Prayer of Confession Regarding the Unbiblical Beliefs and Practices of the Roman Catholic Church

Transcription

1 Prayer of Confession Regarding the Unbiblical Beliefs and Practices of the Roman Catholic Church Personal Note: I grew up in a devout Roman Catholic family French Catholics as far back as anyone can remember. I attended Catholic schools all the way through high school and then attended a Catholic college at which I subsequently worked for several years after graduation. I was blessed by the caring instruction of the Sisters of St. Joseph through these years and had great relationships with the parish priests and college chaplains. My involvement in and affinity for the church was such that I twice seriously considered entering the priesthood. I thank God for the wonderful family He has given me and for the experiences that formed my worldview. They instilled in me a keen awareness of God and the importance of spiritual values. However, I did not know God in a Biblical way because I knew virtually nothing about the Bible. Over a span of two years during my mid-30 s God got my attention through a combination of encounters attending a Marriage Enrichment Encounter with my wife, Sharon; confronting my workaholic tendencies; responding to a teaching evangelist s invitation to make Jesus not only the Savior from my sins but the Lord of my life; purchasing and then reading the NIV Study Bible in six months time which then permitted me to begin to recognize the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit who wanted to guide and direct every aspect of my life. In the midst of all this I was confronted with the growing reality that I had become more Protestant than I was Catholic. I was becoming convinced that many of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church could not be reconciled with Christianity as taught in the New Testament. I had no alternative but to make the painful decision to tell my parents and extended family that I was leaving the Catholic Church. A short time later, Sharon and I acknowledged the call of God on our lives to enter training for full time ministry. Since that time I have been reluctant to characterize the teachings of the Catholic Church to others out of consideration for my extended family and out of a strong sense that God had not released me to judge any part of the Bride of Christ. Over 16 years, the Lord has opened many doors to freedom, healing and deliverance ministries contending for those who are veiled by the evil one, those who are in bondage to habitual sin patterns, religious legalism and ungodly beliefs. I now feel released by the Lord to begin to let His light shine on unbiblical beliefs and practices that operate in the Church even the Roman Catholic Church. He has given us a great love for these sincere people, but I am persuaded to begin speaking out motivated by the same desire Paul had: Brothers, my heart s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge (Romans 10:1-2). I have every confidence that as you seek for yourself God s truth and ask for His guidance in the matter of the unbiblical beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, the Counselor will guide you as well: But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you (John 16:13-15). To the King! To the Kingdom! Dennis L. Chaput, Founding Pastor Open Door Christian Fellowship Mailing Address: Anderson Road, Granger, IN d ennischaput@gmail.com Source Material: In preparing the following Prayer of Confession, I drew heavily from the work of James G. McCarthy, The Gospel According to Rome (1995: Harvest House Publishers). This is an excellent resource for comparing Catholic tradition with the Word of God. Unmasking Catholicism by Mary Ann Collins (2004: iuniverse, Inc.) cites excellent resources (especially those available on the web) for accessing Catholic Church documents and English translations. Throughout the Prayer of Confession, I have provided references to Scripture with corresponding references to paragraphs [noted in brackets] from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (English translation 1995: United States Catholic Conference). Though individual Catholics may vary widely in their understanding and expression of the Roman Catholic faith, it is important to remember that there is only one official Roman Catholic faith [ ]. It is the faith contained in the Scripture and Tradition as interpreted by the Roman Catholic bishops under the leadership of the Pope, the Bishop of Rome [76, 85-87, 182, , 2039]. Instructions: If you were once a member of the Roman Catholic Church or are a descendent of someone who was, I encourage you to take the time to read through the prayer completely so you know what is involved. Research the references to the Bible and the Catholic Catechism when needed so you can be in full agreement with all you will be asked to renounce and announce. A list of Catholic definitions is included at the end of this document to assist you in understanding terminology. When you are ready, it is best to pray this aloud with a Christian witness present. Sharing With Your Catholic Friend: Please do not begin your dialogue with a Catholic friend or family member by sharing this document. The Bible tells us that the gospel... is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:3,4). James McCarthy (in his book, The Gospel According to Rome) provides a wonderful epilogue called, The Journey. He suggests that we, first, pray that God would open the eyes of your Catholic friend or family member. Second, develop a friendship and nurture that friendship. Third, stimulate thought, promote Bible study and then, address the real problem (not the Roman Catholic Church) SIN! Explain the way of salvation, go slowly and anticipate trails. Prayer of Confession (Updated ) p. 1

