Declaration of Faith:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

Amen.

We all know that the Son of God has a mother, Mary. In a simple way, the Church's faith is based on the fact that Mary points us to Jesus .

Catholics venerate the Blessed Mother, but they do not worship her. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (the official teaching of the Church) teaches that worship (or adoration) is directed only to God. Catholics, as well as the Orthodox and some older Protestant groups, venerate Mary and the saints. Mary is venerated because she is full of the life and love of God himself, the grace of God (Luke 1:28). Mary, of her own free will, said “yes” to God’s will and gave the world the Savior of mankind, Jesus Christ. Mary is an excellent example, because God has made her great , she reflects the light of Christ, and her soul glorifies the Lord (Luke 1:46). Therefore , since the beginning of Christianity, Mary has been venerated and loved by Christians.

Jesus loved and respected his mother, and therefore we love and respect her too.

Priest's explanation: Veneration of Mary is respect.

Bible: Luke 1:35 – "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." (JRT 2024)

Catechism: Article 971 – "Mary is not worshipped as God, but as the Mother of God, whom we venerate as His special handmaid."

Catholics believe that the Pope is a servant of God and Christ's representative on earth, continuing the apostle Peter's mission to lead the Church. He is not a substitute for God, but a guardian of unity and faith, chosen by the Church for this responsible ministry.

Priest's explanation: The Pope is like a spiritual leader who serves to strengthen and protect the Church from error.

Bible: Matthew 16:18 - "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church."

Catechism: Article 881 – "The Pope is the Vicar of Christ, whose task is to proclaim and defend the faith."

SACRAMENTS

Over the centuries, along with the canon of Holy Scripture and the doctrine of faith, the Church has recognized the Sacraments. The Sacraments are visible signs instituted by the Lord Jesus, by which we receive God's graces. They were instituted by the Lord Jesus himself, thanks to the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church "into all truth" (Jn 16:13).

The 7 sacraments touch on all the most important moments in a Christian's life: through them we are born into a life of faith, grow in it, are healed through them, and receive mission.

Sacraments can be divided into three categories:

SACRAMENTS THAT INTRODUCE CHRISTIAN LIFE:

The sacrament of baptism

Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

SACRAMENTS THAT HEAL:

Sacrament of Penance

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

SACRAMENTS THAT SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND MISSION OF THE FAITHFUL:

Sacrament of Ordination

The sacrament of marriage

1. BAPTISM

The sacrament of Baptism frees from original sin and all other sins committed before baptism. It is believed that the sacrament of Baptism is the most necessary, because without baptism a person cannot receive the other sacraments.

Signs: water poured on the head and the words: (name of the person being baptized) I baptize you in the name of God the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism is the gateway to the Church and the beginning of a lasting communion with God (cf. Youcat 194).

A new page is opened in our lives, baptism establishes an extremely strong spiritual bond with God, we accept the identity of being His children, brothers and sisters of Christ. The sacrament of Baptism grants countless graces.

Should one be baptized as a child or as an adult?

Given the importance of the sacrament of baptism and its effectiveness, it is essential to baptize children at an early age. Reading the lives of the saints, we see that many of them were baptized on the day of their birth! The normal practice in the Catholic tradition is to baptize a child by the age of one.

When baptizing young children, no special catechesis or preparation is required. In this case, the responsibility for the child's further growth in faith rests with the parents and godparents.

2. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

It is a sacrament that strengthens a person in faith and gives the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1) wisdom,

2) reason,

3) advice,

4) strength,

5) knowledge,

6) piety,

7) Fear of God.

Receiving the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the grace of Baptism to reach its fullness. If in Baptism we are born to supernatural life, then in Confirmation we are strengthened in it.

“For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.” John 3:34

Confirmation truly impresses an indelible mark on the soul - a "seal", which testifies that Christ has sealed the Christian with the seal of his Spirit, clothed him with power from above, so that this person may be his witness. This "seal" (Latin character) perfects the common priesthood of the faithful received in Baptism, and "the confirmed receives the strength to profess the faith of Christ openly, as if fulfilling a serious duty (CCC 1285; 1302-1305).

What do I need to do to get the Boost?

If you are baptized and free from mortal sin, then after preparing your heart and making a determined choice, you can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation! You can only receive it once.

Before receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, you must meet with a priest to receive a seal of approval that allows you to receive this sacrament.

The sacrament of Confirmation is administered by a bishop.

How does this happen?

On the appropriate day, you must attend the Holy Mass led by the bishop and, after the sermon, stand with the other candidates, holding the permission issued by the priest. The godfather must stand behind the candidate, placing his hand on his shoulder.

