Catholic Basics

Catholics’ rites

Catholics may also offer ancestral rites, but the use of ancestral tablets or tablets is prohibited. They may bow before the graves of the deceased, or before tables bearing their portraits or names, or offer ceremonial food as a sign of respect, but all other superstitious practices are prohibited. The Second Vatican Council clearly stated that the Church has a duty to respect and develop the good cultures and customs of each people. Generally, superstitious practices are those that rely on irrational worship or abnormal beliefs about God.

What is Catholic? (Catholic)

The worldwide common language of the Catholic Church is “Catholic.” Its etymology is from the Latin adjective “Catholic,” which means “universal, common.” “Because it is spread throughout the world from one land to the other, and because it teaches doctrines that include all the knowledge everyone should know, great and small, and because it is a religion that leads all people, kings, citizens, scholars, and the ignorant, to the true faith, it is called Catholic.” This means that anyone can believe in it regardless of race, wealth, or education.

Five steps to receive the Sacrament of Confession

① First: Find out what you have done wrong… Reflection
② Second: Repent for what you have found out… Contrition
③ Third: Decide not to sin again… Repentance
④ Fourth: Humbly and openly confess the sins you have found out… Confession
⑤ Fifth: Do the penance instructed by the priest for the forgiveness of sins… Penance

Community Participation:

When we form a community in Christ, God bestows even greater grace upon us, and empowered by this grace, we complement and grow with brotherly love. Therefore, all believers should participate in groups and small community meetings within the church to receive support for their own Christian growth.

The Virgin Mary, Mother and Model of the Church

• Mary, as Prophetized in the Old Testament
  The Bible presents the image and role of a woman, the Mother of the Savior, in humanity’s plan of salvation. In Genesis, the promise of victory over the serpent, given to our first parents after their fall into sin, is alluded to in this woman. Furthermore, the prophetic books foretold that she would conceive and bear a son, a virgin, who would be called Immanuel.
• Mary, the Co-worker of Salvation
  God wanted the woman (Mary) to contribute to eternal life, just as the woman (Eve) had brought death. Therefore, when He sent the angel Gabriel to the virgin Mary to convey this message, Mary responded with absolute trust and obedience. In response, Mary participated in God’s work of salvation by giving birth to Jesus. Furthermore, she became a co-worker in God’s plan of salvation by being present at Jesus’ death on the cross, suffering with him, and remaining with him until his final moments on earth.
• Mary, the Mother of the Savior and our Mother,
  is the Mother of Jesus. However, since Jesus is both human and God, Mary is also the Mother of God. Just before Jesus died on the cross, he established a mother-child relationship between his mother and his disciple. “Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ And from that moment on, the disciple took her to his home.” In this way, all Christians who receive Jesus’ love become children of Mary, and Mary becomes their mother.
• Mary, the Model of the Church:
  Mary is the Mother of the Savior and our Mother, and as God’s co-worker in the salvation of humanity, she continues her grace and role until the end of time. Therefore, the Church, following Mary’s example of holiness, spreads the Gospel to the world and gives birth to new children as a part of its work. Therefore, since God accomplished great things through the human Mary, the Church, through Mary, gives praise and glory to God.

Why We Honor Mary?

If the places where Jesus lived and worked are called holy places, then it’s only natural that the mother who gave birth to Jesus be called the Virgin Mary. Mary, as described in the Bible, accepted God’s will with simple and perfect faith, accepted to become the mother of Jesus, and gave birth to the human Jesus for all humanity. While Mary’s life is hidden in silence, the Bible reveals that she played a crucial role in leading humanity to Christ. If we accept Jesus as our Savior, then we must also honor the mother who gave birth to him. However, “prayer to Mary and prayer to God are distinct in content.” When we pray to God, we ask Him directly for something, but we ask Mary to intercede with us for what we desire. Therefore, when we pray to Mary, we always say, “Pray for us.”

What is salvation?

God created humans to enjoy eternal life. However, due to their disobedience and pride in eating the fruit God had forbidden, the covenant between God and humanity was broken, and an impassable chasm emerged between them. Though the chasm, hundreds of feet long, was impossible to cross, God chose to build a bridge. He sent His only Son. Jesus came and built the bridge through the cross. He suffered so much that he shed all his blood and died. The bridge of the cross enabled humanity to travel back and forth between God and humanity. We now reach God through the cross. This is salvation.

