Catholicism: Ten Commandments

The Catholic Ten Commandments are a description of the basic freedom from sin that is necessary to live as a Christian.

Jesus refers to the Ten Commandments and assures their validity in his dialog with the rich young man in Matthew's Gospel (Mt 19:16-21).

The "Ten" must be understood in relation to the "law of love": Love of God and love of neighbor summarize all of Catholic morality. The law of love is also the first principle & source of the moral law. It contains "all the law and the prophets" (Mt 22:40).

Catholicism: Beatitudes

The Beatitudes, found in the Gospel of Matthew (5:3-12), are a set of teachings delivered by Jesus Christ during the Sermon on the Mount.

These verses outline a series of blessings highlighting the qualities and attitudes valued in Heaven.

"Beatitudes" is derived from the Latin word "beatus," meaning blessed or happy.

Each Beatitude begins with "Blessed are," followed by describing a specific virtue or circumstance that leads to divine favor.

Catholic Holidays and Festivals: 8. Feast of the Assumption

 

8. Feast of the Assumption: Mary’s Glorious Departure (check calendar for date)

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15th, signifies Mary’s bodily and spiritual entrance into heaven.

This feast highlights the unique role of Mary in Catholic theology, as her assumption reflects the reverence accorded to the Mother of God.

Catholicism: The Nicene Creed

Every day is a holiday
when I live God’s good life
He meant for me.

"Our profession of faith begins with God, for God is the First and the Last, the beginning and the end of everything. The Credo begins with God the Father, for the Father is the first divine person of the Most Holy Trinity; our Creed begins with the creation of heaven and earth, for creation is the beginning and the foundation of all God's works."  —Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 198

The Catholic belief is succinctly expressed in the profession of faith or credo called the Nicene Creed:

This is the Catholic Nicene Creed, as used in the Roman Catholic Church's liturgy.

The 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 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.

This creed is usually called  "Nicene Creed." But it is also known as the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, after its origin in the first two Church ecumenical Councils in 325 and 381

This powerful Statement of Belief is what Catholics believe.///

Catholic Holidays and Festivals: 7. Ascension and Pentecost:

7. Ascension and Pentecost: The Gift of the Holy Spirit (check calendar for date)

Ascension Thursday marks Jesus’ ascension into heaven, symbolizing his exaltation and glorification.

Fifty days later, Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, empowering them to spread the Gospel.

These events underscore the Trinitarian nature of the Christian faith and the ongoing role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church

Catholicism: The Holy Catholic Bible

Every day is a holiday
when I live God’s good life
He meant for me.

The Bible is all around us guiding men, women and children to lead a moral, decent and joyful life through God’s word.

People hear Scripture readings in church. We have Good Samaritan (Luke 10) laws, welcome home the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), and look for the Promised Land (Exodus 3, Hebrews 11).

Some biblical passages have become popular maxims, such as "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12)," "Thou shalt not steal (Exodus 20:15), and "love thy neighbor" (Matthew 22:39).

Today's Catholic is called to take an intelligent, spiritual approach to reading the bible. It’s essential to know what the Bible is – and what it isn't.

Catholic Holidays and Festivals: 9. All Saints’ Day

9. All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day: Commemorating the Communion of Saints (check calendar for date)

All Saints’ Day, on November 1st, honors all saints, known and unknown, emphasizing the universal call to holiness.

Followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2nd, this time serves as an occasion for Catholics to remember and pray for the souls of the departed, reinforcing the belief in the communion of saints.

History of Cotton Candy

 1897 – William Morrison and John C Wharton invented cotton candy

Cotton candy as we know it was first created in 1897 when a dentist named William Morrison joined forces with a confectioner by the name of John C. Wharton.  

Together, the duo created a machine that spun heated sugar through a screen, creating the floss-like texture that we all know and love.

Morrison and Wharton sold boxes of cotton candy for a quarter each to fair-goers. The treat was so popular that, by the end of the fair, over 68,000 boxes of cotton candy were sold.

Catholicism; The Act of Contrition

Every day is a holiday
when I live God’s good life
He meant for me.

According to Catholic Share, The Act of Contrition is more than a rote prayer.

It’s recited in the confessional; it is a profound expression of remorse and a commitment to a renewed relationship with God.

It holds a crucial place in the spiritual life of a Catholic, but often its deeper meaning and impact are not fully understood.

