“Are Catholics Christian?”
Week 3 09/22/07
www.geocities.com/laurence_gonzaga/study.htm
youngadultsfc.blogspot.com
“Man’s Capacity for God”
I. Opening Prayer
a. St. Thomas Prayer for Students
b. Litany of the Saints
II. Review of Weeks 1 “Depositum Fidei” and 2 “God’s Plan for Man”
III. Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
a. “Man’s Capacity for God” : CCC # 26-49
IV. Spiritual Reading: “Christ is Passing By” by St. Josemaria Escriva
V. Closing Prayer
a. Angelus
b. Te Deum (Latin/English)
Spiritual reading:
RESPONDING TO GOD (Christ is Passing By, pp. 16-18)
It is under the "umbrella" of God's mercy that Christian existence should develop. Ever mindful of that, the Christian should strive to behave as a child of God. And what are the principal means to ensure that our vocation takes root? Today let me point out two of them, which are like living supports of Christian conduct: interior life and doctrinal formation, the deep knowledge of our faith.
First of all, interior life. How few really understand this! If they hear about the interior life, they imagine some dark church. For more than a quarter of a century I have been saying that such isn't the case. I talk about the interior life of ordinary Christians who habitually find themselves in the hubbub of the city, in the light of day, in the street, at work, with their families or simply relaxing; they are centered on Jesus all day long. And what is this except a life of continuous prayer? Isn't it true that you have seen the need to become a soul of prayer, to reach an intimacy with God that leads to divinization? Such is the Christian faith as always understood by souls of prayer— "A man becomes God," writes Clement of Alexandria, "because he loves whatever God
loves."
At first it will be more difficult. You must make an effort to seek out the Lord, to thank him for his fatherly and practical concern for us. Although it is not a question of sentiment, little by little the love of God makes itself felt like a rustle in the soul. It is Christ who pursues us lovingly. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." How is your life of prayer going? At times don't you feel during the day the impulse to speak more at length with him? Don't you then whisper to him that you will tell him all about it later, in a heart-to-heart conversation?
In the periods expressly reserved for this rendezvous with our Lord, the heart is broadened, the will is strengthened, the mind, helped by grace, fills the world of human reality with supernatural content. The results come in the form of clear, practical resolutions to improve your conduct, to deal more charitably with all men, to spare no efforts—like good athletes— in this Christian struggle of love and peace.
Prayer then becomes continuous, like the beating of our heart, like our pulse. Without this presence of God, there is no contemplative life. And without contemplative life, our working for Christ is worth very little, for vain is the builder's toil if the house is not of the Lord's building.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Clarification on my teaching on purgatory
Clarification on my teaching on purgatory
Email from Paul Dion, STL (Theology Editor of Parishworld.net)
Laurence:Your teaching about purgatory is fine but I find it a little too "sin oriented." If I am not mistaken the statements of the councils are primarily oriented to the temporal remains of sins already forgiven. This does not mean that venial sins and bad habits don't enter into the doctrine, but I suggest that you let your disciples know that there is temporal effect of forgiven sins involved in the Catholic doctrine about purgatory. This is important because the doctrine of indulgences is focused on the relief of temporal effects of sins by the spiritual practices defined by the Church.
Hi Mr. Dion:
Thank you for your comments, and giving me the opportunity to elaborate further. I suspect you are referring to the little section I had in week 2 of our YASFC study of the Catechism, where I had a section called “Why do Catholics Believe That?”, and it read:
Why Do Catholics Believe That?
Purgatory
1. Nothing impure can enter Heaven
2. If we die in a state of grace (no mortal sins on the soul), but still have some venial sins, bad habits, etc., we are still impure
3. So, if there is sin in this life, and none in the next, and if we are still sinning until we die, then between death and Glory, there must be a way we are purified.
4. This state or place is called Purgatory.
I think you are right. I focused this very short apologetics lesson on the idea of sin, rather than on the notion of the “temporal remains” of sin. Since this segment was apologetic in nature, the main point I wanted to instill in the group is that there is no impurity in heaven, and there is still impurities on our souls at the end of this life, so somehow we need to be cleansed. Whether this “time” in purgatory is temporal or existential in nature, is yet to be dogmatically defined. But, I do not exclude the points you made. In fact, digging through my archive, I found 2 relevant articles I wrote in 2006 which elaborates on your points.
What is the difference between the spiritual and the temporal damage of sin? (08/29/06)
Do Catholics still believe in Indulgences?(To René) (11/19/06)
Thank you.