In the kingdom of God, there is eternal life, a place filled with happiness, free from sorrow, suffering, or death. We will see God directly and rejoice in Him. We must not think of our lives as fleeting. We can attain eternal life simply by believing in and following Jesus.

The word “Christ” (Christus)

means “one anointed with oil.” According to Old Testament law, anointing was performed when becoming a priest (Exodus 28:41; Leviticus 4:3), a king (I Kings 19:16), or a prophet (Isaiah 61:1). The word “Christ” is not a proper noun but a title. Calling the Son of God “Christ” signifies that he is the one who has the three offices of king, priest, and prophet.

Christian Life

Although we have been created anew in the Lord through Baptism, we have not yet “attained to the fullness of Christ, to a mature man” (Ephesians 4:13). Therefore, Christians must continue to work until the salvation begun in us is completed.

Origin of Catholicism

The Catholic Church, founded by Jesus Christ, preserves the legacy of the apostles, the disciples who lived with Jesus, to this day. Beginning in Jerusalem around 30 AD, early Christianity quickly spread to Syria, Greece, Rome, and other places thanks to the apostles’ fervent missionary work. Despite nearly 300 years of harsh persecution by the then-ruling Roman rulers for refusing to worship the emperor, Catholics steadfastly maintained their faith, ultimately achieving religious freedom in 313 AD and soon becoming the state religion of the Roman Empire.
For the past two millennia, Catholicism has served as the spiritual and ideological foundation of Western culture and civilization, and has made significant contributions to scholarship and the arts. Furthermore, by spreading and practicing the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world, it contributes significantly to world peace and the advancement of humanity. Today, approximately one billion Catholics (according to statistics as of the end of 1998) share the same faith and practice their faith worldwide.

The introduction of Catholicism

to Korea. Catholicism was introduced to Korea about 200 years ago. According to Dallet’s “History of the Catholic Church in Korea,” the first full-fledged gathering of believers began in 1784, when Yi Seung-hun returned from Beijing after being baptized by the French priest, Father Grammont. Of course, even before that, a community of believers in Jesus had already formed organically, centered around scholars studying Western learning. Yi Seung-hun baptized these individuals upon his return, and regular religious gatherings were held at Myeongryebang, near the current Myeongdong Cathedral. In this way, Catholicism was not introduced to Korea by foreign missionaries, but rather by our own people, who embraced the Catholic faith. This is a unique event in world church history.

New Teachings of Catholicism.

When Catholicism was introduced to our country, Confucianism was the ideological foundation of our nation and society. Confucian thought and practice formed the foundation of social and family life. Therefore, to be skeptical of Confucianism meant the potential social ruin of oneself and one’s family. However, scholars of the Silhak school were captivated by the teachings of a new religion, Catholicism, which they encountered through books imported from China.
Jesus Christ, through his words and actions, taught humanity the path to eternal happiness. This teaching, grounded in the ideas of love, equality, and freedom, was truly astonishing at the time. The teaching that all people are equal before God and that all are brothers and sisters as children of God was truly groundbreaking in a society that already had strict class distinctions between the yangban and cheonmin, and between men and women.

The Korean Catholic Church, which overcame all manner of persecution, grew

The growth of the Korean Catholic Church was by no means easy. The ruling class, steeped in Confucian ideology, branded Catholics as heretics of Eastern ethics and the epitome of all evil, subjecting them to all manner of persecution. Before religious freedom was achieved, four major persecutions occurred over the next century, resulting in countless martyrs. Amidst this, the Korean Catholic Church, striving to recruit missionaries and train clergy, welcomed its first Korean priest in 1845, when Andrew Kim Dae-geon was ordained by Bishop Ferréol at the Jinjiang (金家港) Cathedral in Shanghai, China. However, Father Kim Dae-geon was arrested and martyred less than a year after returning to Korea.
Our ancestors in the faith endured harsh persecution, unafraid even of death, to share the good news of Jesus with our people. With just one word, “I will renounce my faith,” they could have regained their happy families, their lost honor, and their lost fortunes. However, they sacrificed their lives to reveal Jesus’ love, to practice love according to His teachings, and to gain eternal life. Among the many martyrs who confessed their faith in this way, 103 have already become saints venerated by Catholics around the world.