Catholic Holidays and Festivals: 6. Easter

6. Easter: Triumph Over Death (check calendar for date)

Easter, the pinnacle of the Christian faith, rejoices in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday Masses, festive meals, and the symbolism of Easter eggs all contribute to the jubilant atmosphere.

The resurrection narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the victory of life over death and hope over despair.

Catholicism: The Holy Rosary

Every day is a holiday
when I live God’s good life
He meant for me.

The Catholic rosary is a string of beads uset to keep track of prayers said. Prayers are like memories any family feels good to recall.

The rosary consists of a cross and medal and sets of beads.

The word rosary means a garland of roses, which symbolize the Virgin Mary.

Prayer begins with the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the great mysteries of the Catholic faith.

The Mysteries of the Rosary center on the events of Christ's life. There are four sets of Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and the Luminous.

Catholic Holidays and Festivals: 5. Holy Week

5. Holy Week: A Sacred Journey to Easter (check calendar for date)

Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Christian calendar, encompasses significant events such as Palm Sunday, recalling Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

The observances of Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper, and Good Friday, reflecting on the crucifixion, invite Catholics to delve into the depths of their faith.

These days culminate in the Easter Vigil, a solemn and joyous occasion celebrating the Resurrection.

Catholicism: Glory Be To The Father

Every day is a holiday
when I live God’s good life
He meant for me.

Roman Catholicism traces its origins to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Apostle Peter, who is considered the first Pope by Catholic tradition.

Key historical milestones include the establishment of the Papal States in 590 C.E. under Pope Gregory I and the significant reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.

The Glory Be Prayer

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.
— Source: USCCB

Catholic Holidays and Festivals: 4.. Lent

4. Lent: A Season of Spiritual Discipline (check calendar for date)

Lent, spanning 40 days leading up to Easter, is a time of spiritual discipline, self-reflection, and repentance.

Beginning with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday, Catholics engage in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving as a means of preparing their hearts for the celebration of the Resurrection.

Catholicism: The Hail Mary

 

Every day is a holiday
when I live God’s good life
He meant for me.

According to the Catholic Outlook, prayer is asking God for something, which is often called petitionary prayer.

Throughout Christian history, believers have encouraged each other to pray for their own needs, as well as the needs of others.

A mother prays for the healing of her sick child; a church prays for the comfort and security of a war-torn nation; a child asks for a good grade on a test, while an elderly person asks that God grant them a peaceful death. We pray for all sorts of things: safe travel, good physical health, financial security.

Catholic Holidays and Festivals: 3. Epiphany

3. Epiphany: Unveiling the Divine Mystery (check calendar for date)

Epiphany, observed on January 6th, commemorates the revelation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles through the visit of the Magi.

This feast extends the Christmas celebration, and in various cultures, it is marked by the blessing of homes and the sharing of the “Three Kings Cake,” symbolizing the journey and gifts of the Magi.

Catholicism: The Apostles’ Creed

Every day is a holiday
when I live God’s good life
He meant for me.

The Apostles’ Creed is considered a summary of each apostle’s faith.

Catholics recite the Apostles Creed during, but not limited to, the Catholic mass and when saying the rosary.

For the faithful, it’s a formal statement of what the man, woman or child believes It can be recited in private or aloud with others, such as the Catholic congregation during mass.

Catholic Holidays and Festivals: 2. Christmas

2. Christmas: The Incarnation of Love (check calendar for date)

Christmas stands as the universal celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Catholic observances during this season extend beyond the traditional Midnight Mass, incorporating nativity scenes, caroling, and the exchange of gifts.

ffffgfrrffffThese practices collectively emphasize the joy and significance of the Incarnation, where God became human to redeem humanity.

Catholicism: The Lord’s Prayer

Every day is a holiday
when I live God’s good life
He meant for me.

According to the Catholic Outlook, prayer is asking God for something, which is often called petitionary prayer.

Throughout Christian history, believers have encouraged each other to pray for their own needs, as well as the needs of others.

A mother prays for the healing of her sick child; a church prays for the comfort and security of a war-torn nation; a child asks for a good grade on a test, while an elderly person asks that God grant them a peaceful death. We pray for all sorts of things: safe travel, good physical health, financial security.

Catholic Holidays and Festivals: 1. Advent

1. Advent: A Journey of Anticipation and Hope (check calendar for date)

The liturgical year commences with Advent, a four-week period of spiritual preparation leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas.

Beyond the external decorations and festive ambiance, Advent serves as a time for introspection, prayer, and contemplation.

Families and communities often engage in Advent wreath rituals, lighting candles symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love each week.