Catholic Faith

[Michelina]

Can you explain this to me a little more? How does this effect confessions today?
And Thanks to everyone for all of your help so far.

Thanks for your questions, Blazen.

What Jesus did on that important occasion is the basis of the power to absolve from sins. The power is passed on to every priest by the Sarament of Ordination (aka Holy Orders). We could not have that great gift if Jesus had not given us that Sacrament.

A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Jesus to give us Grace. Sacraments are very important in Catholicism, especially the Most Blessed Sacrament - His Body and Blood.

 

[LongingForLight]

A bit on the Pope - there are definately more knowledgable people here, but hopefully I can give a decent short introduction.

The Pope is seen as the sucessor of the Apostle, Peter, the rock of God's Church. He is guided by the Holy Spirit of God in his role as pope, so that he may speak on moral issues and matters of faith. By the grace of God he is able to speak infallibly on some issues, under certain circustances. He is the head of the Catholic Church.

 

[Michelina]

Blazen, I hope to find more questions from you when I come back tomorrow. Good night. May the Peace of Christ be with you!

 

[Blazen]

First of all good night to you too Michelina, and thank you for your help.

Now about the Pope, but how exactly do we know who is the Pope, like how is he discovered/chosen? And why is he needed?

 

[geocajun]

First of all good night to you too Michelina, and thank you for your help.

Now about the Pope, but how exactly do we know who is the Pope, like how is he discovered/chosen? And why is he needed?

The pope is elected by the Cardinals.
The pope is there to fill the office Christ founded, as leader of the Catholic Church. This means he is the head of the Church, and though we have cardinals, bishops, priests, etc... you can always know your in the right place, by their fidelity to the papacy.

 

[Blazen]

And who are the cardinals? What gives them the right? And how is the Pope chosen?

 

[Blazen]

And what bible do you guys use?

 

[geocajun]

And who are the cardinals? What gives them the right? And how is the Pope chosen?

Cardinal: dignitary of the Roman Church and counsellor of the pope.

The pope is chosen by a vote of the cardinals.

 

[Bushido216]

And who are the cardinals? What gives them the right? And how is the Pope chosen?

The Pope is elected by the Cardinals.

We use any number of Catholic Bibles. Anything with a Nihil Obstat and an Impramatur (spelling?) is probably a Catholic Bible.

 

[geocajun]

And what bible do you guys use?

I prefer the New Jerusalem Bible (NJB), but the New American Bible (NAB) is the english standard for use in the Mass.

 

[Bushido216]

The NAB is the Bible I use, as well. Though I do own a copy of the KJV just for reference.

Though I wish someone would make a Bible where I don't feel like the pages are just going to rip by me looking at them.

 

[Blazen]

I understand that, but what gives them the right? Where in the scriptures does it speak of Cardinals? Why are they important?

Also, Thanks for all your help so far!

 

[Blazen]

Why not just use the KJV?

 

[Blazen]

Also does the Catholic teach that the sacraments are necessary for salvation?

 

[geocajun]

I understand that, but what gives them the right? Where in the scriptures does it speak of Cardinals? Why are they important?

Also, Thanks for all your help so far!

ahh I see, well before I give you the answer, can you show me where in scripture it says that everything worthy of belief must be in scripture?

 

[LongingForLight]

Though I wish someone would make a Bible where I don't feel like the pages are just going to rip by me looking at them.

LOL!

Why not just use the KJV?

The protestant churches removed some of the books that are in the Catholic Bible. I don't know the history on this, but am sure someone wiser will stop by & fill you in.

Also does the Catholic teach that the sacraments are necessary for salvation?

No. There are people who have never heard of the Catholic Church, or who do not know what the sacraments are. The church does not believe that these people are condemned by God. They may still be saved, provided they would have sought sacramental grace had they known what it was. We know where the church is, but we do not know where it is not.

However, the sacraments shouldn't be taken lightly. Salvation is hard to achieve alone, and the sacraments all provide a special kind of grace that can't be received elsewhere.

These are great questions, Bushido! Thanks for taking the time to find out what we believe.

 

[geocajun]

Also does the Catholic teach that the sacraments are necessary for salvation?

Baptism is a sacrament and the purpose to receive it is required for salvation.
However, if one is unable to receive it there is something called "baptizm of desire" such as the theif on the cross.

 

[Blazen]

But I thought Baptism was for those who already have faith in Christ, how does a newborn that is born in sin and has no acknowledment of Christ, able to be baptized?

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

I'm a RSV gal....

And the Church teaches that the Sacraments are the ordinary means of receiving God's grace. Grace being undeserved favor. God is not bound by the sacraments- but as stated they are the ordinary means to salvation.

 

[KennySe]

Blazen,
peace be with you.

Have you seen the movie, The Passion of The Christ"? THAT is truly from the Catholic perspective.

***

As for the Mass.

* Listen to "The Mass Explained" on RealPlayer.
http://www.catholicity.com/maryfoundation/previewtapes.html

* "The Sacrifice of the Mass"
http://www.christianforums.com/t77780

* See the Bible throughout the Mass
http://www.catholicsites.com/beggarking/Mass.html

Welcome to OBOB. Thank you for asking us your questions.