The most essential part of the rite of confirmation is the anointing of the forehead of the baptized person with blessed chrism (oil), the laying on of hands, and the words: “Receive the sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The sacraments are salvation for those who receive them honestly, but punishment for those who use them wrongly. St. Augustine

3. THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR

Or the Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ under the signs of bread and wine. This sacrament is called the Most Holy Sacrament because the giver of holiness himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, is hidden in it.

Do you know when it was founded?

On Maundy Thursday, when Jesus and his disciples had their last supper.

The Lord Jesus instituted the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar thus:

1. He took bread, blessed it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

2. Then he took the cup of wine, blessed it and said: “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my Blood.”

3. Then He commanded the apostles, “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Here too, the Lord Jesus gave His apostles the power to turn bread into His Body and wine into His Blood.

This may seem very abstract, but therefore the fundamental truth of the Church is that: “The Holy Mass is the bloodless sacrifice of the New Testament, in which the Lord Jesus, through the hands of the priest, offers Himself to the Heavenly Father for us.” This is not needed by God Himself, but by us, it is the redemption price for our sins!

After the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus, only signs remain: taste, appearance, and form.

In order to worthily receive the Blessed Sacrament, one must prepare one's soul and body. Shortly before receiving the Blessed Sacrament, one must awaken faith, hope, and love in one's heart.

Before Communion, kneel down and when the priest raises the Blessed Sacrament, you should say with others: “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come to me, but only say the word, and my soul will be made whole.” When the priest gives Holy Communion, he says: “Corpus Christi” (i.e., the Body of Christ), you should respond: “Amen” and open your mouth to receive the communion wafer (on your tongue). After Communion, you can spend time in prayer.

Saint Josemaria Escriva said: “When someone says that Mass is too long, I answer them: ‘Because your love is too short.’”

4. SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION

Also called the sacrament of reconciliation (or confession), it is:

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

a personal encounter with the merciful and loving Father, who, loving me, sent his Son into the world and now calls me to return;

looking at one's life in the light of the cross and resurrection of Jesus and experiencing His healing love;

It was also established by Jesus after his resurrection, when Jesus said to the apostles: “Receive the Holy Spirit! Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven them; whose sins you retain, they are retained.” Thus the Lord called upon priests and bishops to have the authority to forgive sins.

Remember!

There is no sin that God cannot forgive! God is always stronger than the greatest human weakness. He wants to come into our lives to heal, transform, and sanctify them.

It is very important, when you realize that you have made a mistake and feel a heavy burden on your heart, to confess before God and ask for forgiveness. 5 parts of confession:

1) one must examine one's conscience,

2) repent of your sins,

3) make a serious commitment to improve,

4) confess your sins,

5) the imposed satisfaction must be fulfilled.

“When we go to confession, we don’t tell God what He doesn’t already know, and we don’t show Him what He doesn’t yet see. We give Him something He doesn’t yet have: our broken heart.” Priest Mike Schmidt

Mortal (grave) sin

It is committed when we willingly and consciously choose an action that is completely contrary to divine law and the destination of human life.

Casual - is committed when the composition of the sin is not grave, our action does not comply with the moral law, but it was not deliberate.

What does a good confession depend on?

From the Holy Spirit, because He inspires our will to walk the path of conversion. At that moment you can be honest, true to yourself and to God. And that is precisely the most beautiful thing in the spiritual life of a young person.

Before confession, it is very important to examine and acknowledge your sins and ask the Holy Spirit to help you both discover them and go to confess your sins.

Here you can read an examination of conscience that will help you realize your sins... http://piltenesiecirknis.lv/box/files/sirdsapzias_izmeklanas_jautjumi.pdf

Confession formula:

When you approach the confessional, the priest will bless you with the sign of the cross. At the same time, make the sign of the cross yourself and then address the priest with the Catholic greeting: “Praise be to Jesus Christ!”

(Then say): “The last time I went to confession (when?). I have offended the Most Good God with these sins.” (Then humbly and confidently name your sins and finally say):

“I no longer remember my sins, I repent of all my sins, I promise to repent and ask for forgiveness of my sins.” Then listen to what the priest tells you.

Read more about the Sacrament of Confession at https://katolis.lv/gandarisanas-sakraments/

5. SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

The Sacrament of the Sick is a sacrament instituted by the Lord Jesus that strengthens us in the last moments of our lives against temptation, erases the guilt of sin, or restores health.

This sacrament can be received by any Catholic who is seriously ill. This sacrament can be received only once during the same illness.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.” (James 5:14-15)

The Gospel, as well as the Epistle of the Apostle James, show how Christ cared for the sick, commanding his faithful to do the same. Therefore, the Church, acting through her priests, has always anointed the sick with holy oils and in her prayers has commended them to the Lord, that he may raise them up and save them (cf. James 5:14-16).

