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I wasn't lucky enough to attend a catholic school when I was growing up, but each of my 5 kids do. If they were ever taught to "worship" Mary I would yank them out of that school. They are taught to 'honor' Mary, and we do honor her. I didnt always have a devotion to Our Lady but since I started my spiritual life took off. I had a greater love for Jesus, a greater love for the Church.

I have never seen or heard any priest tell me that I must perform 'works' to be saved. It is through the grace of God that we achieve salvation. Of course the old arguments about faith and works have gone on forever but we are saved through grace. I do 'works' out of the love I have for Jesus Christ, but I do not consider them to be works.

I don't view those who have gone before me as 'dead.' That is what we refer to as the communion of saints. I believe they intercede for us, as the Church teaches. God answers the prayer, all prayer.

Priests forgiving sins, that is straight from scripture, "He breathed on them and said 'recieve the Holy Spirit, if you forgive mens sins they are forgiven, if you hold them bound they are held bound."

Of course I have provided a very quick answer to your statements. I would urge you to study on your own and "rediscover" the Catholic Church.

Peace be with you.

I have never seen or heard any priest tell me that I must perform 'works' to be saved. It is through the grace of God that we achieve salvation.

Yes it is through God's grace we achieve salvation, and yes works are done BECAUSE we are saved not TO GET saved.

The bible teaches me that grace is God's free gift to us also, but the catholic church teaches you receive grace by participating in their sacraments. Is this what you believe? If so can you show me from scripture where it says this? If so isn't this helping in the work Jesus did for you on the cross? If so is the grace really free or aren't you guys having to earn it by doing something before you get it?

Becky