#baltimore catechism

[daretoliveinhim]

Lesson 30 - Contrition- The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2

[shamballalin]

It Was More Than No Parades: The Other Prodigal Sons

In Vietnam, your tour ended in the sweltering heat or the constant soaking rain of a tropical monsoon season, where you understood that your life could end at any second. Then one day, maybe a Tuesday, on a plane ride, you were home, still sweating salt from your last meal in Vietnam. “Your mind never got to prepare itself for a country that didn’t want to have to put up with your return. “When…

[angeltreasure]

We are created for God, to love God, to serve God in this life, and to be with Him forever in the afterlife.

[winged-thinged]

A thing that I feel like not a lot of people fully realize or understand about Catholicism—including even Christians from other Christian denominations, sometimes—is exactly how terrible confession can be and how much the Catholic Church dangles the fear of going to hell over your head. Like, they make it sound like it's just a matter of going, oops, you did a sin? That's okay ^_^ just go to your priest, who is basically like a therapist, and talk to him about it a little bit, and then you get let off scott-free! Wow! Isn't God so great?

When in my experience, it's more like, oh, you sinned? You defiled your soul and severed the relationship between you and the person in charge of sustaining life on the whole entire world? You basically just set a ticking time bomb on yourself, because if you die before you next get to confession (and you aren't given last rights), you have just damned yourself to suffering in purgation. And you'd better hope that you only committed a venial sin! Was your sin a "grave matter"? Was it committed knowingly? Did you give your full consent? Then uh oh! That's mortal sin territory! Now you're going to hell forever, unless you get to a Catholic priest and confess your sins, now

(btw "mortal sins" include masturbation, lying in the confessional, and not going to church on Sunday)

(source: the Baltimore Catechism, 1969)

Did you make your confession? Was it a full confession? Are you sure?

You'd better be, because if not, you're going to hell!

Like, I think Martin Luther was wrong about a lot of things, but he was right about this one. This is just moral OCD in a bottle. Or, I guess, in a book.

[heresylog]

How have your studies been going? Learn anything new or interesting?

Most of what I’ve been learning is practical day-to-day stuff at the convent BUT I did take a class on the history of the church after Vatican II and oh my goodness. So much went into their sessions but the See was not prepared to redo everything. They also did not anticipate less religious and less priests joining because of the new lax rules.

In the 70s, because the Baltimore Catechism was out of date a lot of hastily created books on theology for kids got printed. In hindsight, Rome should have created a committee to oversee Catholic education now that the teachings had been updated.

Also, so many songs were approved that are no longer theologically sound (You and I are the Bread of Life comes to mind). It was truly the Wild West of Catholicism. It was exciting and new. I loved reading the first hand accounts of people actually getting involved with Mass for the first time instead of quietly praying their rosary for an hour. Lay people were expected to participate instead of just being tolerated.

I love Vat II. It was necessary to change with the modern world but the rollout was so disorganized.

It didn’t help that all their official conversations in the meetings had to be in Latin. Bro, these meetings took place over YEARS. It wasn’t just a one time thing. They argued over things for so long. Long smoke breaks were accounted for and bishops would go into the cafes around and chat with each other.

So, so much went into it. And I had no idea about any of it.

[apenitentialprayer]

i've read that mormons and JWs are considered heretics because they don't affirm the trinity, so i was wondering what the sort-of 'cut off' point is. like would the ACOE be considered heretics because they say mary isn't the mother of God, only the mother of christ, for example

Alrighty, this is a big one. So, as far as the Jehovah's Witnesses and the (mainstream) Latter Day Saints movement go, things are.... a little more complicated in terms of whether their doctrine is "heresy" or if they are just plain non-Christian (and thus wouldn't count as heretical).

The crux of the argument that they are not Christian is that they do not affirm the Nicene Creed, which was articulated during the Councils of Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD). While Mormons and JWs can affirm the most primitive of Christian creeds ("Christ is Lord"), the Nicene Creed very quickly took on the status of the σύμβολον, or symbolum in Latin; the "symbol of faith," the creed whose affirmation is itself a verification of one's Christian identity. That's why during the Council of Trent, for example, the Tridentine Fathers invited Protestants to participate in the Council on the condition that they could still affirm the Creed.

Of course, Mormons and JWs do not see it that way. They self-identify as Christians; and each group doesn't see themselves just as Christians, but as restorers of a purer, more original Christianity that had existed before the creation of that Creed.