6. PRIESTHOOD

The task of priests is to help develop the grace of Baptism in all Christians. This is one of the means by which Christ continually builds and guides his Church.

Priesthood, or Ordination, is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ that gives the authority to offer the Holy Mass, administer the Holy Sacraments, and teach in matters of faith and morals.

This sacrament can only be conferred by a bishop. Its essential rite is the laying on of hands accompanied by a prayer of consecration.

There is nothing more beautiful and exciting in human life than to discover and fulfill the calling given by God – to bring the Good News to the world. Even today, God continues to seek those who would testify to His greatness and love, to deliverance from the power of sin and evil.

Do you know what they study at the Theological Seminary? For 6 years, all those who wish to fulfill their holy calling study and train to become spiritually prepared priests in the Catholic Church!

https://garigais.lv

Admission is in August!

7. MARRIAGE

Marriage is a sacrament instituted by the Lord Jesus, which gives a man and a woman who promise to love each other the right to begin family life, gives them the grace to live in harmony and raise children in a godly manner.

A priest or deacon, on behalf of the Church, accepts the consent of the spouses and gives them the Church's blessing. The marriage is concluded in the presence of at least two witnesses. Marriage is based on the mutual consent of the spouses, which is the desire to give themselves completely and definitively to each other, with the aim of living in fidelity and a fruitful covenant of love.

A validly concluded marriage is indissoluble.

If, however, it is difficult to live together, the husband and wife may live separately, but neither may marry anyone else.

Those who live together only by registration with the registry office cannot be admitted to the holy sacraments until they are married in the Church.

Purgatory is a place of God's grace and love, where the soul is healed, freed from the remnants of sin, from selfishness and attachment to things created, so that it can stand before God in holiness and love. It is a process that prepares the soul for complete union with God. It is a temporary place of purification for souls who have died in God's grace but are not yet completely purified to enter the glory of heaven. It is a gift of God's love, so that the soul may become completely pure.

Priest's explanation: Purgatory is a similar spiritual state of "purification" when a person is in God's grace but is not yet fully prepared for eternal life.

Bible: 1 Corinthians 3:15 – If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; yet he will be saved, yet so as through fire. (JRT2024)"

Catechism: Article 1031 – "Purgatory is not a place where people suffer eternally, but a place where they are purified so that they can inherit eternal life."

Priestly celibacy applies to the Western Catholic Church. It is a voluntary decision made by priests to fully concentrate on serving God and the Church. The Church considers it a special choice that allows them to devote themselves entirely to spiritual duties. In the Eastern Catholic Churches, there are married priests. This does not contradict family values, but it is a choice to serve God without facing the obligations of marriage.

Priest's explanation : "Catholic priests have decided to be single, without wives, and thus serve God. A person who chooses to serve as a priest makes a decision and this lifestyle in order to devote himself completely to the service of God." (I. Tolstoy)

Bible : 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 - "But I would have you live without care... those who marry worry about the things of the world."

Catechism: Article 1579 - "All ordained ministers of the Latin Rite Church are ordinarily chosen from among the faithful men who live celibate lives and who wish to entrust themselves to God to serve Him and people with an undivided heart."

Catholics believe that Jesus is the only savior and the primary mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Catholics venerate the saints, especially the Virgin Mary. Saints are examples of faith, not objects of worship. Saints can pray for us just as friends pray for each other. They are not equated with Christ, but they are members of a spiritual family who pray with us.

Priest's explanation : "When Catholics pray to saints, they turn to these holy people, seeking their intercession and guidance in their relationship with God. It is similar to asking a friend or family member to pray for us in difficult times. Saints are considered sources of inspiration and spiritual role models, whose life stories can serve as a guide on our own spiritual journey." (I. Tolstoy)

Bible : Ephesians 2:19 - "Now you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God." (JRT2024)

Catechism: CCC 957 – "We honor their memory, not only as models, but also to ask for their intercession [...] They are "our friends" and help us on the journey of faith."

After his resurrection, Jesus entrusted his apostles with the power to forgive sins: “Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you retain, they are retained.” (John 20:23). This power was passed on to priests through apostolic succession, allowing them to act in Christ’s name. The priest acts in persona Christi —in the person of Christ—in confession. This means that when the priest says, “I absolve you of your sins,” it is Christ himself who forgives sins through the priest. It is a gift of God’s grace and forgiveness. The priest also helps the believer understand the gravity of sin and provides counsel for further spiritual growth. Confession restores the believer’s relationship not only with God but also with the community of the Church.

The priest's explanation: "Confession is necessary for a person when he has committed a mortal sin, that is, has violated God's commandment in an important matter." (I. Tolstoy)

Bible: John 20:22-23 - "Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven them." This scripture refers to the authority given to priests by Christ to forgive sins.