The Catholic Church in Korea Today

the Catholic Church in Korea continues this tradition. In addition to direct evangelical missionary work, it also engages in various social welfare activities, advocating for social justice and human rights. Catholics demonstrate their faith through words and actions, following the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and willingly accept the hardships they face as a result.
Catholics in Korea constitute a large family, numbering 3.7 million (according to statistics as of the end of 1998). The Church serves the poor and marginalized, prays for the unification of North and South Korea, practices sharing with our brothers and sisters in North Korea, and strives to protect the fundamental human rights given by God. Furthermore, it serves as salt and light in every aspect of society.

The Church is the House of God

The church is God’s house, a place of prayer and training where believers can gain the strength to love God and their neighbors, open to all. Upon entering the church, believers dip their hands in holy water and make the Sign of the Cross, asking that their hearts be cleansed so that their thoughts and actions may be directed only to God. The center of the church is the altar, where Mass, the public worship of the Catholic Church, is celebrated. Because the altar symbolizes Christ, believers bow their heads before the altar to show respect. The tabernacle, lit by a red light inside the church, holds the Holy Body of Jesus, the Eucharist, which believers receive during Mass.

The liturgy

is the official worship service of the Catholic Church, including the Mass, a public worship service offered to God. The liturgy refers to the public worship offered by the church community to God the Father together with Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. Through the liturgy, believers publicly worship God, give Him glory, and receive His grace and become holy. Furthermore, believers share brotherly love and achieve unity in Christ.
The Mass, the representative liturgy of the Catholic Church, commemorates and reenacts the sacrifice offered by Jesus Christ through his crucifixion and death, and is a holy feast in which we become one brother and sister in Him.

Seong Ho-kyung
(Making the sign of the cross)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will
be done, on earth as it is in heaven!
Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary
Hail, Mary, full of grace!
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and
blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death . Amen.

>Glory Song
(bowing his head at the underlined part)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord
(bowing his head at the underlined part), who
was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
died, and was buried.
He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe
in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and
the life everlasting.
Amen.
>Prayer of reflection
Lord, please help me to carefully examine the sins I have committed in thought, word, and deed today, and
the sins I have neglected in fulfilling my duties,
and help me to recognize the sins that have become habits among them.
Amen.
The Ten Commandments
1. Worship the one God.
2. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.
3. Keep the Sabbath day holy.
4. Honor your parents.
5. Do not kill.
6. Do not commit adultery.
7. Do not steal.
8. Do not bear false witness.
9. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife.
10. Do not covet your neighbor’s property.
>Confession Prayer
I confess to Almighty God and to my brothers and sisters that
I have sinned greatly in thought, word, and deed, and
have often neglected my duties.
(beating his breast) It is my fault,
(beating his breast) It is my fault,
(beating his breast) It is my great fault.
Therefore, I earnestly pray that
the ever-Virgin Virgin Mary and
all the angels, saints, and brothers
pray to God for me.
Almighty God, have mercy on us,
forgive our sins, and
lead us to eternal life.
Amen.

>Prayer of repentance
God,
I have sinned and hurt Your heart, who
truly deserves Your love . I sincerely repent of all my wrongdoings, both the evil I have committed and the neglect of good . Furthermore, I firmly resolve to atone for my sins by Your grace, never to sin again, and to avoid the opportunity to sin . For the sake of the Passion and merits of our Savior Jesus Christ, have mercy on me. Amen.

>Samdeoksong
*
God, the source of truth and
without error, I firmly believe in
the truth that you have revealed,
as the church teaches.
*
God of the Mangdeok Song, God, you are the source of mercy and
you do not abandon, so we hope for the grace of salvation and eternal life
through the merits of Jesus Christ .

*Ae-deok-song
God, you are the source of love and
are infinitely good, so
I love you with all my heart and
my neighbor as myself.

