Reformation in the 1600s, Catholics and Protestants have been at odds about fundamental issues that define their beliefs. At first glance, many aesthetic differences are…

Catholic ministries provide specific needs within a community, such as outreach pregnancy support, food pantries, mission work, youth and adult ministries and other opportunities. Although they may…

Receiving holy Communion or holy Eucharist is a sacrament practiced in the Catholic faith. When one eats bread and drinks wine that is properly consecrated by a priest, according to Catholics, Christ…

The Catholic Holy Days of Obligation are days in which "the faithful are obliged to participate in Mass" as laid out in the 1247 Code of Canon Law. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops…

Communion is one of the most precious sacraments in Catholicism. The preparation involves both the family and the child who will be taking it for the first time. The child and adult convert learn to…

Novenas are prayers designed to ask for a special request. Most Novenas are appeals to a specific saint for intervention on the behalf of the person saying the prayer. There are many novenas…

The Catholic faith has been canonizing people as saints since A.D. 100 for their exceptional holiness, charity, suffering, piety or even miraculous works. The ranks now include well over 10,000…

In the Catholic Church, the word "relic" refers to the physical remains or the personal effects of a saint. Relics are classified as first-class (parts of a saint's body, usually very small),…

In our pluralistic society, it's possible to find yourself visiting places, including religious places, that you might never have anticipated. If you visit a Catholic monastery, there are ways to…

A missal is a book containing the instructions, prayers and scripture readings used at a Catholic mass. While it's a useful book to have, it's also notoriously difficult to navigate. Some missals…

Someone wanting a doctorate in Catholic liturgy might consider a distance learning program. Many Catholic universities now offer classes via the Internet, with occasional trips to main campus or an…

Patron saints in Catholic tradition give protection and guidance from heaven according to The Catholic Encyclopedia. Patron saints exist for trades and professions as well as for countries and…

Anointing oil, called chrism in the Catholic church, is a fragrant oil blended with olives and balsam and has received appropriate blessings. Anointing oil is poured in the course of some sacramental…

While in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is an increasingly popular method for helping infertile couples become pregnant, many Americans are unaware that the Catholic Church considers IVF immoral and evil.

The headquarters of the Catholic Church is Vatican City, which is a city inside of Rome. Therefore, there are numerous seminaries of many countries inside of Rome for anyone considering entering the…

A Catholic novena is a series of specific prayers that are said for a special request, intention, or grace. Most novenas are said every day for nine days (the word "novena" is based on the…

How to become a true Catholic.

The cross is the symbol of Christianity. It's a visible reminder of the death of Jesus Christ, the event Christians believe brought about the salvation of the human race. While the cross in Protestant…

Teaching children about Catholicism can be a tricky feat. The seriousness of religion is sometimes lost on the little ones, but if presented to them in ways that they can understand children can begin…

Grace is love given freely by God to man. Paradoxically, according to the Catholic view of grace, man cannot enjoy this unconditional expression of God without the salvation of the soul. Born into…

The Catholic religion is one of the most prominent religions in the world. It was established during the Middle Ages and represents a distinct form of Christianity, differing from other denominations.…

RCIA, or the rite of Christian initiation for adults, is the traditional method for people to become Roman Catholic. The process includes regular meetings, spiritual reflection and participation in a…

Catholic family planning, also referred to as natural family planning or NFP, is the only acceptable form of family planning for faith-abiding Catholics. According to the Catholic Church, both…

"In all our travels and movements, in...our coming in and going out...whatever employment occupies us, we mark our foreheads with the sign of the cross," said Tertullian, a second century church…

The breviary is a book of prayer that includes the complete Daily Offices of the Catholic Church. Some breviaries are personalized with an individual's or parish's preferred prayers for the morning…

Catholicism offers many meditation techniques. The Catholic church recognizes that different personalities respond to different methods of contemplating the Divine. All Catholic meditation techniques…

The Catholic Church eagerly embraces new members into its organization, whether they are single, married or even if they are recovering from a dissolved marriage. In order to be baptized as a…

The Catholic religion, more commonly referred to as Catholicism, is a religion with a vast history and a strong core of beliefs. Those new to the Catholic Mass or Catholicism in general may be…

The Holy Bible, referred to as the canon, is the central religious text of Catholicism, and its only sacred book. The canon is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament.…

A Catholic wake, more formally called a vigil, is part of the steps leading up to the burial of a person. It is the first of the three Rites of Christian Burial traditionally observed by the church.…

Deacons are ordained ministers of the Roman Catholic Church. They perform various services at the parish level and are regarded as servants of the Pope, as opposed to priests, who are assistants to…

