Understanding Catholicism

Intro to Catholicism The Pope Mother Mary 7 Sacraments Purgatory 2

The Pope Bishop of Rome, head of the Catholic Church Can perform canonization (sainthood) and pardons of people in the church Election by Papal Conclave – College of Cardinals – bishops from around the world 3

The Pope: Duties “Vicar of Jesus Christ” the supreme head of the college of bishops appoint bishops, create dioceses, creates cardinals, names saints, and intervenes in disputes between the Vatican and local bishops. pronounces infallible teachings of faith and morals “The infallibility promised to the Church resides also in the body of Bishops, when that body exercises the supreme magisterium with the successor of Peter.” (Second Vatican Council, 1964) 4

Mother Mary Mary is ever-virgin sinless: did not have original sin at birth mother of God and of Jesus, but not of God the Father present movement: co- redeemer along Christ 5

Saints They are people who were devoted to God in life After the died, they were canonized by the Pope through a special process – Must have lived a holy life – Must have at least 2 posthumous miracles attributed to them Can intercede on behalf of the living and the dead Can be declared “patron saints” of causes or professions, or invoked against illnesses, etc Saints are granted power from God, their bodies and relics are considered holy 6

Seven Sacraments Initiation (Required) 1.Baptism 2.Eucharist: Lord’s Supper 3.Confirmation Healing (Required) 4.Confession 5.Anointing the Sick Service of Communion (not required) 6.Holy Orders 7.Marriage 7

The Rosary 1.Make the Sign of the Cross and say the "Apostles' Creed.“ 2. Say the "Our Father.“ 3. Say three "Hail Marys.” 4.Say the "Glory be to the Father.“ 5.Announce the First Mystery; then say the "Our Father.“ 6.Say ten "Hail Marys," while meditating on the Mystery. 7.Say the "Glory be to the Father.“ 8.Announce the Second Mystery; then say the "Our Father." Repeat 6 and 7 and continue with Third, Fourth and Fifth Mysteries in the same manner. 8

Purgatory 9

Catholics believe that after death, the soul faces judgment – Heaven: those whose sins have been forgiven – Hell: those whose mortal sins have not been forgiven – Purgatory: those whose mortal sins have been forgiven, but may perhaps have venial sins that have not been forgiven. 10

Purgatory def: a transition place where people go after they die; time where you atone/purify yourself of venial sins in order to get into heaven – venial sin: moral disorder, non-deliberate – mortal sin: deliberate; must confess and do penance before you die or directly go to hell How to get out and into heaven – people can pray for you / indulgences – beseech the saints – heaven is not assured 11

Miscellaneous Facts They have a separate translation of the Bible with Apochryphal/Deuterocanonical books These are included in the Old Testament and are not a part of the Hebrew Bible 12