Catholicism for Dummies

Biographical Note:

Rev. Fr. John Trigilio, Jr., PhD, ThD, is President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and a member of the faculty at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Rev. Fr. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD, is co-host with Father Trigilio of a weekly television program on EWTN called Web of Faith. With Father Trigilio, he is the co-author of previous editions of Catholicism For Dummies.

Understand Catholic origins, traditions, and teachings

Ever wonder what Catholics believe, what they do, and why? This book explains the origins and the practices of Catholic Christians that have lasted for nearly two thousand years. Learn about their doctrine, discipline, liturgy, and morality as well as the foundation of the Church, from St. Peter to Pope Francis, and from the Vatican to the typical parishioner in the pew. Sacraments, commandments, precepts, and more are all explained here. Want to know what goes on at a Catholic Mass? What is Marian devotion all about? Whether you're a cradle Catholic, a lapsed Catholic, considering becoming Catholic, or just curious about Catholicism, find answers to many of your questions in this book. If nothing else, you'll discover some fascinating facts that over one billion believers embrace around the world.

Inside...

• Discover a brief history of Catholicism
• Find out what Catholics believe
• Learn about the sacraments
• Live like a good Catholic
• Honor the Virgin Mary
• Recognize the Catholic saints
• Memorize Catholic prayers
• Grow in the Catholic faith

Introduction 1

Part 1: What Do Catholics Believe? 5

Chapter 1: What It Means to Be Catholic 7

Chapter 2: Having Faith in God's Revealed Word 19

Chapter 3: In the Beginning: Catholic Teachings on Creation and Original Sin 37

Chapter 4: Believing in Jesus 49

Chapter 5: Defining "The Church" and What Membership Means 69

Chapter 6: Organizing the Church 79

Part 2: Celebrating the Mysteries of Faith 103

Chapter 7: Body and Soul: Worshipping Catholic Style 105

Chapter 8: Entering the Church: Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation 117

Chapter 9: The Sacraments of Service and Healing 135

Chapter 10: Celebrating the Catholic Mass 157

Part 3: Living a Saintly Life 187

Chapter 11: Obeying the Rules: Catholic Law 189

Chapter 12: Loving and Honoring: The Ten Commandments 205

Chapter 13: Being Good When Sinning Is So Easy 221

Chapter 14: Standing Firm: The Church's Stance on Some Sticky Issues 239

Part 4: Praying and Using Devotions 269

Chapter 15: Growing in the Faith 271

Chapter 16: Showing Your Love for God 285

Chapter 17: Expressing Affection for Mary 301

Chapter 18: Honoring the Catholic Saints 319

Chapter 19: Practicing Catholic Traditions 341

Part 5: The Part of Tens 359

Chapter 20: Ten Famous Catholics 361

Chapter 21: Ten Popular Catholic Saints 371

Chapter 22: Ten Popular Catholic Places 383

Chapter 23: Ten Recent Beatifications and Canonizations by Pope Francis 395

Chapter 24: Ten Famous Papal Encyclicals 407

Part 6: Appendixes 417

Appendix A: A Brief History of Catholicism 419

Appendix B: Popular Catholic Prayers 449

Appendix C: Directory of Patron Saints 469

Index 483

Peer through the stained glass and get an inside look at Christianity's most popular religion

Catholicism can seem a bit mysterious to non-Catholics--and even Catholics. Embrace your curiosity and turn to Dummies for answers! Full of fascinating facts and written in a friendly style, Catholicism For Dummies explains the basics of Catholic beliefs like the importance of Sunday Mass; the seven sacraments; the purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; heaven, hell, and purgatory; the Trinity; and so much more. You'll learn about the Catholic perspective on women as priests, saints as examples of how to live, and prayer as the basis of a relationship with God.

This easy-to-read resource offers an overview of a rich and diverse faith. You'll also discover:

• The ins and outs of living as a Catholic and why followers of the faith observe traditions like attending Mass on certain days of the year, praying the rosary, and not eating meat on Fridays
• Information on what the pope does, how he is selected, the history of the Vatican, and what it's like to be a priest in today's society
• Details about the church's position on modern social issues, like poverty, abortion and the death penalty, same-sex marriage, and contraception

Whether you're a cradle Catholic or just curious about the world's second largest religion, Catholicism For Dummies has the answers you're seeking to a faith that's been around for thousands of years. Order your copy today.