Instaurare Omnia In Christo,
Laurence
Email from Paul Dion, STL (Theology Editor of Parishworld.net)
Laurence:Your teaching about purgatory is fine but I find it a little too "sin oriented." If I am not mistaken the statements of the councils are primarily oriented to the temporal remains of sins already forgiven. This does not mean that venial sins and bad habits don't enter into the doctrine, but I suggest that you let your disciples know that there is temporal effect of forgiven sins involved in the Catholic doctrine about purgatory. This is important because the doctrine of indulgences is focused on the relief of temporal effects of sins by the spiritual practices defined by the Church.
Hi Mr. Dion:
Thank you for your comments, and giving me the opportunity to elaborate further. I suspect you are referring to the little section I had in week 2 of our YASFC study of the Catechism, where I had a section called “Why do Catholics Believe That?”, and it read:
Why Do Catholics Believe That?
Purgatory
1. Nothing impure can enter Heaven
2. If we die in a state of grace (no mortal sins on the soul), but still have some venial sins, bad habits, etc., we are still impure
3. So, if there is sin in this life, and none in the next, and if we are still sinning until we die, then between death and Glory, there must be a way we are purified.
4. This state or place is called Purgatory.
I think you are right. I focused this very short apologetics lesson on the idea of sin, rather than on the notion of the “temporal remains” of sin. Since this segment was apologetic in nature, the main point I wanted to instill in the group is that there is no impurity in heaven, and there is still impurities on our souls at the end of this life, so somehow we need to be cleansed. Whether this “time” in purgatory is temporal or existential in nature, is yet to be dogmatically defined. But, I do not exclude the points you made. In fact, digging through my archive, I found 2 relevant articles I wrote in 2006 which elaborates on your points.
What is the difference between the spiritual and the temporal damage of sin? (08/29/06)
Do Catholics still believe in Indulgences?(To René) (11/19/06)
Thank you.
Instaurare Omnia In Christo,
Laurence
Week 2 - (09/15/07) - “God’s Plan for Man”
“Are Catholics Christian?”
Week 2 09/15/07
www.geocities.com/laurence_gonzaga/study.htm
“God’s Plan for Man”
I. Opening Prayer
a. St. Thomas Prayer for Students
II. Review
III. Read Pope Benedict XVI’s Homily of Sept 2, 2007 for the Youth
IV. Why Do Catholics Believe That?
a. Purgatory
V. Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
a. “God’s Plan for Man”
b. Structure of the Catechism
c. CCC # 1-25
VI. Closing Prayer
Pope Benedict XVI’s Homily of Sept 2, 2007 for the Youth
Why Do Catholics Believe That?
Purgatory
1. Nothing impure can enter Heaven
2. If we die in a state of grace (no mortal sins on the soul), but still have some venial sins, bad habits, etc., we are still impure
3. So, if there is sin in this life, and none in the next, and if we are still sinning until we die, then between death and Glory, there must be a way we are purified.
4. This state or place is called Purgatory.
Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) - “God’s Plan for Man”
________________________________
Don't Be Seduced, Benedict XVI Tells Youth
Says World Needs Daring Christians
LORETO, Italy, SEPT. 2, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI invited half a million young people to go against the current in a world seduced by violence, despotism and "success at all costs."The Pope's appeal resounded at the closing Mass today in Loreto, where the Holy Father arrived Saturday for an encounter with youth from Italy and around the world."There are so many messages, above all through the media, that are being directed toward you! Be vigilant! Be critical!" the Pontiff exclaimed.Most of the young pilgrims had spent the night under the stars or in large tents. There were 150 bishops and 2,000 priests who concelebrated the Eucharist with the Pope.Benedict XVI spoke to the youth a few kilometers from the Italian national shrine, where, according to tradition, Mary’s house was carried stone by stone from Nazareth. He explained to the young people that the humility that they heard about in the Gospel passage read at Mass ("Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted," Luke 14:11) is not "the way of renunciation but of courage."Under a scorching sun, the Bishop of Rome told the young people: "The message is this: Do not follow the way of pride but the way of humility."Go against the current: Do not listen to the interesting and seductive voices that today from many parts propose as models lives of arrogance and violence, of despotism and success at all costs, of appearances and having, of harm to being."Media influenceSpeaking of the enormous influence that media desire to have on young people, he told them: "Do not follow the current produced by this powerful attempt at persuasion."Do not be afraid, dear friends, to prefer the 'alternative' ways indicated by true love: a sober way of life attentive to others; affectionate relationships that are sincere and pure; an honest commitment in study and work; deep interest in the common good.”The Pope encouraged them to not be afraid "to appear different and be criticized for that which might seem foolish or unfashionable.""Your fellow young people, but also adults and especially those who seem the farthest from the mentality and values of the Gospel, have a profound need to see someone who dares to live according to the fullness of humanity manifested in Jesus Christ," he said."The way of humility, dear friends, is therefore not the way of renunciation but of courage,” Benedict XVI emphasized. "It is not the result of a defeat but the outcome of a victory of love over egoism and of grace over sin."
