Religion (Chapter 10: The Communion of Saints)

Canonized Saint

Someone whom the Church has officially declared to be in heaven.

What is the Church Suffering?

The second part of the Communion of Saints: the holy souls in purgatory

Pilgrim Church

Another title for the Church, we are pilgrims on a spiritual journey to heaven. It reminds us that life on Earth is only a temporary thing, and heaven is our true home.

What is the principal suffering in purgatory? Are the souls also full of peace? Why?

It is not seeing God. The souls are full of peace because they are assured that they will be with God soon.

Intercessory Prayer

Prayer on behalf of another person.

Mystical Body of Christ

The Church; the union of the members of the Church with each other and Christ

What is the Church Militant?

The first part of the Communion of Saints: the members of the Church on Earth

Communion of Saints

The relationship that exists between all of the members of the Church, whether they are in heaven, in purgatory, or on earth. Those in heaven pray for us and help us in our needs. They also pray for those in purgatory. The souls in purgatory pray for us too. We can help them by our own prayers on their behalf. Belief in the Communion of Saints is quite ancient in the Church, going back to the times of the apostles. The word *saint* here means anyone who is in the state of sanctifying grace.

What is the Church Triumphant?

The third part of the Communion of Saints: those in heaven blessed

Who goes to purgatory? Why? What happens there?

Those who still have sin on their souls go to purgatory, so that they may be cleansed to enter heaven.

How is the Church Militant united in Love?

We are asked by Christ to carry one another's burdens, to serve each other, to help especially the least among us. (Through Prayer!)

All Souls' Day

When the whole Church prays for the souls in purgatory (November 1st)

All Saints' Day

When we honor *all* saints, regardless of earthly canonization (November 2nd)

How do we honor the Church Triumphant during the liturgy?

When we join the saints' heavenly chorus in the glorification of God, saying "Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen." (Rev 7:12)

When we venerate the saints, do we also honor God? Why?

Yes, because the saints are masterpieces of God's grace, and His life shines forth in them.

How are we united with them (those in the Church Triumphant)?

in a community of incomparable grandeur, in a victorious union of love

What is the Church Militant fighting?

sin and temptation