2 Prayer of Confession Lord, according to Your word in Romans, I choose to submit to the process of being transformed by the renewing of my mind. I ask You to search my heart today, invade my thought life and make me aware of any unbiblical beliefs and practices in which I or my ancestors may have been guilty of through participation in the Roman Catholic Church. I thank You that You have created me in Your image and that You desire to set me free. I commit my ways to You, Lord, knowing that You will establish my thoughts. As You continue to renew my mind, I ask You to give me grace to co-operate with You fully in the process of changing my ungodly beliefs into Godly beliefs so that I can see myself as You see me, complete in You. Let Your mind be in me, Lord Jesus. I declare, through the Blood of Jesus, that I have been redeemed, forgiven and sanctified. I belong to Christ, my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and I shall have victory today as I submit myself to this renewing and transforming process, on the authority of the name of Jesus. I confess and repent of my sin and the sin of my ancestors of participating in the unbiblical beliefs and practices as taught in the Roman Catholic Church, for living my life based on them, and for any way I may have judged others because of them. I receive Your forgiveness. On the basis of Your forgiveness, Lord, I choose to forgive myself for my participation in these unbiblical beliefs and practices. I also choose to forgive those who have contributed to my participation in these unbiblical beliefs and practices. (Be specific: Name the people you are forgiving.) I renounce and break my agreement with the following unbiblical beliefs and practices. I break my agreement with the power of darkness. I cancel all agreements I have made with evil spirits. In addition, I choose to accept, believe, and receive the corresponding Biblical truths. Regarding Scripture and Tradition 1. I renounce the teaching that the Bible alone is not the complete Word of God and that essential revelation is preserved in Tradition that is not clearly taught in Scripture [81-82]. 2. I renounce the authority of the Roman Catholic Magisterium (the bishops in communion with the Pope) to define as truth that which can only be found obscurely or implicitly in revelation [66, 85-88, 2035, 2051]. 3. I renounce the teaching that faith is contained in Scripture and Tradition as interpreted by the Pope and bishops who are the supreme rule of the Church [66, 74-83, 94-95]. 4. I renounce and break all ecclesiastical curses (anathemas) proclaimed at the Council of Trent ( ) in response to the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation. I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that no one has the right to go beyond what is written in Scripture to define truth (1 Corinthians 4:6; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that every Christian, aided by the Holy Spirit, has the ability and the right to interpret Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Scripture is the Word of God (John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21) and Tradition is the words of men (Mark 7:1-13). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Jesus has redeemed me from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13-14) and the judgments of man in order to receive His blessing and to be a blessing. I now break the legal rights and power of any and all ecclesiastical curses rendered by the Roman Catholic Church in my life, based on the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His finished work on the Cross. I am no longer in agreement in any way with these curses. I appropriate the power of the Cross to stop all judgments and evil spirits associated with these curses. I receive God s freedom from the effects of these curses. I affirm God s blessings are active in my life, and not curses. I receive His blessings. Regarding Teaching Authority 5. I renounce the teaching that only the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church have the right to judge the true meaning of revelation and to teach it with authority [85, 100, 939] requiring all Catholics to obey the bishops even as they would Christ Himself [87, 862]. 6. I renounce the teaching that when the bishops are operating collectively as the teaching authority of the Church (Magisterium), God supernaturally protects them from teaching falsehood; therefore, they do not error and cannot error when teaching doctrine related to faith and morals they are said to possess the gift of infallibility [ , , 2051]. The apostles taught with authority; however, Scripture does not suggest the apostles were infallible except in their inspired writings (Acts 17:11; Galatians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1). The Lord gives some the authority to teach the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 12:28); however, this authority does not reside within these teachers personally, but is derived from the source of their teaching, the inspired Word of God. 7. I renounce the teaching that the gift of infallibility extends to the Bishop of Rome when speaking ex cathedra which literally means from the chair of authority and is understood to mean that when the Pope speaks as the supreme teacher of the Church, he does not and cannot teach false doctrine Catholics are expected to obey him without question [ , 2037, 2050]. 8. I renounce the teaching that it is through the Catholic Church alone that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained [816, 819, 824, 830, ]. I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Scripture is the Christian s infallible guide to the interpretation of Scripture (Acts 17:11; Galatians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that the Holy Spirit is the Christian s infallible and authoritative teacher (John 14:16-18, 26; John 16:13-15; Ephesians 1:13); He guides in conduct (Romans 8:14) and directs in ministry (Acts 8:29). Prayer of Confession (Updated ) p. 2