But, anyway, if the conclusion of this argument is accepted, and members of the (mainstream) Latter Day Saints movement and Jehovah's Witnesses are not considered Christian, they by definition cannot be considered heretics; per the Baltimore Catechism, heretics are "baptized Christians, but do not believe all the articles of faith" (Q 1170).

The Assyrian Church of the East affirms the Nicene Creed, have Apostolic Succession, and have limited intercommunion with the Catholic Church. And, Christologically, they have an interesting situation going on. The Assyrian Church has not formally accepted the dogmatic Christological definitions of the Council of Ephesus (431). And, on that alone, the ACoE would seem to fit into the Baltimore Catechism's definition of heretic.

But over 1550 years after that split, the leaders of both the Assyrian Church of the East and the Catholic Church signed a document that affirmed that both Churches saw the other's Christological doctrines as valid, and that both theologies were expressions of the same Apostolic faith. You can read the full document, which is not very long, here.

But to abstract the discussion of heresy for a moment (bold of me to do, admittedly, after saying the last ask was a little vague); we need to make a distinction between formal heresy and material heresy. As Pope Benedict noted in 1993, which itself was an echo of the 1912 Catholic Encyclopedia's description of heresy, the defining characteristic of formal heresy is pertinacia, which can be translated as "stubbornness." What makes a person a "heretic" in a condemnable sense is this pertinacia, this holding fast to falsehoods in defiance of correction by proper authority.

So while the first generations of Protestants may be considered formal heretics, Pope Benedict noted that this does not reflect the actual social and religious conditions of Protestants living today, who are simply living out their Christian faith in the traditions that have arisen since the Reformation. They may be material heretics, and the doctrines of Protestantism may be considered heretical from the Catholic viewpoint, but being a Protestant does not automatically incur the guilt of heresy.

And, in all honesty, most Christians alive today (and most Christians in all ages) have in all probability been material heretics - i.e., they hold some wrong or incorrect opinions concerning the faith, but simply out of ignorance and not in defiance of proper authority. And that is not a sin.

[why-bless-your-heart]

Do you have suggestions for an outsider on where to start researching the Catholic faith?

If you like YouTube videos, Bishop Robert Barron has some really good ones and his Catholicism series is excellent (although it might only be available for purchase as DVDs?) If you’re more of a reader, the Baltimore Catechism is a classic for a reason, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church goes a lot more into depth as well as providing sources from the scripture and the Church Fathers you can delve into. You’re also more than welcome to find a local Catholic parish and attend Mass! You won’t be able to receive the Eucharist, although if you like you can still go up with the others with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing.

[a-strange-inkling]

I read through all the tags on the catholic Eddie post and I just absolutely love to hear everybody’s hot takes.

It also reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend the other day where it’s like the more religious trauma you have it seems the kinkier you end up ���� what are your thoughts? 🤍

Honestly, I love it, I love seeing everyone’s thoughts!

I had a hunch that he had some Catholic roots, but I wasn’t sure canon wise, so it’s nice to see what you speculated be kind of confirmed lol

Oh man, all the Baltimore Catechism knowledge I have that can now be implemented!

Eddie just sprouting these inane random Catholic facts from his childhood and bonding with Mary Claire the repressed Chicago Catholic lmao 🤣

I think Wayne being Catholic fits him so well too, but I wouldn’t say he’s practicing, I think they all used to, when Eddie was little, but after losing Alice and May, Wayne didn’t bother going to mass. And I imagine Eddie’s father was never particularly devote.

Yes, so much to unpack!

[catenaaurea]

What'st the difference between presuming salvation and having perfect assurance of the graces conferred by the sacraments?

We can have a moral assurance of our salvation, which is rooted in hope, but we cannot have an infallible assurance of our salvation, which is rooted in pride. This is actually the main issue with reformed theology, not predestination as some like to contend.

As the Bible says, I am already saved (Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5–8), but I’m also being saved (1 Cor. 1:18, 2 Cor. 2:15, Phil. 2:12), and I have the hope that I will be saved (Rom. 5:9–10, 1 Cor. 3:12–15). Like the apostle Paul I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), with hopeful confidence in the promises of Christ (Rom. 5:2, 2 Tim. 2:11–13).

Baltimore Catechism Q1183 and 1184 (x)

Catholic Encyclopedia (x)

[lboogie1906]

Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, OSP (born Elizabeth Clarisse Lange; c. 1789 – February 3, 1882) was a Black Catholic religious sister who founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first African-American religious congregation. She was the first-ever African-American superior general.

