Reasonableness of Catholic Ceremonies and Practices

THE Catholic Church in the celebration of Mass and in the administration of the sacraments employs certain forms and rites. These are called ceremonies. By these ceremonies the Church wishes to appeal to the heart as well as to the intellect, and to impress the faithful with sentiments of faith and piety. What is more capable of raising the heart and mind of man to God than a priest celebrating Mass? What more inspiring than some of our sacred music?

THE CEREMONIES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

I.—Ceremonies Necessary to Divine Worship

II.—Vestments Used by the Priest at Mass

III.—Ceremonies of the Mass

THE PRACTICES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

I.—Vespers and Benediction

II.—Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament

III.—Holy Communion

IV.—Confirmation

V.—Honoring the Blessed Virgin

VI.—Confession of Sin

VII.—Granting Indulgences

VIII.—The Last Sacraments

IX.—Praying for the Dead

X.—Praying to the Saints

XI.—Crucifixes, Relics, and Images

XII.—Some Sacramentals—The Books Used by the Priest, the Sign of the Cross, Holy Water, Blessed Candles, Palm and Ashes, Holy Oils, Scapulars, Medals, Agnus Dei, Prayers, Litanies, Rosary, Angelus, Stations, Funeral Service, and Various Blessings

XIII.—The Celebration of Feasts

XIV.—Infant Baptism

XV.—The Marriage Tie—One and Indissoluble

XVI.—Respect Shown to Ecclesiastical Superiors

XVII.—Celibacy

XVIII.—Conclusion