3 I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that God entrusts the Christian faith to the saints (Jude 3). The task of defending the faith is likewise assigned to every believer (1 Peter 2:4-5; 9-10). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that I am a child of God through faith in Christ, not membership in a particular church or denomination (Galatians 3:28). God puts His laws in my mind and writes them on my heart. I am His man/woman and He is my God. No longer will a person teach me or say to me, Know the Lord, because I will know Him. My Father forgives my sins and remembers them no more this is the new covenant God has made with me (Hebrews 8:10-13). Regarding Baptism 13. I renounce the teaching that an infant receives the benefits of Christ s death through the sacrament of Baptism [790, 977, , 1227, ]. Since an infant is incapable of exercising saving faith, the notion that parents or a priest can believe on behalf of the child is unbiblical. 14. Although not official dogma (nor even mentioned in the Catechism of the Catholic Church), I renounce the popular belief that infants who die before baptism go to limbo (a place of natural happiness, but something short of heaven) [1261, 1283]. Regarding the Pope and Bishops 9. I renounce the teaching that Roman Catholic bishops have inherited a threefold power from the apostles [873, 939, 1536, 1558]: a teaching power [77, ] giving them alone the right to interpret and teach revelation with authority [85, 100]; a sanctifying power [893] giving them the power to sanctify men in truth, to give spiritual nourishment, to oversee the administration of the sacraments [1369] and giving them alone the authority to ordain priests or bishops [1559, ]; and, a ruling power [ , ] giving them supreme and full authority over the universal Church. 10. I renounce the doctrine referred to as primacy, from the Latin word meaning first [881], by which Papal authority has its roots citing Peter as the first among the apostles and the primary ruler of the Church [552, 765, 862]. I renounce the contention that Peter became the first bishop of Rome and ruled the universal church as head of the world s bishops; thus meaning that whoever succeeds Peter as the bishop of Rome, therefore, also succeeds him as Pope [834, 862, 880, 882, 936]. Peter was not the supreme head of the apostles and the church, merely a leader among them. It was not Christ s intention to establish a hierarchical and monarchical society. 11. I renounce the teaching that the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) has full, supreme and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered [882, 937] as the Vicar (representative) of Christ and Pastor of the universal Church on earth [869, 936]. 12. I renounce the practice by which the Roman Catholic Church has organized and titled its hierarchy calling priests father, honoring priests for outstanding service with the title monsignor meaning my lord; calling the Bishop of Rome Pope meaning father; and referring to the Pope as Holy Father. To title church leadership using the titles father or lord is in total disregard to the teachings of Christ (Matthew 23:8-11). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that the Lord Jesus was the head of the apostles (John 13:13) and the Lord Jesus is the head of the universal church (Colossians 1:18). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Christ rules the church (Colossians 1:18) and sanctification is the work of God, not men (Ephesians 5:26; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that God alone is my Father, He who is in heaven (Matthew 23:8-11). 15. I renounce the teaching that the Sacrament of Baptism itself removes original sin, the guilt inherited by Adam [ , 1250, 1263, 1279, 1673]. I announce my belief that justification by faith is the consistent teaching of Scripture: For we maintain that a man is justified by faith (Romans 3:28); Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3); Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Each person must decide for himself/herself (John 1:12-13). Regarding the Sacraments 16. I renounce the teaching that the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church (Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick) contain grace (Council of Trent); that they are not merely symbolic expressions of grace that God gives to those who believe; that each sacrament is a channel of God s grace, the instrumental cause of grace [1084]. The Scriptures say nothing about seven sacraments as the primary channels of God s grace. 17. I renounce the teaching that the sacraments, and thereby the Roman Catholic Church itself, are necessary for salvation [ , 824, , 1129, 1227]; that Baptism is necessary for initial justification [ ; 1277]; that penance is necessary for restoration to the life of grace should a Catholic forfeit grace through a serious sin; or that Confirmation, Anointing the Sick, or especially Holy Eucharist provide grace needed to avoid sin and do good. The Scriptures say nothing of an institution such as the Roman Catholic Church as the administrator of the sacraments. 18. I renounce the use of the sacred signs of the Roman Catholic Church known as sacramentals, including stations of the Cross, crucifixes, scapulars, miraculous medals, genuflecting, lighting candles, statues, pictures of saints, the sign of the Cross, holy water, ashes on the forehead, ringing bells, observing holy days, blessed palms, etc. [ ]. I renounce the teaching that sacramentals help prepare for the fruitful reception of grace from the sacraments, as well as other benefits which include: material blessings, an increased love of God, a sorrow of sin, the atonement of the temporal (not eternal) punishment due for sin, the forgiveness of venial sins, and protection from Satan. Prayer of Confession (Updated ) p. 3

4 I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that grace is undeserved favor, not a merited reward. God made me alive when I was dead in sin by His grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 4:4-7). God freely offers eternal salvation (John 3:16), adoptions as sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18), and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). So great is God s grace toward His children that it will take the ages to come for God to show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that God s grace is offered freely and directly to all who trust in Christ (Romans 5:1-2). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that justification is a declaration of God (Romans 8:33) by which a person is forgiven and credited with the righteousness of God (Romans 3:21-22; 4:3-8). It is a once-and-for-all event by which a person comes into a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 1:3-4). