Question: Why do we have sacraments? Answer: We have sacraments because God desires to transform us and bring about an encounter with His grace and life in a way that is considerate of how we learn, and communicate, and grow as human persons. I realize that’s somewhat of a mouthful, so let me unpack it a little. If God so desired, He could forgive our … Continue reading
Question: What happens when we receive the Eucharist? Answer: When we receive the Eucharist, we become tabernacles or vessels of the Lord. Jesus Christ truly resides within us – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Many amazing spiritual effects come from this experience: – we receive grace from God that forgives us of our venial (or “lesser”) sins and strengthens us to do what is right … Continue reading
Question: What is Eucharistic Adoration? Why is it important? Answer: Eucharistic adoration is when we spend time worshipping, adoring, and/or praying to our Lord as He is present in the Eucharist. During the Mass, we have the opportunity to worship our Lord, veiled as it were, under the species of bread and wine. You may have noticed that, after the priest consecrates the bread, transforming … Continue reading
Question: Where are deacons found in Scripture? Answer: First, it may be helpful to define what a deacon is. Scott Hahn’s Catholic Bible Dictionary defines a deacon as: “An ordained assistant to priests responsible for such ministerial duties as preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, distributing Communion, and presiding at funerals (but not saying the funeral Mass). In the modern Church there are two forms of the … Continue reading
Question: What is the proper gesture of reference towards the tabernacle both during Mass and outside of Mass? Answer: Our outward gestures, especially those that take place within the context of liturgy and prayer, should reflect our inner disposition, our own thoughts and feelings about what we are doing. That is why a question like this is an important one: it is an opportunity for … Continue reading
Q&A Potpourri #10 Question: Is the Eucharistic Prayer considered part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, or is it a separate rite? Answer: The Eucharistic Prayer is considered to be part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Lately the Eucharistic Ministers have been permitted to return to their seats once they are finished distributing the Eucharist. I thought they weren’t supposed to return to their … Continue reading
Q&A Potpourri #4 Question: Does First Communion come before Confirmation? Answer: It depends on when your diocese has chosen to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. In the United States, Confirmation can be celebrated anywhere between the age of reason (7 yrs) and age 16. So, if your diocese celebrates Confirmation in the second or third grade, then it will come before First Communion. But, if … Continue reading