Questions and Answers
about our Catholic faith

In hebrew, "Amen" shares the same
root as the word "Believe".
This root also expresses
trustworthiness and faithfulness.

When we say "Amen", it reinforces
our faith and confidence in what was just said.

     
Why do Catholics bless themselves before and after entering church?
Old testament Jews washed with water before entering the temple. Building on this ritual, John the Baptist used water to represent repentance of sin and purification.

When we cross ourselves with holy water, when entering and leaving church, we recall that tradition. Baptism represents also the tradition of symbolizing the purification, and the washing away of our sins to protect us from evil.


Why do Catholics baptize babies?
Baptism is the gateway to life in the church. It makes snese that it be conveyed as early as possible. While a child cannot consciously choose baptism, his or her parents can make this choice.


Why do Catholics make the sign of the Cross?
The sign of the cross has becomea sign of devotion to the holy trinity. Now a prayer in itself, each time we make the sign, we express a respect for God and call down his blessings on ourselves.


Why do we genuflect in church?
In a tradition which goes back to medieval Europe, one demonstrated respect by going down on one knee. Building on that tradition, Catholics bend on the right knee to show reverence for the lord.


Why do we give the sign of peace during mass?
"Peace be with you" (John 20:21). These were the first words Jesus said to his apostles after his Resurrection. Jesus told us to reconcile with each other before aproaching the altar of God (For communion).


Why do Catholics believe that confession is important?
Disobeying God hurts our relationship with him. We need to ask for atonement and forgiveness to heal the relationship. In the rite of confession, we admit what we did, and pray for forgiveness.

Penance (an act of contrition) helps us to make a tangible effort to make ourselves right again with God.


Why do Catholics pray the Rosary?
The Rosary makes it easy for us to pray together. In the early church, monks led services in Latin. Alas, many could not read or write latin, so the "Our Father" and "Hail Mary" were substituted often, so that all could pray together. Tradition holds that St. Dominic combined the "Our Father" and "Hail Mary" with meditations on the mysteries of faith into the rosary which we know today.

Why do we call our priests "Father"?
It was St. Paul, who said "For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fahters. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel"(1 Corinthians 4:15-16).

The practice in the U.S. was brought in the 19th century by Irish immigrants who called their priests "Father". It reminds us that we are all one family under Christ and his church.


Why do we believe that the Pope is the head of the Church?
Peter was given the charge by Jesus to found a church. Peter was given the role of the head of the church, but this role was not to die with Peter.
Catholics believe that the role is to be passed down through the generations.


Why do priests wear different colored vestments throughout the year?
The colors of the vestments help to remind us of the various celebrations which occur throughout the liturgical year. Each color highlights a particular aspect of the liturgical season.

White and gold, for example, symbolize rejoicing and purity of the soul. Red calls to mind Christ's blood, and is used on Good Friday and to commemorate those saints who died for our faith. Red also serves to remind us of God's love, and thus the red vestments are used duringthe season of pentecost.


Why do we get ashes on Ash Wednesday?
Sitting in ashes, the ancient Jews believed, was a sign of penance. The early church adopted this practice. Additionally, the practice helps to solidify that we are from dust, and that to dust we shall return.


Why do we light votive candles in Church?
A person can only pray for so much time, and a candle helps to represent the continuation of that prayer. When we light a votive, or prayer, candle, it helps to remind us, and to remind all, that the intent behind that prayer remains, even after we have left.


Why is incense sometimes used in the Mass?
Incense today is made from Frankincense, which is derived from the sap of certain trees. It has been valued for some time in the Middle East, and became associated with Jesus since the Magi offered it as a gift upon his birth.

The unique odor is intended to please God, and the smoke is to represent our prayers rising into heaven.

Incense can be used to show reverence for the altar, the gospels, the bread and the wine, and the body of a deceased during a funeral.