More on the Catholics |
|
 |
I am a 'cradle Catholic', which, to some people, holds the suggestion of brainwashing, but to me, holds the image of being comfortable, contained and cared for, and caretaking of a rich heritage. |
(Click to see an enlarged photo in a new window) |
|
| Roman Catholics are Christians who regard Peter, the disciple, as the first Christian leader. "You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church." (The Bible, Matthew chapter 16 verses 18 - 20). They follow the guidance of the Pope in Rome, the spiritual heir of St. Peter. | |
| The idea of being Catholic consequently brings with it the idea of following, service, and the openness to guidance given by the teaching authority of the Church in forming one's conscience. Catholics believe that when the Pope is speaking as the Vicar of Christ and in communion with his brother Bishops, on a matter of Catholic faith and morals, then he cannot be wrong (he is infallible). | |
The doxology at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer. The priest says the words: "Through him, with him and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father forever and ever." And the people respond with the great "Amen". (Click to see an enlarged photo in a new window) |
 |
|
Roman Catholics also believe that during the consecration of the bread and the wine, by the power of the Holy Spirit these substances become the actual body and blood of Christ. Catholics do not see the breaking of bread as a symbolic act of remembrance of the Last Supper, but as the reliving of the Last Supper, and therefore Holy Communion is treated with the greatest reverence in the Roman Catholic church. This is why communion cannot be offered to those who do not accept this belief (called transubstantiation). These two beliefs are what really differentiate Roman Catholics from other Christians. |
 |
Next |