Catechism: Article 1493 – "Confession is necessary to obtain absolution from grave sins, but God, who is merciful, always forgives if a person is truly repentant."

The Eucharist, which means "thanksgiving," is the sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in which bread and wine are changed into his Body and Blood. This transformation, called transubstantiation, occurs during Holy Mass when the priest pronounces the words of consecration: "This is my Body...This is my Blood." The Catholic Church teaches that after these words, the bread and wine are no longer just symbols, but truly become the Body and Blood of Christ, maintaining their external appearance. It is a gift to us, where he himself becomes our spiritual food, so that we may be strong in faith and love. It is a feast of love and a sign of unity with Christ and the Church. It is a mystery that cannot be seen with the eyes, but happens by faith.

Bible : John 6:53-54 - "Unless anyone eats the flesh of the Son of Man and drinks His blood, he has no life in him." The Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus.

Catechism Article 1374: "Christ is truly, truly and completely present in the Eucharist. When the priest consecrates the bread and wine, they become the Body and Blood of Christ, preserving their outward appearances but completely changing their essence."

Good Friday is the day we remember Jesus' death on the cross, and not eating meat is a small sacrifice or fast to remember this event and give thanks to Jesus. It is a symbolic fast that helps us remember the suffering of Christ.

Today, the Church teaches that abstinence from meat is only obligatory on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. On other Fridays, believers may choose to make another sacrifice or good deed (e.g., prayer, helping others), but abstinence from meat is still a tradition.

Priest's explanation : Abstaining from meat on this day serves as a sign of respect and gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus. It is a call to inner reflection, prayer and love of neighbor. Abstaining from meat is a visible symbol of this inner attitude, which helps believers to draw closer to God and reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ, it is an opportunity to live their faith more deeply and grow spiritually. (I. Tolstoy)

Bible : Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."

Catechism: CCC 1434: “The works of justice that are especially pleasing to God are: fasting, prayer, and works of mercy.”

CCC 2043: “The fifth commandment of the Church ('The Church commands her faithful to observe the appointed days of fast and to abstain from meat') ensures the preparation of the faithful for the liturgical feasts, helping them to acquire self-control and a spirit of self-sacrifice.”

Icons and relics are not objects of worship, but only means that help believers focus on God and the saints as examples of life , serving as a sign that God also works through the saints; relics, which are things or parts of the saints that are associated with their lives – for example, a part of the saint's body, such as a bone, or an object that the saint used, such as clothing – remind us of God's work in the lives of the saints and are a strengthening of faith.

Priest's explanation: Icons and relics are like reminders of God's presence in our lives.

Bible : 2 Kings 13:21 - "When a dead man touched Elijah's bones, he came to life."

Catechism: 1674-1676: Relics are venerated as means of God's grace to strengthen faith.

Catechism: 2132: Catholics do not consider images or relics to be objects worthy of worship.

Attending Sunday Mass for Catholics is not only a requirement of the Church, but also a necessity to maintain faith, participate in God's work, and be part of the body of Christ - it is not a "punishment" or just a "rule," but rather a loving call from God to be with Him and the community of faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus , worshiping Him, receiving Him in the Eucharist, and experiencing gratitude for the gifts received.

Priest's explanation : "Holy Mass is the most important service in the church and the most sacred thing that a Catholic can have here on earth." (I. Tolstov)

Bible: Hebrews 10:25 - “Do not forsake your own gatherings together, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another...”

Catechism : CCC 2174: "Jesus rose on 'the first day of the week' (Mt 28:1; Mk 16:2; Lk 24:1; Jn 20:1). Since Christ's resurrection is the foundation of the new creation, this day becomes 'the Lord's Day', the first of all days, a feast day which has been the day of assembly of the Church from the earliest times."

Adoration is a prayer in which we honor Jesus in the Eucharist, silently or with songs. It takes place in a church or chapel, where the Sacred Host is placed in a special container – a monstrance – so that the faithful can see Him. It is a worship that allows a Christian to be one with Christ. In adoration, we simply are with Jesus, speaking or being silent before Him, praying, thanking, listening and giving Him our worries and joys. It is a special time of peace with God, in which Jesus is present. Pope Francis has said that adoration is a gesture of love that changes lives: "To worship means to feel belonging to God, to address Him as 'You', to give Him our life and to let Him enter our lives."

Priest's explanation: Adoration is a time of silence and prayer before Jesus in the Eucharist, when He is exposed for viewing. In it, we are simply with Jesus, talking or listening. It strengthens faith and peace in the heart. (I. Tolstoy)

Bible : John 6:56 - "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." Adoration is the worship that allows a Christian to be one with Christ.

Catechism 1378 : Adoration is the veneration of Jesus present in the Eucharist.