___________________________
SUMMARY:
Covered: God’s Plan for Man - CCC #1-25
(http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/prologue.htm#I)
1. God wishes all to be saved, but not all respond to God’s call.
2. Salvation comes from Jesus Christ alone. If anyone is saved outside of the Church, while being invincibly ignorant of the true faith, it is because of Jesus Christ.
3. God is always near, inviting us to become His adopted children. From children of wrath, we become children of God.
4. The Apostles were sent to evangelize the world.
5. Followers of Christ are called to hand on the faith, from generation to generation, as if by hand to hand.
6. The law of believing (lex credendi); The law of living (lex vivendi); The law of worship (lex celebrandi); The law of prayer (lex orandi).
7. Catechesis is the Church’s efforts to make disciples of all nations.
8. Its purpose is to educate and instruct them in this life.
9. Catechesis is an education in the faith by teaching Christian doctrine in an organic and systematic way.
10. The timeline of the Christian faith: The initial procalamation of the Gospelàdeveloping the reasons for faithàexperience of Christian livingàparticipation of the life of God through the Sacramentsàbecoming part of the church communityàbecoming an apostle of Jesus Christ.
11. Catechesis draws from the councils. The Council of Trent formally organized catechesis.
12. The catechism is directed to all those who are responsible for catechesis, but not only the clergy and religious, but the lay persons. It is not only directed to Catholics, but also all Christians. It is not directed to Christians only, but all religions. It is not only to those who believe in God, but also atheists.
13. Purgatory is the final stage of the sanctification process; it is the place or state where we are being purged of the remaining temporal stains of our already forgiven sins.
Week 2 09/15/07
www.geocities.com/laurence_gonzaga/study.htm
“God’s Plan for Man”
I. Opening Prayer
a. St. Thomas Prayer for Students
II. Review
III. Read Pope Benedict XVI’s Homily of Sept 2, 2007 for the Youth
IV. Why Do Catholics Believe That?
a. Purgatory
V. Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
a. “God’s Plan for Man”
b. Structure of the Catechism
c. CCC # 1-25
VI. Closing Prayer
Pope Benedict XVI’s Homily of Sept 2, 2007 for the Youth
Why Do Catholics Believe That?
Purgatory
1. Nothing impure can enter Heaven
2. If we die in a state of grace (no mortal sins on the soul), but still have some venial sins, bad habits, etc., we are still impure
3. So, if there is sin in this life, and none in the next, and if we are still sinning until we die, then between death and Glory, there must be a way we are purified.
4. This state or place is called Purgatory.
Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) - “God’s Plan for Man”
________________________________
Don't Be Seduced, Benedict XVI Tells Youth
Says World Needs Daring Christians
LORETO, Italy, SEPT. 2, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI invited half a million young people to go against the current in a world seduced by violence, despotism and "success at all costs."The Pope's appeal resounded at the closing Mass today in Loreto, where the Holy Father arrived Saturday for an encounter with youth from Italy and around the world."There are so many messages, above all through the media, that are being directed toward you! Be vigilant! Be critical!" the Pontiff exclaimed.Most of the young pilgrims had spent the night under the stars or in large tents. There were 150 bishops and 2,000 priests who concelebrated the Eucharist with the Pope.Benedict XVI spoke to the youth a few kilometers from the Italian national shrine, where, according to tradition, Mary’s house was carried stone by stone from Nazareth. He explained to the young people that the humility that they heard about in the Gospel passage read at Mass ("Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted," Luke 14:11) is not "the way of renunciation but of courage."Under a scorching sun, the Bishop of Rome told the young people: "The message is this: Do not follow the way of pride but the way of humility."Go against the current: Do not listen to the interesting and seductive voices that today from many parts propose as models lives of arrogance and violence, of despotism and success at all costs, of appearances and having, of harm to being."Media influenceSpeaking of the enormous influence that media desire to have on young people, he told them: "Do not follow the current produced by this powerful attempt at persuasion."Do not be afraid, dear friends, to prefer the 'alternative' ways indicated by true love: a sober way of life attentive to others; affectionate relationships that are sincere and pure; an honest commitment in study and work; deep interest in the common good.”The Pope encouraged them to not be afraid "to appear different and be criticized for that which might seem foolish or unfashionable.""Your fellow young people, but also adults and especially those who seem the farthest from the mentality and values of the Gospel, have a profound need to see someone who dares to live according to the fullness of humanity manifested in Jesus Christ," he said."The way of humility, dear friends, is therefore not the way of renunciation but of courage,” Benedict XVI emphasized. "It is not the result of a defeat but the outcome of a victory of love over egoism and of grace over sin."
