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What are angels?
Angels are spirits without bodies, and have never been human beings. They
have been present since the time of creation and are the servants and messengers
of God. They have intelligence, free will, and immortality. We recognize nine
types, or choirs, of angels:
- Seraphim
- Cherubim
- Thrones
- Dominations
- Virtues
- Powers
- Principalities
- Archangels
- Angels
Precepts of the Catholic Church
The precepts of the Church are the minimum expected of practicing Catholics.
If you do only these things, you are well on your way to a greater understanding
of your faith and place in this universe.
- Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, and benefit from the
Sabbath day of rest.
- Confess your sins at least once per year
- Receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter Season
- Observe established days of fasting and abstinence
- Help provide for the needs of the Church
The
difference between a solemnity, feast, and memorial:
- Solemnity - these are the days of greatest importance. The
celebration starts the evening before the actual solemnity. Easter is our most
important solemnity.
- Feast - these are the next most important days. They commemorate
Mary, the apostles, martyrs and other saints, and the events associated with
them. Mass readings often reflect the special feast day.
- Memorial - these are special days, but are often optional
celebrations. The scripture readings for Mass may or may not be specially
selected for the memorial.
The human (also called
cardinal) virtues:
- Prudence (Catechism paragraph #1806) - the ability to figure out what is good and then figure out how
to achieve that good. (Our example of this is to not say something mean to
your sibling when you feel he or she deserves it!)
- Justice (#1807) - constantly striving to do make sue that everyone's needs are
met, including God's needs (Our example - share books, toys, computer time,
etc. Don't worry about what is fair; consider what is right)
- Fortitude (#1808) - the courage to do what is good (Our example - sharing
the importance of using God's name in prayer, not in vain)
- Temperance (#1809) - the ability to judiciously use the wonders of this world so
everyone has a share. (Our example - take only what you need, avoid waste,
recycle, compost, and avoid pesticides and polluting. We try to remember that
weeds are simply unloved flowers. Not everyone is willing to go that far!)
Indulgences of
the Catholic Church:
The Catholic Church recognizes that we must be purified of our sins before we
can enter Heaven. This purification process is known as temporal punishment. The
purification can take place on earth through our faith and our works of charity
and mercy, and can also take place in Purgatory after our death. Indulgences
allow us to start the purification process while we are alive on earth. Of
course, the process of gaining an indulgence is not just an empty act; it
requires true conversion of heart.
- Plenary indulgence - completely removes the temporal punishment from sin
- Partial indulgence - partially removes the temporal punishment from sin
Introduction to
Catholic Social Teaching
The first lesson is to find out the key topics of Catholic social teaching.
Catholic bishops have identified the following as the themes of Catholic social
justice:
- Life and dignity of the human person
- Call to family, community, and participation
- Rights and responsibilities
- Option for the poor and vulnerable
- Dignity of work and rights of workers
- Solidarity
- Care for God's creation
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