>Prayer of Dedication
God, you created me out of love and
gave me a soul and a body
to serve you alone and help others.
Although I am full of sin, I offer myself
completely to you, body and mind,
as a sacrifice of praise and service
. Please accept me with grace.
Amen.
>Threefold Prayer
The angel of the Lord said to Mary
, “I am the handmaid of the Lord ; may it be done to me according to your word!”
(Hail Mary)

○Then the Word became flesh and
made his dwelling among us.
(Hail Mary)

○Holy Mother of God, pray for us
that we may attain eternal life as promised by Christ.

† Let us pray.
God, since we have known through the angel’s announcement that
your Son was made man, grant us the grace to attain to the glory of your resurrection
through the sufferings and cross of your Son . Through Christ our Lord. ◎ Amen.

>Resurrection Triduum
(From Easter Sunday to Pentecost)
○ Rejoice, Queen of Heaven. Alleluia.
● The Son you carried in your womb, Alleluia.
○ He is risen as you promised. Alleluia.
● Pray to God for us. Alleluia.
○ Virgin Mary, rejoice and be glad. Alleluia.
● The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

† Let us pray.
God,
who brought joy to the whole world through the resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant that
through the help of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of your Son,
we may attain to the joy of eternal life.
Through Christ our Lord.
◎ Amen.

>Rosary prayer
*The Mystery of Joy
First, let us meditate on Mary’s conception of Jesus.
Second, let us meditate on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth.
Third, let us meditate on Mary’s giving birth to Jesus. Fourth,
let us meditate on Mary’s presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
Fifth, let us meditate on Mary’s finding Jesus in the Temple, whom she had lost.

*The Mystery of Light

First, let us meditate on Jesus’ baptism.
Second, let us meditate on Jesus’ first miracle at Cana.
Third, let us meditate on Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom of God.

4. Let us meditate on the holiness and transfiguration of Jesus.

5. Let us meditate on Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist.

*The Mystery of Pain

1. Let us meditate on Jesus sweating blood for us.

2nd Let us meditate on Jesus being beaten for us.

3rd Let us meditate on Jesus wearing the crown of thorns for us.

4. Let us meditate on Jesus carrying the cross for us.

5. Let us meditate on Jesus dying on the cross for us.

*Mystery of Glory

1. Let us meditate on the resurrection of Jesus.

2nd Let us meditate on the Ascension of Jesus.

3. Let us meditate on Jesus sending the Holy Spirit.

4. Let us meditate on the assumption of Mary into heaven by Jesus.

5. Let us meditate on Jesus crowning Mary as the Queen of Heaven.

[What is Chilseongsa?] Chilseongsa and Junseongsa

Blessings, whether for objects, people, or places, are called sacramentals. Unlike the Seven Sacraments established by Jesus, sacramentals are said to have been established by the Church. So, let’s explore how sacramentals originated.

[Baptism] Infant Baptism

During the Sacrament of Marriage, believers pledge to baptize their newborns. Infant baptism is a fundamental duty for Catholics. However, in the early days, questions arose about the necessity of infant baptism, asking whether infants who lacked understanding of baptism should be baptized. However, the Church claims to have several grounds for infant baptism… Let’s take a look.

[Baptism] Baptismal name

Hello. My name is Hong Gil-dong Peter. I was baptized as an infant and my parents gave me my baptismal name. So, when I receive the sacrament of confirmation this time, I’d like to change my baptismal name to Saint Paul, my favorite saint. But I’m worried that my parents might be a little upset. Is it possible to use both Peter and Paul as my baptismal name?

[Baptism] Non-Catholic Conversion and the Trend

Do non-Catholic churches, such as Protestant and Anglican churches, also practice baptism? And if someone who was baptized in a non-Catholic church joins the Catholic Church… do they need to receive the sacrament of baptism again?

[Baptism] The Sacrament of Baptism and the Catechism

The training of catechumens became systematic around the 2nd century with the publication of the first catechumenal manual, the “Letters of the Twelve Apostles.” Then, around the 3rd century, training for catechumens was strengthened, the training period was established as three years, and rigorous training was implemented in earnest.

First, it is said that catechumens had to participate in mass, receive weekly catechetical instruction, and take tests on their conduct. This strict catechumenate education became more liberal in the Middle Ages, as infant baptism became more common, greatly reducing the need for catechumenate education.