Most people think of Mardi Gras as a big party in New Orleans, but its roots predate the white man's arrival in the New World by many centuries. It actually stems from Christian…

Usually referred to in the context of priestly ordination, "vocation" is actually a concept that is pertinent to all members of the Catholic Church. The vocation of a person represents the type of…

Catholic is a term that, by definition, means "universal." In regards to religion, the term catholic is generally used to refer to members of the Roman Catholic Church, which is headed by the Bishop…

According to Catholic doctrine, there are different types of sins, with distinguishable consequences for each. Deep-rooted folklore often surrounds some of these policies of the Catholic Church. The…

The Season of Lent in the Catholic church begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday (the Saturday prior to Easter). This is a 40-day period as the Sundays are not considered part of the…

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, is a process completed by adults that allows them to become Catholic. Depending on which Catholic church you attend, there may not be a RCIA…

Many people associate Catholic birth control with the rhythm method, which is outdated. Today, Natural Family Planning has many options and choices that can be used to space children and plan the…

How to become a Catholic.

When most people think of Catholicism, they think of the Roman Catholic Church. This article will deal with some of the beliefs that set the Catholic Church apart from other branches of Christianity.

Catholic funeral prayers are a central part of Catholic funeral rites. The first part of Catholic funerals rites is the vigil or "wake" which usually takes place at a church, a private…

The novena is a devotional prayer that one prays to ask for special requests or to make a petition for help in times of distress. The devotion is most often prayed to a specific saint whose problems…

Dating a Catholic military guy can be difficult. Establishing independence and clear communication can help make it a positive and rewarding experience.

Catholic nuns have been an integral part of the religious community since the beginning of Christianity more than 2,000 years ago. Various orders have come into existence over the centuries, living…

Catholics worship in a communal ceremony called Mass. Some aspects of the Mass have changed over the centuries, particularly since the 1960s. The priest now conducts the service in the local language,…

Finding the right radio station to listen to while at home or work can be difficult. There may not be any stations in your area that you are interested in. You also may be searching for a religious…

In the Catholic Church, babies are baptized shortly after birth. The only requirement is that their parents belong to the church. Adults choose to become Catholic because they feel a calling to the…

A Catholic movie festival is an effective way to the teach truths of the Christian faith and provide family-friendly entertainment for parishioners. By joining people together of all ages, this event…

Catholic products are easy to find no matter where you live. There are many websites that sell rosaries, prayer books, and first communion supplies. Catholic supply stores are also in abundance in…

Sell your used Catholic books and create space while earning extra cash. You can sell the books locally or online and do not have to spend money to make money.

The catholic religion has a world-wide following. Although most people know of the pope and of priests, there is much more to the catholic faith. Like every religion, the catholic religion has unique…

The goal for many followers of the Catholic religion is to get into heaven. Nine out of every ten people in the United States say that they believe in heaven, defined as a place of eternal life where…

If you're a community-minded Catholic male with a mind for charity, you might consider joining the Knights of Columbus. Formed in 1882 to offer financial aid to needy members, the Knights of Columbus…

Many years ago catholic clergy were easy to spot because nuns wore habits and others wore cassocks, the long black robe. Today priests may still wear their collar but some do not, and nuns are not…

A wedding is a one-time event, followed by a lifetime of commitment in marriage. For centuries, people have taken their marriage vows in front of family, friends, church members and God in a local…

R.C.I.A. is the process and rite through which many adults join the Catholic Church.

Medals are popular ways for Catholics to identify with, bolster and give witness to their faith.

Catholic Lenten traditions have been observed by Catholics throughout the world for 2,000 years. As you observe Lent as a Catholic, offer up your sufferings and draw closer to God. Grow spiritually as…

Easter is the greatest holy day in the Church's calendar. The Catholic Easter feast is a joyful occasion, celebrating Christ's resurrection from the dead. Catholic Easter traditions and customs…

People of the Catholic faith believe that the physical body will be resurrected at Judgment Day and prefer burial to cremation so that their remains stay intact. Catholic funerals often follow the…

Confirmation in the Catholic Church is 1 of the 7 Sacraments. During it, the person (usually a child) receives the Holy Spirit again (they already got it once during baptism) to help them follow in…

A baptism welcomes a child into the Catholic faith. It celebrates new life and innocence with rituals, symbols and community and should be approached seriously. The christening represents the parents'…

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), founded in 1943 by the United States bishops, is the international relief agency of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. Primary uses of CRS funds in recent…

Catholicism is one of the oldest religious institutions in the history of the world. If you decide that you want to become Catholic, you will be joining a large faith community with a prominent…

The job description calls for chastity, poverty and obedience, and apparently that's not everyone's cup of tea. In the past 30 years, the number of Catholic nuns in the United States has fallen by…