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| This symbol actually does have a name - Chi-Rho. It is also known as Constantine's cross, Christogram, and Monogram of Christ. The Chi-Rho emblem can be viewed as the first Christian Cross. As a pre-Christian symbol, the Chi-Rho signified good fortune. The Chi-Rho became an important Christian symbol when it was adopted by the Roman Emperor Constantine, representing the first two letters of the name Christ - the Chi, or 'ch', and the RHO, or 'r'. [ the first two letters in Greek for "Christ" (XPIETOE) ]. According to Church Father Eusebius, on the eve of the battle of Milvan Bridge, the emperor saw the emblem in a dream, with the inscription, "By this sign, you shall conqueor." According to the story, the battle was won and in return for the victory, Constantine erected Christian Churches. Unfortunately, the story is very unlikely as Constantine's conversion most likely happened on his deathbed. The Chi Rho is also the origin of the tradition of abbreviating "Christ" in "Christian" or "Christmas" to "X". |
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| Questions & Answers A place where you can ask a question regarding anything to do with the Catholic faith. Fr. Kevin will answer any question you may have! Click on the email link below and send him the question. He will respond via this page leaving your name out. |
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| Remember Thomas, one of the Aopstles? "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hands into his side, I will not believe." ~ Jn21:25 NAB |
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| Why do Catholics do....? |
| I'm have a hard time believing ...... |
| Is it really wrong to....? |
| I did something pretty bad, now what do I do? |
| What does the church teach about...? |
| My friend said........ is that right? |
| Well... we know what happened. Jesus helped Doubting Thomas to believe!!! |
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Until there are some questions for Fr. Kevin, I thought that I would share a couple of excerpts for a pretty good book "Did Adam & Eve have belly buttons" written by acclaimed writer Matthew Pinto for Catholic Teens. The whole book is in question and answer form ... 200 questions in all!!! |
Question # 38 - Is the Catholic religion the only correct religion? Answer - All religions contain some truth. Some religions contain more truth than others. For example, Protestant Christanity is much closer to the truth than Mormonism because protestants believe there is one God, whereas Mormonism incorrectly teaches there are many gods. Eastern Orthodoxy contains more truth than protestants, because in addition to the basic Christian beliefs such as the divinity of Jesus and the Virgin Birth, it affirms Jesus' Real Presence in the Eucharist, honors the saints who have died before us, and affiirms many other Catholic beliefs. The catholic Church says that although other faiths contain truth, the fullness of what God has revealed to the world subsists, in (is found in) the Catholic Church. Other religioins or faiths are correct to the extent they hold the revealed truths given to the apostles and passed on to the present-day bishops in the Catholic Church. This does not mean in order to be saved one has to be a "card-carrying member" of the Catholic Church. God can save whomever He desires and has surely done so outside the visable structure of the Catholic Church. However, the surest means to salvation is found in the Catholic Church. It's doctrines are the ones infallible given by Jesus. |
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Question: I recently came back to the Church. It's going on 9 months now, after being away for some 20 something years. Although I have been taking the Eucharist, I have not been to confession. Is it required to go to confession? I remember many people not getting up and receiving communion, and now it seems that every body goes. Did the church change the rules? Just not sure about it. Never was. It would surely help, if you could clear this up for me. I hope you are feeling well!!! Answer: Hey, Welcome back! To answer your question: One is only obligated to make confession if one is in serious sin. (The “Easter Obligation” many times got confusing to people. It means that one must receive Eucharist once a year at least …not confession). The Penitential Rite at the beginning of each Mass (“Lord have mercy” part) is for the forgiveness of any minor sins we may have committed. Obviously we have to enter into that spirit of forgiveness. Again---- Confession is only obligatory when one has committed serious (mortal) sin. Confession, however, is a good practice at least once a month. It makes for a good ‘inventory’ of our lives…..and keeps us focused, sharpened as followers of Christ. Hope this helps! |
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