And in modern times, the content and period of preparatory education have changed depending on the situation and characteristics of the country. In Korea, the preparatory education period is set at 6 months.

The Sacrament of Baptism is usually celebrated during Mass, with ceremonies like penance and the laying on of hands held in preparation for baptism. After the catechumens make their profession of faith, the actual baptism ceremony begins. So, let’s take a look at how the baptism ceremony is conducted.

The baptismal ceremony begins with a washing with water. The water symbolizes dying with Jesus and receiving new life in the resurrected Jesus. It is said that natural water is used.

Next follows the ceremony of making the sign of the cross on the forehead of the baptized person with the consecrated oil, which signifies that he has obtained the qualification to participate in the priesthood and to offer sacrifices with Christ.

The third is the ceremony of donning white garments. White garments symbolize new dignity and the life of Christ… In Korea, they are often replaced with white towels or veils.

Finally, there is a ceremony in which the godparents pass a lit candle from the Paschal Candle to their godchild. The candle symbolizes the light of Christ and signifies that the baptized are now children of light, that is, children of God.

Many people think that after receiving the sacrament of baptism, they are fully prepared to become believers. However, please remember that baptism does not mean the completion of a life of faith, but rather the beginning.

[Eucharist] First Holy Communion

For Catholics, First Communion is a very special memory, isn’t it? While most Catholics receive the Eucharist for the first time at Baptism, it’s a little different for children baptized as infants. So, when do children baptized as infants receive their First Communion?

[Eucharist] Eucharist

Among the three major parts of the Mass—the Introductory Rite, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Liturgy—which is the most important? It’s the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where the Eucharist is celebrated. Now, let’s explore the Eucharist, the very heart of the Mass.

[Eucharist] Holy Eucharist

It is said that receiving Holy Communion without receiving forgiveness for sins constitutes a grave sin. The Catholic Church has long referred to this as “Illegitimate Communion.” Let’s take a closer look.

[Confirmation] The Meaning and Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation

Around the 12th century, theologians placed Confirmation after Baptism when explaining the types of sacraments. Therefore, Confirmation is generally considered the second of the seven sacraments. Let’s learn more about Confirmation.

[Confirmation] The necessity of the sacrament of confirmation

There are surprisingly many baptized believers who haven’t received the sacrament of Confirmation. This may be due to a lack of awareness of its importance. Let me explain why our believers should receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

[Confirmation] Holy Oil

During the Sacrament of Baptism, the priest anoints the forehead of the baptized person with oil. This oil is called chrism. It is used not only in Baptism but also in other liturgical celebrations, such as Confirmation and the Anointing of the Sick. Let’s learn about chrism, the oil specially consecrated by the bishop.

[Confirmation] Godfather/Godmother

The first requirement for becoming a godparent is that the person receiving the sacrament of baptism, his or her parents, or the parish priest or celebrant must be able to fulfill the responsibilities of a godparent. Furthermore, unless the diocesan bishop has specifically designated otherwise, the person must be at least 16 years old, a Catholic believer who has received the sacrament of baptism or confirmation, and not be under any canonical sanction. Furthermore, the biological parents of a baptized person cannot be godparents.

In the case of a person from a non-Catholic church community, that is, a Protestant or Anglican believer, they cannot be a godparent, but they are recognized as a witness.

[Preliminary Period] 1. We Need Religion

Since ancient times, when faced with a crisis, our ancestors would cry out, “Oh my, how heartless the heavens are!” and “Oh my God!” Even when adults admonished their children, they would say, “Know how fearsome the heavens are!” This is because they viewed “heaven” not simply as the heavens themselves, but as “the place that rules over all things in the world.” Therefore, our people long ago called heaven “God” and offered sacrifices to heaven to avert disaster and pray for blessings. Thus, it is quite natural for us to seek God and rely on Him.

But I want to make known to you the one you worship without knowing it: the God who made the world and everything in it. He is Lord of heaven and earth, and he does not live in temples made by humans. He lacks nothing that needs to be provided by human hands, but rather he gives us life and breath and everything else. He made all mankind from one father and made them live on the whole earth. He also determined the times and places where they will live, so that people should seek him and feel for him and find him, since he is near to everyone (Acts 17:23-27).

