FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image of a person praying  By Edward Matulanya  Here are Meaning, purpose, types,  Powers, and significance of Prayers in the Roman Catholic Church. 1. What Is Prayer in the Roman Catholic Church? The Catholic Church teaches that, prayer is "the raising of one’s mind and heart to God" (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, para. 2559). For example, Speaking to God about your day. 2. The Purpose of Prayer in Catholic Spiritual Life Prayer helps Catholics grow in relationship with God , receive grace , and discern His will (CCC, 1997, para. 2561–2565). For e xample, asking God for guidance before making a tough choice. 3. Types of Prayer Taught by the Catholic Church The Church identifies blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise as core forms of prayers (CCC, 1997, para. 2626–2643). For e xample, Praying for a friend's health (intercession). I. Prayer of Blessing  A prayer of blessing is when God’s goodness is acknowledged and when ...

Image of Purple Candle for the first week of Advent  By Edward Matulanya  Here are Overview, liturgical theme, symbol, and practice of the First Week of Advent in the Roman Catholic Church. 1. What Is the First Week of Advent? Overview and Catholic Tradition The First Week of Advent begins the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church. Advent is a time of waiting, preparation, and joyful expectation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and at the end of time (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994). The Church teaches that this season invites believers to renew their hearts and lives. For e xample, a  Parish may bless the Advent wreath at the start of Mass, encouraging families to begin the season with hope. 2. The Catholic Liturgical Themes of the First Sunday of Advent The First Sunday of Advent focuses on watchfulness and readiness, rooted in Jesus’ call to remain spiritually awake. This theme is grounded in the Church’s teachings on preparing for Christ’s return ...

 By Edward Matulanya  Here are Meaning, theology, history, practice and liturgical Celebration of Advent in Roman Catholic Church. 1. What Is Advent in the Roman Catholic Church? Advent is the season of spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, both at His birth and His second coming (Catholic Church, 1994). For example, during Advent, parishes often begin Mass with songs of anticipation and place an Advent wreath in the church to signal the start of the season (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], n.d.). 2. The Meaning and Purpose of the Advent Season The purpose of Advent is to prepare Catholics spiritually, focusing on hope, repentance, and conversion (Vatican, n.d.). For example, a family may dedicate 10 minutes every evening to read Sacred Scripture , lighting a candle, and saying a short prayer of reflection. 3. When Advent Begins and Ends: Key Dates Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on December 24. The start date c...

By Edward Matulanya  Here are overview,  Cycle of Seasons,   Spiritual Practices  of the Catholic Liturgical Year. 1. A Complete Overview of Catholic Liturgical Year The Catholic liturgical year is a structured spiritual calendar that retells the story of Jesus Christ through seasons, feasts, and celebrations. It guides Sacred Scripture readings, prayers, and themes for worship throughout the year (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], 2022). For e xample, Easter Mass focuses on the Resurrection, while Christmas Mass centers on Jesus’ birth. 2. Understanding the Cycle of Seasons in the Catholic Church The liturgical year progresses through recurring seasons that highlight Christ’s birth, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection, and the mission of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997). For e xample, Lent encourages reflection, while Easter celebrates joy and new life. 3. Advent: The Beginning of the Liturgical Year Advent lasts fo...

  Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross By Edward Matulanya  Here are Meaning, types, history, role, and Significance of Sacrifice in the Roman Catholic Tradition. Introduction of Sacrifice The concept of sacrifice occupies a central role within Roman Catholic theology, shaping liturgy, spirituality, and ecclesial identity. Rooted in biblical revelation, developed through patristic reflection, and systematized in scholastic theology, sacrifice functions as a hermeneutical key for understanding Christ’s redemptive work, the Eucharist, and Christian discipleship. This document presents an expanded academic analysis of the meaning, historical development, theological foundations, types, roles, and significance of sacrifice in the Roman Catholic tradition. Meaning of Sacrifice The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines sacrifice primarily as an interior disposition of self-offering to God , manifested through external acts of worship (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, ¶20...

By Edward Matulanya  Here are Historical Roots of Roman Catholic Church, Traditions Developed of Roman Catholic Church, and Growth of the Catholic Faith Worldwide. Historical Roots of the Roman Catholic Church The history of the Roman Catholic Church starts from the Jewish beliefs and Apostles, proceeding to  Ecumenical Councils, Medieval Papacy, Schism Between East and West up to the  Later Development and Consolidation. 1. Jewish Foundations and Apostolic Origins (30–100 AD) Christianity began as a reform movement within Judaism centered on Jesus of Nazareth. After Jesus’ death and reported resurrection, his followers organized communities guided by apostles and elders (Acts 15). The early Church viewed itself as the continuation of Israel’s story, not a new religion. For e xample; The leadership of Peter is foundational for later Roman Catholic papal authority as cite in (Matthew 16:18–19). The Sacred Scripture is evidence for Peter to receive a special role within t...

Image of Catholic Church at Vatican By Edward Matulanya Here are Meaning, believe, founder, sacraments, teaching source, Morals, source of faith, History and key teaching of Roman Catholic Church. 1. Meaning of Roman Catholic Church  The Roman Catholic Church means the universal Christian community under the leadership of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). 2. Understand the Core Beliefs of the Roman Catholic Faith The Roman Catholic Church belief in one God in three persons ; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §234; Matt. 28:19). Catholics hold that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, whose incarnation, death, and resurrection bring salvation to humanity (CCC, 1997, §§461–463; John 1:14). 2. Founder of Roman Catholic Church  The Church, founded by Christ on the apostles with the pope as Peter’s successor, is “the universal sacrament of salvation” (CCC, 1997, §774; Matt. 16:18–19). Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith ...