Chp 1 Being Catholic - Notes

Being a Catholic: Man’s Capacity for God: 

Being a Catholic: Man’s Capacity for God Catechism of the Catholic Church Part One: The Profession of Faith Section 1: “I Believe” – “We Believe” Chapter 1: Man’s Capacity for God Created by Mr. James Woodmansee for use at Good Shepherd Catholic School. The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth Chapter 1

What do the numbers look like?: 

What do the numbers look like? How many Catholics are there? How many Catholics live in Rhode Island? How many Catholics live in the United States How many Catholics live in North America How many Catholics live in Europe, South America, Africa, Oceania, and Asia? How many Christians are there? What is the difference, if any, between a Catholic and a Christian? How many Muslims and Jews are there? Are all Muslims and Jews united in one single belief?

What is the difference between a belief and a practice?: 

What is the difference between a belief and a practice? Belief Practice Rooted in Scripture and Tradition Define what Catholics believe Rooted in Scripture and Tradition New practices develop over time Ways Catholics pray, act, and make decisions

What is the difference between a belief and a practice? (cont’d): 

What is the difference between a belief and a practice? (cont’d) Belief God is Trinity – the mystery of one God with three divine persons God created men and women to be in union with Him Sin separates us from Him God works to restore unity with humans Jesus (God & Man) restored unity and established the Church Sacred Tradition - truth as revealed through Christ and the Holy Spirit/Ghost Holy Scripture/The Bible – inspired words of God All people are destined for eternal life Those who believe and follow Christ will be eternally rewarded Those who reject Christ will be eternally punished

What is the difference between a belief and a practice? (cont’d): 

What is the difference between a belief and a practice? (cont’d) Practice Catholics celebrate 7 Sacraments instituted by Christ Eucharist is the real body and blood of Christ The Lord’s Day (Sunday) is for holiness – attending mass, resting, playing, visiting friends and family, eating, cookouts… Moral living is defined by the 10 Commandments and Beatitudes Life is sacred and must be protected – the unborn, elderly, poor, sick, unemployed, illiterate, uneducated, immigrants illegal and legal… Transform society – fight for laws to help people, protest, boycott, drive less, waste less food, refrain from littering, work hard… Honor the Saints and Mary as well as all who have died

Put it all together - Attitude: 

Put it all together - Attitude Is God present in nature (weather, the Earth, song of birds)? Was God with the Israelites in the desert? Was God with Paul Revere on his ride? Will God be with you when you graduate? Do people know about God from reading, studying, and discussing important issues? Do people know about God by thinking (reasoning)? Do people know about God from trusting Him (faith)? Does the Holy Spirit guide our reasoning and faith?

May the force be with you: 

May the force be with you God created all things, living and inanimate, including men and women to share is His love. Jesus came to redeem us from our sins (things we do preventing us from sharing in God’s love). The Holy Spirit guides and give us gifts to eternal happiness. CCC 1-25 GOD God is Good

Bibliography: 

Bibliography Singer-Towns, Brian, Janet Claussen, Clare vanBrandwijk, and others, The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth . Winona, Minnesota: Saint Mary’s Press, 2004. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church . Washington DC: USCCB Publishing, May 2007.