Why do Catholics get ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday? To ancient Jews, wearing sackcloth and covering themselves or sitting in ashes showed repentance and humility, and acted as a penance. Thus, the early Church adopted the practice of wearing ashes at the start of Lent to show repentance too. The ashes today remind us to "Turn away from sin and remain faithful to the Gospel" and that our time on earth will pass away but our life in Heaven will last forever.

Why do we believe that the Pope is head of the Church? Jesus gave Peter his name, which means Rock, and declared that he will build his church on the Rock. Jesus also gave Peter "the keys to the kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 16:19). In Jesus' day, the person who held the keys to the kingdom represented the king, and acted with his authority. So he was signaling that Peter was given a special role of leadership. Catholics believe that the authority given to St Peter did not end with his death but is passed to his successors who also become head of the Church.

Why do we sing carols at Christmas? The word "carol" means song of joy. St. Francis of Assisi first introduced the joyous spirit of caroling to Europe in the 13th century. He created nativity plays in which actors sang the story of Christ’s birth in the language of the audience. St Francis encouraged the listeners to join in. In time, the carols traveled from Italy to the rest of Europe and then to the United States. Today’s custom has carolers go from house to house singing Christmas songs of joy.

What is Canon Law? Canon Law is the official body of laws for the Catholic Church that govern faith, morals, and discipline.  These laws assist the Church in carrying out her mission to the world and direct the various relationships between persons, offices, and groups within the Church.  Only a pope or an ecumenical council has the authority to create canon law or interpret it for the universal Church.  The legal system of the Catholic Church is the oldest such system continually operating in the world.

Why do Catholics say “Amen” at the end of some prayers? In Hebrew, the word “Amen” shares the same root as the word “believe.” This root also expresses trustworthiness and faithfulness. When you read the gospels, you’ll see that Jesus sometimes used the word “Amen” twice in a row to emphasize the trustworthiness of his teaching. He wanted his listeners to pay special attention. So when we say “Amen” at the end of a prayer, we reinforce our faith in what we just said. We also express our confidence that God will hear our prayers.

Why do Catholics give the Sign of Peace during Mass? The first words Jesus said to his apostles after his Resurrection were : "Peace be with you" (John 20:21). After that their fear disappeared. By offering each other the Sign of Peace at Mass, we share that peace with the entire Body of Christ. Jesus also told us to reconcile with one another before approaching the altar of God (Matthew 5:23). Thus, the Sign of Peace is a gesture of Reconciliation with those around us before coming to the altar to receive Holy Communion.

Why do Catholics make three crosses before the Gospel? After the priest presents the gospel, we respond with "Glory to you, Lord" and make three little signs of the cross. The first cross goes on our foreheads so that the Word may be in our thoughts and purify our minds. We make the second cross on our lips so that our words may be holy and share the Gospel with others. We make the third cross on our hearts, inviting God to write his Word there and to strengthen our love.

Why do Catholics make the Sign of the Cross?  Back in the second century when this practice began, it was common to honor a ruler with a gesture of respect.  Whether bowing down on one knee or touching the forehead, such gestures were ritual ways to show humility before a person of great power.  The Sign of the Cross became one such devotion to the Holy Trinity, and acted as a sign of recognition between early Christians who were sometimes forced to worship in secret.  Now a prayer in itself, each time we make the Sign of the Cross we express respect for God and call down his blessings on ourselves.

Why do Catholics bless themselves when entering and leaving church? Old Testament Jews washed with water before entering the Temple precincts.  Building on a ritual familiar to the Jews, John the Baptist used water to represent repentance of sin and purification. So when we cross ourselves with holy water entering and leaving the church, we recall that history.  But we also refer to our Baptism when the priest used water to symbolize the washing away of our sins and to protect us from evil.

Why do Catholics use rituals?  Our everyday awareness of God comes to us through our senses: Sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.  They are the pathways to the deepest parts of our imagination and understanding.  Some rituals of the Church go back to the times when few people could read or write—but they could be drawn to Jesus by using their senses.  Now we use sacred music, bells, incense, poetic prayers—they all plant our faith deep in our body and bones as Catholics.

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