Humans are inherently religious. They wonder where they came from and where they will go, and they seek answers. They also yearn for an authentic and fulfilling life, and when they occasionally commit a mistake, their conscience pricks them and they suffer. In this way, humans recognize their own weaknesses and shortcomings and seek to rely on an absolute being. And when they become more acutely aware of their limitations, their religious nature becomes even more evident. There
are many religions in the world. In Korea alone, there are various religions, such as Buddhism, Confucianism, Protestantism, and Catholicism, each with their own unique doctrines. While these religions share similarities in origins, doctrines, organizational structures, and religious attitudes, there are also cases where they share no common ground. Therefore, it is difficult to clearly define “religion.” Some people describe religion as an emotional immersion, while others describe it as a philosophical outlook on life, a moral teaching emphasizing human duty, or a mystical ritual. However, these claims only examine and interpret religion in a fragmented way.

What is religion?

The word “religion” (宗敎) breaks down into two parts: “jong” (종) means the center of everything, and “gyo” (교) means teaching. Therefore, religion can be understood as “teaching at the center of everything,” or “teaching about the fundamental principles and principles of life.
” The etymology of the word “religion” (Religio), commonly used in European languages, is explained as meaning “humans rediscovering God,” “re-binding humans to God,” or “humans finding God again.” Therefore, religion can be understood as “humans rediscovering the path to God” or “confirming the relationship between God and humans.”
Therefore, having a religion can be expressed as humans recognizing their own roots, which come from God, and finding the right path to live life within God.

Conditions for True Religion

There are several conditions for true religion, which seeks the essence of humanity and its path in God. First, while religion may transcend reason, it must not contradict it. Second, religion must not violate human morality, that is, human ethics. Third, the fundamental truths of religion must not change with time or place.
Some people say that religion is unnecessary, that we should simply live without violating our conscience. This is a statement that belies the essence of religion. If religion were merely a spiritual discipline, then any religion would be irrelevant. However, religion is not the same as ethics and morality. True religion fosters an intimate relationship with God, following His teachings, and fosters hope for eternal life.

While recognizing the benefits of religion

some people say they feel a great burden about actually having one. Religion teaches us to be truthful and upright in all we do, and they fear that living by these teachings could lead to exclusion and failure in a competitive society. However, we all desire to live in a just society rather than an unjust one. Even in social life, often called a battlefield for survival, many people earn the trust and respect of others through sincerity and honesty, leading to joyful and peaceful lives.
While it’s often said that humans are inevitably governed by their environment, they also possess the ability to create new environments. We can gain this ability from religion.

Catholicism teaches us God’s wisdom, enlightens us about the truth of life, and invites us to serve Him with humility and love. Furthermore, Catholicism teaches us to view the world through the lens of faith and share love with our neighbors. Living this way allows us to become mature human beings and pursue the fulfillment of life.

Religions possess their own truths and principles, and most hold values ​​worthy of respect. However, not all religions are the same. For example, it would be unreasonable to claim that all religions share the same virtue of loving one’s neighbor. Furthermore, we shouldn’t assume that all religions are the same just because they believe in the same God. We must clearly understand who we should believe in, how we should believe in it, and why we should believe in it.

[Preliminary Period] 2. The Decision We Must Make

Although we live in a scientific age, when economic recession and social unrest persist, evil temptations, superstitious practices, and social pathologies that cleverly exploit human psychology arise. Perhaps this is why the number of people who subscribe to “end-of-the-world” theories is increasing, and some suffer from anxiety about the future and mental instability.

[What is Catholicism?] What is Catholicism?

If you ask our believers what their religion is, they’ll naturally answer “Catholic” or “Catholicism.” But do you know what the word “Catholic” means, or what its origins are, when we use it so thoughtlessly?

[What is Catholicism?] Four Characteristics of the Catholic Church

It is said that the Catholic Church possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from other churches. Now, let’s take a closer look at these four characteristics.

[What is Catholicism?] The Four Doctrines of the Church

The Catholic Church has four fundamental doctrines that are central to the church: the existence of God, reward for good and punishment for evil, the Trinity, and incarnation and redemption. Now, let’s learn about the four doctrines of the Catholic Church.

