What is the Catholic Church?
Our church is the "Catholic Church." Catholic means "universal" or "worldwide." It is a church that has inherited a 2,000-year tradition that began with Jesus' disciples, and spreads throughout the world with the Pope as the center of unity. There are approximately 1.3 billion believers worldwide.
About 2000 years ago, Jesus preached to the people of Judea (now Israel) and performed miraculous deeds. The core of his teaching was, "God loves you. Love God and love one another."
Jesus taught the way to God and man and set an example for people, but he incurred the wrath of the religious leaders of the time and was crucified. However, as foretold in the Old Testament, Jesus resurrected on the third day and commanded his disciples to "go into all the world and preach the teachings," and returned to God.
The disciples, as commanded by Jesus, spread Jesus' teachings to people, and a group of people who believed in Jesus as the Lord and Christ (Savior) was born. This is the "church."
The church is a community of people who believe in Jesus and seek to walk in his way.
What is Mass?
The Mass is a gathering that originated from Jesus' " Last Supper ." On the night before his death on the cross, Jesus had supper with his disciples, where he said, "This is my body and my blood," and gave bread and wine to his disciples. He then commanded his disciples, "Do this in remembrance of me." For 2,000 years since then, the Church has been holding the Mass to commemorate Jesus' death and resurrection, receiving Jesus in the bread and wine as commanded, and becoming one with Jesus.
In the first half of the Mass, we hear the words of the Bible that are set for each day and give thanks for the grace of salvation realized by Jesus. In the second half, we gather around the Lord's table (altar) to offer bread and wine, and eat the bread that became the body of Christ (the Eucharist) .
Mass is conducted by a priest. Mass is held not only on Sundays but also on weekdays, and is also held for weddings and funerals. At Sunday Mass, a pamphlet called " Bible and Liturgy " with the Bible of the day printed on it is distributed, but you may take it home after the mass.
In some churches, religious services may be held on Sundays when the priest is not present.
What does "Amen" mean at the end of a prayer? And why do we say "Amen"?
Amen is a Hebrew word meaning "verily" or "so be it." In Christianity, it is recited by everyone at the end of a prayer to show agreement and unity with the representative's prayer. Although it is a short phrase, it can be seen as a confession of faith that expresses the wish that "so be it."
What is the difference between Catholics and Protestants?
Christianity is divided into Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodox churches. Although they are all Christian, there are some differences in their interpretation of the Bible and their doctrines. Recently, the "ecumenical movement" has been underway, and in Japan, the interdenominational New Interconfessional Translation of the Bible has been published and is used by many denominations.
Protestantism split off from Catholicism during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, and it is said that there are now several hundred denominations in Japan alone.
The Catholic Church is united under the Pope and has one doctrine.
In addition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism), the Watchtower (Jehovah's Witnesses), and the Unification Church are distinguished from Christianity in terms of their doctrines.
How can I attend Mass?
Please feel free to come to Mass any time. Please join in singing hymns and listening to the Bible readings with the other believers. Donations are optional (but not mandatory).
In the second half of the Mass, there will be a "Sign of Peace." Please say "Peace of the Lord" and greet (bow) those around you.
At the end of the Mass, Communion is held. The faithful receive Christ (the Eucharist) in the round bread. Communion is limited to Catholic baptized believers, but those who have not yet been baptized can receive a blessing instead. Line up in the same line as the believers, and bow your head slightly in front of the priest or minister, saying "I would like a blessing." After the blessing is over, say "Amen" and return to your original seat.