Part 2 - Intro: The Mass, Sacraments & Catholic Worship?

Introduction

If Christ founded a visible Church, then that Church must do more than teach doctrine. It must also sanctify souls through the worship and sacramental life Christ established. This Part examines the heart of Catholic worship and the means by which grace is communicated to the faithful.

We will look at the seven Sacraments, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, Confession, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints, sacred images and relics, Purgatory, indulgences, grace, faith and good works. We will also examine the biblical and historical foundations of these teachings and answer common objections raised against them.

A central conclusion of this Part is that Catholic worship is not an accumulation of later customs added to Christianity. Its essential structure flows from Christ, the Apostles and the sacramental life of the early Church. The Mass is not merely a communal meal, the Eucharist is not merely a symbol, and the Sacraments are not optional religious ceremonies: they belong to the supernatural life Christ entrusted to His Church.

We therefore begin with the basic question: What are the Seven Sacraments?