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that sanctification is a process by which the Christian s moral character and personal conduct come into growing conformity with his/her legal standing before God. It is a work of God, but one in which the believer must cooperate (Romans 6:19). I understand that the Bible teaches that a person is positionally sanctified, holy and blameless before God (Ephesians 1:4), the moment he trusts Christ and is justified; practically sanctified as he/she learns to abstain from evil and walk in the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Galatians 5:16-26); and ultimately sanctified at Christ s coming (1 John 3:1-3). I celebrate that Scripture refers to all believers as those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saint by calling (1 Corinthians 1:2, NASB). Regarding Sin 19. I renounce the teaching which makes a distinction between mortal sin, which if left unrepented kills the soul and brings eternal punishment, and venial sin, which if left unrepented only weakens a person s spiritual vitality and makes the person more susceptible to greater sins [1033, 1493, ]. 20. I renounce the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation as it is practiced in the Roman Catholic Church which teaches that though only God can forgive sins, He has willed to do so through the Church [ , 1493]. Consequently, it is the responsibility of the priest to judge the sinner, and if the priest forgives the sinner, he administers absolution (to release from the consequences of guilt). 21. I renounce the teaching that a final requirement before a sin can be fully forgiven is that the sinner must make satisfaction to God for the sin acts of penance [ , , 1494]. 22. I renounce the teaching that a Catholic can pay for temporal punishment in this life through acts of penance (saying special prayers, fasting, self-deprivation, giving money to the poor, and accepting the trials and disappointments of life) or in the next life through suffering in a place called purgatory [ , ]. I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that all sin is mortal unless forgiven through Jesus the spiritual consequence of every sin is the death penalty, eternal separation from God in the lake of fire (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14-15). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that it is the blood of Jesus, God s Son, which cleanses me from all sin (1 John 1:7). I can go directly to God to confess and repent of my sins (1 John 1:9; 2:1-2; Hebrews 4:15-16). There is no Biblical example of sacramental confession to a priest in the entire New Testament, although the disciples were encouraged to confess their sins to each other and pray for each other (James 5:16) while proclaiming repentance and forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ (Luke 24:46-48). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Jesus made perfect and complete satisfaction for sin at the Cross (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 2:2). Regarding Final Destiny 23. I renounce the teaching that it is not possible to know one s eternal fate until judgment [1036, 2005] because of the possibility of committing a mortal sin at the last moment and finding oneself devoid of sanctifying grace and subject to eternal punishment. 24. I renounce the teaching surrounding the existence of purgatory that if at judgment God finds a person in the state of grace, but in need of atonement for temporal punishment that was not paid for while on earth, they must make amends or atone for their sin through fire and torments or purifying punishments [954, 958, , 1054, 1472]. I also renounce the teaching that those still living can help deceased loved ones in purgatory by saying prayers, giving alms, performing good works [958, 1032, 1475] or having a Mass said for the benefit of the person believed to be in purgatory [1055, 1689]. 25. I renounce the practice of the Catholic Church dispensing indulgences [ , 1498] or special credits that cancel out temporal punishment. I renounce the teaching that Catholics can earn an indulgence from the Church by doing specific acts of piety such as praying the Rosary, reception of the Sacrament of Confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the Pope s special prayer requests. There is no Biblical evidence for acts of penance, indulgences, or a place such as purgatory through which the penalty of sin can be satisfied. 26. I renounce the teaching that performance of good works earns a reward from God and the right to that reward is called merit [ ] which results in immediate increase of grace [2010, 2027], eternal life [1051, 1821, 2010, 2027], and increased glory in heaven [ , 1053]. Though the Bible teaches that God will reward faithful stewards in heaven, it never says that He will reward them with heaven. I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that eternal life is a free gift, not a merited reward (John 4:14; 6:40; 6:47;10:28; 17:2; Romans 5:17; 6:23; Revelation 21:6). Prayer of Confession (Updated ) p. 4

5 I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that salvation is secure, not probational (John 10:28). The Holy Spirit takes up residence within each Christian to guarantee that promise (Ephesians 1:13-14). And the Father places each believer in the palm of His hand for safekeeping (John 10:29). The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that payment for sin is through the Cross, not purgatory. We are released from our sins by the blood of Jesus (Revelation 1:5). Regarding the Body of Christ 27. I renounce the teaching that the inner substance of the bread and wine when consecrated during Mass by the power of the Holy Spirit become the true body of Christ the Lord, the same that was born of the Virgin... [ , 1353, ]. 28. I renounce the teaching that the faithful are to hold the Eucharist in highest honor... worshiping it with supreme adoration (The Code of Canon Law, canon 898) with the same worship or adoration that we offer to God (Second Vatican Council) [1178, 1183, 1378, 1418, 2691]. I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that at the Last Supper, Christ spoke of the bread and wine as symbols, not the substance, of His body and blood (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). During the Last Supper, as on other occasions, Christ was speaking in a figurative sense as in the bread of life (John 6:48), the light of the world (John 8:12), the gate (John 10:9), the good shepherd (John 10:11) and the true vine (John 15:1). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Christ taught that eternal life is through believing in Him, not through literally eating His flesh (John 6). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that forbids me to worship any object, even those which are meant to represent Him (Exodus 20:4-5). Regarding the Blood of Christ 29. I renounce the teaching that according to the Roman Catholic Church, the Mass is a true and proper sacrifice not merely a symbolic rite, but the actual sacrifice of the Eucharist [1367]. 30. I renounce the teaching that the sacrifice of the Cross and the Sacrifice of the Mass are one and the same sacrifice, for in each Christ is the offerer and the offering [1367, ]. 31. I renounce the teaching that there is a ministerial or hierarchical priesthood [1142, 1547, 1592] open only to men [1577, 1598] established by the Lord at the Last Supper when He said, Do this in remembrance of Me (Luke 22:19) [611, 1337]. The New Testament makes no distinction between common and a hierarchical priesthood. I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Christ asked to be remembered, not sacrificed (Luke 22:19; Romans 6:9; Hebrews 9:12). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Christ s work of redemption is finished, not continued in the Mass (John 19:30; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 10:15-18). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Christ made every believer a priest, not a select few (1 Peter 2:5-10; Hebrews 13:15; Romans 12:1; Revelation 1:6). Regarding Mary 32. I renounce the teaching of the Immaculate Conception that refers to Mary s conception stating that she was created without a sin nature and was absolutely free of all stain of sin, all fair and perfect remaining free of every personal sin her whole life long [411, , 508, 722]. 33. I renounce the teaching that Mary remained an immaculate and perpetual virgin, abstaining from all sexual relations with her husband, referring to Mary as the Virgin of Virgins, and the all holy ever-virgin Mother of God [ , , , 721]. The Bible says nothing about God preserving Mary s virginal integrity inviolate during the birth process or that Mary refrained from sexual contact with her husband after the birth of Christ (Matthew 1:25) 34. I renounce the teaching of the Assumption of Mary that Mary s body did not undergo decay at the end of her life because God miraculously took her up to heaven [966, 974]. Lacking Biblical evidence to the contrary, I am left to assume that Mary died a natural death. I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Mary was a sinner in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23; 5:12). The Bible teaches that the only One who has ever lived on this earth without sin was the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Mary was a virgin but not a perpetual virgin. Scripture teaches that Mary, though a virgin, came to be with child by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-37). Thereafter, I am convinced that Mary bore other children by Joseph as suggested by several Biblical references to Jesus half-brothers and half-sisters (Matthew 12:46; 13:55-56; Mark 3:31; 6:3-4; Luke 8:19; John 2:12; 7:2-10; Acts 1:14; Galatians 1:19). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Mary was the mother of Jesus but not the mother of God. Just as Christ s human nature had no father, so His divine nature had no mother. The Bible, therefore, rightly calls Mary the mother of Jesus (John 2:1; Acts 1:14), but never the Mother of God. Regarding the Queen of Heaven and Earth 35. I renounce the teaching that Mary, in a subordinate role to Christ, had a part with Him in the redemption of the human race [494, 725, ], and is therefore to be considered the Mother of the Church [975], the All-Holy One [493, 2677], who shows the way and is herself the Sign of the way [2674] whose prayer will deliver our souls from death [966]. There is no Biblical support for the Roman Catholic claim that Mary with Christ redeemed mankind (Pope Benedict XV, Inter Sodalicia). Prayer of Confession (Updated ) p. 5

6 36. I renounce the teaching that God miraculously took Mary into heaven and crowned her Queen over all things [966] to be invoked by the Church under the titles Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix [969]. 37. I renounce the teaching that Mary earned the privilege of being the one through whom God would dispense all grace to the world (Pope Benedict XV, Fausto Appetente Die; Pope Leo, XIII, Octobri Mense; Pope Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus). I renounce the teaching that, as the Mediatrix of all grace, nothing comes to us except through Mary s mediation [ , ]. There is no Biblical example of a Christian praying to Mary or obtaining a blessing from God through her heavenly intercession. 38. I renounce the teaching that Mary should be greatly venerated (honored with ritual acts of devotion) above all angels and men second only to her Son [971, ]. I renounce the practice of venerating Mary by saying the Rosary with the promise of receiving a partial indulgence for the removal of part of the temporal punishment due to sin [ , 1498]. I renounce the practice of venerating Mary in ways that had made her virtually indistinguishable from the Son of God Himself (kneeling before a statue of Mary, kissing its feet, offering to her heartfelt praise and petition). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that there is one redeemer, Jesus (Isaiah 49:26; John 14:6; Romans 3:24; Colossians 1:13-14). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that there is one mediator, Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that Jesus deflected any attempt to bestow special honor on Mary (Matthew 12:47-49; Luke 11:27-28). I announce my belief in the Biblical truth that we are to have no other gods before the Lord our God (Exodus 20:2-5). Our God demands undivided loyalty and devotion and His people are to have no other gods in addition to Him. Concluding Prayer Holy Spirit, I ask that you show me anything else which I need to do or to pray so that I and my family may be totally free from the consequences of my participation in these unbiblical beliefs and practices. (Pause, while listening to God, and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.) I take authority over all evil spirits that have afflicted me as a result of my participation in these unbiblical beliefs and practices and command you to leave me now based on the finished work of Christ on the Cross. Lord, thank You for this renewing and transforming process. I ask You to bring an end to the effects of these unbiblical beliefs and practices. As You pull up the roots of these unbiblical beliefs and practices, please plant new Godly seeds in my heart. I ask You Holy Spirit to watch over, water, nourish and bring to a full harvest all of the new Godly beliefs and practices. Thank You Lord for the grace that You give me to walk out this process. Amen. Catholic Definitions of Terminology These definitions have been summarized from the following Catholic resources: Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: 2006) and The Catholic Encyclopedia at Cross references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church are in [brackets]. Anointing the Sick (Extreme Unction): One of the seven sacraments of the Church. Any member of the faithful can receive this sacrament as soon as he or she begins to be in danger of death because of sickness or old age. The faithful who receive this sacrament can receive it several times if their illness becomes worse or another serious sickness afflicts them. The celebration of this sacrament should, if possible, be preceded by individual confession on the part of the sick person. This sacrament is administered only by priests (bishops or presbyters). It consists essentially in an anointing with oil which may be blessed by the bishop. The anointing is on the forehead and on the hands of the sick person (in the Roman rite) accompanied by the prayer of the priest who asks for the special grace of this sacrament. This sacrament confers a special grace which unites the sick person more intimately to the Passion of Christ for his good and for the good of all the Church. It gives comfort, peace, courage, and even the forgiveness of sins if the sick person is not able to make a confession. Sometimes, if it is the will of God, this sacrament even brings about the restoration of physical health. In any case this Anointing prepares the sick person for the journey to the Father s house [ ] from Ashes on the Forehead: On Ash Wednesday, before the beginning of Mass, the priest dips his thumb into ashes previously blessed, marks the forehead with the sign of the cross, saying the words: "Remember man that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return." The ashes used in this ceremony are made by burning the remains of the palms blessed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year from Catholic Encyclopedia. Baptism: One of the seven sacraments of the Church. Baptism consists of immersing the candidate in water or pouring water over his or her head while invoking the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Everyone who is to be baptized is required to make a profession of faith. This is done personally in the case of an adult or by the parents and by the Church in the case of infants. The Church baptizes infants because they are born with original sin. They need to be freed from the power of the Evil One and brought into that realm of freedom which belongs to the children of God. The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and the priest. In case of necessity any person can baptize provided he has the intention of doing what the Church does. Baptism takes away original sin, all personal sins and all punishment due to sin. A baptized person belongs forever to Christ. He is marked with the indelible seal of Christ [ ] from Benefactress: A title referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus; one who confers a benefit. Confirmation: One of the seven sacraments of the Church which confirms and strengthens baptismal grace. Confirmation consists of anointing with Sacred Chism (oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by the bishop), which is done by laying on of the hand of the minister who pronounces the sacramental words proper to the rite. In the West this anointing is done on the forehead of the baptized with the words, Be sealed with Prayer of Confession (Updated ) p. 6

7 the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The effect of confirmation is a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit like that of Pentecost. Only those already baptized can and should receive this sacrament which can be received only once. The original minister of Confirmation is the bishop. In this way the link between the confirmed and the Church in her apostolic dimension is made manifest [ ] from Crucifix: a representation of Christ on the cross. Eucharist: One of the seven sacraments of the Church, the Eucharist is the very sacrifice of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus which he instituted to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until his return in glory. The Eucharist is also known as: Holy Mass, the Lord s Supper, the Breaking of the Bread, Holy Communion, the Holy Sacrifice, etc. The Eucharist involves two parts: the Liturgy of the Word (proclaiming and listening to the Word of God) and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (presenting the bread and wine, the prayer of consecration, and communion). During the Eucharistic prayer the whole substance of the bread and wine is changed into the substance of the Body and Blood of Christ (transubstantiation); however, the outward characteristics of the bread and wine remain unaltered. In this way Christ sacramentally offers his Body and Blood uniting us to himself and to one another in his sacrifice. To receive Holy Communion one must be fully incorporated into the Catholic Church and be in a state of grace, that is, not conscious of being in mortal sin. The celebrant of the Eucharist is a validly ordained priest who acts in the Person of Christ the Head and in the name of the Church