[What is Catholicism?] Jesus’ Titles and Meanings:

Christ, Savior, Messiah… Do you know what these terms have in common? A little thought will quickly reveal that they all refer to Jesus, right? Now, let me explain the various titles of Jesus and the meanings they embody.

[What is Catholicism?] The symbol and meaning of Jesus

The title and meaning of Jesus
The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, Alpha and Omega, refer to Jesus Christ, who is God. This can be confirmed through the Book of Revelation.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Alpha and Omega are generally used to denote the beginning and the end, implying that Christ rules over world history from beginning to end.
In other words, just as the two letters of the alphabet encompass all the letters, so too does God encompass all things in all dimensions, transcending time and space.

Next up is fish.

It is said that the fish was a kind of code that helped believers recognize each other during the Roman persecution. When you take the first letters of the Greek words “Jesus, Christ, God, Son, Savior,” you get the letter “ichthus,” which means fish.

Jesus is Yesus, Christ is Christos, God is Theos, Son is Huios, Savior is Soter, and if you put the first letters of these letters together, it becomes Ichthus.

Another symbol of Jesus is the crucifix.

Chiro is made up of the first two letters of the Greek word <Christ>, and today it is the most widely used symbol of Jesus, often used on altars, altarpieces, and vestments.
And there is one thing to be careful of: Chiro should never be read as PX or PAX, but always as ‘Christ’.

Finally, there is the alphabet INRI.

It is said that the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, the Wicked One of the Jews” was written by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, on the cross of Jesus as a charge. It means “Jesus of Nazareth, the Wicked One
of the Jews.” Here, “I” stands for “Jesus” in Latin, “N” stands for “Nazarenus,” “R” stands for “Rex,” and “I” stands for “Judeorum.”
Many of you may have passed by the various symbols and letters that symbolize Jesus without paying any attention. But now that you know the meaning of the symbols, I hope you will think about Jesus’ love once more whenever you see these symbols.

[What is Catholicism?] Hierarchical System

The Catholic Church is organized around the Pope in the Vatican. This church organization system is called the hierarchical system. Let me explain in detail what this hierarchical system is and how it is structured.

[Clergy]

How is the Pope, the supreme leader of the Church, elected? In the case of St. Peter, the first Pope, it’s said that Jesus himself chose him as the Pope. So, let’s find out how the election of Popes after St. Peter proceeded.

[Clergy] The titles of clergy, priest, and priest.

We usually refer to those who have received the sacrament of ordination as clergy. However, even among these clergy, we sometimes refer to priests as “priests.” So, what do the titles of clergy, priest, and priest each mean?

[Clergy] Priest’s Clothing – The Sudan

Priests wear a type of clothing that they wear on a daily basis, right? It’s a long, fully-covering garment called the Sudan. Let’s learn about the Sudan, the everyday clothing of priests.

[Life of a Believer] Six Duties of a Believer

Those baptized in the Catholic Church have six duties to fulfill. These include attending Mass on Sundays and going to Confession. Let’s find out what else there are.

[Life of a Believer] Holy Objects to Keep in a Believer’s Home Holy

Objects to Keep in a Believer’s Home

Among the sacred objects that should be kept in the homes of believers, the first is the Bible.

The Bible is a comprehensive collection of Christian scriptures containing the word of God. Through it, we can confirm God’s love.
Most people keep their Bibles on a bookshelf, but it’s recommended to open them according to the reading for the day.

Secondly, there is the Catholic Prayer Book.

We can pray together and learn how to pray through the prayer book, and it is said that the prayer book is a sacred object that reminds us of our love for God.

Here is the hymnal.

The hymn is a sacred object that should be displayed with greater fervor and majesty, next to the crucifix, as it is a community that sings with one voice.

The crucifix is ​​a symbol of Christian faith and salvation, a sacred object that reveals God’s boundless love. It’s recommended to place it in a prominent location whenever possible.

Next is the statue of the Virgin Mary.

The Virgin Mary can be said to be the mother of Jesus and the mother of us all, so it is natural for us to have a statue of the Virgin Mary and think that she is with us.
And there are icons and statues that are carved or cast images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, angels, and saints. The fact that a Christian home has an icon or statue means that it is a family that believes in Jesus.