What Every Catholic should know

A Quick Review of Church History and Regulations Concerning the Altar

July 20, 2026 No Comments

By Paula Storm (Fall-Winter, 2007) A study of the various items and furnishings used in the Holy Mass and liturgical ceremonies of the Church helps us to better understand and appreciate the truths of our Holy Faith as manifested in the sacred liturgy. This article discusses the altar upon which the Holy Mass is offered and which is a clear physical indication of its sacrificial nature. Which direction did the apostles face when offering mass? The altar, the elevated structure in the sanctuary, is where the priest offers the Eucharistic Sacrifice and is the focal point of a church. The word altar comes from the Latin altare which means “a high place.” According to St. Athanasius (296-373 AD), the Apostles followed Mosaic practice and prayed facing the East, because Christ is the Light of the World. Subsequently, the altar has traditionally been placed in the eastern part of the church

Short Catechism of Church History: What is the Origin of Protestantism?

February 20, 2026 No Comments

From the Book by Right Rev. Mgr. J.H. Oechtering, V.G. Ed. note: Every so often, one comes across a gem of a book, and this Short Catechism of Church History certainly falls into this category. It is not an exhaustive or footnoted book by any means, but rather a “snapshot” view of the various eras in the history of the Church. Printed long ago, it covers only the first 19 centuries of the existence of Christ’s Church. You will find it a quick and easy read because of its question-and-answer format. One chapter at a time will be presented for 15 issues or so. The So-Called Reformation, or the Origin of Protestantism 132. Q. Can the Church of God be reformed? R. No; a divine institution like the Church cannot be reformed by men. The work of man and the morals of man can be reformed, but not the work

10 Conditions that Must Be Met for a Godparent to Be Valid and Lawful According to Canon Law

April 25, 2025 No Comments

(Fall-Winter, 2005)by the Very Rev. Fr. Casimir M. Puskorius, CMRI When the word “godfather” is mentioned in casual conversation, the image that sometimes comes to people’s minds is that of the Italian mobster serving as a baptismal sponsor. This is most unfortunate, because, whether fictional or real, such a scenario disregards the Church’s serious requirements for valid and lawful (i.e. licit) sponsorship in Baptism. The Church lays down these conditionsbecause of the vital importance of the sponsors: they are obliged to look after the Catholic upbringing of the child. They do not replace the parents in this regard, but are to supplement the parents’ efforts to raise the child in the Faith. Should the parents of the child become incapacitated, the entire obligation of Christian education (to the extent possible) devolves upon the godparents. Since the laity generally do not have access to Canon Law books, it is primarily for

What factors contributed to Martin Luther’s eventual rebellion against the Church?

February 7, 2025 No Comments

by Rev. Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI (Fall, 2017) As Protestants around the world (and modernist heretics in the Vatican) celebrate this year the 500th anniversary of the Protestant revolt against the Catholic Church, it behooves us Catholics to re-examine the life and teachings of the apostate monk who began the so-called “Reformation.” Just who was Martin Luther, and what led him to abandon his vocation and the Catholic Faith? What effect did Luther’s abusive father have on his personality? Martin Luther was born in the German town of Eisleben on November 10, 1483. Not long after his birth, the family moved to Mansfeld, some 10 miles to the northwest of Eisleben, where his father had part ownership of a copper mine. Hans, Luther’s father, was of a most stern, irascible character, and had even been accused of homicide, causing him to flee from his family home in Mohra. Luther’s mother

Baltimore Catechism Lessons 9-10

February 4, 2025 No Comments

Baltimore Catechism Lessons 5-9

January 28, 2025 No Comments