She was born in San Domingo. Her mother, Annette Lange, was the daughter of a Jewish plantation owner, and her father Clovis was a mulatto enslaved on the same plantation.

During the Haitian Revolution, her family fled to Santiago de Cuba. She left Cuba in the early 1800s and immigrated to the US. The Oblates’ oral tradition says she arrived first in Charleston, South Carolina, traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, and settled in Baltimore by 1813. Baltimore’s free African-American population had already outnumbered the city’s enslaved population. A fair-sized French-speaking Afro-Caribbean population had earlier fled the revolution in Haiti.

She recognized the need for education for African American children and opened a school for them in her home. There were no free public schools for African American children in Baltimore until 1866.

She met a Sulpician priest James Nicholas Joubert, who was a native of France and a former soldier. He was in charge of teaching catechism to the African American children who attended the Lower Chapel at Saint Mary’s Seminary. He began looking for two women of color to serve as teachers. A friend suggested Elizabeth Lange and Marie Balas since they were already operating a school in their home.

She and three other women took their first vows. She took the name of “Sister Mary” and became the first superior general of the new community. They started in a rented house with four sisters and twenty students. The school became known as St. Frances Academy and is still in operation today. The Oblate Sisters sought to evangelize the African American community through Catholic education. The sisters later conducted night classes for women, vocational and career training, and established homes for widows and orphans. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[daretoliveinhim]

Lesson 28 - Holy Communion - The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2

[shamballalin]

Veterans Are Valiant Heroes ~ God Bless Our Vets ~ Repost

Veterans have served the United States of America with valor and honor. Veterans do not ask what political side you are on. Veterans are not suckers or losers. Project 2025 plans on cutting Veteran’s Disability Benefits. This is no way to honor any veteran who has honorably served this country. It’s time to honor all veterans who have honored this country, the United States of America, with…

[marianprayers]

how do you pray? what if your prayers are not answered or you feel like they aren't being listened to? i have tried praying and I'm still unsure how i feel about religion and I don't resonate with a specific one but idk i just don't feel heard or like I'm doing it properly you know? what is your advice? and how do you learn about religion without going to church. obviously there's Google and stuff but it's not rlly helpful lol. are there any books that you recommend?

hi thanks for the question! i’m happy to answer

i think i struggled with this- feeling like my prayers weren’t being listened to- as well and i think it was mostly due to the fact my heart just wasn’t in it. i wasn’t committed to my prayer or to my intention or to my faith. i found myself in a weird middle phase similarly to you where i needed something more in my life but couldn’t find what. for a long time i studied astrology to help but then found so much comfort in the Lord & particularly Mary.

so i would suggest explore your options. find something you really resonate with, and when you talk with whatever/whoever that is, commit your heart and show your devotion. for me, no matter what happens after my prayer, i feel comforted knowing i have spoken to God, and that He or Mary will be watching and hearing.

maybe you could try saying a prayer like The Memorare, which i have posted on my page, to solidify your prayer and seek action from Mary.

and for how i personally pray, it is very situational. sometimes i simply clasp my hands together. sometimes i do nothing external at all and just repeat a prayer in my head; i do this often in public. if i want Them to know i’m really committed to my prayer i will hold my rosary in between my palms as i pray, as people say that Mary holds one end of the rosary and you hold the other. but prayer is very personal and intimate. i suggest doing what works for you!

and on learning about religion i am little help, as i am still very early on in my journey, and trying to learn myself. i’ve been recommended “The Secret of the Rosary” and “The True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin” as books to read. of course reading Bible verses. i like the app “Women’s Bible”, as i don’t yet feel ready to purchase a physical bible. you can add notes and annotate on this app, and the interface is pink! i was also recommended the “Baltimore Catechism”, which is a Q&A style book that teaches all about God/Catholicism.

but my best advice is follow profiles online! there’s lots of lovely girls on twitter who have helped me and there’s lots of blogs out there.

i hope this can help <3

[same-pic-rick-roll]

It is entitled Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (1969[nice]).

This I have prophesied, with a link devilishly provided.

Researching something you have zero interest in for the sake of your oc who is balls to the wall obsessed with that thing

[daughtersofmarypress]

Resolve To Know Your Faith Better This Year

[apenitentialprayer]

Ugh, I want an edition of the Baltimore Catechism from before the 2012 update, not for trad reasons, but for "this was the Catechism my mom used when she was a child" reasons