The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, is the tallest Catholic structure and domed church at 518 feet. It cost $300 million and can accommodate 18,000 worshippers. Ulm Minster is the tallest church at 530 feet, while St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal is the tallest in the Americas. From the Middle […]
A table Catholic is a member of the Catholic faith who ignores or interprets doctrine in disagreement with Catholic moral teaching. The term is a reference to cafeteria-style dining, where people pick and choose the foods they want. Cafeteria Catholics struggle with issues such as birth control, same-sex relationships, and divorce. Critics argue they should […]
Catholics venerate the Virgin Mary as the mother of God, but do not worship her as a deity. They ask for her intercession with God through prayer, believing that only a person in heaven can lift people from purgatory. Mary is seen as a compassionate and holy human being who willingly complied with God’s wishes, […]
The Catholic Church forced Galileo to recant his support of Copernicus’ theory in 1633, but in 1992, they confirmed Copernicus was correct. The Church acknowledged Galileo’s correctness in 1984, but never formally apologized. Galileo was a math professor who observed nature and constructed the telescope that supported Copernicus’ theory. He continued to write while under […]
Sister Mary Kenneth Keller was the first American woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science in 1965. She helped develop the BASIC programming language, making it easier for everyone to write code and bringing computer proficiency to the masses. She later founded the computer science department at Clarke College and was an advocate for […]
Choosing the right Catholic seminary involves applying to the archdiocese, finding a supportive community and congregation, and considering factors such as location and spiritual focus. Guidance is provided by the Archdiocese’s Office of Vocations and the director of vocations. National and international Catholic organizations offer databases and publications for information on entering the priesthood. When […]
Catholic theology degrees are available at various levels and can be combined with other disciplines such as education or nursing. They are offered by religious universities and seminaries, and some programs are available online. The bachelor’s degree provides a basic education, while graduate degrees are more specialized and popular with those seeking to advance their […]
Catholic schools provide religious education alongside traditional education, with a focus on sacramental participation. They are found worldwide, for all levels of education, and often have rigorous curriculums and extracurricular activities. Non-Catholics are usually allowed to attend but must participate in religious exercises. The high cost of attendance can limit diversity. A Catholic school is […]
To obtain an annulment in the Catholic Church, one must prove a pre-existing factor that prevented the validity of the marriage. The process is complicated and can take over a year, requiring detailed information and witness statements. An annulment declares the marriage invalid, not dissolved. Infidelity during marriage does not provide grounds for annulment. To […]
Catholic holy days commemorate spiritual events and can celebrate saints, apostles, martyrs, the Virgin Mary, or specific events in Jesus Christ’s life. Holy days of obligation require church attendance, including Easter and Christmas. Other holy days include All Saints’ Day, Epiphany, and Immaculate Conception. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are not obligatory but are important. […]
The Catholic Church has seven sacraments, including Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. These are considered holy and intended to bring people closer to God. Baptism welcomes a child into the church, while Reconciliation absolves sins. Holy Communion is both symbolic and real, and Confirmation affirms commitment to Catholicism. […]
The Byzantine Catholic Church is part of the Eastern Orthodox Church and follows the religious practices of the Orthodox Catholic Church. It is made up of seven distinct groups and uses the Byzantine Rite. The Pope is honored as the Patriarch of Rome but not superior to other patriarchs. The church has been influenced by […]
The Greek Catholic Church is a recognized community in the Roman Catholic Church, adhering to the Byzantine Rite. It differs from the Greek Orthodox Church in accepting the Pope’s leadership and Western theological concepts. The Byzantine Rite has distinctive features such as using leavened bread for communion and allowing married priests. Worship sessions involve singing […]
Catholic theology is based on scripture and tradition, interpreted by the Magisterium. The Bible is seen as the word of God, but not always taken literally. Sacred Tradition includes practices and beliefs not directly in the Bible, such as papal supremacy. Catholicism emphasizes the Trinity and salvation through Jesus, with rejection leading to eternal punishment. […]
Catholic books have a general theme of belief in God, human frailty, and redemption. They cover various genres from science fiction to romance. Catholic detective novels aim to instill hope through faith while horror novels revolve around the struggle between good and evil. The Church encourages exploring themes like apocalypse and mythology. Catholic romance novels […]
