Want to know more about our Catholic faith? Monthly Faith Facts help adults to grow in knowledge and love of certain aspects of Catholic teaching. See a brief description of topics covered during 2014 below.
ARE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS PAGAN?
Are Christmas decorations pagan? What is the Christian symbolism of traditional Christmas plants such as mistletoe, holly, and the poinsettia? As we prepare to welcome the Child Jesus at Christmas, this week’s Faith Fact explains the deeper truths contained within these festive decorations.
THE MIRACULOUS IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
“Know for certain, least of my sons, that I am the perfect and perpetual Virgin Mary, Mother of the True God through whom everything lives, the Lord of all things near and far, the Master of heaven and earth.” ~ Words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego
Who is Our Lady of Guadalupe? What is the significance of her image on St. Juan Diego’s tilma? As our parish welcomes the Our Lady of Guadalupe relic, this week’s Faith Fact explains the rich symbolism found in the miraculous tilma, which led to the conversion of 10 million Aztecs and vanquished their practice of human sacrifice. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
WHAT ARE RELICS?
“The sacred bodies of the holy martyrs and of the other saints living with Christ, which have been living members of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit and which are destined to be raised and glorified by Him unto life eternal, should also be venerated by the faithful. Through them, many benefits are granted to men by God.” ~ The Council of Trent (1563)
What are relics? What meaning do they have for Christians? As we prepare to welcome the Our Lady of Guadalupe relic to our parish, this week’s Faith Fact explains the role of relics in the Christian spiritual life.
In this age of euthanasia, do we recognize the dignity of the dying? As we prepare for the annual March for Life and celebrate our parish’s Festival of Life, this week’s Faith Fact discusses the value and beauty that can be found through the pain of the dying process.