___________________________
SUMMARY:
Covered: God’s Plan for Man - CCC #1-25
(http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/prologue.htm#I)
1. God wishes all to be saved, but not all respond to God’s call.
2. Salvation comes from Jesus Christ alone. If anyone is saved outside of the Church, while being invincibly ignorant of the true faith, it is because of Jesus Christ.
3. God is always near, inviting us to become His adopted children. From children of wrath, we become children of God.
4. The Apostles were sent to evangelize the world.
5. Followers of Christ are called to hand on the faith, from generation to generation, as if by hand to hand.
6. The law of believing (lex credendi); The law of living (lex vivendi); The law of worship (lex celebrandi); The law of prayer (lex orandi).
7. Catechesis is the Church’s efforts to make disciples of all nations.
8. Its purpose is to educate and instruct them in this life.
9. Catechesis is an education in the faith by teaching Christian doctrine in an organic and systematic way.
10. The timeline of the Christian faith: The initial procalamation of the Gospelàdeveloping the reasons for faithàexperience of Christian livingàparticipation of the life of God through the Sacramentsàbecoming part of the church communityàbecoming an apostle of Jesus Christ.
11. Catechesis draws from the councils. The Council of Trent formally organized catechesis.
12. The catechism is directed to all those who are responsible for catechesis, but not only the clergy and religious, but the lay persons. It is not only directed to Catholics, but also all Christians. It is not directed to Christians only, but all religions. It is not only to those who believe in God, but also atheists.
13. Purgatory is the final stage of the sanctification process; it is the place or state where we are being purged of the remaining temporal stains of our already forgiven sins.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Week 1 - (09/08/07) - Fidei Depositum by Pope John Paul II
“Are Catholics Christian?”
Week 1 09/08/07
www.geocities.com/laurence_gonzaga/study.htm
“Fidei Depositum”
I. Opening Prayer
a. St. Thomas Prayer for Students
II. Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
a. Introduction to the Catechism – Fidei Depositum
III. DVD – Father Corapi – Introduction to the Catechism
IV. Closing Prayer
a. Angelus
Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) - Introduction to the Catechism – Fidei Depositum Apostolic Constitution of Pope John Paul II
“Are Catholics Christian?”
Week 109/08/07
www.geocities.com/laurence_gonzaga/study.htm
SUMMARY:
Covered: Fidei Depositum by Pope John Paul II (http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/aposcons.htm)
1. A catechism is a compendium of texts in one volume, which explains the teachings of the Catholic Church.
2. The first universal catechism was the Catechism of the Council of Trent which was produced after that Council (still published by TAN).
3. Likewise the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a product of the Second Vatican Council, undoubtedly a valid Ecumenical Council of the Universal Church.
4. The deposit of faith is the entirety of the revelation which God gave us.
5. We are not God’s editors; we are His mail-carriers.
6. Jesus Christ taught us the Truth, handed it to the Apostles to guard and teach, and the mission of the Church throughout the ages, was not to edit the message, but to transmit it.
7. Imagine a “box of truth”, which Christ gave us. We start taking some stuff out of it which we don’t like, then we no longer have the fullness of the Truth which will save us.
8. Cafeteria Catholicism, just like Protestantism has this “box”, except lighter. That’s what happens if we take Our Blessed Mother, the Saints, The Mass, the Eucharist, 7 OT books, etc, out of the box.
9. Not all traditions were condemned in the NT; Jesus condemns traditions of men which run contrary to the Word of God. Yet, St. Paul commands us to hold to the traditions which they gave us:
~ 2Th 2:15 DRB (2:14) Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle.
