Hearing the call and dedicating oneself to a life in the service of the Lord and Church is an immensely honorable choice that someone could make for themselves. Yet it remains a choice that no one should make lightly. The path to priesthood has been walked by many great men throughout history. … [Read more...]
Catholic Priests – Hierarchy, Roles, and Requirements
Within the Catholic Church, there are three primary ranks that can be held by members of the clergy, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. Similar to how most other institutions of power and government have different roles for each of the positions held by their members; so too do each of these ranks hold … [Read more...]
The Biography of Pope Francis – The 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
During March of 2013, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church was elected. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known as 'Pope Francis' became the first pope from Americas. Named as person of the year by the 'Times' and nominated for the 2014 Nobel Peace prize, Pope Francis is admired and loved across the … [Read more...]
Catholic Holy Days of Obligation
The Catholic Holy Days of Obligation are a number of important days in a calendar year when a Catholic is obliged to attend mass. The word 'obligation' is used because celebrating these feast days is thought to be the minimum level of commitment of someone who is Catholic. On a Holy Day, along with … [Read more...]
APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY AND SUCCESSION
Scripture I. Ordained Leaders Share in Jesus' Ministry and Authority Matt. 10:1,40 - Jesus declares to His apostles, "he who receives you, receives Me, and he who rejects you, rejects Me and the One who sent Me." Jesus freely gives His authority to the apostles in order for them to effectively … [Read more...]
THE PRIMACY OF PETER
Scripture The Primacy of Peter in Scripture Matt. to Rev. - Peter is mentioned 155 times and the rest of apostles combined are only mentioned 130 times. Peter is also always listed first except in 1 Cor. 3:22 and Gal. 2:9 (which are obvious exceptions to the rule). Matt. 10:2; Mark 1:36; 3:16; … [Read more...]
The Biblical Church
Scripture I. Peter is the Rock on which the Church is Built Mark 3:16; John 1:42 – Jesus renames Simon "Kepha" in Aramaic which literally means "rock." This was an extraordinary thing for Jesus to do, because "rock" was not even a name in Jesus' time. Jesus did this, not to give Simon a strange … [Read more...]