Expert: Rick Jackson - 3/24/2007

Question
Hello, I am a final year student teacher and we have been give an assignment to progress our knowledge of a chosen branch of Christianity, I have created a questionnaire and I would be very grateful if you could answer my questions,  Thank you in advance, Geoff

Worship

1.   What are the key distinctive features of an act of corporate worship within your denomination?










2.   The times of acts of your worship.










3.   Are there different types of acts of worship?


















Rites of Passage



1.   How are rites of passage of birth, initiation, marriage and death observed?












Leaders



1.   What is the leader called? Is there one leader or a structure of leadership?











2.   What is their role?












3.   How are women perceived within this denomination?














Symbols and Places of Worship



1.   What are the key distinctive features of the place of worship?













2.   What signs and symbols can be found there? What is their purpose?














Language



1.   What are the distinctive terms / phrases that are used within this denomination?












Faith in Action



1.   How does the denomination encourage people to live out their faith as members of the local and global community?


Answer
Worship
1. The Eucharist: Reception of the body and blood of Christ.
2. Daily.  7 times on sunday due to our church being so large.
3. Yes.  We have Masses that are quite formal, and ones that are very charismatic...and various styles inbetween.
Rites of Passage
1. Catholic Christians do not have a "rite" of birth or death.  Please clarify what you mean by "Initiation".  As for Marriage, our marriage "rite" is simply a marriage presided by a Priest...typically including Mass.
Leaders
1. The "leader" at the individual Church level (the Parish)is the Pastor.
2. The Pastor's role is to lead worship and other activities of the Parish.
3. Women in general are viewed as equals, but cannot be priests.  Women are leaders in many capacities.
Symbols and Places of Worship
1. Seating for the congregation, an Altar, and a Tabernacle, as well as a variety of art and statues that remind us of key tenets of our faith.
2. The amount and kind of symbols vary from church to church.  Typically these are art and statues as mentioned above.
Language
1. Entire volumes have been written on this subject.  Please be more specific.  
Faith in Action
1. This is simple: We are taught to live the teachings of Christ, especially to
a. Love and Serve God with all of our Heart, Mind and Body and
b. Love our neighbor as ourself.

I am happy to expand and clarify on any of the above...just ask.

Rick
www.catholictruths.com