10. The Gospel was preached orally, before anything was ever written down.
11. Revelation therefore comes to us through two “streams”: (1) Sacred Scripture and (2) Sacred Tradition.
Week 1 09/08/07
www.geocities.com/laurence_gonzaga/study.htm
“Fidei Depositum”
I. Opening Prayer
a. St. Thomas Prayer for Students
II. Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
a. Introduction to the Catechism – Fidei Depositum
III. DVD – Father Corapi – Introduction to the Catechism
IV. Closing Prayer
a. Angelus
Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) - Introduction to the Catechism – Fidei Depositum Apostolic Constitution of Pope John Paul II
“Are Catholics Christian?”
Week 109/08/07
www.geocities.com/laurence_gonzaga/study.htm
SUMMARY:
Covered: Fidei Depositum by Pope John Paul II (http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/aposcons.htm)
1. A catechism is a compendium of texts in one volume, which explains the teachings of the Catholic Church.
2. The first universal catechism was the Catechism of the Council of Trent which was produced after that Council (still published by TAN).
3. Likewise the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a product of the Second Vatican Council, undoubtedly a valid Ecumenical Council of the Universal Church.
4. The deposit of faith is the entirety of the revelation which God gave us.
5. We are not God’s editors; we are His mail-carriers.
6. Jesus Christ taught us the Truth, handed it to the Apostles to guard and teach, and the mission of the Church throughout the ages, was not to edit the message, but to transmit it.
7. Imagine a “box of truth”, which Christ gave us. We start taking some stuff out of it which we don’t like, then we no longer have the fullness of the Truth which will save us.
8. Cafeteria Catholicism, just like Protestantism has this “box”, except lighter. That’s what happens if we take Our Blessed Mother, the Saints, The Mass, the Eucharist, 7 OT books, etc, out of the box.
9. Not all traditions were condemned in the NT; Jesus condemns traditions of men which run contrary to the Word of God. Yet, St. Paul commands us to hold to the traditions which they gave us:
~ 2Th 2:15 DRB (2:14) Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle.
10. The Gospel was preached orally, before anything was ever written down.
11. Revelation therefore comes to us through two “streams”: (1) Sacred Scripture and (2) Sacred Tradition.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Introduction
Introduction
“Are Catholics, Christians?”
Young Adult Small Faith Community
~ St. Adelaide’s Catholic Church - Highland CA
WHO WE ARE:
A group of core young adults who have a desire to learn more about their Catholic faith. We are 100% faithful to Christ and His vicar on Earth, our Holy Father, and 100% faithful to the official teachings of the Catholic Church.
WHAT WE DO:
We have decided to study in an organic and systematic way, the teachings of our Church. The basis of our study will be: (1) The Sacred Scriptures; (2) The Sacred Traditions, as expressed to us in the Catechism of the Catholic Church; and (3) the current official documents given to us by the pope, synods, and teaching magisterium.
WHO IS INVITED TO OUR STUDY?
All young adults, between the ages of 16-35, are invited.
WHAT DO WE NEED?
The cost is free, and all you need is a Catholic Bible (DRB, RSV-CE, NAB, etc), and a copy of the Catechism.
WHEN DO WE MEET?
Every Saturday, 9:30-11:00AM, at the St. Adelaide’s Dove House (house property immediately west of St. Adelaide’s Church).
For more information:
http://www.geocities.com/laurence_gonzaga/study.htm
“Are Catholics, Christians?”
Young Adult Small Faith Community
~ St. Adelaide’s Catholic Church - Highland CA
WHO WE ARE:
A group of core young adults who have a desire to learn more about their Catholic faith. We are 100% faithful to Christ and His vicar on Earth, our Holy Father, and 100% faithful to the official teachings of the Catholic Church.
WHAT WE DO:
We have decided to study in an organic and systematic way, the teachings of our Church. The basis of our study will be: (1) The Sacred Scriptures; (2) The Sacred Traditions, as expressed to us in the Catechism of the Catholic Church; and (3) the current official documents given to us by the pope, synods, and teaching magisterium.
WHO IS INVITED TO OUR STUDY?
All young adults, between the ages of 16-35, are invited.
WHAT DO WE NEED?
The cost is free, and all you need is a Catholic Bible (DRB, RSV-CE, NAB, etc), and a copy of the Catechism.
WHEN DO WE MEET?
Every Saturday, 9:30-11:00AM, at the St. Adelaide’s Dove House (house property immediately west of St. Adelaide’s Church).
For more information:
http://www.geocities.com/laurence_gonzaga/study.htm
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