Homework Read pages “Interview Questions for Practicing Catholic” (due Friday) Read Chronicles of Narnia Summer Reading

Chapter I: Being Catholic The “CliffsNotes” View

What does it mean to be a Catholic? Many people’s understanding of the Catholic Faith comes from what they see and hear in the popular media. It is often filled with stereotypes and misinformation.

Some Common threads found among Catholics… Universal – includes all nationality and background God’s truths has been revealed in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition Prayers, devotions, and morality Catholic “attitudes”

Beliefs (things we believe) God created human beings to be in union with Him. Original sin has separated us from God and His original plan.

Throughout human history God has worked to restore the relationship of love and trust that we have lost.

God the Father sent His only Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior. He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins, and he restored the relationship of trust and love between God and humanity.

Christ overcame death by going back to life (Resurrection), thus opening up the gates of Heaven for all the just.

The Holy Spirit (Advocate, Paraclete, Spirit of Truth) has been and continues to be at work in our lives.

God has revealed Himself to be one God in three divine persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Holy Trinity)

Jesus established the Catholic Church on the foundation of the Apostles. Faith has been entrusted to their successors – the bishops of the Church and the Pope.

The Holy Spirit inspired the authors of the Bible to write what God wants us to know for our salvation. All people are destined for eternal life after death  Heaven or Hell

Practices (things we do) Christ instituted the Seven Sacraments to make his presence and love real to us. The Sacraments for the basis of Catholic worship and prayer life. The Eucharist is the heart of the Church’s life. Sunday is the Lord’s Day and we keep that day holy by attending Mass and resting from work.

Liturgical Year The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes The dignity of human life from conception to natural death. Service to others, especially the poor, can transform society We honor and imitate the heroes of our faith known as saints. Mary our Mother and the Mother of God.

Attitudes (how we feel) God is present in and though all creation, and is therefore considered sacred. Human beings are essentially good, even though original sin has made us weak and flawed. Appreciate both faith and reason. They complement each other. Seek to recognize and affirm some aspects of God’s truth that exists in other religions and beliefs.

We are saved by Jesus Christ and through our active participation in the community of faith – that is the Catholic Church. Personal relationship and communal relationship Respects the diversity of cultures, and various forms of spirituality and prayer life.