Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Roman Catholic mean the same thing as Catholic?
A. Yes. The Catholic church often uses the terms Roman Catholic and Catholic interchangeably. The Catholic Church has 4 marks* by which we know her: she is One; she is Holy; she is Catholic; she is Apostolic.
Q. How does someone become a Catholic?
A. If you or someone you know wants to become a Catholic, call the Roman Catholic church or Diocese closest to you and set up an appointment to speak with a Priest. You can also visit How To Become A Catholic.
Q. How do I learn more about the Catholic Faith?
A. You can check out the RCIA program or the Alpha course by clicking here or you can purchase the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Q. Can anyone attend Mass at a Catholic Church?
A. Yes. “Catholic” means universal. Therefore, anyone can attend mass or worship at a Catholic church. However, the Church forbids anyone to receive Holy Communion until they have been baptized and properly prepared.
Q. Is everybody obligated to attend mass every Sunday at a Catholic Church?
A. Yes. Everyone is obliged to attend Sunday mass at a Catholic church. The Third Commandment tells us “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.” Without an acceptable reason we must attend Sunday mass at the church Christ established - the Roman Catholic church.
Q. What is Evangelization?
A. Evangelization is the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. People also call evangelization; Spreading the "Good News". Here's what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops say about evangelization: "...evangelizing means bringing the Good News of Jesus into every human situation and seeking to convert individuals and society by the divine power of the Gospel itself. At its essence are the proclamation of salvation in Jesus Christ and the response of a person in faith, which are both works of the Spirit of God. Evangelization must always be directly connected to the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no true evangelization if the name, the teaching, the life, the promises, the Kingdom and the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God are not proclaimed."7
Q. Are Catholics required to Evangelize?
A. Yes. It is every Catholic's duty and responsibility to Evangelize.
“Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the church, her deepest identity, she exists to evangelize” (On Evangelizing In The Modern World by Pope Paul VI)
Q. What if I don't have any material to hand out or don't know what to say?
A. If you need information to hand out, we have a "Come and See" Letter on this website. You may make as many copies as you like and distribute them to anybody.
* References
References This is the Faith by Canon Francis Ripley
