Catholic Beliefs About Life After Death

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Life after Death

What do catholics believe about life after death?
Catholics believe when we die we,in the form of our souls, are judged if we are good or bad. There are three realms God, who judges us himself, can be sent to: Heaven, Purgatory and Hell. This belief tells us about a life after death and states that it exists. “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:43.

Heaven
Heaven is a place where no wrong is done, it is a peaceful place. No harm or troubles are in this place. They believe it is a spiritual life in paradise. Heaven is for everyone, and anyone can go to heaven, however people who have lead lives of sin either go to purgatory or hell. “In my Father’s house are …show more content…

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.” - 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Hell
Hell is a place of sin, where souls that have lead a life of sin and away from God go. It is often described as “an absence of God”. “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” - Revelations 21:4-8.

Why do they believe this?
The bible is the source of belief, as it recalls the history of Jesus and God. The traditions of the bible have been carried for thousands of years through the church and the bible. They believe what they do because it is tradition in their religious community and they follow the word of God.

What is a …show more content…

Vigil comes from the Latin word ‘Vigillia’ meaning ‘wakefulness’. Prayers of intercession are also said. Prayers of intercession are prayers said on behalf of someone else, in this case the prayers are said by friends and family on behalf of the deceased. The family will also call upon saints to help the deceased on their spiritual journey.

What is last rites?
Last rites are prayers and ministration that is given to catholics before death. The official term for last rites is ‘Viaticum’ “The sacrament of dying” (1). The last rites start with a confession or an act of ‘contrition’. The person who is dying then says their baptismal promises. The person leading the rite, often a priest but sometimes an eucharistic minister, recites the our father. When the person who is dying is ready, communion is given. After the communion the priest says “May the Lord Jesus protect you and lead you to eternal life”. Then the rite is concluded with a prayer and blessing.

What is a requiem mass?
A requiem mass, also known as “Mass of the dead”, is a kind of mass offered in the Catholic Church for the soul of a deceased person. Some parts of the requiem mass