1.3 – Catholicism Practices

Beliefs Practices Places and Things People

Important Catholic Practices Sacraments Mass Liturgical Year Calendar Prayer & Other Devotions

Seven Sacraments Sacraments are special celebrations of God’s presence and grace in a person’s life. “Baptism” is how a person becomes a Christian. He or she is immersed in water. “Holy Eucharist” is the most important of the seven sacraments. It is also called “holy communion.” In this sacrament, bread and wine are blessed. Catholics believe that the bread and wine become the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

The Mass Mass is the central spiritual event for Catholics. Every Sunday, Catholics are expected to attend Mass. It is the weekly gathering of the “family” or community. Only a Catholic priest is allowed to preside over the Mass. The Catholic Mass has two main parts: (1) Readings from the Bible (2) Sacrament of the Eucharist – the blessing of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, and holy communion

Liturgical Year Calendar Catholics follow a yearly calendar of special religious seasons and feasts. These include: Advent and Christmas; Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter; and many others.

Prayer & Other Catholic Devotions Catholics pray and have many different prayers, such as the “Our Father” or “Hail Mary” or “Rosary.” Catholics honor Mary, mother of Jesus, and saints. Special feast days are called “Holy Days of Obligation,” because Catholics are expected to attend Mass on these special days. Catholics go on spiritual retreats and pilgrimages to get closer to God. Catholics sometimes fast – they won’t eat for a period of time; or they “give up” (“abstain”) from eating certain foods for a period of time – for example, not eating meat on Fridays during Lent; or not drinking soda beverages during Lent.