from Church communities derived from the Reformation and separated from the Catholic Church, have not preserved the proper reality of the Eucharistic mystery in its fullness. Eucharistic communion with these communities is not possible [ ]. Genuflection: Involves bending the both knees when adoring the Blessed Sacrament unveiled and bending the right knee only when doing reverence to the Blessed Sacrament when enclosed in the Tabernacle. Holy Days: The Sunday celebration of the Lord s Day and his Eucharist is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church. Also to be observed are the day of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany, the Ascension of Christ, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christi, the feast of Mary the Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her Assumption, the feast of Saint Joseph, the feast of the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, and the feast of All Saints. On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in Mass and to abstain from those labors and business concerns which impede the worship to be rendered to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord s Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body [ ]. Holy Images: The image of Christ is the liturgical icon par excellence. Other images, representations of Mary and of the Saints, signify Christ who is glorified in them. They proclaim the same Gospel message that Sacred Scripture communicates by the word and they help to awaken and nourish the faith of believers [ , 1192] from The Christian veneration of images in not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols. Indeed, the honor rendered to an image passes to its prototype, and whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it. The honor paid to sacred images is a respectful veneration, not the adoration due to God alone [2132]. Holy Orders: One of the seven sacraments of the Church, Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. Orders designates an ecclesial body into which one enters by means of a special consecration (ordination). Through a special gift of the Holy Spirit, this sacrament enables the ordained to exercise a sacred power in the name and with the authority of Christ for the service of the People of God. Episcopal ordination makes the bishop a legitimate successor of the Apostles and integrates him into the episcopal college to share with the Pope and the other bishops the care for all the churches. The ordination of a priest carries an anointing of the Holy Spirit to seal the priest with an indelible, spiritual character that configures him to Christ the priest and enables him to act in the name of Christ the Head. As a co-worker of the order of bishops he is consecrated to preach the Gospel, to celebrate divine worship, especially the Eucharist, and to be a shepherd of the faithful. A deacon is ordained for service to the Church. He carries out this service under the authority of his proper bishop by the ministry of the Word, of divine worship, and pastoral care and of charity. All three degrees of ordination are conferred by means of the imposition of hands on the head of the ordinand by the bishop who pronounces the solemn prayer of consecration. Ordination confers an indelible spiritual character and therefore cannot be repeated or conferred for a limited time. Ordained priests in the exercise of their sacred ministry speak and act not on their own authority, nor even by mandate or delegation of the community, but rather in the Person of Christ the Head and in the name of the Church. Therefore, the ministerial priesthood differs essentially and not just in degree from the priesthood common to all the faithful for whose service Christ instituted it [ ] from Holy Water: Water is blessed by a priest asking God that through his Son the power of the Holy Spirit may be sent upon the water. The water becomes the sacramental sign of new birth in Baptism signifying our birth into the divine life given to us by the Holy Spirit. Beyond Baptism, holy water is used for blessing the faithful and for dedicating articles to the Lord. Holy water fonts are available at the entrance to the sanctuary permitting people to dip their hand in the water and make the sign of the cross. Holy water may also be taken by the faithful in clean vessels for use in blessing their homes, businesses, etc. [694, 1238] from Catholic Encyclopedia. Immaculate Conception: God freely chose Mary to be the Mother of his Son. In order to carry out her mission she herself was conceived immaculate. This means that, thanks to the grace of God and in anticipation of the merits of Jesus Christ, Mary was preserved from original sin from the first instant of her conception [ , 508] from Indulgences: These are the remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven. The faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains the indulgence under prescribed conditions for either himself or the departed. Indulgences are granted through the ministry of the Church which, as the dispenser of the grace of redemption, distributes the treasury of the merits of Christ and the saints [ , 1498] from Infallibility: Infallibility is exercised when the Pope, in virtue of his office as the Supreme Pastor of the Church, or the College of Bishops, in union with the Pope especially when joined together in an Ecumenical Council, proclaim by a definitive act of doctrine pertaining to faith or morals. Prayer of Confession (Updated ) p. 7

