As most of us are familiar with the beaded rosary, you would be forgiven for thinking that the rosary bead gets its name from the beads. This is not the case however as the "bead" in the name, actually comes from an Old English word meaning "to pray" or "to entreat". So any rosary made using knots … [Read more...]
Rosary Beads
The modern day rosary owes its origins to the early days of Christianity. Whether we are talking about the rosary that were used by the early 3rd century eastern monks, or the 13th century St. Dominic rosary (The Psalter of Jesus and Mary), we use a rosary, modern or old, to help us quietly reflect … [Read more...]
Lent 101 – An Explanation of the Lent Tradition
Lent; A time in which those of the Catholic faith forgo luxuries and indulgences to display their love and devotion to Jesus, God and the Church. If you are new to the term 'Lent' you may not even realize that there is in fact two different variations. If you're a new convert then your first Lent … [Read more...]
The Fruits and Gifts From the Holy Spirit and Their Meanings
Blessed by the Holy Spirit, all Christians are given the fruits and gifts that grant us our humanity, morality and ethics. Catholics believe that we are born with the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit, and that the 7 gifts are first bestowed upon us at Baptism and strengthened at Confirmation. In this … [Read more...]
Wall Crosses (Variations and Suggestions)
The humble cross is arguably the most recognizable and iconic symbol for all Christian faiths. One of the more common forms of the cross, are the wall mounted crosses that can be seen in places of worship, as well as within our very homes. The cross not only represents the sacrifice Jesus Christ … [Read more...]
The Roles and Requirements of a Catholic Godparent and Confirmation Sponsor
For many people it is consider an honor and a privilege to be asked to be someone's godparent or confirmation sponsor. These people are being asked to not only participate in a ceremony that connects and strengthens a persons bond with the holy spirit. But to also help guide their wards down the … [Read more...]
Catholic Confirmation – The Sacrament of Confirmation Process
When we baptize our children, we as their parents along with their godparents. Are promising to renounce Satan, and to believe in God and the Church on their behalf, and to commence their initiation and lead them into the light and grace of God and the Church. Just as our body and mind grows as … [Read more...]
The Catholic Bible vs The Christian Bible
Catholics along with all other Christians are of the same faith, they also share many of the same common religious practices. As most other Christians follow the same version of the bible, we will be comparing the Catholic's version of the bible with the Protestant's version of the bible. The … [Read more...]
The Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great for the Souls In Purgatory
Purgatory. Sounds pretty terrible right? In reality many of us will have to face purgatory before we would be allowed into heaven. St. Gertrude's Prayer helps our loved ones to that have passed away, to find their way into the eternal paradise promised to us all. … [Read more...]
What Happens at a Catholic Funeral – All The Details About Funeral Mass
Steeped in traditions, rituals and customs. The Catholic funeral service draws its origins from the ancient Jewish burial practices, that were used on Jesus's body after his crucifixion. The deceased are shown respect, and their bodies are anointed prior to burial. We do this to express one's own … [Read more...]