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Catholicism 101:

A series of informative talks and frank discussions about fundamental aspects of the Catholic faith and Catholic practices.

Each week will gather for a short presentation on some feature of Catholic life.  We will then join in a friendly and frank discussion of the evening’s topic.

Join us if:

·         you are Catholic, and want to know more about your faith.

·         you are not Catholic, but have wondered what Catholics believe.

·         you have ever wondered why Catholics do the things they do.

Come to whichever discussion interests you.  Although the discussions do build on each other, you need not have attended prior sessions to join us.

All respectful inquirers are welcome.  

Each discussion begins at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

The truth comes initially to the human being as a question: Does life have a meaning? Where is it going?

Where might the human being seek the answer to dramatic questions such as pain, the suffering of the innocent and death, if not in the light streaming from the mystery of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection?

Topics for Fall 2006

Aug. 24 — Faith, Works and Salvation

Are Catholics saved?  Is faith alone sufficient? Are works sufficient?  How do we merit grace? Can we become holy?

Aug. 31 — Scripture and Tradition

Do Catholics believe in the Bible?  Which books are the authentic Word of God? How is Tradition Sacred?

Sept. 7 — Holy Eucharist & Mass

Is Jesus really present in the Eucharist, or is it just a symbol?  Is the Mass a sacrifice or a fellowship?  What should I get out of going to Mass?

Sept. 14 — The Problem of Evil

Sept. 21 — Angels & Demons

Sept. 28 — Love, Marriage & Sex

Is the Church opposed to sex? Why can’t Catholics use birth-control?  Why can’t Catholics get divorced?

Oct. 5 — Confession & Forgiveness

Why do Catholics confess sins to a priest?  Isn’t Jesus the only one able to forgive sins?

Oct. 12 — Sanctity of Human Life

Why do Catholics oppose abortion and capital punishment?  Why do they oppose embrionic stem cell research and euthanasia?

Oct. 19 — Priesthood

How are priests different from ministers?  Why can’t priests get married?  Why can only men become Catholic priests?

TBA — Jesus Christ - Incarnation

Was Jesus just a man?  Is he the Son of God?  Can he be both? Why do we say he is the Only-Begotten Son of God?

TBA — Jesus Christ - Redemption

Why did Jesus die on the cross? Did he have to die to save us?  Did he rise from the dead?

TBA — Holy Trinity

Why do Catholics believe that there are Three Divine Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit?  Does that mean there are three gods?

TBA — Church and Sacraments

Why is it important for Catholics to go to church?  Why do they use Sacraments?  Isn’t faith in Jesus enough for salvation?

TBA — Mary & the Saints

Do Catholics worship Mary?  Why do Catholics believe Mary was conceived without sin?  Why do Catholics pray to saints?

TBA — Pope & the Magisterium

Why do Catholics believe the Pope is Infallible?  Why do they believe there is a need for Sacred Tradition in addition to the Bible?