8 Infallibility is also exercised when the Pope and Bishops in their ordinary Magisterium are in agreement in proposing a doctrine as definitive. Every one of the faithful must adhere to such teaching with the obedience of faith [891] from Limbo: In theological usage the name is applied to (a) the temporary place or state of the souls of the just who, although purified from sin, were excluded from the beatific vision until Christ's triumphant ascension into Heaven; or (b) to the permanent place or state of those unbaptized children and others who, dying without grievous personal sin, are excluded from the beatific vision on account of original sin alone from Catholic Encyclopedia. Magisterium: The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the deposit of faith has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone, that is, to the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome (the Pope), and the bishops in union with him. To this Magisterium belongs also the task of defining the dogmas which are formulations of the truths contained in divine Revelation and connected with Revelation. Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium are so closely united with each other that one of them cannot stand without the others. It is the duty of the Magisterium of the Church to preach the faith that is to be believed and put into practice in life. This duty extends even to the specific precepts of the natural law because their observance is necessary for salvation [84-100; ; ] from Mass: (see Eucharist) Matrimony: One of the seven sacraments of the Church, Matrimony establishes a perpetual and exclusive bond between a man and a woman. Since it establishes spouses in a public state of life in the Church, its liturgical celebration is public, taking place in the presence of a priest and other witnesses. A marriage that is ratified and consummated between baptized persons can never be dissolved; furthermore, this sacrament bestows upon the spouses the grace necessary to attain holiness in their married life and to accept responsibly the gifts of children and provide for their education. In cases where a Catholic marries a non-catholic, it is necessary for the Catholic party to accept the obligation to persevere in the faith and to assure the baptism and Catholic education of their children. While separation is permitted for serious reasons, as long as one s spouse lives, one is not free to contract a new union, except if the marriage be null and be declared so by ecclesiastical authority. The Church cannot recognize the union of people who are civilly divorced and remarried. They cannot receive sacramental absolution or take Holy Communion as long as their situation persists [ ] from Merit: In general merit refers to the right of recompense (payment) for a good deed. With regard to God, we are not able to merit anything, having received everything freely from him. However, God gives us the possibility of acquiring merit through union with the love of Christ, who is the source of our merits before God. The merits for good works, therefore, must be attributed in the first place to the grace of God and then to the free will of man. We can merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification and for the attainment of eternal life. Even temporal goods, suitable for us, can be merited in accordance with the plan of God. No one, however, can merit the initial grace which is at the origin of conversion and justification [ , ] from Miraculous Medal: Zoe Labore was a member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, known as Sister Catherine, to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared three separate times in the year Sister Catherine records that the Blessed Virgin appeared as if standing on a globe, and bearing a globe in her hands. As if from rings set with precious stones dazzling rays of light were emitted from her fingers. These, she said, were symbols of the graces which would be bestowed on all who asked for them. Sister Catherine adds that around the figure appeared an oval frame bearing in golden letters the words "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee"; on the back appeared the letter M, surmounted by a cross, with a crossbar beneath it, and under all the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the former surrounded by a crown of thorns, and the latter pierced by a sword. At the second and third of these visions a command was given to have a medal struck after the model revealed, and a promise of great graces was made to those who wear it when blessed. Mortal Sin: One commits a mortal sin when there are simultaneously present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This sin destroys charity in us, deprives us of sanctifying grace, and, if unrepented, leads us to the eternal death of hell. It can be forgiven in the ordinary way by means of the sacraments of Baptism and of Penance or Reconciliation [ , 1874] from Palms: Palm branches have been used by all nations as an emblem of joy and victory over enemies; in Christianity as a sign of victory over the flesh. The palms blessed on Palm Sunday were used in the procession of the day, then taken home by the faithful and used as a sacramental. They were preserved in prominent places in the house, in the barns, and in the fields, and thrown into the fire during storms from Catholic Encyclopedia. Penance: One of the seven sacraments of the Church, the Sacrament of Penance is also known as Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Confessions, and Conversion. The essential elements are two: the acts of the penitent who comes to repentance through the action of the Holy Spirit, and the absolution of the priest who in the name of Christ grants forgiveness and determines the ways of making satisfaction. The acts of the penitent are: a careful examination of conscience; contrition (or repentance); confession, which consists of telling one s sins to the priest; and satisfaction or the carrying out of certain acts of penance which the confessor imposes upon the penitent to repair the damage caused by sin. Christ has entrusted the ministry of Reconciliation to his Apostles, to the bishops who are their successors and to the priests who are the collaborators of the bishops. The effects of Penance are: reconciliation with God and therefore forgiveness of sins; reconciliation with the Church; recovery, if it has been lost, of the state of grace; remission of the eternal punishment merited by mortal sins, and remission, at least in part, of the temporal punishment which is the consequence of sin [ ] from Pope: The Pope, Bishop of Rome and the Successor of Saint Peter, is the perpetual, visible source and foundation of the unity of the Church. He is the vicar (agent) of Christ, the head of the College of Bishops and pastor of the universal Church over which he has by divine institution full, supreme, immediate, and universal power [ , ] from Prayer of Confession (Updated ) p. 8